#Chapter 32: Venomous Words

Raymond's grip on my wrist tightened as he pulled me into a secluded alcove near the back of the hall. Flickering candlelight cast harsh shadows across his face, accentuating the fury in his eyes. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he demanded, finally releasing me. I rubbed my wrist, certain it would bruise. "Dancing. It's generally expected at a Gala." "With Kane?" Raymond's voice dripped with scorn. "My best friend?" "Your best friend was simply filling the role you abandoned," I replied, keeping my voice level despite the anger simmering beneath the surface. "Where were you, Raymond? The Alpha is supposed to open the couples' dance with his Luna." Raymond ran a hand through his hair, a gesture I once found endearing but now recognized as a sign of his discomfort with being held accountable. "I had pack business to attend to." "Pack business," I repeated flatly. "Was that business conveniently located wherever Giana happened to be?" Before Raymond could respond