"Stop it, Sarah. He was just being nice. That's all."
Sarah only giggled, clearly enjoying Athena's flustered reaction.
But…
What neither of them realized was that Gina, who had gone into the bathroom to wash her hands, was standing silently by the door, her expression tightening. She caught every word.
Her fingers curled into her palm as she pressed her back against the cool wall. She knew better than anyone the truth… Athena wasn't free to blush over any wolf.
She was Alpha Xavier's mate.
Fate had sealed it.
And mates didn't look at other men, didn't smile shyly over compliments and certainly didn't let themselves feel anything for someone else.
When Gina finally stepped out, her face was composed but her eyes gave away the storm brewing inside her. She said nothing, only offered Athena a stiff smile before sitting on her bed.
But deep down, she was unsettled.
Troubled.
If Athena's heart wavered now, what would it mean for Alpha Xavier later?
