Chapter 22: Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Carol’s POV

I blink. It takes me a moment to realize that the elderly woman is speaking to me. Remembering my manners, I dip my head to her respectfully and offer a polite smile.

“Pardon my manners,” I say. “My name is Carol Miller. I’m here as Aiden’s guest. It’s an honor to meet you, ma’am.”

Despite my attempt at grace, Morgan narrows her eyes at me. “But you’re not a werewolf?” She asks. The question seems sudden. I reason that as a human, she is also unable to identify werewolves as easily as they identify each other.

“No, ma’am,” I confirm. She gives me a long look. I find my skin prickling under her gaze. I’m about to mouth to try and ease the intense silence when Morgan turns on her heel and walks away.

open my

Mr. Cruz shoots me a disgruntled look before turning and attempting to follow Morgan. Aiden wraps an arm around me, watching the both of them walk away.

“That was on.” Aiden comments. “The Laveau family could be quite mysterious.” Despite Aiden’s words, I somehow feel that Morgan makes more sense than anything else I’ve faced so far.

The party continues without another large disruption. Aiden and I continue to mingle. Strangely, the altercation with Aiden’s father seems to have broken the ice. Although I am still on the receiving end of many appraising looks, I feel slightly less like a stray animal that wandered into the party.

Oliver meets back up with us again. His attitude is no less supportive than it was before one of the traits of betas, I assume. He insists on introducing me personally to almost everyone in the room. He and I end up getting along quite well. Half of the time, the three of us make our way around the party with Oliver latched onto my arm and Aiden chasing after us. Slowly. I feel myself become at ease again.

Aiden, Oliver, and I take a break from socializing to sit in one of the conversation pits toward the edge of the party. I’ve had enough champagne at this point that everything makes me giggle and the world seems electric. Oliver has been insisting on keeping my drink topped off, and this moment is no exception.

“Carol! What a tragedy!” He mock–gasps. “You’ve run out of champagne. Too bad Aiden isn’t enough of a gentleman to get you another glass.” Aiden rolls his eyes and shoves Oliver’s shoulder playfully.

“I’ve had enough of you stealing my thunder,” Aiden says, pretending to put on a stern face, I can tell that he’s a little tipsy, too.

“It’s not Oliver’s fault that you’ve been slacking. I tease. Aiden laughs.

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to beat him to it, Aiden announces. In a surprising burst of speed, he slips out of his chair and makes a beeline for the bar.

Oliver jumps to his feet with a grin. “Not if I get there first!” He announces. He breaks into a jog to follow after Aiden. Soon enough, the two face one another through the party. Both settle into a brisk walk as they attempt not to disrupt the other guests while still competing with each other. I sigh and watch them fondly, relaxing into my chair.

“Enjoying the party?”

I almost jump out of my seat. Somehow, Morgan had slipped into the conversation pit without me even noticing and taken a seat. I manage a smile.

“Pardon me, ma’am, I didn’t hear you approach,” I say.

“You have no need to apologize – although I’m sure these werewolves would tell you otherwise.”

4:52 PM D

Chapter 23

ordinary human here.” I

I try to hide my surprise at her boldness. “Well, I am in a strange position, being the confess. I try to keep my words diplomatic, although I get the feeling I shouldn’t lie to her.

Morgan levels me with another strangely intense look. “Ordinary human, hm?” She echoes. “So, your parents are both humans?”

“Yes,” I confirm. “Dreadfully boring. I’m afraid.”

Despite my insistence, Morgan continues to eye me cautiously. I feel a wave of discomfort wash over me as she studies me.

Aiden’s POV

I make my way back to the conversation pit with a triumphant smile. I managed to goad Oliver into giving Carol and I some alone time. I picked her up another flute of champagne, as well as a plate full of the snacks that I noticed she had liked. I’m approaching my previous seat when I realized that it’s been taken.

My defenses immediately raise. It only takes a second to realize that the newcomer is Morgan Laveau, the woman. from before. I hesitate for a moment, and in doing so, overhear a short exchange of words,

“And the rest of your family? All ordinary, too?” Morgan interrogates.

“As far as I know, yes. I think I would have noticed if they weren’t,” Carol responds. I can hear a note of discomfort in her sweet voice. Without thinking, I step up beside Carol’s chair.

“Darling. I brought some food for you. Would you like to find somewhere to sit and enjoy it?” Carol turns toward me with a grateful look on her face that warms my heart.

Of course, Aiden. Thank you,” she responds. She gets to her feet and smooths her dress out. “If you’ll excuse me, ma’am,” she says courteously before taking my arm and following me.

“Thank you,” Carol whispers as we walk away. “Where are we going?”

I glance around the room. Everywhere I look, there’s another crowd of some elitist werewolves congratulating themselves on being rich. I suddenly feel like I need some time away from it all with Carol.

“My room,” I say, Carol almost trips over her own feet, but quickly catches herself. Cute, I think.

“Your room? Your childhood bedroom?” She asks. I simply smile at her and pull her up the stairs.

As we move away from the crowd, my mind can’t help but wander. Morgan clearly has doubts about Carol’s identity – maybe not in the way that my father does, but in a different way.

It’s true that Carol doesn’t seem like a normal human. For one, she’s my fated mate- a fact I am reminded of as I inhale her sweet scent. Tonight was strange, too. My mother spoke up for Carol so suddenly. Afterward, even she seemed confused about what she had done.

There is something different about Carol. That, I’m almost certain. Still, she has no reason to lie to me, so I won’t

word

–

for now.

I lead Carol into my childhood bedroom. I set the champagne and snacks on the bedside table. When I look up, is looking around the room in awe. The side of my mouth pulls up into a smirk and I lean against the wall

Carol

“Enjoying yourself?” I tease. The room is nice, although it’s a bit flashier than what I like now. The ceilings are high and the room is decked out with sleek, modern decorations. Carol seems surprised by the sight.

“It’s so… Decorated,” she marvels. I snort with amusement.

4.52 PM

Chapter 23

“What, you think my new place isn’t decorated?”

“Well it’s more decorated. Your tastes have become much more minimalist,” she remarks. I smile.

“Alright, you can turn the realtor part of your brain off.” My eyes trail down Carol’s body suggestively. “Why don’t you

take off your heels?”

SEND GIFT