Page 156 of Psycho Pack

"Everything alright, wildcat?" Whiskey asks, his voice pitched low enough that only our immediate neighbors can hear. "You're looking a little flushed there."

I open my mouth to respond, but no words come out. How the hell am I supposed to explain that I'm sitting here at a royal dinner, surrounded by dignitaries and attendants, fantasizing about my feral alpha eating me out?

"I'm fine," I say hoarsely, stuffing more food in my mouth. But when Wraith glances sideways at me, the worry in his blue gaze is painfully clear.

Oh no.

Does he think I'm disgusted by the way he eats?

The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. Of course he does. He's so self-conscious, and here I am, flushed and squirming beside him. There's no way he knows what's going through my head. He'd probably think I'm full of shit if I tried to explain.

I have to fix this.

Slowly, so no one else notices my arm moving, I trail my fingers higher up his thigh. His breathing quickens slightly, and out of the corner of my eye, I can see him watching me warily. I keep my eyes fixed on my plate, pretending to be fascinated by the intricate designs painted on the fine porcelain as I chew my food in feigned thoughtfulness.

But all my focus is on the way Wraith's body responds to my touch. When my fingertips finally brush against the bulge in his pants, another low growl rumbles through his chest. The sound vibrates through me, settling in my belly.

His cock twitches against my hand and I glance up at him from under my lashes with an innocent smile. His blue eyes are wide with confusion and bewilderment, but whatever self-loathing was there a moment ago is gone now. He's looking atme like I'm fucking insane, but at least he doesn't look like he wants to disappear anymore.

Good.

"Ivy, do you need air?"

The queen's sudden question hits me like a bucket of ice water.

My face, which moments ago felt like it was on fire, suddenly goes cold as I look up and lock eyes with her. Her brow is knitted in clear concern as she watches me from the other end of the table, her head tilted slightly.

"N-no, Your Majesty," I manage to croak out, forcing a smile that probably looks unhinged considering how wound up I am.

Or was.

Definitely not now.

"Are you sure?" Valek asks with a knowing grin. Can't get a damn thing past him. "If you need a moment, you and Wraith could step out…"

"I'm sure," I say quickly, forcing a smile.

Whiskey snorts and mutters something under his breath that makes Valek cackle. Thane stares at them before staring back at me, frowning more than I've ever seen him frown.

The conversation moves on, though, and despite the attention we just received, Wraith seems slightly calmer. He's still stealing concerned glances at me, but they're the kinds of concerned glances you give someone who's freaking you out.

Oh, well.

It's better than him thinking I'm turned off.

Across from us, Plague clears his throat, drawing my attention. There's a tension in his shoulders I haven't seen since we arrived. He sets down his fork, his eyes fixed on his brother.

"Revi," he says, his voice carefully neutral. "Where's Father? I would have thought he'd be here for... all this."

The temperature in the room seems to plummet. Revi's easy smile vanishes and he glances at the queen, brow furrowed.

"Mother," he says slowly. "Hamsa doesn't know?"

The queen shakes her head, her fingers tightening on her napkin. "I haven't had the chance to tell him yet."

My heart races, sensing the weight of whatever's coming. Plague's eyes dart between his mother and brother, a flicker of fear crossing his features before he schools his expression back to careful neutrality.

"Tell me what?" he asks.

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