Chapter 21 : Reunion at the Banquet - 2 I nodded , trying to keep my voice steady . My hands fidgeted with the strap of my purse . " I blocked him everywhere . He should get the message . " Lily tilted her head curiously , her sharp eyes missing nothing . " Suddenly realized something ? " A flash of self - mockery glinted in my eyes . The words felt like stones in my throat . " He treated me as a substitute . " Shock and anger burst from Lily . Her face flushed red as she clenched her fists . " That bastard dared to humiliate you ? Our Liv is irreplaceable ! He's blind ! " She looked ready to hunt Ethan down herself . Rebecca nodded firmly , her normally gentle demeanor hardening . " Good riddance ! He never deserved you . " I looked at them both , my amber eyes calm as a still lake . Their fierce loyalty touched me deeply . " It's all in the past . Let's not talk about it . Let's go upstairs . Connor is waiting . " The hotel manager personally guided us - a sign of respect for our status within werewolf society . His deferential manner reminded me of the political realities of pack life . As we approached the private dining room on the fourth floor , I wrapped my trench coat tighter against the autumn chill . My stomach fluttered with unexpected nervousness . I was aware of all eyes turning to me as I stepped into the room , my refined demeanor drawing attention without effort . The conversations paused momentarily . Ethan Quinn was the first to greet me , his familiar teasing grin spreading across his face . He stood up quickly , nearly knocking over his chair in his enthusiasm . " Liv , you're finally here . Haven't seen you in three years , you've gotten even prettier . " His eyes swept over me appreciatively . Lily rolled her eyes dramatically , stepping slightly in front of me protectively . " Can you be less greasy , Quinn ? That's not a compliment , that's just oily . " " This is called high emotional intelligence social skills , " Ethan feigned annoyance , placing a hand over his heart as if wounded . 1/4 < Chapter 21 Reunion at the Ba " Ignore him , " Lily said , dragging me away from his banter . Her grip on my arm was firm , almost territorial . +25 Puntos Meanwhile , Rebecca took a seat beside her brother Gabriel Andrews , who only nodded subtly in greeting , calm and restrained as always . His observant eyes missed nothing , I noticed . I naturally took the seat next to Connor . The familiar scent of his cologne was oddly comforting . " Con , sorry to keep you waiting . " My voice softened automatically when addressing him . His voice was gentle and indulgent , a stark contrast to his usual coldness . " No , we just arrived . " His ice - blue eyes then shifted coldly to the young woman beside him . The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees . " Why aren't you greeting her ? " The authority in his tone was unmistakable . The girl's tone was reluctant and dismissive , betraying her true feelings . Her eyes flickered over me with barely concealed hostility . " Hello , Miss Winters . " This was Vanessa Reed - Connor's adoptive sister . I'd only heard of her , never met her before . She had been raised away from the Rivers territory and sent to study abroad for years , only recently returned . Connor's tone sharpened , carrying unmistakable authority . His shoulders tensed visibly . " Olivia is my future wife , your sister - in - law . Is that how you greet her ? Who taught you that ? " Vanessa's expression stiffened as she sensed his anger . Her fingers clutched at the tablecloth . " I'm sorry , brother . " Her voice was small but defiant . But Connor pushed further , his voice like ice . Everyone at the table had gone completely still . " Who should you apologize to ? " Vanessa turned stiffly toward me , her voice subdued but her eyes blazing with resentment . " Sister - in - law , I'm sorry . " I smiled awkwardly , feeling uncomfortable with the tension . The hostility radiating from her was almost palpable . 2/4 < Chapter 21 Reunion at the Ba +25 Puntos 2 " No need , we're family . It's alright . " I tried to diffuse the situation , not wanting to start my relationship with her this way . This was our first meeting as future sisters - in - law , yet it felt so strained . I placed my hand gently on Connor's arm , feeling the tension in his muscles . " Con , don't be so fierce . " I kept my voice soft , meant only for him . His coldness melted instantly , replaced by a soft smile . The transformation was remarkable to witness . " Okay . " The single word carried a tenderness that surprised even me . I noticed Vanessa watching this transformation , her fists tightening under the table until her knuckles turned white . The jealousy and defiance in her eyes were unmistakable . Lily immediately sensed Vanessa's hostility . She deliberately raised her voice , leaning forward with exaggerated concern . " Miss Reed , you don't look well . Want me to get a doctor ? " Her tone was sweet but her eyes were challenging . Vanessa's face darkened , a muscle twitching in her jaw . " No need . " Lily snorted contemptuously , muttering just loud enough to be heard , " What an act . " I shot Lily a warning glance , but she merely shrugged . I could tell from her expression that her intuition was screaming warnings about Vanessa . Lily had always been perceptive about people's true intentions . Ethan Quinn , who overheard Lily's mutters , tugged her arm gently under the table . " Stop it , she's Connor's sister . Give her some face ," he whispered , not quite quietly enough . Lily pinched his arm ruthlessly , glaring . " Try pulling again ! " Ethan yelped in pain , yanking his arm away . " Sorry , sorry ! Have mercy ! " The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife . I glanced at Connor , who was watching the interactions with a calculating coldness . Just then , the door was pushed open and a new arrival interrupted the scene . A voice announced , " Sorry , I'm late because of the traffic . " Comentarios