But if there’s a smell toanxiety, I was drowning in it.

As soon asLayla and I walked through the door, the energy of the room completely changed.

The venue wasfilled — men in tailored suits, women in shimmering dresses, all engaged in pleasant laughter and high-priced gossip. Champagne flutes clinked in the golden light of the chandeliers, perfume andalcohol and the unmistakable smell of power in the air.

This was nota regular birthday party. It was ashow of influence.

Like Ibelonged there foram a big fat liar.

Layla by contrast entered like sheowned the goddamn building.

The dress clung to her curves in a manner that madeevery male take a second ogle, her self-assured smirk daring them to ogle longer.

“I swear to God,” she whispered dramatically, slippingher arm around mine. “If one more dude undresses me with his eyes, I’m gonna start charging themcover.”

I stifled a laugh.

And then asif I was a magnet for catastrophe my eyes betrayed me.

They glanced around the room searchingfor him.

And when they found him…

It landed likea punch to the gut.

He appeared exactly as I remembered— intimidating, powerful, untouchable.

Tall. Broad-shouldered. Thesort of presence that commanded attention, without even trying.

And, of course, he wasnot alone.

A woman had her hand hooked around hisarm, manicured fingers wrapped possessively around his sleeve. She was beautiful in that effortless way that made you wantto look in a mirror and see if you had something between your teeth.

A cold, tightly coiledball settled in my stomach.

What did you expect, Ruby? That he’d still be single? That he’d be standing a corner, staring into a glass of whiskey, whispering yourname like some tragic, love-sick fool?

Pathetic.

I internally slappedmyself and averted my eyes.

He doesn’t matter. Not anymore.

A Shadow, Not a Name

Marcus held noofficial pack title.

He was meant tobe Beta — born to be it — but five years ago he stepped away from it. Instead of aligning with the Alpha, he built his own empire and became the CEOof a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.

Heamassed power in boardrooms rather than on battlefields.

Mostpeople thought he did so because he wanted more, but I’ve always wondered…

Was it really ambition? Or was it rebellion?

Because Marcus used to talk a lot about protecting the pack before I got turnedaway. Aboutcommanding warriors, not businessmen.

And then, boom,it all went to shit.

He peered out at the pack and flew into the business world as if hewere fleeing something.

Like he was running from what Iwas running from.

The Spotlight Finds Me

As we walked further into the hall,I could feel the weight of too many eyes on us.

Men stole glances. Women whispered.

I felt exposed.

I had spent decades keeping out of the spotlight,and now here I was, thrust into it like some reluctant leading lady.

Layla, naturally, basked in theattention.

“Oh myGod,” she whispered, thrilled. "Do you see this? We’re a hell of a spectacle rightnow.”

I kept my expression neutral. “I’m surethat they’re looking at you.”

She snorted. "Honey, I’m old news. I’m mated, so most of these guys knowthey can’t even try. But you? You’re a mystery. "A beautifulmystery, and nothing catches the eye like the unknown.”

I groaned. "Can you not?"

"Too late," she smirked. “You’re officially the most interesting woman inthis room.

I wanted to disappear.

Sensing my discomfort, she did somethingwith her hand.

"Relax," she murmured. "I’ve got you."

And somehow, that helped.

“Oh, come on,” she said, pulling me over tothe guys. “Allow me to introduce youto some people.”

The Alphas and the Rogues

Layla steered me toward a gaggle of suited men, all of whom subsequently and very obviously stared atus.

Thefirst to step forward, a tall blonde with forest-green eyes. He looked slick, like the kindof guy who could talk his way out of a death sentence.

“What a surprise to find you here, Layla,” he said, splitting his facewith a dangerously practiced smile. "You’re as stunning as ever."

Then his gaze slid to me.

“And your friend… looks even more stunningtonight.”

I felt my cheeks warm.

Before I could respond, Layla lookedup soulfully, rolling her eyes so hard she must have seen her past life.

"Oh, please," she scoffed. “We all know you’re onlyflirting so you can be polite.”

The guy choked on air.

Poor bastard.

“She’s always out toembarrass me,” he said, muttering under his breath.

“Then stop being so flirtable,”she retorted.

Then she facedthe others. "Everyone, meet Naomi Carter. Theo’s younger sister."

The reaction was immediate.

Gasps. Stiff postures. Widening eyes.

I resisted the urge to sigh.

For years my life was purposefully low key, and now, here in front of this gaggle of powerful men, I couldsense their intrigue.

One of them—Alpha Brandon—smirked atme, and his look was too calculating for my taste.

“I had no clue that your brother Theo had such a lovely little flower for a sister,” he said, his tone so grossit made my skin crawl.

I tried to say something in thatmoment, but a voice interrupted the dialogue.

“Well, you gottabe careful what you call her, Alpha Brandon.”

That voice was a warning, coldand calm, filled with foreboding.

I turned just in timeto see my brother climbing up next to me, Clara on his arm.

“The flower kicks a tiger,you don’t want to see that.”

I blinked.

Marcus,what the fuck does that even mean?

Does my brother know something I don’t aboutmyself? Because as far I know I’m pretty much the least intimidating person onEarth, like a wet kitten.

Alpha Brandon chuckled lightly, but there was a flicker of tension behind hiseyes.

“Forgive me,President Carter,” he said smoothly. “I just meant your sister is… beguiling.”

Theo’s gaze wasinscrutable.

Then, all ofa sudden, the conversation took a turn.

And I was grateful.

An Unexpected Dance

Once Theo and Clara drifted away, Layla was stolen away by her mate almost instantly and I wasalone.

I mentally cursed her.

Before I could concoct anescape plan, a familiar voice spoke.

“Miss Carter,” AlphaLogan said, approaching. "Would you care for a dance?"

I hesitated.

Then, I saw I hadno better options and put my hand in his.

“Just call me Naomi,” I told him as he pulled me to thedance floor. "No need to be so formal. It’ll make me feel weird."

He smiled.

"Then, Naomi it is."

Andjust like that, the evening went sour.