Tabitha's POV

The hallway is cold this late at night, but Evren's voice is colder.

"You shouldn't be here."

I face him fully. He stands a few feet away with water still dripping from the ends of his damp hair. His eyes are unreadable, but I feel the weight in them. There is something in the way he looks at me that is almost accusing.

I take a deep breath and boldly raise my chin up as I equal his piercing gaze. "I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd have a little stroll around here."

His eyes flick once toward the portrait behind me, then back to my face. "This isn't a place for wandering."

"It's a hallway. Not a crime scene."

Evren steps closer. His presence is sharp and almost suffocating, it's like the air itself folds around him.

"That's not just a hallway. That's where she is." I can almost freeze to death by the way he is looking at me.

I glance back at the portrait on our side. Corinne Aldair looks so regal. And the glacier look in her eyes definitely resembles the man in front of me.

"I just thought the painting looked fascinating. I didn't mean to pry," I say carefully. My eyes trail at every exquisite brush strokes, "Your mother was beautiful."

Something flicker in his eyes. And it's not amusement. If anything, he looks almost angry. His jaw tightens as if the compliment wounds him instead of honors her. He steps forward slowly and I instinctively back away. Goodness, this man is intimidating.

"You..." He grits his teeth like the words themselves taste foul. "You don't belong in this hallway. You don't belong in this house."

Okay, that's harsh. But what do I expect from him? He's always been the type to hurl ruthless words to others without batting an eye.

"Don't you think it's too late for that? Your father-Alpha Emery already made it clear that me and my mother are here to stay... whether you like it or not." I don't mean to sound entitled but before we came back to this island, I promised myself that I would stand up for myself and my mom... something that I didn't get to do in the past.

Evren's eyes narrow. His jaw clenches so tightly I think he might break a tooth. But I hold my ground. If he thinks I'll cower like I used to, he's wrong. I'm not that girl anymore.

"You think a bed in this house makes you one of us?" he bites out. "You think a ring on your mother's finger makes her Luna?"

I frown. "She never said she wanted that.

"Then why is she pretending? Sitting at that table. Smiling like she earned a seat there. Like she belongs," he snaps. He thrusts a hand toward the portrait behind me, rage burning in his eyes. "And you-you stand there staring at my mother like you have any right, while yours plays house and tries to take her place?"

"My mom isn't pretending anything. She's just trying to survive, same as me. She didn't ask for your approval. And she definitely doesn't need it to smile at a dinner table."

Evren's expression hardens, but I keep going.

"She's kind. She's patient. And she's done nothing but try to be respectful in a house that clearly doesn't want her. If you think that's a crime, then maybe the problem isn't with her. Don't hate a woman who didn't do anything wrong just because you can't stand your father's choices."

His eyes darken, but he doesn't speak. There's a muscle twitching in his jaw like he's biting back something sharp, something angry. I'm sure his mask of indifference will shatter and I'll get a proper lecture. But it doesn't. He just stares at me for a long second. Then, without a word, he turns and walks away.

As soon as he disappears down the hallway, I finally exhale. My legs feel unsteady beneath me, like the floor has shifted somehow. I steady myself against the wall and press a hand to my chest.

Shit, I should've kept my mouth shut... Or maybe not. Screw him and his brothers! I should be proud of holding my ground. For not flinching.

I glance at Corinne Aldair's portrait once again and heaves a frustrated sigh.

Your sons are a pain in the ass, Luna.

**

The days crawl by like a bad dream I can't wake up from. I try to avoid the Aldair brothers as much as I can, not that they make it hard. They've made a sport out of ignoring me and Mom. Meals are quiet when they do bother to show up at all. Most days, they vanish before breakfast and don't return until long after dinner. I don't really mind their absence. In fact, I prefer it. But I worry about my Mom. She tries not to look hurt, but I see it. In the way her smile falters when she sets the table. In the silence that lingers when she asks about them and gets no reply. She's having a hard time and it's all because of my assholes soon-to-be stepbrothers.

This morning, it's no different.

"Tabi, Could you go fetch the boys from the range? I thought maybe if we all sat together for lunch today..."

Her voice trails off, as if she already knows it's a lost cause. I bite the inside of my cheek. I hate the idea. But I hate seeing her disappointed even more.

"Alright. I'll get them," I mutter.

I already know it's a bad idea before I march out of the mansion. But I convinced myself to at least try for my mom.

