Chapter 37

The next few days, I avoid Adrian like my life depends on it. I hardy see him at all. When I do, it’s in passing and I do my best not to engage with him. It’s probably obvious that I’m trying to stay away from him, but until I get my head and my body under control, it’s for the best.

It’s actually easier than I thought it would be. Adrian has spent a lot of time at work, and I hardly see him anyway.

Julian’s party comes up fast. He texts me the day before and lets me know that it’s a yacht party. I immediately call Erica, who comes to my rescue with an impromptu shopping trip to find an appropriate dress. It’s not as upscale as the ceremony, but the simple green knee-length halter dress is still pretty, and I feel ready and confident wearing it.

We all ride to the party together. At first, I’m surprised that Adrian is coming, especially given the tension between him and his son. When I ask Julian about it, he rolls his eyes.

“It would considered an insult for the heir not to invite the Alpha to a party where he is acknowledging his mate. We have to show unity in front of the pack.” He explains.

It makes sense and even though I have been trying not to think it, I feel better knowing that Adrian will be there. The memories of how poorly the ceremony went still haunt me.

The yacht is massive and already full of people by the time we arrive. I’m coming to understand that the Whitmore’s always tend to arrive fashionably late.

I walk onto the boat and step onto the deck. Julian is ahead of me and Adrian behind. A collection of heads turn to survey us as we enter the party and I feel the same scrutinizing eyes that assaulted me only a few weeks ago.

Julian immediately takes my hand and begins to introduce me to some of the younger guests. They are polite, but it’s clear they’re not sure about me. I feel Adrian’s presence and hear his voice greeting some other guests behind me.

I try to keep my attention on Julian, but Adrina’s presence is hard to ignore.

Before I know it, Julian is excusing himself to the bar, leaving me alone with his friends who are looking at me like they’ve been waiting to catch me alone. I consider running after Julian, but that would only serve to add to their amusement.

Suddenly, a hand grasps my elbow lightly. I’m relieved to see that it’s Adrian, moving to escort me away. “Excuse us.” He says to the group I’ve been abandoned with. “There is someone I would like for you to meet.”

I immediately feel my tension ease as he extends his arm for me to grasp and leads me across the room. I feel far more secure knowing he there. Even though I know I need to leave and go back to Julian.

“Lily, may I introduce Philip, one of our senior pack members.” Adrian introduces an older looking man in is late seventies. The man smiles warmly at me and clasps my extended hand with both hands.

“My dear, it is such a pleasure to meet you.” He greets.

I return his smile. “Likewise.”

“I must say, you are lovely. When he heard that Adrian was bringing a new mate, I was overjoyed.” He continues.

My smile dies on my face. “I’m sorry?”

“Well, you are our Alpha’s mate, are you not?” he asks and my stomach flips. Why did he think that? It seemed that everyone here knew this party was for Julian’s mate. What did I do to make him think I was here with Adrian?

I look down at my hand on Adrian’s arm and my face drains of color. Before, I can snatch it away, Adrian places his hand on it and leans down to the older man, his eyes dancing with humor.

“Philip, Lily is my son’s mate. She is my future daughter-in-law.” He informs the old man, who looks confused at the correction. Then he begins to laugh.

“Forgive an old man, my dear.” He chuckles. “You just look so much like the young women Adrian showed interest in when he was a younger man, I assumed.”

I give him a polite smile that I hope reaches my eyes. The man meant nothing by it, but my mind is in overdrive, and I can’t help but wonder what he meant. Did he mean to say I was Adrian’s type?

I don’t get the chance to consider it for long. Julian arrives and pulls me away to meet yet more of his friends. They aren’t nearly as friendly as Philip, and I almost wish I could just go hide in the corner with the old man.

The next few hours go by in a flurry. Julian escorts me from person to person, introducing me as his mate. Then he would step away and Adrian would swoop in to bring me to the next, introducing me immediately as his future daughter-in-law.

None of it felt right. I did my best to keep a polite smile plastered to my face, but I was getting exhausted and the distant cordial way Adrian kept introducing me didn’t feel good. I tried to stay glued to Julian’s side, but inevitably, he would leave me, and Adrian would be there. His solid presence a comfort I shouldn’t feel.

I don’t know why my heart sunk a little every time he called me Julian’s mate. That’s what I was. But every time the words were uttered, a little voice inside my head told me it was wrong.

“Excuse me.” I say to Adrian and make my way to the bathroom. Thankfully, it’s empty and I allow myself a few moments to breathe in the peace. I wasn’t made for this. I feel stretched thin and completely out of my element in this place. I wasn’t meant for the double talk and the lies behind the smiles.

I collect myself and leave the bathroom, but I’m not ready to join the party yet. I step to the side by the railing and look out at the ocean.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” A man I was introduced to earlier approaches. Allen, I remember his name. “I love the ocean.”

“I do too.” I agree and this time, my smile is genuine.

“Tell me, how are you enjoying the party?” He asks.

“It’s lovely. It’s so kind of Julian to do this.” I say. I hope he believes my words better than I do. In reality, I’ve seriously considered the pros and cons of diving into the sea and swimming to shore for the last hour.

“Well, we are all happy to finally meet you. Julian has said so much about you.” He hands me a glass of champaign, and I reach to take it.

“Thank you.” I say, bringing the flute to my lips, but stopping short at the sharp tone of my name being spoken.

“Alpha.” Allen bows his head slightly as Adrian approaches.

His eyes are suspicious and a little angry, at me or Allen, it’s hard to say.

“You’re dismissed.” Adrian says to Allen shortly. The other man doesn’t hesitate to turn and leave. Adrian takes the glass from my hand and tosses the contents overboard.

“What was that?” I ask quietly, a little afraid that I’ve done something wrong.

“Do not speak to him alone again.” Adrian says quietly, so as not to be overheard.

My temper flares a little. I’m finally having a half decent conversation with someone who isn’t looking at me like I’m a bug on their shoe, and this is how he responds?

“Why not?” I ask.

“Because speaking to other men in dark corners is how rumors spread, and he is conniving.” He says evenly, though I can tell he doesn’t like my questioning him.

“Stay near me. Do not find yourself alone with another man here.” The words of the instruction would be considered protective were it not for the tone. There’s almost a hint of jealousy underneath the command.

Except I’m just his future daughter-in-law. He has no reason to be jealous, and if Julian doesn’t care, why should he? I should just agree, but I hate being told what to do on a good day. And I’m not having a good day.

“What gives you the authority to tell me who I can and cannot speak to?” I ask irritably.

“I think you know.” He responds, the implication in his words bringing my heart to a gallop.

I swallow against the heat in his eyes. He’s practically challenging me to acknowledge the tension between us.

“Lily!” Julian calls, waving me over to him. I plaster a smile back onto my face as fake as the eyelashes on the girl he’s speaking to.

“Excuse me.” I say to Adrian. I can’t help but notice the way his jaw clenches with frustration as I walk away.