Page 48 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

I nod, brushing a hand through Elias's messy hair. "Could you stay with him tonight? Just in case he wakes up."

"Of course, Luna," she replies.

I wince at the title but don't bother correcting her. Everyone seems intent on calling me that, no matter how many times I insist I am not their Luna.

"Thank you, Mia," I say, standing.

"Enjoy the party," she says with a warm smile.

Enjoy. Sure.

I close the door behind me and make my way downstairs, the sound of laughter and music growing louder with each step. Thepack house is alive with energy, wolves chatting and mingling, their smiles bright and their spirits high.

Bane is standing at the center of it all, his presence commanding without even trying. He is speaking with a group of pack members, his voice steady and authoritative, but his expression softens as his eyes find mine.

"Aria," he says, excusing himself and walking toward me.

"Bane," I reply, my tone neutral.

His gaze sweeps over me, lingering for a moment. "The dress suits you."

"Was this your way of ensuring I'd show up?" I ask, crossing my arms.

He smirks. "It worked, didn't it?"

I roll my eyes but can't suppress the small smile tugging at my lips. "You're insufferable."

"And yet, here you are," he says, his voice low and teasing.

Before I can respond, a pack member approaches us. "Alpha, the northern patrol reported back. Everything is clear."

"Good," Bane says with a nod before turning away as an old couple walks in.

As he moves through the crowd, I can't help but notice how people gravitate toward him.

"Everyone, settle down!" Bane's voice booms over the chatter, drawing everyone's attention to the center of the room.

The crowd falls silent almost instantly. He stands tall, his expression firm yet approachable, and I find myself watching him, unable to look away.

A guard whispers something in his ear, and he nods toward me. Moments later, another guard approaches, this time turning to me.

"Luna," he says, dipping his head respectfully.

I frown slightly at the title but let it slide. "Yes?"

"The Alpha has requested your assistance," he says, gesturing toward a group of younger wolves standing by the food table. "There's been a bit of a mix-up with the seating arrangements, and we could use your help sorting it out."

I glance toward Bane, who is now deep in conversation with an older wolf. His attention is completely occupied, yet he'd somehow thought to involve me in this.

"Of course," I say, straightening. "Lead the way."

The laughter and chatter gradually die down as the party winds to a close. Guests begin trickling out in pairs and groups, theirmurmured goodbyes echoing softly through the dimly lit halls. Even as the crowd thins, I can't seem to relax. My eyes keep drifting to Bane, who moves through the room.

He nods at a few lingering guests, exchanging polite words, but his gaze always finds its way back to me, lingering just long enough to make my heart race.

I try to keep my distance, pretending to be engrossed in the glass of champagne I've been nursing for far too long. I can't talk to him—not now, not after what happened the last time we were alone.

God, why can't I stop thinking about it? The way his hands gripped me, the way his voice sounded when he growled my name, the way he left me. It's infuriating.

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