The shooting range is tucked deep within the estate's massive grounds. I follow the gravel path until the trees thin and the air fills with sharp gunfire. I spot them immediately. The four brothers, guns in hand, lined up like they're preparing for war. Beside them are Wyatt, Rye, Ian, and Wilson-friends of the Aldair brothers and fellow members of the Crystal Ridge pack. They were my schoolmates too, back in high school. Not as cruel as the quadruplets, but far from saints. And by the looks of them now, they've grown into men who train like killers.

The brothers look like they were carved from the same stone as they aimed their guns at the targets in front of them. Their eyes flash molten gold as they fire in perfect sync.

Alpha bloods. The kind born into legacy and trained by blood.

I step closer, arms crossed.

"Lunch is ready."

None of them respond. Reed reloads calmly. Jace doesn't even glance at me. Evren lifts his gun and fires another shot. Luca adjusts his stance like I never spoke at all.

I let out a breath. "Seriously? You're going to keep playing soldier just to avoid eating with us?"

Reed scoffs without looking at me. "I'd lose my appetite sitting next to your mother."

Anger spikes in my chest. I step forward.

"What, you're man enough to shoot those guns but not man enough to share a table with the woman your father wants to marry?"

That gets their attention. Four pairs of eyes snap toward me and they look pissed.

But I don't stop.

"Maybe, you're not as tough as you all look. Maybe you're just a bunch of cowardly kids who hide in the shadows of their father and his guns," I fire off.

Reed's nostrils flare. He grabs a gun off the rack and points it straight at me. My lips part in horror as my body goes rigid. Holy shit. Is he going to shoot me for running my mouth?

"Reed," Wilson warns. "Put it down."

Reed doesn't flinch.

"Tell you what," he says in a mockingly sweet voice. "You stand there and let me shoot an apple off your head. Then I'll consider joining your precious lunch."

"You're insane!" I bluster.

"You wanted to prove something, didn't you?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Reed. That's stupid," Jace says, shaking his head.

Thank you! I almost blurt. Finally, someone's being sane. Reed is a psychopath-

"It's boring. So let's make it more interesting. All four of us should get to shoot. Me, you, Evren, and Luca," Jace continues, grinning from ear to ear.

WHAT?!

"I think that's going too far, Jace," Ian says from the side, stepping forward but Jace completely ignores him.

"Each one of us gets to shoot one apple. If we hit them clean, we show up for your precious lunch," Jace explains enthusiastically as if my life isn't on the line. "But if we miss... then I guess you won't be making it to lunch either. What do you think, guys?"

"Yeah, sounds good. I'm getting tired of these practice dummies, anyway," Luca drawls while reloading his gun.

Evren doesn't speak, but he checks the chamber, clicks off the safety, and raises his gun without hesitation.

They're insane!

Ian shakes his head. "Guys, this is nuts."

Good! I'm not the only one thinking that these brothers have lost their minds!

"Calm your tits, Ian. We're being generous here." Jace throws his friend a warning look which makes the latter back away. Then, Jace turns to me with a glint of dare in his eyes. "I'm giving you the chance to convince us to sit with your mom, Tabby. Show us you've got the guts to stand still while four loaded guns aim at your pretty little head. That should be enough to earn our attention, don't you think?" He tilts his head slightly as his lips stretch into a devious grin. "Prove you want us there so badly. Put your money where your mouth is. Unless, you're just all talk and no guts, our sweet stepsister."

Reed crosses his arms over his chest, waiting for my reaction. Evren and Luca also stare at me as if I am a piece of show they paid to watch in the carnival. I glare at Jace, then at each of them. They are really serious about this! They want to use me as a target dummy to satisfy their sadistic hobbies. Unbelievable.

Reed cocks a brow while playing with his gun-mocking me, as if urging me to be scared, to run away crying like I used to do back in high school.

But not today.

My fingers tremble slightly, but I march across the range. I grab four apples from the basket near the table, and position them as they said. One on my head. One on each shoulder. One balanced in my palm. The four brothers look taken aback by my unexpected bravery-or stupidity. It's too early to tell. They look at me as if I've just grown two heads.

"Oh, look at that spunk. Where have you been hiding that during high school?" Jace taunts. His tone is meant to be derisive but I can detect a hint of shock in the way he's looking at me. As if he doesn't expect me to take his challenge seriously.

Well, joke's on them. If I'm going to be a fool in their eyes regardless of what I do, I'd rather be a brazen fool. At least I'd die with my dignity intact.

