#Chapter 155: Cold War

Chris As Ava and Lily wandered off into the gardens, I found myself alone with Alpha Edward in the sitting room. He moved over to the liquor cart, pouring two generous helpings of a clear liquid into two crystal glasses. “Here,” he said gruffly, extending one of the glasses toward me. “This gin was distilled right here in Moonrise’s cellars.” I accepted the drink with a nod of thanks, letting the pleasant burn of the homemade liquor wash over my tongue. For a few moments, we sat in companionable silence, sipping from our glasses and listening to the soft music drifting in from the radio. Eventually, though, Edward let out a weary sigh and set his tumbler down on the side table with a dull thunk. “I have to admit, Chris, I was... surprised when I learned of your intentions with Ava.” I tensed slightly at his words, but kept my expression neutral as I met his gaze. “I know our situation is unorthodox, to say the least,” I replied carefully. “But you have to