---- 1 Her voice carried such unwillingness and fury that several guests actually stepped back. The raw emotion was uncomfortable to witness. Damon's expression grew uglier with each word. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, anda muscle in his jaw twitched with barely controlled rage. The surrounding guests had given up all pretense of polite conversation. They whispered openly now, their voices creating a buzz of scandal and speculation. "Is this true?" "The Eternal Crystals are really that valuable?" "He spent that much on a woman who isn't even his destined mate?" "This is unprecedented." Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Damon's guard wolves quickly stepped forward to try damage ---- control. Marcus, his Beta, grabbed Lydia's arm with a firm but respectful grip. "Miss Ashford," he said in a low, urgent whisper. " Please, we explained everything clearly before. The Alpha is only with Sage Rivers because she's Garrett Rivers' sister." "You know Garrett Rivers, right?" another guard added quietly. "The Alpha's biggest rival for the King position. They've been fighting for territorial control for years." Marcus nodded, his voice becoming more persuasive. "This is all strategy. As long as Garrett Rivers withdraws from the race, the Alpha can be elected the next Alpha King. Think of the power that would bring to both our packs." "He's using Sage Rivers to threaten her brother," the third guard explained. "Once he's accomplished his goal, he'll dissolve the mating bond and fulfill his engagement to you." ---- Another pack member stepped closer, his tone desperately placating. "Miss Ashford, you're making this much more complicated than it needs to be. Just go back to your pack for now. When the Alpha finishes handling this political situation, he'll come to you and explain everything properly." But Lydia shook off their hands with surprising strength, her eyes blazing. "Don't touch me!" she snapped. "Why should I have to hide in the shadows like some shameful secret?" Her voice rose to address the entire banquet hall. "I'm his fiancée! Our engagement was arranged by both packs and blessed by the Moon Goddess herself! Yet I have to watch while she-a mere tool being used ina political game-gets showered with genuine love and affection?" She turned back to Damon, her gaze boring into him like she was trying to see straight through to his soul. ---- "T won't accept this anymore! Damon Blackwood, I want you to tell me personally, right here in front of everyone-do you really only see Sage Rivers as a tool touse?" The challenge hung in the air like a blade. Every person in the banquet hall held their breath. But Damon remained completely silent, his eyes cold as winter ice, as if her desperate questioning had nothing to do with him. His pack members grew visibly anxious. They exchanged worried glances before someone finally pushed Damon's shoulder. "Alpha, say something!" Marcus hissed urgently. " Don't let this situation get completely out of hand!" "Just say you don't care about her," another guard whispered desperately. "One sentence to satisfy Miss Ashford. Say it quickly before the guests start talking." "Alpha, you've said it before to us," a third added." Just tell her the same thing you told us. Repeat it one more time."