Wilson, Wyatt, Ian, and Rye are clearly uncomfortable. But no one stops them. The Aldair brothers exchange meaningful glances as I stand alongside the target dummies.

"What are you waiting for, stepbros? Shoot. Unless you're still waiting for your daddy's instructions on how to use his big boy toys?" I narrow my eyes at them, My legs are a breath away from shaking but I steel my resolve. I refuse to show them any sign of weakness or fear. "Or maybe you're worried you'll actually miss. That would be embarrassing, wouldn't it? Future alphas with perfect aim... too scared to take a shot at a girl holding fruit."

Tabitha's POV

"You've got a death wish, don't you?" Reed mutters as he flips the gun in his hand before cocking it and leveling the barrel right at me.

"Leaving Kaelara five years ago must have toughen you up, stepsis," Jace snips. "Fine. Let's see if that bravado still holds when the bullets fly."

My heart pounds like a war drum inside my chest. It's so loud I'm half convinced they can hear it too. Every inch of my body screams to tremble but I lock my muscles in place. I stare straight ahead. I force a calm expression onto my face and pray it doesn't crack.

Shit.

This is insane. No, this is suicide. But if I back down now, I lose more than a challenge. I lose every inch of ground I've fought to claim since stepping foot back in this house... this island.

The brothers spread out across the range, each taking a position with one target in mind. They have one shot each to hit the four apples-one balanced on my head, two resting on my shoulders, and one lying in the center of my open palm.

I've never been the religious type, but I think this is the perfect time to pray. Holy shit.

Jace lifts his gun first. He gives me a lopsided grin like this is all some joke to him. His finger hovers over the trigger, then he pulls it. The shot rings out so sharply my shoulders twitch from the sound. The apple on my right shoulder bursts into pulp, spraying juice and sticky fragments across my cheek. The bullet whistles past just inches from my head but I force myself not to flinch, not even blink, even as my pulse drums so loud I can barely hear anything else.

Oh crap. Oh crap. Oh crap!

I have barely recovered from that when Reed moves next. He shifts slightly to adjust his stance, then fires. The apple on my left shoulder splits in two. I clench my jaw as seeds scatter like confetti around my feet. He smirks like he just won a game.

You're enjoying this, asshole?

My eyes drift to the remaining brothers who are yet to take their shot. Luca lifts his weapon and doesn't waste anymore time before shooting the damn thing. The bullet rips straight through the apple perched on my head. For one horrifying moment I swear I feel my hair lift from the wind of the shot. I have to swallow a gasp and pretend that I did not almost pee in my pants.

My weary eyes drift to the last remaining brother. Evren. He stares at me blankly while pointing the gun at the remaining apple that I'm holding. I have no idea what he's thinking and honestly, I don't think I'll ever figure out what kind of thoughts run in this man's head.

Not that I have to worry about that because I am too busy tracking his movement as he tugs on the trigger, shooting the bullet clean through the center of the apple in my palm. The apple in my palm jerks but it stays there, perfectly upright within my ironclad grip. I glance at it and see a single bullet hole sitting cleanly through the center. Damn.

It's over.

The breath rushes into my lungs like I've been drowning this whole time. I don't know how I'm still standing. Evren dismantles his gun, lowers it, then tosses it aside without a word. He walks away as if none of this happened. I let out a shaky exhale as I watch him walk inside the mansion, exactly right where I want them to be. My knees feel weak but I hold myself up.

I did it. And I survived it!

Luca watches me with narrowed eyes. Like he's trying to place a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit while unloading his gun.

"It's almost hard to believe that you're the same girl we knew five years ago," he says.

I meet his gaze. "Then, I guess you never really knew me."

He smirks.

"I wouldn't mind getting to know you again. And by the looks of it, we've got plenty of time to do that, my dear stepsister." He winks at me before turning around and following Evren inside the mansion.

Jace whistles and shakes his head. "Weren't you scared?"

I give him a shrug. "You're the navy commander's sons. I was rooting that you'd have at least the decent skills to hit your target. Good thing you didn't disappoint."

"You're bold. Reckless. Maybe you fit in more than I'd like to admit." He smirks.

Reed scoffs. "I doubt that. It takes more than guns and bullets to last here, stepsister. I wonder how long you'll last before you go running again like you used to."

