Adrian entered the pack house with his officials. I sprang to my feet in shock, but Jason remained unruffled, seemingly aware of Adrian's arrival.

Adrian, preceded by four guards, walked toward us like a king. I recognized Beta Patric and Delta Julian (the latter having picked me up from the hotel). The other two men behind Adrian were the Theta and Gamma of the Crystal Blood Pack; I didn't know them.

"Alpha Adrian, welcome to the Blue Blood Pack," my brother said, shaking hands with him.

Dumbfounded, I quickly glanced at their handshake before focusing on my brother. What was happening? Why was he so polite to Adrian?

I felt like a fool, watching the officials shake hands with exaggerated formality. "Brother, why is he here?" I whispered.

My brother, however, responded loudly, as if for Adrian to hear: "My little baby, don't be like this. Be a professional and greet our guests."

I frowned at Jason. What was he thinking? He gave me a subtle nod.

Sighing, I turned to Adrian, who was watching me intently. He extended his hand. "We meet again, Miss Natalia," he said.

I remembered the party, his kiss on my neck, the mark that lingered for four days. I offered him a tight smile, avoiding his hand. "Yeah, welcome to our pack."

I refused to shake his hand. The last time, he'd held it for over a minute. I couldn't risk it in front of Jason; his short temper and possessiveness were legendary. What if he killed Adrian right then and there?

When Adrian realized my reluctance, he looked at his hand, then slowly clenched it into a fist.

"Honestly, my sister doesn't like strangers touching her," Jason interjected, a clear taunt referencing the party.

Adrian nodded calmly. "It's a good thing," he added, then muttered, almost inaudibly, "She shouldn't let anyone touch—"

"Did you say something?" Jason asked, feigning ignorance.

"Nothing."

Adrian sat on the opposite couch; we resumed our previous positions. Eric sat beside me; the others settled on other couches.

"The pack meeting is tomorrow. You're a day early. I didn't know Alpha Adrian had so much free time to visit other packs," Jason said derisively. Now I understood his politeness—it was mockery.

Adrian chuckled. He seemed remarkably cheerful. "I heard other Alphas are courting you, so I thought I'd try my luck. Alpha Jason is promising; I believe he'll give others a chance—"

I felt a chill at the veiled threat in their polite words.

Both Alphas began discussing their plans, leaving me utterly confused. The situation was grave. For years, mentioning Adrian was taboo. Yet, here he was, in our home, proposing an alliance. I wished my parents were here; they'd handle this far better. What if something offends my brother and he attacks Adrian? It would break years of peace, I thought, starting to cough from the stress.

"Do you want some water?" Eric asked softly.

I shook my head. "No, I'm okay."

He leaned closer. "If you don't want to be here, you can go inside."

"No, I can't trust that man with my brother. Besides, why didn't you tell me about his arrival?" I asked Eric.

He looked stunned. "What?"

"Didn't I tell you last night?"

"When?"

"The moment you went to bed."

I was shocked. "You put me to bed? You carried me to my room?"

"Of course. Who else would?" Eric shrugged.

"Thanks. Good job," I chuckled awkwardly.

He shook his head. "You owe me a drink. Then we'll talk." He clearly held a grudge, remembering my preference for drinking with Max.

Eric was a close friend, so I considered his request. "If my brother allows, I'll drink with you tomorrow. Happy?"

He was about to nod, but his eyes flicked to the others. We'd been whispering, hadn't we? Everyone was staring. Adrian's face was dark. I looked at Jason.

"You two can have your private conversation later. We have a guest. How can my Beta and my sister, the CEO of my company, be so unprofessional?" Jason said, a smile playing on his lips despite the reprimand.

But we weren't being unprofessional, not really. Was he saying that because of Adrian?

"Where were we, Alpha Adrian?" Jason asked, clearing his throat.

"I've heard of your hospitality," Adrian said, looking around. "Perhaps I could experience it firsthand by staying here for a day?"

I nearly facepalmed. How could Jason possibly refuse? But then, his sharp words cut through the air:

"I can't allow that. Only select Alphas stay in the Blue Blood Pack house, and you aren't one of them."

(The promotional text at the end has been removed.)