I let the recording continue for a full minute so their voices were clear and their faces easy to recognize. Then I stopped. I saved the file to my cloud storage. Then into a protected folder. After that, I sent a copy to my lawyer.
***
The following evening, the Grand Ballroom overflowed with nobles, Alphas, and powerful pack leaders. The hall shimmered with elegant suits and expensive gowns. It was the most important social gathering of the season.
I wore the necklace. The diamonds rested heavily against my throat like a chain I was ready to break.
Jareth stood beside me with his hand resting possessively on my back. He performed perfectly. He smiled for the flashing cameras, laughed at the correct moments, and leaned close to whisper sweet words that meant nothing.
“You look beautiful tonight, Shara,” he said as photographers surrounded us.
“Happy Mating Anniversary,” I replied with a bright smile.
Then we moved through the crowd while people offered congratulations.
Luvena was there too. Of course she was.
She wore a bright red dress that clashed with the elegant decorations. She stood near the tall tower of champagne glasses, watching us with sharp eyes like a hunting wolf.