He slithers toward me and snatches the apple from my palm, the one with the bullet hole. Then, he bites into it and tosses the rest aside like it's nothing. His eyes flick over me with that same old smugness, the one that used to shrink me down to nothing in high school. He leans in just close enough for me to feel the heat of his breath. "Let's see how long that spine of yours holds up, Tabby."

Then he turns around and heads back to the mansion.

I watch his back as he leaves. I don't say anything. I don't need to. I already won.

To Alpha Emery and my mother's shock, the brothers actually show up for lunch. Emery raises a brow but says nothing. Mom tries not to look too surprised but she throws me an appreciative look as she squeezes my hand under the table. She looks happy with their presence and it's enough for me. I did what I had to do.

The Aldair brothers take their seats and their friends too.

"Well," Emery says while scanning each of his sons as they take their seats, "either the world's ending... or my sons decided to join a family lunch willingly."

Jace shrugs. "Let's just say your fiancée's daughter has a... persuasive way with words."

My cheeks heat up in embarrassment when I catch Alpha Emery throwing me a curious look. I try to focus on my meal and pretend that I don't notice.

Fortunately, the topic quickly shifts when my mom pops some updates regarding the upcoming wedding.

"We've finalized the details for the engagement celebration," Mom says brightly.

"It'll be held here at the estate two days from now," Alpha Emery adds.

"Two days?" Jace raises a brow. "That's a bit sudden, don't you think?"

"I've had it planned for weeks," Emery says firmly. "There's no reason to delay."

"I had a dress specially made for you, Tabby," Mom says excitedly.

"Thanks, Mom. I'm sure it's beautiful," I say quietly.

"We're expecting important guests for the celebration. Leaders from the Stormblood and Deathclaw packs will be there, along with a few council members." He pauses and turns to Jace. "And I heard Yennifer will be attending too. Isn't that good news? You should catch up with her."

I stiffen at the familiar name. Yennifer? Yennifer Wix. Of course, she'll be there.

My blood runs cold. The sound of her name alone is enough to pull old ghosts from the shadows. Yennifer Wix was basically the queen of Silver Hills High and one of the worst bullies I had the misfortune of crossing paths with-aside from the Aldair brothers. Unlike Reed, Jace, Luca, and Evren who mainly mess with me when they're bored, Yennifer made bullying look like a sport. She and her minions would hunt me down in the corridors of the school and throw mean pranks at me. They once poured juice inside my locker. Another time, they stuck gum on my seat so I'd walk around all day with it stuck to my skirt. I couldn't walk the halls without hearing their laughs and snide comments.

No one dared to stop her and devious streak because she's the Crystal Ridge packs' beta's niece and everyone knows that she's also close with the Aldair brothers who are practically royalties in the island and especially at the Silver Hills High.

I glance at Jace. He's gripping his fork a little too hard.

If I remember it right, Yennifer is one of Jace's many girlfriends which made her practically untouchable during high school.

"Yennifer and I are done. Why should I care if she's there?" Jace says and stabs his roasted chicken.

They broke up?

Emery shakes his head, looking disappointed. "That's exactly your problem. You treat relationships like toys. You chase the next thing that amuses you, then throw it away once you're bored. Yennifer is strong. Well-connected. She would make a good wife."

Jace's jaw ticks. "So now you're arranging my love life too? Funny how you can play matchmaker for me but no one's allowed to question yours."

A heavy silence falls over the table. Emery sets his wine glass down slowly and looks at his son. My mom shifts on her seat. She looks uncomfortable but doesn't dare say a word. Hell, it would be suicide to go against Emery Aldair while he looks this pissed. Clearly, Jace has a death wish because he's glaring at his father right now and that seems to enrage Emery more.

"I am the Alpha of this house. Commanding officer of Kaelara's naval station. I lead this family and the pack that serves it. You are a son with a last name and nothing else. If you want to be more than that, then earn it," Emery growls and I swear I can feel his anger vibrating in the air.

Shit. Angry Alphas are something else. Especially an Alpha as strong as Emery Aldair. He's one scary man.

Jace doesn't say anything. He just clenches his jaw and stares at his plate like he's one second away from flipping it. Luca, Evren, and Reed also remain quiet but the look in their eyes is enough for me to know that they are not happy with the whole thing.

They're angry at their father but even that isn't enough to go against the most powerful Alpha in this whole island.

I glance at Emery Aldair. There's a frown on his forehead as he slices into his chicken. He may always smile at my mother, but he definitely is harsh towards his son. And for the first time, I'm confused if I should feel pity for the four brothers.

