"I apologize, Alpha. I was heading to the bathroom," Beta Arthus said, his face red with embarrassment.
After a brief, uneasy glance, he quickly turned and rushed off.
I glanced at Becca and, to my surprise, noticed an emotion cross her face, shame. I hadn't expected that reaction, it turned out she still cared about how others perceived us.
An excellent beginning.
I gently took her hand, sensing her reluctance as we stepped onto the terrace together, portraying a happy couple stealing a private moment. However, I could tell by the expressions of our onlookers that they sensed the tension and realized something was amiss between us. Their furtive glances were clear signs that our act wasn't convincing anyone.
Disregarding everything, we resumed our seats.
The air gradually cleared up
