I was invited to the mating ceremony of the Beta from Alpha Leo's pack—an invitation I hadn't anticipated, much less wanted. Besides, I did not know the couple. I hardly got invites to such gatherings prior to this, given that I did not have friends of my own. But since Jay discovered his mate, everything changed. I was suddenly being looked at by people differently, approaching me in different ways. If they were curious, strategic, or opportunistic, it didn't matter. I had learned more than to trust quickly.
Nevertheless, this invitation was notable—not due to who issued it, but where it would be held. The location alone was enough to attend. Alpha Leo's pack was notoriously secretive, and any opportunity to set foot on its lands was a scarce one.
"This has nothing to do with me," I gru
