Irene's POV
I had barely settled myself when Ash leaned forward, his voice clipped but courteous as he said, “Irene, if you don’t mind, I think it’s best you excuse us for now. This isn’t really a Luna’s matter.”
I caught the faintest strain in his words, as though he was weighing each syllable carefully to avoid offense, but the implication was sharp enough. My presence wasn’t required. My thoughts, my instincts, none of it mattered in that room filled with Alpha pride and decision-making.
I smiled politely, folding my hands in front of me as if I hadn’t been dismissed. But I had. Ash made sure of it, and Bryan didn’t correct him. My mate sat still, nodding in agreement, silently agreeing with Ash’s assessment. It stung, but I wouldn’t show that sting.
I rose smoothly, fixing my expr
