Chapter 66: Old Feelings

I let out a small laugh and lowered my eyes, playing the part."Yenik, how can you say something like that?" I said softly. "I’m already mated to an Alpha. I’m someone’s mate now."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping, heavy with confidence. "Riley, we’ve been through too much to end like this. Don’t you think I deserve more than memories? Do you really want to give yourself to a stranger? Especially someone like him." He scoffed. "He can’t even stand. Can he really protect you? Can he even be a real husband?"

I hesitated on purpose, letting doubt show. "But... this is the Hales’ estate. It’s crowded. Someone might see."

He waved it off, smirking. "No one’s watching. Everyone’s distracted. Just think about it."

I nodded slowly. "Alright. I’ll think about it."

Then I turned away.

When I glanced back, his expression had already shifted smug, sure of himself, like he’d already claimed what he wanted.

Disgusting.

So much for love.

If Yenik had ever truly cared for Riley, he would never have betrayed her. This was never about feelings. It was about control. About reclaiming something he believed still belonged to him.

He didn’t want her heart.

He wanted ownership.

And if that was the game he wanted to play, then I wouldn’t hold back.

I waited near the entrance, watching the flow of guests, until I saw her.

Sera Hudson.

Yenik’s younger sister.

From behind, she looked eerily like the old me. That must have been why Julian had mistaken her that day.

"Riley."

She recognized me instantly. Her face lit up. "It’s been so long! And you got bonded just like that? You’re still young. You didn’t have to rush."

I smiled gently. "Single or not, it didn’t change much in the end. I’m doing well now. That’s what matters. Come inside. It’s cold out here."

She had a softness about her. Calm. Gentle. But when she mentioned Julian, I caught the flicker in her eyes.

"Are things good with the Hales?" she asked. "Are you settling in?"

"Very well," I replied lightly. "I’m the youngest, so I get spoiled. Father even trusted me to oversee tonight’s banquet."

She nodded. "That explains why tonight feels different. You look... stronger. Happier. You’ve moved on." She hesitated. "My brother owes you an apology. Grandpa always spoke highly of you. I heard he helped organize tonight for your sake."

I shook my head. "This banquet isn’t for me. Or Lewis."

Her brows knit. "Then who?"

"Julian," I said quietly. "He hasn’t been well. Grandpa wants to lift his spirits. Tonight is meant to help him find someone suitable. Someone who might pull him back from the edge."

Her face fell. "But his mate... she just passed away."

"She did," I said softly. "It broke him. He’s been hospitalized more than once. I don’t think he’s ready, but Grandpa is worried. This might be his last hope."

I met her eyes. "Please don’t tell anyone. This isn’t public."

She nodded, then reached out and took my hand. Her grip was warm. Firm. Her gaze sharpened.

"Riley," she asked quietly, "how do you feel about how I’ve treated you all this time?"

I blinked. "You’ve always been kind."

Her fingers tightened just a little. "Then I want to ask you for something."

I tilted my head. "What is it?"

She glanced around, then lowered her voice.

"I’ve had feelings for Julian for years. After the accident when he pulled me from the wreck and stayed until I was safe something changed. I never said anything because he was already bonded. I kept it buried. But now that Elena is gone... I thought maybe I’d finally have a chance."

So I’d been right.

Sera Hudson had loved Julian all along.

I let out a slow breath before answering her.

"Sera, this won’t be simple. My father already has his eye on several high-status women for Julian. You know how the Hales operate. Once he decides something, the entire pack follows."

She tightened her grip on my hand. "Please, Riley. I’ve stayed silent for so long. I don’t want to lose him again. Help me. I really want to stand beside him."

The urgency in her voice startled me. I studied her face. She wasn’t asking on a whim. This was something she had carried for years.

"What exactly are you planning?" I asked.

She leaned in and whispered her idea. My eyes widened slightly.

"That’s dangerous," I said quietly. "If it goes wrong "

"I don’t care," she cut in. "I love him. Just this once. Help me."

I hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I’ll try."

We walked back into the hall together.

Not long after, Camilla approached me with a glass in hand, her smile sweet and false.

"Aunt Riley, you look gorgeous tonight," she said. "No wonder everyone keeps staring."

I raised an eyebrow. "That’s bold, coming from someone who was removed from the Hale circle. Who said you could still call me that?"

Her smile cracked. "Don’t get too proud."

I smiled instead. "Life has a way of circling back. It teaches people when they least expect it."

She let out a sharp laugh. "I’m curious what lesson you think I’m learning."

I leaned closer. "You’re not the only one hoping to bind yourself to this family. If that’s your goal, you should rethink it."

Her eyes turned cold. "Even if I don’t make it in, you won’t stay either."

She really believed she was in control.

I didn’t answer. I turned and rejoined Lewis, who stood calm and steady among the guests. I smiled when needed, spoke when required, and let the night unfold.

Later, Theo leaned in and murmured something near my ear. I nodded.

"Lewis, I’ll greet a few more people," I said.

"Go ahead," he replied, trusting without question.

I moved through the crowd. My mother tried to enjoy herself, though my father hovered close, restless and possessive. The Morrigans kept their distance. Yenik didn’t.

He approached with a glass. "Riley, let’s drink together."

"I’m not great with alcohol," I said lightly.

"It’s just a gesture," he insisted. "A few sips."

I lifted the glass and pretended to drink. When he walked away, I turned and quietly spit it into the napkin Theo passed me.

I wasn’t careless enough to let my guard down.

Across the room, Sera finally approached Julian. He looked tired, withdrawn. When she spoke, he barely reacted. His attention drifted.

Then Camilla stepped in.

Before she could say a word, Julian reached out and pulled Sera closer to his side. Camilla froze, shut out without explanation.

I caught Jane’s eye and gave a subtle signal.

Camilla’s drink was replaced shortly after. She was pregnant, so she avoided alcohol but tonight, she wouldn’t escape the effects.

My phone buzzed.

A message from Yenik.

Riley, come find me. I miss you.

I didn’t reply. I simply moved in the direction he named.

I knew Camilla was watching. I knew she’d follow.

Her plan was obvious. Catch me alone with Yenik. Twist it into a scandal. Push me out of the Hale territory.

What she didn’t know was that I’d already prepared the trap.

The moment she followed me, Theo stepped in. One clean strike. She went down before she could make a sound.

"Take her to the dark guest room," I said quietly.

At the same time, one of the guards found Yenik. He was already waiting near the utility room, tense and eager. One whispered lie was all it took to move him.

He walked straight into it.

Camilla thought she was clever. She thought using Yenik would drag me back into my past and stain my place here.

She underestimated how clearly I could see her moves.

Inside that room, chaos followed.

Disoriented and drugged, Yenik didn’t know who he touched. Camilla believed she was with Julian.

And Lincy?

She had no idea what storm was about to break.