Tabitha's POV

Two days later, the day of the engagement party finally arrives and the whole Aldair estate is unrecognizable. The entire courtyard is transformed into a grand venue, with deep navy and silver draping the tented ceilings, which reflect the pack's signature colors. The place smells faintly of fresh pine, expensive cologne, and champagne. The estate screams of so much wealth and luxury that I momentarily forget I used to live in a one-bedroom apartment with my mother just a week ago.

"Is everything in order?" my Mom asks one of the maids while scanning the whole courtyard area that will host all the guests. It is so huge you can build another mansion there. "I need everything to be perfect."

My Mom is a meticulous woman, especially with things that involve parties and anything grand. She's got keen attention to detail-I'd say she has a talent. She was just born in the wrong tax bracket, so she wasn't able to put her talent into use. But since she's marrying Emery Aldair, she's finally finding herself in a position where her talent can shine. And honestly? She deserves it.

The estate has been buzzing with people since sunrise, and for once, the Aldair brothers haven't stirred up chaos. They've been surprisingly tolerable the past few days. Still a bunch of assholes, sure, but at least they've been showing up for lunch since that crazy target-shooting stunt. They keep their words, I'll give them that.

Out on the upper balcony, I spot Reed with Ian and Wilson. He's dressed in an all-black tux, two buttons undone at the collar, exposing a tattoo scrawled across his chest. A cigar rests between his fingers. He's half-listening to whatever Ian's saying, barely nodding. Then his eyes cut toward me.

For a second, he just stares. Then he takes a slow drag off his cigar before blowing the smoke in my direction.

I look away. Why am I even staring at him? I should pull my shit together.

I shift my attention to the courtyard that is now slowly being filled by guests in expensive suits and designer gowns. I see some familiar faces I haven't seen in years. And I'm not excited to meet them again.

"Tabitha, come here for a second," Mom calls softly from behind me. I turn to find her making her way over. She looks stunning in her cream-colored gown that hugs her figure modestly and falls in soft, elegant folds to the floor. When I was younger, people would tell me that I look like my mom and I wouldn't believe them. I always felt that she's too beautiful to be compared to me. And her age now doesn't even dull her beauty.

She reaches up and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "There," she says, taking a step back to look at me properly. "You look gorgeous."

"So do you. Really. That dress is perfect on you."

Her lips twitch, but the worry doesn't quite leave her eyes. She glances toward the entrance, where more guests are beginning to arrive in clusters, greeted by butlers in sharp uniforms. She keeps adjusting her bracelet, fingers tugging at the clasp for the third time, unable to keep still.

"You nervous?" I ask, though it's quite obvious. I just want to get her attention off the wave of approaching guests.

She exhales slowly, her smile faltering. "A little. There are a lot of people coming tonight. Not just from Crystal Ridge, but from the Stormblood and Deathclaw packs too. Emery says some of the council members will be here as well."

I glance around, then back at her. "You'll be fine. You're good at this."

She really is. While Dad and I are introvert to the core, my Mom is an extrovert through and through. She is good at mingling with people and entertaining guests. I know she'll do well tonight.

"Thanks, sweetheart," she offers me a more relaxed smile.

I give her a reassuring smile. I want her to face the guests confidently-although I can't say the same thing for myself. I feel the same nerves she does. Maybe more. Because I know who else is expected to arrive tonight. I know who I might run into.

Yennifer Wix.

The thought alone makes my stomach twist. Facing the Aldair brothers again was one thing, but meeting another one of my worst bullies is another.

Before I can spiral any further, Emery steps in from the side, his arm snaking easily around my mother's waist.

"It's time, honey." He leans in and presses a kiss to her cheek. "Guests are starting to arrive. We should go welcome them."

"Of course." Mom nods quickly.

She glances back at me and smooths down the side of my dress one last time, like she's memorizing me before walking away.

"You look beautiful," she whispers. "I'm so proud of you."

I manage a small smile. "You're the one in cream silk, Mom. You look like you belong on the cover of a magazine."

That earns a soft laugh from her, though there's still worry behind her eyes.

"I'll be right behind you," I tell her. "Go on."

Emery gives me a curt nod before steering her gently toward the main courtyard. I stand alone in the hallway for a while as I try to settle the nerves swarming in my stomach.

Okay, Tabitha, you can do it. Inhale. Exhale.

