Chapter 61

Christina's POV The moment Niall and Beatrice left, the party atmosphere bounced back like they'd never been there. The tension that had been choking everyone disappeared. Ysolde was in her element, moving from group to group with practiced ease. Her laugh rang out above the music, too loud and slightly wild, hugging anyone within reach. She remembered everyone's kids and pets by name. A talent I'd always envied about my friend. It was her birthday, so every time someone raised a glass, she drank like it was her duty as hostess. I kept an eye on her between sips of my own watered-down cocktail.Akira stayed alert despite the relaxed atmosphere, still uneasy after our earlier fight. Meanwhile, Alpha Cassian had stationed himself beside me with an untouched drink and a curious smile. Hudson's closest friend wasn't here by coincidence. "So, Christina," he began, his voice smooth, "which territory did you grow up in? What role do you play in your pack? Old Fashioned or Cosmopolitan?" But he