Chapter 4

Eliana's POV

"I'm feeling a little carsick," I said the next day, sliding into the back seat of Dustin's car. "I think I'll be more comfortable back here."

He frowned, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face before he masked it. "Of course, love." The physical distance I was creating was clearly unsettling his Alpha instincts. He needed his Anchor close, where he could feel her calming presence. Too bad for him.

When we arrived at the towering glass skyscraper of Powell Industries, he insisted on opening my door. As soon as I stepped out, he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close. It was a public performance. The Alpha and his cherished mate, a united front for all the pack members in the lobby to see.

*They are the perfect couple.*

*The Moon Goddess truly blessed our Alpha.*

The fawning thoughts of the other wolves flooded our Mind-Link. I wanted to scream. Instead, I smiled sweetly and leaned into his side, playing my part.

He settled me into a plush armchair in his penthouse office, a cage of glass and steel overlooking the city. "I just have to deal with a few... pack legal matters," he said, his eyes avoiding mine. "I'll be quick."

He left his personal phone-the one he wanted me to see-on the desk. A decoy. His affair was conducted on a separate, secret device. He thought I was a fool.

I waited a few minutes, then wandered out of the office, feigning a need for some fresh air. By the water cooler, two young Omega women were gossiping in hushed tones.

"...I heard she's pregnant," one whispered, her eyes wide. "She's been telling everyone. Says the Alpha is going to leave his mate for her."

"He bought her a condo downtown," the other added. "And a new car. Can you believe the nerve?"

Suddenly, a wave of pressure washed over the entire floor. The air grew thick, heavy with power. Dustin stood at the end of the hall, his face a thundercloud.

"Silence," he growled. It wasn't a request. It was an Alpha's Command. The two Omegas froze, their bodies going rigid with instinctual submission. One of them, the bolder one, managed to look up at him, a terrified but defiant smirk on her face. "Congratulations, Alpha," she squeaked out before he shot her a look that could kill.

I slipped back into his office before he saw me, my heart a block of ice. He stormed in moments later, his jaw tight. "Just some internal pack disputes," he lied, running a hand through his hair. "Nothing for you to worry about."

Just then, my own phone, a cheap burner I'd bought for cash, rang from my purse. I answered it, putting it on speaker for him to hear.

"Hello?"

"Good afternoon," a crisp, professional voice replied. "This is Lisbon Air, confirming Ms. Hope Tillman's flight to Lisbon, departing tomorrow at 8 a.m."

I smiled sweetly at Dustin, whose face had gone pale with confusion. "Yes, that's correct," I said into the phone. "Thank you for confirming."

I hung up, watching the storm gather in his eyes.