ra

crowd like royalty parting the sea. Their smiles were plastered on, perfect and em

er hands poised for a token

small, almost imperceptible

rassment crossed her face, quickly replaced by a familiar

the damage to their reputation. "Come with me," he commanded in a low

et, rhythmic count of my grievances. He took me down a long, quiet corridor

rage

ell of dust and decay. Old furniture, draped in

id. His tone was the same one he migh

gle cot in the corner. I felt nothing.

into this," she said. "Ethan had it picked out

e and beautiful. And at least two sizes too big for me. It was

his voice final. "Clean yourself up. Co

door behind them with a soft click

ed armchair. I would rather wear my rags, my honest poverty, than wrap m

ge of the dusty

walked out of the room,

ed. The spectacle was over; the guests had

e my way to a long table laden with food and

Don't just

o had been with the family since before I was born. Her hair was grayer no

en with glasses of champagne. She thoug

in the west wing are getting thirsty," she

't recog

enuine kindness, and she looked at me and saw a stra

took the heavy tray from her

in the hell do you

ice was a

d fury. He snatched the tray from my hands and, wi

entire ballroom for the second time that ni

, her face a perfect portrait of shock and concern

haking with humiliation and rage. "Are you not done embarrassing us? Now y

pale with fear. "Young Alpha, i

er. He didn't se

glass, the target of his hatred and the entire room's