Aurora's POV
I walked beside him as we entered the grand ballroom. The atmosphere was stifling, thick with the scent of old money and powerful pheromones. As we moved through the crowd, the sea of people parted. Men in expensive suits bowed their heads, and women in shimmering silks dipped into graceful curtsies.
I felt like an imposter. I stumbled slightly, wondering if I was supposed to bow back to them, but Alpha Oliver's hand suddenly settled at the small of my back—firm, warm, possessive.
"Don't," he murmured, his breath brushing my ear. "You are with me. You bow to no one."
The command sent a thrill of something I didn't want to name through my chest. He led me to a high marble table and then let his hand drop, the loss of his touch leaving me feeling strangely cold.
"Wait here," he ordered, his blue eyes sweeping the room. "I have matters to discuss with the Council. Do not wander off."
