"Are you all right?" he asked, his voice carrying the calm authority of a dominant wolf.
Emma jolted to her feet, confusion swirling in her eyes as if she had just stepped into the mansion of a higher-ranked pack without warning.
"I… I'll… clean it," she stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper, betraying her unease.
"Sit down," he waved her back with a subtle but commanding gesture.
She lowered herself onto the seat with the careful grace of a she-wolf who feared even the slightest disturbance could break the fragile peace around her. He signaled one of his domestic workers. After a few moments, a she-wolf entered with cleaning supplies and swiftly restored the lounge to order.
Silence lingered. Heavy. Oppressive.
None of them spoke.
Emma felt as though she had just handed herself a rejection sealed with finality.
"Brandon, is she alright?" Ashley asked, his tone edged with scrutiny, drawing out his words like a careful hunt.
