Chapter 31

Cecilia I stifled the cough rising in my throat, pressing a hand to my mouth. Then I turned and fled—quiet as I could, but not nearly quiet enough. The deck was carpeted, yes, but even that couldn't fully muffle hurried footsteps. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sebastian start to move—his head turned sharply, as if he'd caught the sound of my retreat. I didn't wait to find out. By the time he looked, I was already gone. I raced away, heart hammering against my ribs. Seeing the Alpha with his arms around another woman sent a strange pang through my chest that I refused to acknowledge. Back at the card room, I quickly slipped into a seat beside Sawyer. Though I'd considered finding somewhere else to hide, I wasn't sure if Sebastian had spotted me. If he returned and I wasn't here, he'd immediately know who'd interrupted them. The card room was the safest option. "Alpha Sebastian, you're back," Beta Sawyer said, his relief palpable as Sebastian entered the room shortly after. I'd noti