#Chapter 85 – Jealous Hearts

Damon I hated these events. But tonight, I was expected to play the gracious host. So, I nodded. Smiled. Let my eyes move from one noble to the next. I greeted alpha pairs from the east and dignitaries from the coastal Pack lands, spoke in tones that made them feel important while Zane snarled quietly under my skin. The entire time, my eyes wandered, looking for my mate. And landed on Elena, the real one. She hovered near the edge of the hall, a tray balanced in her hands and her hair tucked tight beneath a servant’s wrap. A poor disguise, she looked so similar to Lila but the two were night and day. My breath slowed. My spine locked. Not because I was surprised she was here—but because I wasn’t. Ronan had confirmed her presence days ago, after Lila’s confession. Quiet surveillance. No action unless she overstepped. And she just had. My gaze slid past her as she turned, revealing her eyes fixed not on the guests—but on Lila. Her expression wasn’t curious, it was hun