Chapter 22

The large formal dining hall was decorated in red, black, and gold. A band played soft music in the background, and at the far end of the room, a beautiful fireplace filled the space with warmth and a welcoming glow. The room was already crowded with guests—men in suits and women in elegant evening dresses—scattered around, socializing in small groups. Vicky had been right. I wasn’t overdressed. Servers moved swiftly between tables, placing down plated meals in delicate dishes. I couldn’t stop admiring everything. For every dinner party I could remember, I had been the one serving guests—never a guest myself. Never with the leisure to enjoy an event. “Alpha, here’s Miss Rosalie.” Talon had brought me straight to Ethan. Ethan’s blue eyes locked on me. There was a flicker of surprise in them—but it passed quickly, and I couldn’t tell what emotion came next. Was he not pleased with how I looked? “Alpha…” I said softly, bowing my head, then turned and did the same to Alpha Romero beside hi