?Chapter 75:

“Mistress, if you don’t go, I’ll lose my job. The Alpha King will think I failed to deliver.”

My resolve wavered at her words. Why did I have to be so empathetic? I red at Seraphina, still seething from myst encounter with Ryder. “Fine, I’ll go. Not because I care about Ryder’s precious meeting, but only because my absence would cost you your job, Seraphina.”

Seraphina’s face lit up with relief, and she curtsied.

“Thank you, mistress. I owe you one.”

I shot her a warning look. “Don’t thank me yet. I’m only doing this because I don’t want you to lose your job.”

As Seraphina ushered me to the grand hall, I plotted my revenge. Ryder thought he could summon me like some obedient servant? I wasn’t surprised he had so little regard for my feelings. If he could order me out naked from the stream just to amuse himself, then summoning me out of the blue was a piece of cake. Well, he had no idea what wasing for him.

Upon entering the grand hall, I was struck by the sea of influential Lycans and pack leaders. It reminded me of the ball I had attended, though this was strictly political. Seraphina had dressed me impably for the asion—a simple ck off-shoulder turtleneck gown made of Dupioni silk. I liked the way it entuated my curves andmanded attention, even though it was just an A-line dress.

My eyes scanned the room, locking onto the tall, imposing figure at the head of the table. Ryder. His gaze remained fixed on the Lycan delegate, his expression intense as he discussed the finer points of pack alliances, his voice low and authoritative.

Not once did he acknowledge me. I had caught the attention of most people, but he belonged to the other half. If I guessed right, he brought me here to taunt me again with his next silky game. A spark of irritation red within me. Did he think I was fun? That I liked being ridiculed and treated like a puppet? That I enjoyed his stupid games? A smile lit my face as I remembered hisst threat. Ah, the punishment he warned me about. Well, I was going to get it soon enough.

With determination set in my heart, I strode forward, my heels clicking on the marble floor. A Lycan with thick ck hair, dark eyes, and sharp features that made him stand out like a model walked up to me. His dark features and lurking eyes made it hard to look away from him. Perhaps he was a Beta, but honestly, I couldn’t tell them apart. He offered his hand, shing a charming smile, and I found myself reciprocating his gesture.

“Hello, stranger,” he winked, his voice rich and warm, not as intimidating as Ryder’s.

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“Hello, stranger?” Okay. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“You seemed lost,” he said, his voice low and smooth. Did I? I wondered. It must have shown on my face.

“You were heading towards the rear exit.”

“Oh,” I blushed, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear.

“I’m Jasmine, thanks,” I replied, offering a genuine smile as I looked at my unexpected savior.

“I’m Alpha Kaid of the ck Moon pack,” he said casually. His eyes were warm and friendly, with none of the mockery or amusement I’d often seen in Ryder’s eyes.

My eyes widened. An Alpha? This was perfect. A tter of revenge served sizzling hot.

Kaid’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he beamed.

“Let’s get you seated.”

Kaid was effortlesslyid back, not proud and arrogant like most Alphas I had encountered. Speaking of which… I nced Ryder’s way, and my satisfaction grew. He was fuming openly, his jaw clenched, and his eyes fixed on me, sending a deadly re. If I had my phone, I would have taken a picture—so much anger from someone who refused to acknowledge my presence.

Two can y this game.

I leaned in closer to Kaid, my hand brushing against his arm.

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