Chapter 14
210words
As always, he wrapped his arms around my waist and buried his face in my neck.
His breath hot against my skin as he kissed my collarbone before pulling away.
"Got work to finish tonight. You should get some sleep."
Not a word about yesterday's banquet.
Alaric had no idea I'd gone to the estate, that I'd run into Dorian.
Didn't know I'd met someone else today.
Six months ago, Alaric had proposed despite universal opposition. Not a single werewolf from Thornfield Pack had attended our engagement party.
Today his father had appeared at my studio door.
"Alaric will be married next spring. The bride won't be you."
"Be sensible. Leave on your own terms. I'll compensate you generously."
His tone suggested he was shooing away a persistent beggar.
Next morning I woke to smooth, untouched sheets beside me.
Alaric had never come to bed. He'd spent the night in his study.
After that, he spent less and less time at home.
One frigid December night, I called Alaric.
The wind howled through the phone.
"Still at the office. Back tomorrow."
Half an hour later, Vivienne sent me a video—
Alaric on a yacht, surrounded by werewolf elite, cigar between his lips, laughing easily.
