CHAPTER SEVENTY ONE - DISCREET INVESTIGATION

Just then, Erik appeared at Anna's side, gently extracting her from Marcus's grasp. "There you are," he said, placing a soft kiss on her cheek. "I'm sorry I couldn't escort you myself. Thank you, Marcus, for seeing to it that Anna arrived safely." Marcus inclined his head, a flicker of something - disappointment? frustration? - crossing his features before he smoothed them into a neutral expression. "Of course, Alpha. It was my pleasure." As Marcus moved away to mingle with other pack members, Erik led Anna to their seats at the head of the table. The dinner began, a sumptuous array of dishes served with practiced precision. Conversation flowed, punctuated by the clink of cutlery and the gentle laughter of the guests. But beneath the veneer of civility, Anna could sense an undercurrent of tension. She caught snippets of hushed conversations, felt the weight of furtive glances. More than once, she noticed Vanessa in deep discussion with a group of older pack members, their expression