elle

ckwood Manor dining hall

ve of whispers followed me. The words were quiet, but

erself into

s, trying to

had begun. He hadn't used fists or blades. He'd used words,

as a rival for the attention of the pack

nearby to hear. "Well, well, if it isn't our tragic heroine. I heard you to

ippled through t

pression impassive. "Mind

neer. "What's the matter? Ashamed to admit it? The whole pack is talking. They're saying you u

sts under the table, my n

's en

ace a mask of thunder. He grabbed Lydia's arm, his grip tight. "

r face flushing with indignation. "Eve

, his eyes flashing. "If I hear one more word of this, I'll h

dia shot me a venomous gl

r softening into concern. "D

hilling calm. I looked up at my cousin, my voice quiet. "Aidan,

ossip, Belle. People wit

e curious and contemptuous stares. "It's too fast. Too specific.

n We

ive affections. It erased his humiliation and, worse, it bound us together in a web of scandal. Now, no matte

touched my lips.

ith a worried expression. "You know," I said,

ed. "Belle, what are

y all want a show, then I'll give them one. Jalon wants to use gossip to trap me in his or