Mia and I slipped through the crowd like we owned the night—which, judging by the stares and raised brows, wasn’t far off. We found an empty table tucked beneath a canopy of soft lights and wildflower garlands, the perfect vantage point to observe without being swallowed whole by pack politics.
Mia dropped into her seat with her usual dramatic flair, leaned her elbow on the table, and gave me a wink that was practically weaponized.
“First-ranked warrior, dress of the year, and possibly two Alphas distracted. You’re on fire, Kat.”
I rolled my eyes, lips twitching. “Sit down, chaos.”
Just as we settled in, the sound of glasses clinking in rhythm echoed through the gathering. Voices faded. Laughter quieted. A hush spread like a ripple.
Alpha Jack stepped onto the raised platform, arms li
