John’s POV
I adjusted the collar of my shirt, glancing at the set dinner table. The soft glow of the chandelier above reflected off the silverware, casting intricate patterns across the polished mahogany. With a sigh, I gestured for one of the maids.
“Go tell Stephanie and Reyna to join us for dinner,” I said, keeping my tone even.
The maid nodded and hurried out. I took my seat at the head of the table, pouring myself a glass of wine. Moments later, Diane walked in, her usual confident stride betraying nothing, but her sharp eyes didn’t miss a thing.
“You’ve invited Stephanie and Reyna?” she asked, her voice calm, but I caught the edge in her tone.
“Yes,” I replied simply, swirling the wine in my glass. “They’re part of the pack, aren’t they? It’s only fair.”
She didn’t respond, but the faint tightening of her lips told me everything I needed to know. She didn’t like it. Not one bit.
Reyna’s POV
I was adjusting the straps of my dress when a knock on the door interrupted me. The maid’s soft voice filtered through.
“Miss Reyna, the Alpha has invited you to dinner.”
I froze for a moment, glancing at my reflection. John’s sudden invitations always felt like tests, though of what, I wasn’t entirely sure. I smoothed my hair and opened the door.
“I’ll be there shortly,” I said, offering the maid a small smile.
As I walked to the dining room, my mind wandered to Jake. I hadn’t seen him much today, and I wondered if he was avoiding me. The thought made my chest tighten, but I quickly shoved it aside. This wasn’t the time for distractions.
When I entered, John was already seated, his calm demeanor as unshakeable as ever. Diane, however, sat stiffly, her eyes narrowing slightly when she saw me.
“Good evening,” I said, taking a seat.
Diane didn’t respond, but John nodded.
“Reyna. Glad you could join us,” he said.
Stephanie’s POV
The maid’s knock startled me.
“Miss Stephanie, the Alpha requests your presence at dinner.”
I hesitated, my stomach twisting. Dinner with John was the last thing I wanted right now. I forced myself to stand, smoothing my dress as I stepped out of my room.
The walk to the dining room felt longer than usual. When I entered, Reyna and Diane were already seated. John looked up from his glass of wine, his sharp gaze softening for a moment when he saw me.
“Stephanie,” he said, motioning to the empty seat beside Reyna.
I nodded silently and took my place. The smell of food should have been appetizing, but I had no appetite.
John’s POV
Stephanie’s silence was telling. She sat stiffly, barely acknowledging anyone. Diane, on the other hand, was visibly fuming, though she kept her composure. I pretended not to notice, but her tension was as clear as day.
I turned my attention to Reyna. She was relaxed, smiling easily.
“You enjoy hunting, don’t you?” I asked her.
Her eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically. “I do. There’s something calming about being out in the woods under the moonlight. It’s peaceful.”
I chuckled. “Peaceful? Most people wouldn’t use that word for hunting.”
“Well, I’m not most people,” she said with a grin.
Her ease was refreshing, though I caught Jake shifting uncomfortably in his seat. His jaw tightened, his eyes fixed on Reyna as if she were a puzzle he couldn’t solve.
Jake’s POV
I couldn’t stop watching her. Reyna was laughing, her eyes bright as she spoke with John. I clenched my fists under the table, my nails digging into my palms. She seemed so carefree, so… happy. It made me question everything.
Was I too strict with her? Too cold?
Diane’s voice cut through my thoughts like a dull blade.
“Alpha,” she began, her tone feigning casualness. “Have you given more thought to the traitor within the pack? Surely they’re still a threat.”
I barely glanced at her. My attention was on Reyna. The way her lips curved into a smile, the way her fingers played absentmindedly with the edge of the tablecloth.
“Jake,” Diane said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“What?” I asked sharply, irritated by the interruption.
“I was saying, don’t you think it’s important to discuss the recent attack?” she pressed.
I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “It’s being handled.”
It wasn’t entirely true, but I couldn’t care less at the moment. All I could focus on was Reyna.
Stephanie’s POV
I poked at my food, the knife in my hand feeling heavier with each passing second. John’s voice was a distant hum in my ears, and Reyna’s laughter grated on my nerves. How could she be so carefree when everything was falling apart?
“Stephanie.”
I looked up sharply, realizing John was speaking to me.
“You’ve barely touched your food. Are you alright?” he asked, his brow furrowing.
I forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just tired.”
He didn’t look convinced, but he nodded. “If you need rest, feel free to excuse yourself.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, pushing my chair back.
As I left the room, I felt Diane’s eyes burning into my back. She wasn’t the only one hiding something, but I couldn’t let her suspect me. Not yet.
Jake’s POV
As Stephanie left, I glanced at Reyna again. Her laughter had stopped, her expression turning thoughtful as she watched Stephanie go.
“Reyna,” I said before I could stop myself.
She turned to me, her brow arching in curiosity.
“What is it?” she asked.
For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. I shook my head, pretending to be disinterested.
“Nothing,” I muttered, looking away.
But it wasn’t nothing. Not to me.