Chapter 16

As we stepped inside, a man moved forward to greet us. The moment my gaze landed on him, my eyes widened—it was the Beta. His expression shifted almost imperceptibly. I saw the way his eyes searched my face, the flicker of recognition sparking before he quickly masked it. He said nothing, though, simply turning to address Osborne. “Welcome, Alpha Osborne. Please, allow me to escort you to the seat that’s been prepared for you. The Luna and Alpha will join you shortly.” Osborne gave a polite nod. “Thank you, Beta Luke.” We followed him as he led us to our places, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of his gaze lingering on me. When I glanced up, I caught him watching me again, obviously he knows I am the one whom his son rejected. We settled into our seats as a steady stream of people came to greet Osborne. The attention he commanded was striking—one might have thought he was already Alpha with the way they approached him with smiles, bows, and respectful murmurs. Then, without warning, th