Chapter 12
(Evelyn’s POV)
I heard Logan’s question: “Who are you?”
The venom in his tone made me pause, but before I could respond, my brother stepped in, his voice calm but deliberately provoking.
“Looking for Evelyn, I presume?” he said, his lips curling into a smirk. “She’s tired and going to bed.”
I could hear the challenge in his words, the way he was intentionally poking at Logan’s temper. My brother had always been fiercely protective of me, but now there was an edge to his tone that made me glance at him in warning.
Logan didn’t take long to respond. There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, a silence heavy with tension, and then his voice came through, harsher than before.
“She better be careful,” he said coldly. “She shouldn’t be flirting with other men—more than one, in fact—so openly while married. If she ruins her reputation like this, who will want her?”
I froze, the words hitting me like a slap. My chest tightened as anger surged through me, hot and sharp.
How dare he?
“Flirting with other men?” I repeated, my voice trembling with fury. “Are you serious right now? You think I’ve been jumping from one man to another?”
Logan’s silence on the other end only fueled my rage.
“Don’t you dare accuse me of cheating during our marriage,” I snapped, my grip tightening on the phone. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
He started to say something, but I didn’t let him finish. “Hang up,” I said sharply to my brother.
Without hesitation, Artemis ended the call, and the screen went dark. I let out a shaky breath, my hands trembling, as I set the phone down.
Logan’s accusations echoed in my mind, the bitterness and disdain in his voice replaying over and over. How could he say something like that?
After everything I had endured, after the way he had treated me during our marriage, he dared to accuse me of ruining my reputation?
I closed my eyes, willing myself to calm down. Tomorrow was another day, and I couldn’t let Logan’s words distract me. ***
The next day, following the Mate Ball, was the salon gathering. This was an opportunity I couldn’t afford to miss.
I arrived with my brother, stepping into the elegant hall that served as the venue.
The atmosphere was refined and sophisticated, the soft murmur of conversation filling the air as nobles, high-ranking Alphas, and Lunas mingled.
The scent of freshly brewed coffee and floral arrangements lingered, adding to the ambiance.
I adjusted the light chiffon scarf draped over my shoulders, my dress a simple yet elegant design in shades of ivory and gold. It wasn’t as eye-catching as my gown from the Mate Ball, but it was perfect for the occasion—subtle and dignified.
My brother stayed by my side as we moved through the crowd, his presence a constant source of reassurance.
“Just be yourself,” he said quietly, offering me a small smile. “You’ll do great.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath as I prepared to dive into the conversations. This wasn’t just about networking—it was about establishing myself, proving that I was more than just a rogue or Logan’s ex-wife.
The gathering covered a wide range of topics, from the economy to military affairs. Conversations shifted seamlessly from discussions of rogue group movements along the border to fluctuations in the kingdom’s stock prices.
I listened carefully, contributing when I had something valuable to add.
“The recent rise in rogue attacks is concerning,” one Luna said, her expression troubled. “It’s putting our trade routes at risk. What do you think, Evelyn?”
I hesitated for only a moment before responding. “I think the solution lies in strengthening alliances between packs,” I said. “If we pool our resources and coordinate patrols more effectively, we can secure the borders without overextending any one pack’s forces.”
Her eyes widened slightly, impressed. “You’ve clearly given this some thought,” she said with a smile.
Another Alpha joined the conversation, nodding in agreement. “That’s an excellent point. Evelyn, have you ever considered pursuing a career in diplomacy? Your insights are sharp.”
I smiled politely, though the compliment caught me off guard. “For now, I’m loyal to the royal family,” I replied.
The conversations continued, and to my surprise, I found myself becoming the focal point of the salon. Several Alphas who had paid attention to me during the Mate Ball approached, showering me with praise and admiration.
“You were the highlight of the ball last night,” one said, his tone warm.
“Your grace and intelligence are truly remarkable,” another added.
I accepted their compliments graciously, maintaining a polite but professional demeanor. I couldn’t afford to let my guard down—not here, not now.
Even the female Alphas present seemed impressed. A few of them asked if I had any career plans and offered me positions in their packs.
“I appreciate the offers,” I said with a smile, “but for now, I’m focusing on my role with the royal family.”
It was midway through the event when Logan and Emma arrived.
I noticed them immediately—Logan’s tall, commanding presence was impossible to miss. He was dressed impeccably, as always, and his mere presence drew the attention of nearly every woman in the room.
But my gaze didn’t linger on him for long.
Emma was glued to his side, her hand resting possessively on his arm as she smiled sweetly at those around her. She was clearly staking her claim, making it known to everyone that Logan was off-limits.
I sipped my drink, pretending not to notice them. Logan’s eyes swept over me briefly, but his expression gave nothing away.
It was as if he didn’t care about me and it suited me just fine.
Emma, however, seemed determined to make her presence known. “It feels so surreal being back here with Logan,” she says with a laugh that sounds rehearsed. “We were each other’s first mates, you know. That kind of bond never really fades.”
A few of the nearby guests turn their heads, clearly intrigued. I catch the glimmer of curiosity—and admiration—in their eyes as they take in her words. Emma soaks it up like a flower in sunlight.
“Oh yes,” she continues, smiling wide now, speaking just loud enough for others to hear. “It wasn’t just a fling. We were truly connected. The kind of connection the Moon Goddess only grants once in a lifetime.” My jaw clenches. I can feel the heat crawling up the back of my neck.
She leans in slightly, angling herself to face a small group of young Lunas better nearby. “We used to run together under the stars,” she says, wistful now. “It was beautiful. Logan was so devoted… protective.” Her eyes flick up to mine, sharp beneath the softness. “Still is, really.”
I ignored her, keeping my focus on the conversation I was engaged in. But when Emma moved toward the bar, I knew it wasn’t over.
She leaned in close as she ordered her drink, her voice low but sharp. “Since you’ve hooked up with the prince, stay away from Logan.”
I turned to her, arching an eyebrow. “ You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about and I couldn’t care less about him,” I said coolly, nodding in Logan’s very distant direction.
Emma’s lips curled into a sneer. “You, a rogue, are already at the pinnacle of your life by clinging to Logan. What else do you want?”
Her words made my blood boil. Without thinking, I raised my glass and splashed its contents in her face.
The liquid dripped down her cheeks, soaking into her perfectly styled hair and expensive dress. Gasps echoed around us as the room fell silent, all eyes turning toward us. Emma’s face twisted in rage as she lunged toward me, but before she could reach me, Logan appeared.
He stepped between us, his expression dark as he took in the scene. Emma, drenched and furious, glared at me as if daring me to speak.
Logan’s voice was cold and sharp as he addressed me. “Apologize. Now.”
I met his gaze, my own eyes burning with defiance. “Not a chance.”
