Seth guided Danielle through the wide hall, the polished wood floors gleaming beneath the soft overhead lights. The doors to the formal dining room were already open, warm light spilling out into the corridor along with the smell of roasted vegetables and herbs.
Inside, Alpha Emory sat at the head of the long table, a half-full glass of wine in one hand and a plate of food already in front of him. Connor sat a few seats down, slicing through something on his plate with practiced precision. Both men looked up as Seth and Danielle entered.
“Hey, come in,” Emory said, setting down his glass with a smile. “Danielle, I’d like to formally welcome you into our home. Sit, sit.” He gestured broadly to the empty chairs across from him.
Danielle offered a polite smile, suddenly hyper-aware of her
