Chapter 362
Chapter 362
I sighed. “Bjorn p>
“Pleaaase p>
I looked at Sebastian. Bjorn had been so happy and well-behaved lately; he had even come to me first and apologized for shouting at the festival. It was hard for me to say no, especially when he was showing interest in my work.
Sebastian shrugged. “It’s up to you, but I think it could be a good opportunity for him to learn more about your job p>
I decided that Sebastian was right. Despite my better judgment, I allowed Bjorn to come. He jumped up from his chair upon hearing the news and raced out of the room, hollering with excitement like I’d just told him we were going to the circus.
Aldric’s pack was bigger than I’d expected. The grounds were large and well-kept, the main building an impressive longhouse that spread outward rather than up, surrounded by gardens that were clearly well- tended. There were already several cars parked along the gravel driveway when Sebastian pulled in, and a handful of people were moving around near the entrance.
Bjorn pressed his face against the car window.
“Woah. There are way more kids here than I expected,” he said.
“Don’t run off immediately,” I said.
He pulled his face away from the glass. “I’ll wait at least five minutes p>
“Ten p>
“Seven p>
I let it go with a short laugh.
Thankfully, I didn’t spot Gideon’s car. I took that as a good sign, and didn’t hesitate to get out when Sebastian parked.
Aldric met us at the entrance of the building and shook hands all around, clapping Bjorn on the shoulder. Bjorn puffed his chest out like Sebastian didn’t already give him enough praise and attention back home.
Home. It was weird thinking of Evergreen that way, but I supposed that was what it felt like now.
The main hall was already filling up. Groups were clustered near the windows and along the walls, the low sound of conversation mixing with the quiet music that was playing in the background. It folt somewhat informal. Aldric left us to mingle while we waited for the main event to begin.
Bjorn ran off to greet some of the other kids nearby. I watched him go, then turned, scanning the room.
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My throat knotted when I saw Alpha Matthew, Fiona’s father, standing a ways off. I made an audible sound of disgust and turned away.
Sebastian glanced at me. “Something on my face p>
“No, it’s not you. It’s…” I subtly nodded my head toward Matthew.
Sebastian’s brow arched. “Alpha Matthew? Something wrong with him p>
“Shh,” I scolded, grabbing Sebastian’s arm. “It’s just… You don’t know, do you?” He shook his head slowly, and I sighed. “Fiona and Gideon are engaged p>
Sebastian stared at me. “What p>
“Quiet!” I placed a finger over my lips. “From what I gathered, her father had a hand in arranging it when she was sixteen p>
“Sixteen? Gideon’s, what, forty p>
“Almost.” I cringed just at the thought. “Look, it’s not our business. But it grosses me out p>
Sebastian looked like he had more to say on the matter, but for the sake of not being overheard gossiping, he didn’t say it out loud. We’d grown close enough since I came to Evergreen, though, that I was certain we’d have a nice, long discussion about it later over drinks, once Bjorn was asleep.
The whole thing still gave me the heebie-jeebies. I kept thinking about that enormous diamond ring and everything it symbolized, and it made me sick. Maybe his new, official fiancee was why Gideon hadn’t been coming around lately. I should have been relieved by that, but it just pissed me off. I thought he
was better than that.
Just then, the door swung open again, bringing in two new guests. I turned, and my stomach dropped.
The first thing I saw was the exact same ring that I was just imagining in my head.
Then, I saw the hand it was attached to-and worst of all, I saw the bicep that the hand was wrapped
around.
Fiona and Gideon had just walked in like the belles of the ball.
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