"I see," I said slowly. "Then I'll go on my own."
Elliot had just turned his attention back to Jared on the lawn, his Alpha focus softening for a moment, but the instant my words landed, it snapped back to me. His awareness never truly divided; it shifted like a predator marking movement inside its territory.
"You're going?" he asked.
"Felicia said there will be performances," I replied. "I'm interested."
I could already feel the anticipation building beneath my skin. Hendrix O'rion's voice had always carried a strange resonance, even through recordings, like a low-frequency call that stirred instinct rather than just emotion.
Elliot's gaze held mine for a second longer than necessary, then he changed his stance entirely. "Alright. I'll have Rey adjust my schedule."
That made me pause. "That's not necessary. Your pack duties come first."
His expression remained calm, but the pressure in his presence didn't lessen. "Work is never more important than my mate."
