My phone vibrated in my pocket as I entered the hotel. I hadn't paid attention to it for hours. A quick glance showed Beta Eric talking to a manager in the lobby. He didn't see me. After taking the elevator to my room, I realized I was staying in the same hotel as the Blue Blood Pack, unbeknownst to them.

Entering my room, I saw a man on the couch, on the phone. He stood and turned to me.

"Adrian, where were you?"

"Why are you in my room, Patric?" I asked, walking toward the closet.

"Bro, seriously? This isn't our pack. You're Head Alpha. What if someone attacks you? I was freaking out because of you."

I turned. "Your Alpha can handle any attack. Don't panic."

I retrieved a suit and went to the bathroom.

"How can I not worry? My Alpha's not in his right state of mind. He's in lov—"

I glared at him, silencing him. He raised his hands in surrender. I entered the bathroom, hearing him shout from outside.

"You're regretting your divorce."

"Fuck off, Patric."

The door closed. In the shower, I sighed and closed my eyes. I was conflicted, both internally and with my wolf. I couldn't agree with anything Patric said. Then, Natalia's face flashed in my mind, and I opened my eyes. I lifted my head, letting the icy water wash over my face, running my fingers through my hair.

After getting dressed, I left my room. Passing Patric's door, my thoughts raced. I left the hotel and got in my car. Because I'd signed a deal with this pack, I'd need to be here often. I instructed my driver to take me to the party.

The venue was a half-hour drive away. People stared curiously as I got out of the car. Ignoring them, I entered the hall.

Orchids decorated the hall; a low-hanging chandelier illuminated the entire space. Many pack company CEOs were there with their people, including several women who hadn't been at yesterday's conference. I assumed the Alphas had brought their wives or girlfriends.

Alpha Seth approached, apologizing as if he thought I was angry. I didn't argue. I didn't care what anyone thought about that woman. But that changed the moment I saw her enter.

Her maroon gown, sleeveless and backless, hugged her stunning figure. There wasn't a scar or flaw on her.

"Miss Natalia's here! She's extraordinary!" people whispered.

"Mine," my wolf growled.

I looked away, though my eyes lingered on her. I turned back to Alpha Seth, who was looking at Natalia. I raised an eyebrow. He noticed and turned to me sheepishly.

"I was just looking. Don't take it seriously."

I looked away. He was an ally, and I didn't want to intimidate him.

I went to the bar and ordered a drink, my gaze fixed on Natalia.

"Stop thinking about what can't happen, Alpha Adrian. She's not yours anymore," a voice said. I turned.

"Beta Eric," I muttered, raising my glass. "Enjoy your drink."

I barely paid attention. He was just a beta from another pack, probably less powerful than Patric. If Natalia hadn't been my ex-wife, he and his Alpha would have been far more polite, seeking an alliance.

"Cheers," he said, then looked at Natalia, which I disliked.

"You all lied about her children. They aren't yours," I said, sipping my drink.

"Not yours either," he replied mockingly.

My grip tightened, but I controlled myself. I was speechless. He was right. They weren't my children.

"Alpha Adrian, this isn't a warning, but an alarm. Stay away from Natalia. She's nothing to you anymore. She likes me, and I love her. We have a future, Jason already arranged."

I frowned. "You're lying."

He chuckled. "I'm not. Ask her."

I scoffed. "Of course. You want her. She's your Alpha's sister. That's why you're—"

"I love her. I don't care who fathered the children. I raised them. I was there at their birth. I'll be their father and guardian. They'll call me dad."

My heart ached. I didn't like his words, or his desire for her.

"If that's true, why isn't Alpha Jason announcing it?" I asked, suspecting a lie.

He shrugged. "She told her brother she wants to focus on her career. But I'll take care of her in the future. She knows her brother's thoughts. The wedding will—"

(The final sentence is cut off. The remaining text appears to be promotional for a website.)