Aurora’s POV

The garden was quiet and wide, the night air cool against my skin. The gravel path curved through trimmed bushes and low lights.

I walked beside Ryan, hearing his voice but thinking of Alpha Gray. Every few steps, I caught myself looking back toward the house, half-hoping I would see him there.

Ryan talked about the meetings that brought him here. I nodded when he paused, but my mind dragged back to the front steps and the kiss I had walked in on. I told myself I trusted Alpha ...