Chapter 35

I stepped out of the house in a better mood than I should’ve been.

It was stupid. I was the Alpha—I should’ve been serious. But I couldn’t stop myself from teasing her.

My mind drifted back to Emily’s pale face. My lips twitched into a small, private smile.

I could still catch her scent, sweet strawberries, lingering near those books my mother used to keep hidden on the highest shelves. Stories full of passion and things that made your blood run hot. Judging by how bright red Emily had turned, she’d found them too.

The thought stirred something darker in me.

“Something’s got you smiling,” Liam muttered beside me.

“Nothing,” I said, straightening my expression too quickly, forcing myself back into the role of the serious Alpha.

He snorted. “Yeah. Sure.”

We didn’t get far.

“Both of you.”

My father’s voice cut through the air like a blade. We stopped. Turned. He stood near the terrace, his shadow