you're very helpful at home and that you manage Pack matter

ompliment with a co

ndling his family's problems, and welcoming old friends who arrive wit

tened. Alpha Sebastian gave Eira a war

ew her hand.

said. "Just

alone improved her appetite. The poached shrimp were bland, the broccoli looked depressed, and Margaret

ee bites and praised the f

," she said. "I admire women w

ir hands off married men," Eira

le went

rk stopped halfway t

him. "We're admiring w

f my being here makes you uncomfortable. Alpha Sebastian and I have known each o

ack then? Was this Pa

glass down. "Enough

family. Doesn't that make

pha Sebastian's jaw tighten

nce, before this Pack got rich, I never once heard the

ow. He was not kind, but he understood n

arder to throw

g. "Oh my god, is that the limited Virelle piece? I

ith perfect modesty.

nt to Alpha

's eyebrow move

k scarf Alpha Sebastian had offered her that morning. The main gift

prize fo

e bag, then at Alpha Sebastian. "Your friends ha

a Sebastian's face remained controlled, but his sce

nnections. Her father's influence. Her suitable bloodline. Her bright future. Each subject was placed on the table like an offe

et the

it, the agreement waited beneat

had to be relaxed enough to sign,

a Sebastian became careless when they w

h dear, it's getting late. I should go. I'm still tired fr

bastian, you should drive her home.

"Of course. A g

performed hesitation well. "Why don't you stay

toward Eira. "Are you

d? If he enjoys collecting lost dogs and bringing t

ent pale with t

ian said. His voice dropped i

d picked up h

flashed

e could still bend her spine. "You can host whoever you want. You can buy whatever gifts you want. You can e

that was sharp e

stian could answe

eached the underground garage. Only then did her stomach growl so loudly she almost laughe

d the lobby level. Staff were clearing the last

r said. "The kitchen c

," Eira said. "O

ter hes

end of the restaurant. "

tur

e windows. His dark shirt sleeves were rolled up, and

Eira heard his spine reconside

en look particularly intere

own without breaking eye contact with her, and tapped

deliberate, like he already knew she'd say y

d. "Unless you wan