"Awesome!" Jared nodded eagerly, his excitement bouncing straight into my chest.
I hesitated, my instincts restless. "Jared, maybe we should invite Mr. Nigel instead," I said carefully. "What do you think?"
In my mind, Nigel was safer. Familiar. Predictable. He didn't carry the overwhelming presence of an Alpha who could shake my balance with a single look.
"Nigel just took over his company," Jared replied seriously. "He won't have time to come."
"I should still ask him," I insisted. It felt necessary, like trying to reclaim control over a situation that was slipping too fast.
"No, Mommy!" Jared protested, shaking his head hard. "Fred already heard Mr. Presgrave say he's my father. If Mr. Nigel comes with me, everyone will know it's not true."
I froze.
So that was the damage already done.
