Author's POV
As the gala's official start time drew near, Heidi found herself impatiently checking her phone for the fifth time in as many minutes.
She had planned to make a grand entrance alongside Lucian, using his status as her ticket through the VIP doors. After all, Alpha Lucian Storm's face and name were more valuable than any invitation.
But the gala was about to begin, and Lucian was nowhere to be found. Reluctantly, she led Vanessa and Georgina toward the staff entrance, her pride stinging with each step.
Once inside the venue, Heidi's eyes darted around the opulent ballroom, searching for any sign of Allison. When she didn't immediately spot her rival, a small smile played across her lips.
Sirena, her wolf, paced restlessly beneath her skin, still smarting from t
