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Chapter 34
Rachel’s POV
The double doors to the formal dining room swung open, and I felt my breath catch in my throat,
Victoria’s reassuring presence at my side did little to calm my racing heart as we stepped into the grand space.
The rich scent of pine and roasted meat filled the air, mingling with the unfamiliar scents of Raymond and Madison.
Just months ago, I was merely a lowly server, wearily serying Tables
humble station.
E local diner, I thought to myself, acutely aware of my
And now, here I am, awkwardly donning this stunning gown at a formal dinner surrounded by powerful Alphas.
I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of inadequacy wash over me. I fidgeted with the fabric of the gown, as if trying to blend in, painfully conscious of every little imperfection in my appearance and every misstep I might make in this foreign and glamorous setting.
Tyler guided me toward Nathan, whose intense gray eyes locked onto mine the moment I entered.
For a brief second, surprise flashed across his features before his expression became unreadable again.
1 couldn’t help but wonder if he harbored some dislike for me. My wolf instincts sensed a shift in the Alpha’s mood, but I couldn interpret it.
It made me even more nervous, constantly second guessing my every action in his presence.
However, regardless of whether he likes me or not, I have to greet him. I don’t want to be impolite.
“Alpha…” I greeted softly, noticing the others in the room. I suppressed the urge to move closer to Nathan, instead offering a respectful curtsy to Raymond.
Raymond stepped forward, a discomforting smile playing on his lips. Ah, you look enchanting. Absolutely stunning.”
“Come here,” Nathan commanded, his voice deep as he extended his hand.
My heart pounded violently in my chest as Raymond’s
ze made my skin crawl–like prey being watched by a venomous snake.
When Nathan reached out, I instinctively moved toward him, his scent forming a solid barrier between Raymond and me.
His hand felt dry and warm, carrying an Alpha’s strength that gradually quieted the fear deep within me.
Madison shot me a contemptuous look. Though she appeared more polite than she had this morning, she bit her lip and forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, which sparkled with hostility.
“We were still talking…” Madison complained.
Nathan gave Madison a brief glance before turning back to me. “We can continue during dinner.”
“I agree, Raymond said. “Let’s not keep these beautiful ladies hungry because of our conversation. Shall we sit?”
“Please,” Nathan replied to Raymond, then gestured for me to follow
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Nathan pulled out my chair with unexpected care, and I was surprised to find myself seated near the head of the table, right beside him-
-a position typically reserved for a Luna.
Tyler sat on my other side with Victoria next to him, forming a protective barrier around me.
“Alpha Nathan,” Raymond said, raising his glass, “thank you again for your hospitality. The Goldshore Pack has thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Ironjaw. I look forward to our future collaboration. Chec
“That’s my pleasure,” Nathan replied with a curt nod, his wolfish vigance never wavering.
A strange tension hung in the air, more palpable than the atoma of the food. I carefully glanced around, feeling like an outsider who had stumbled into high society.
The sensation was familiar–like being back at my father’s dinners, were I was never allowed to sit, only to serve. T
he only difference was that now I sat beside Nathan, his presence offering an inexplicable sense of security.
“I must admit, Nathan, Raymond began, “your pack territory is quite impressive.”
“We survive by strength,” Nathan stated simply.
I noticed that Nathan had spoken more tonight than in all my previous encounters combined, though his responses remained brief and powerful.
Raymond turned his attention to me. “So, Rachel… how did you come to join the Ironjaw Pack?”
I smiled politely. “I… came here through circumstance. Alpha Nathan provided me shelter until… until the appropriate time.”
Nathan tilted his head slightly to listen, golden flecks appearing in his eyes. Tyler caught my gaze and nodded subtly, indicating my answer was appropriate.
“What are your plans after you leave?” Raymond continued.
I stopped eating. “Someday, I hope to travel. There are many places I’ve only read about in books. The Moon Goddess created such a vast world, and I hope to witness her wonders firsthand. Of course, only with Alpha Nathan’s permission…”
A chill crept up my spine as I raised my eyes to meet Nathan’s gray ones. Something unreadable flickered in his gaze–both cold and burning–making me instinctively shrink back as my wolf warned me to be cautious.
I nervously glanced toward Victoria and Tyler, seeking some form of support or guidance.
“How amusing,” Madison said with a sarcastic tone. “I’ve never thought books could hold such power…”
“I’m sure the books you read have their unique charms as well,” I replied, maintaining my smile.
Madison merely glared at me, a wolfish warning flashing in her eyes
“Madison excels in social settings. Books are too static for her,” Raymond chuckled.
Nathan’s pheromones grew more dominant in the air, silently marking his territory. Meanwhile, Madison began describing in detail how she had visited various packs to learn Luna duties–hinting that if Nathan was interested, she’d be happy to share more privately.
“You know, Nathan,” Raymond suggested, “an Alpha always needs a suitable Luna to share responsibilities. trained in every aspect, and she seems to be adapting well to Ironjaw’s environment, don’t you think?”
My daughter has been
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Chapter 34
My heart ached at this direct implication, even though I’d known Nahan needed a political alliance through marriage:
“My focus lies elsewhere at present, Raymond,” Nathan responded.
“So bad.”
“Perhaps an Alpha needs a mate who truly understands etiquette and pack management, rather than…” Madison’s gaze swept over my red dress.
When Madison’s eyes met mine, they briefly flashed hostility before quickly returning to normal when others noticed.
“Speaking of etiquette, Victoria interjected, “questioning your hosts choices as a guest isn’t exactly exemplary behavior, dear
Madison.”
“Perhaps you should consider visiting Emerald City, Nathan said, his voice dangerously low. “The Alphas there might appreciate your… talents.”
I lowered my gaze, lifting my glass to hide the involuntary smile tugging at my lips. An inexplicable satisfaction spread through my chest, though reason told me I shouldn’t feel this way.
I understood my position and role clearly–once my task was complete, I would leave, and Nathan would find a true Luna.
But sitting beside him now, hearing him speak up for me, I couldn’t suppress the warmth blooming inside.
“What about you, Rachel?” Raymond turned to me. “I assume you don’t have a mate. Are you looking for one?”
Once again, I was shocked, my throat constricting.
Raymond’s eyes gleamed with a predatory light, assessing me without pretense.
I instinctively looked to Nathan for his reaction, my wolf submitting while simultaneously seeking protection.
The air grew thick with tension as time seemed to freeze for a moment.
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