?Chapter 38:

Now done with my makeover, I had limited time to dwell on her statement. Minutester, Seraphina finished my hair and handed me a pair of ck peeptoe high-heeled sandals. I frowned; they were longer than the short ones I usually wore.

Making the sign of the cross on my chest, I hoped I would be able to walk in them. With Seraphina’s support, I was finally able to bnce on them, but my legs still wobbled.

The house, with several corridors that looked alike, made me grateful I wasn’t alone. I thought we were heading to the same ce where I had dinner the night before, but instead, she passed it, heading down another corridor. My eyes drank in the beauty of my new home as they widened, my lips partly open, taking in the stunning interior—a blend of wood, rich fabrics, and minimalist decoration.

My gaping stopped as soon as the sound of voices became louder. I tightened my grip on Seraphina’s arm, my heart thumping so loudly I thought it would rip out of my chest.

The sound itself came from arge opening. My legs froze to the ground, refusing to budge. The noise grew louder—the sound of several male voices booming softly as it drifted around the surroundings.

“We need to keep moving,” Seraphina said, tugging at my arm, and I nodded. My breath hitched as I took in the sight before me. The dining hall was filled with people—Lycans—all seated and waiting.

“My goodness, there are so many,” I said to no one in particr.

If the ground had opened at that moment, I would have willingly jumped into the crack. Standing still, I was suddenly transported back to my pack, where I was always the center of attention—but not for anything remarkable. This reminiscence made me wonder if I was going to suffer the same fate here.

I took a deep breath and took a few slow steps forward, my heart racing with anxiety with each step. Ryder was already seated at the head of the table, looking impossibly handsome in a white shirt with cuffs folded neatly and ck tailored suit pants. Hisid-back outfit made me ufortable in my frumpy dress.

Raising his eyes slowly, he gazed at mezily, his eyes gentle instead of his usual smirk. As if sensing my tension, he beckoned me forward with a subtle nod.

My feet remained firm, transfixed to the spot. Something just wasn’t right; I could feel it. My palms were tingling.

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Thezy expression was gone from his face when he nodded again, but I wasn’t convinced.

“Mydy, the Alpha doesn’t appreciate dys. You should meet him before he gets angry,” Seraphina’s small voice rasped from beside me. I shook my head hurriedly, blocking her words with my annoyance.

“If he wants me there, he shoulde and fetch me himself,” I rolled my eyes. “I’m ady, not some servant or guard for him to summon at any time.”

Seraphina’s eyes widened, and she whispered, tugging at the sleeve of my frumpy dress.

“Mydy, please be careful. You don’t want to provoke him.” Her voice was persuasive as she pleaded.

But I stood my ground, my heart pounding in my chest, my palms now moist with sweat as my eyes hovered around the room. My breath grew heavier. I wasn’t going to—

I wasn’t going to be intimidated or treated like some inferior being. Ryder coulde to me, or I wouldn’t move an inch.

The room fell silent, all eyes on me, a few darting back to Ryder’s face. Feeling Ryder’s seething gaze burning into my skin, I jutted my chin forward, putting on the bravest face I could muster, waiting for him to make the next move.

Waiting for what seemed like eternity, the stubborn way he folded his hands told me he wasn’t going to budge. From the way he leaned against his chair, I knew he was somewhat enjoying this little power struggle.

Frustrated and tired, I gathered my gown and turned to head back to my room, ignoring Seraphina’s pleading gaze. I was done with his stupid game. About to make a full 180-degree turn, his voice boomed across the room—no, thundered.

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