Page 33 of Noah

“Stop.”

I cut through their escalating argument, stepping between them before things could go any further.

“Pecan Pine town rules,” I said firmly. “No pack business in town. Disputes go on pack land. You both know that.”

Adrian’s gaze flicked to me, and for a moment, I thought he might argue. But then he looked around the bar, taking in the watchful eyes of the crowd.

Slowly, his eyes faded back to their usual brown, and he straightened, almost reluctantly.

He smirked again, but this time it was strained. “I take it back what I said earlier,” he said, his voice dripping with mockery. “Maybe Cooper’s tougher than I thought, keeping you all on such a tight leash.”

He tilted his head. “No, scratch that. Looks like it’s the town that’s got you on a leash.”

Before I could respond, Adrian turned and pushed past a few people, the crowd parting to avoid him.

Jackson exhaled sharply beside me, his jaw tight as he watched Adrian leave.

The tension in the bar slowly faded, but a faint unease still hung in the air. I scanned the room, making sure things were returning to normal.

Most people had gone back to their conversations, though a few still cast curious glances our way.

I turned back to Jackson, who was still standing close, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

He didn’t speak right away, just staring at the doorway Adrian had exited through.

Then, under his breath, he muttered, “You’re too nice sometimes, you know that?”

I blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

Jackson exhaled again, dropping his arms and turning his gaze to me. “It’s the summit. I get it—you have to treat everyone... I don’t know, civilly. But did you really have to invite Adrian tonight?”

It took me a second to process his words. “Invite him?” I repeated, confused.

Jackson’s lips pressed into a thin line. He looked away, running a hand through his hair.

“Never mind,” he muttered, though the stiffness in his posture and the way his fingers tapped against the edge of the table gave him away.

It clicked then, and I almost laughed—almost. Was he jealous?

I tilted my head, studying him. “I didn’t invite Adrian. He just showed up.”

Jackson’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to decide if he believed me.

“I’m serious,” I added. “Don’t let him get to you. That’s what he wants.”

Jackson didn’t respond right away. His gaze lingered on mine before dropping to the floor.

I hesitated, then leaned a little closer, lowering my voice. “I think he’s trying to stir things up. It’s no coincidence he’s here tonight. I’m not sure—maybe he’s up to something.”

Jackson’s expression darkened, but he didn’t seem surprised. “Did he say something?”

“Not much. But I can find out more?” I offered.

“No.” Jackson shook his head, cutting me off. “Forget it. Just... don’t spend any more time with him, okay?”

I couldn’t help it—a short, surprised chuckle slipped out.

Jackson glanced at me. “What’s so funny?”

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