Gina's chopsticks hovered mid-air, her gaze sharpening. No one else paid attention, too busy fighting over who burned the last piece of meat… but to Gina, the room felt quieter, smaller.
Her inner thoughts prickled like claws dragging over stone.
She's Xavier's mate. Not Gary's. Why is she…
Gina forced her expression back into neutrality, taking a sip of her water. Outwardly calm. Inwardly, her chest felt tight.
_____________________
Athena stepped out into the cool night air, grateful for the escape from the noise of laughter and sizzling meat inside. She pressed her palms against the railing of the restaurant's small garden terrace, breathing deeply.
The faint curl of smoke reached her nose, and when she turned, she saw Gary seated on a stone bench under the dim garden lantern. A cigarette glowed faintly between his fingers.
"Oh… sorry, Dr. Gary," Athena said softly, almost apologetic for intruding.
