Alpha Sebastian got back to the Hale estate after eight.
The moment he stepped inside, Isabella launched into a complaint—something about the party she'd wanted versus the dinner she got.
He slipped off his jacket and held it out without thinking.
No one took it.
For four years, Eira had always been there. She hung it up, asked if he wanted tea, made sure dinner was ready before anyone noticed it needed to be.
Tonight, his arm stayed raised in empty air. One second. Two. Long enough to feel stupid.
Serena watched him from the dining room.
"I can take that," she said.
Alpha Sebastian lowered the jacket himself.
"You didn't tell me you were coming."
Serena glanced at Isabella, then smiled. "Isabella invited me. I thought it might cheer her up."
"It does," I
