I froze in the washroom as the gossip around me buzzed like a restless pack outside my territory. Another female voice slithered through the air with jealousy dripping from every word. "Wow, they really went all in! I bet it's his mate! You know, the one who came to the company and got slapped by Anastasia?"
My ears twitched. They had no idea how close to the truth they were, nor did they know who had left the mark on Elliot's neck. The thought made my wolf stir with possessive instinct. Every flicker of jealousy, every whispered speculation about my bond with him, made my fur bristle in silent warning.
"I can't help but wonder about Anastasia's strength," another hissed. "She got out unscathed after striking President Presgrave's mate. That's gutsy."
"They say Alpha tolerates her because of her beauty," a third voice added, envy sharp as teeth.
"And maybe he likes her… maybe her position in the pack will rise once she's bonded to him," another suggested with a low, hungry tone.
