Salome’s POV
“You should stay away from the water for now,” I said.
Rita didn’t stumble. She walked a perfectly straight line to the mirror and tucked a strand of hair back with a steady hand. Stone cold sober — the whole act at the party had been exactly that. An act.
“I’m going to take a shower,” she said flatly, already moving.
“You had a lot to drink.” I stepped in front of the bathroom door. “A hot shower while you’re tipsy is dangerous. Sit. I’ll call for honey water.”
She ignored me. I didn’t move. “I’m serious, Rita. I answer to Alpha Jeremiah if you fall and hurt yourself on my watch. Please, just cooperate.”
That stopped her. The sharpness in her eyes faded into something glassy — too perfectly timed to be real, and I didn’t feel sorry for the performance this time. I guide
