#Chapter 181: A Basic Skill

Audrey Peter choked on his drink. Beside me, Eliza stiffened, her eyes wide with shock, her fingers tightening around her fork. Edwin’s parents remained unnaturally still, but his father’s eyes flashed dangerously, like storm clouds gathering on the horizon. Across the table, Malakai and Axel exchanged smirks, clearly reveling in my discomfort. Meanwhile, beside me, I could feel Edwin’s rage roiling off of our bond. Not at me, but at his father. Despite the urge to look away, to shrink into myself, I kept my gaze locked with Edwin’s father. I wouldn’t let him see me cower, not even as I felt my palms grow clammy and my stomach tie itself into knots. Edwin’s hand finally found my leg under the table, his touch warm and reassuring against my skin. “Her wolf emerged only recently,” he explained slowly. “She’s not ready yet.” His father’s eyes narrowed, the lines around them deepening. “Not ready?” “Yes,” Edwin said calmly. “She needs more ti