The Royal Alpha

Chapter 32: First Kiss

SIERRA

"Daddy?" I say softly, reaching out to stop him as he turns toward the table occupied by Aztec and Avery and their parents. "Our pack's table is over there."

He smiles at me, patient, and shakes his head. "No, sweetheart. The Alphas of our pack and Avery's parents asked us to join them tonight. They thought it would be good for the families to sit together—get to know each other properly."

My stomach tightens.

What if Avery's parents find out about Aztec and me? About how close we once were? The thought alone is enough to make my palms dampen. Before I can protest further, my mother gently grips my wrist and steers me forward, her expression calm but firm.

"There's nothing to worry about," she murmurs, as if sensing my unease.

I glance toward Caliana's table out of instinct—and that's when I see him.

Fenris.

He's standing, pulling out a chair for a girl I don't recognize.

My breath catches.

As far as I know, Fenris doesn't have a sister. Lycidas doesn't either, and Zion—Caliana's brother—is seated several places away, paying the girl no attention at all. Then why is Fenris playing host? Why is he leaning in, speaking quietly, smiling in a way that feels... familiar?

A sharp prick flares at the back of my neck.

Not a tickle.

Pain.

Like a needle pressing insistently into my skin.

I look away quickly, ashamed of the intensity of my reaction, but the image lingers. Fenris laughing softly, engaged, present—with someone else. I try to will him to look at me, just once, but he doesn't even scan the room. He seems utterly absorbed in the conversation at his table.

Anger flickers—hot, irrational—but it burns inward, aimed squarely at myself.

I did this.

This is the consequence of pushing him away.

"Sierra."

I turn at Avery's voice, grateful for the distraction.

"Hey," I say, forcing a smile as I step toward her. "Congratulations."

I kiss her cheek, genuine affection grounding me.

"Mom, Dad," Avery says brightly, "this is my friend and Aztec's packmate, Sierra Boris. And these are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Boris. Sierra—meet my sister, Myra."

I immediately like Myra. There's warmth in her eyes, curiosity without judgment. Avery squeezes my shoulder subtly, sensing my tension, and gestures for me to sit.

Aztec reaches out as if to ruffle my hair—a familiar, brotherly habit—but I dodge neatly, saving my carefully done hairstyle. I give him a mock scowl, and he laughs, unbothered.

I take my seat beside my father, with Alpha Christopher to my other side. My mother sits across from me, next to Avery's mother. The arrangement feels intentional, balanced, proper.

From where I sit, I have a clear view of Fenris.

And the woman beside him.

I tell myself—firmly—that she must be an old friend. That she has to be. The alternative twists something ugly and panicked in my chest, and I refuse to let that thought settle.

Dinner unfolds around me in polite conversation and easy laughter, but I barely register any of it. My body is present, nodding at the right moments, lifting my fork, sipping my drink—but my mind is entirely elsewhere.