I remind myself that I have to be bolder-shameless even, now that I'm back. I cannot show any signs of weakness because otherwise, I'll be the same girl who escaped this island five years ago. I refused to be that cowardly girl again.

As I make my way toward the courtyard, I catch sight of the rest of the Aldair brothers. Evren stands near the entrance, adjusting the cuff of his deep charcoal suit. His black hair is slicked back, revealing the sharp lines of his face. He is sporting the usual indifferent expression he wears everywhere and with everyone. Meanwhile, Luca stands near a marble column with a glass of wine in his hand. The party is barely starting and yet he's already halfway through his glass. Well, werewolves do not get drunk that easily, anyway. He might as well be drinking water. His navy velvet jacket is perfectly tailored, every button in place. His hair is neatly styled, not a strand out of line. Even without a tie, he looks sharp, like he wouldn't be caught dead looking anything less than polished.

Then, there's Jace. He's the last to appear as he steps out from one of the side rooms. He runs a hand through his tousled hair. He scans the crowd of guests until his eyes land on me. I quickly avert my gaze.

I clear my throat and move toward one of the marble statues near the edge of the courtyard. From here, I'm mostly shielded from the crowd. I have no interest in mingling, no appetite for fake smiles or forced pleasantries. If I could melt into this column, I probably would.

Fortunately, the attention shifts to the front of the courtyard when Alpha Emery and my mom step up to the podium to officially commence the party.

"Thank you all for coming," Emery begins in his usual commanding voice that immediately catches the attention of everyone. "Tonight, I'm proud to introduce the woman who will stand beside me as my wife, Isla Huxley."

There's a round of applause. My mother smiles warmly at the crowd.

"This engagement is more than just a union between two people. It is a celebration we share with our pack and our allies. I am grateful to have you all here tonight to witness the beginning of this chapter," Emery continues.

More applause follows. But as I scan the crowd, I can tell some of the smiles don't quite reach their eyes. A few guests clap just enough to be polite. None of them would dare challenge Alpha Emery's decisions out loud, of course. Not here. not now.

I glance toward the edge of the crowd where my mother and Emery begin mingling with some of the high-ranking guests. I catch sight of them exchanging small talk with Alphas, Betas, and council members of the Crystal Ridge pack as well as from the other packs as well. Then, my eyes drift to Yennifer who is just a few meters away from them.

Oh shit.

She's standing near the champagne fountain, laughing with Isabel Carter-the Crystal Ridge Beta's daughter-and two other women I immediately recognize. Eris and Vina. Her loyal minions since high school. Just seeing their faces sends a chill up my spine. My fingers tremble before I can stop it.

Then, Yennifer turns her head towards me. My heart jumps to my throat in panic. I quickly snatch a wine glass from a passing waiter and bring it to my face, pretending to sip. Then I quickly walk toward the towering engagement cake like it's a damn fortress. I station myself behind it, half-covered by the giant multi-tiered monstrosity.

This is pathetic.

I told myself I'd be strong this time. I swore I wouldn't be the girl who hides anymore. But old fears don't die just because you've grown taller or learned to bite back. Especially not when that fear is a living and breathing evil incarnate named Yennifer Wix.

I exhale slowly, trying not to sweat through the satin of my dress. I'm fine. Everything's fine. I'll get through this party. I have to! For my mom...

"Boo!"

"Ah, Crap!" My heart slams against my chest as I jolt in place, nearly knocking over the base of the cake. I spin around, already flustered, and come face-to-face with a man who looks like he stepped out of a damn catalog. He bites his lip as if suppressing a laugh.

The man raises his hands slightly in a harmless gesture. "Sorry," he says, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Didn't mean to scare you. Though, hiding behind the cake? That one's on you."

My cheeks heat as I get a better look at him. He's tall, broad-shouldered, wearing a dark, well-fitted suit that doesn't scream for attention but clearly wasn't bought off the rack. His tie's loosened, just enough to look effortless instead of lazy. The kind of guy who knows how to carry himself.

"I wasn't hiding," I lie. "Just... taking a breather."

He looks amused. "Fair enough. It's a full house out there."

I nod once, trying not to fidget under his gaze. There's something curious in the way he studies me. He's got that quiet sense of authority around him that reminds me of Emery Aldair.

"I'm Arthur, by the way..." he says, finally extending a hand. "Arthur Beckett. From the Stormblood Pack."

Wait, Arthur Beckett?