Sandy's POV
Grey held his gaze on my retreating figure for what felt like an eternity before whirling around to glower at the treeline beyond. His Alpha instincts were sharp enough to detect Zayden concealed within the darkness, and the knowledge clearly infuriated him.
Yet he chose not to press me with more questions.
Without another word, he pivoted and brushed past me to follow my directive. I trailed behind Grey as we entered the grand hall, deliberately ignoring the scrutinizing looks I knew awaited me.
Golden light bathed everything in warmth, gentle melodies drifted through the air, and the mingled aromas of expensive cologne and freshly waxed floors created an almost overwhelming atmosphere.
The whole scene made my skin crawl. These elaborate gatherings had always grated on my nerves. Too many memories of being publicly humiliated at similar events by the very people I had once trusted and loved.
Nothing good ever came from these social performances for me.
