Chapter 154

Chapter 154:

Meanwhile, Isabelle had been relentless, trying to make amends for the hurtful things she’d done. She apologized to Jasmine in her own way, and while it wasn’t my place to get involved in their issues, I forgave her. We still worked together on pack matters, mostly business. There was nothing else between us—never had been.

And now, the pack ball was days away. Tradition demanded Jasmine be there as my Lady in place of the Luna, but she’d refused every invitation, every prompt. Fine, let her be stubborn. But she was going—whether she liked it or not.

When the night came, Kade handled it. Without ceremony, he tossed her over his shoulder and put her in the car, ignoring her protests. I braced myself for her usual sass, maybe a scolding for dragging her into something she didn’t want, but instead… silence. Her perfume filled the car, that subtle hint of vanilla and spice that drove me insane. My throat felt dry, and Ace rumbled within me, restless.

Her cleavage popping out from that dress wasn’t helping—that went straight to my dick. By the goddess, I shouldn’t have stared. I looked away immediately, still haunted by the image of her in my head.

The urge to reach for her, to just close the distance, nearly overwhelmed me. Each second of silence was torture, the air thickening between us, her perfume searing through every ounce of my self-control. By the time we arrived, I was practically sweating despite the cool air. I got out as fast as possible, drawing in the night air to clear my head before I did something reckless—like pinning her against that car right then and there.

Inside, I forced myself to focus, welcoming the other Alphas who had gathered, all here to show support and form alliances. Tonight had a purpose, and I needed to remember that. The Viper Pack was my goal. But even surrounded by a hundred faces, my mind kept drifting back to her— to the way she looked in that gown, and the way her silence haunted me.

Ryder’s POV

Like every big event, balls were no exception; there was always a political aspect to them. Mine was simple—at least it was before I got angry—but I’d invited Enzo, the prince of the Viper Pack, to join forces against the pack.

Rumors were flying that they were planning to wage war against my pack. As it stood, they’d already formed alliances with neighboring packs—a funny plan that some might shrug off. I was a strong Lycan king with a powerful army that could win the war with the right strategy and training. But if there was one thing I’d learned over time, it was never to underestimate the enemy.

𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐭

I’d chosen to form an alliance with the Viper Pack for two reasons: firstly, they were strong, and secondly, they were one of the few packs that weren’t on my blacklist. Lucky me.

Speaking of friendship and enmity, where was Enzo?

I dropped my drink. I’d spotted him speaking to a few other Alphas, a smile on his soft face that betrayed his real nature.

“You’ve been alone. Hope you don’t mind if I join you for a few minutes?” It was Isabelle, a flirty smile on her face as she inched closer. I fought the urge to roll my eyes and push her away, but I kept a blank expression on my face. Hopefully, she’d get bored and move away.

I cleared my throat, clearly bored with her old antics.

“How long are you going to keep treating me this way? I’ve been there for you, even when she hasn’t,” Isabelle pouted, and I knew exactly who she meant—Jasmine.

If I’m being honest, I didn’t want to encourage this foolishness, but I let her continue anyway, hoping Jasmine would get a glimpse of us together.

“Here, let’s make a toast to being more friendly,” Isabelle said playfully, handing me a refilled glass. Her fingers brushed over mine, but I felt nothing.

“Let’s hope it isn’t poisoned with wolfsbane,” I said dryly and watched as her smile faltered immediately. A pink hue burned her cheeks and the tips of her ears, but she managed to change her expression instantly.

“You know I’d never do that,” she purred, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she bit her lips seductively. Once upon a time, I might have fallen for her cheap moves, but not anymore.