elle
ckwood Manor dining hall
ve of whispers followed me. The words were quiet, but
erself into
s, trying to
had begun. He hadn't used fists or blades. He'd used words,
as a rival for the attention of the pack
nearby to hear. "Well, well, if it isn't our tragic heroine. I heard you to
ippled through t
pression impassive. "Mind
neer. "What's the matter? Ashamed to admit it? The whole pack is talking. They're saying you u
sts under the table, my n
's en
ace a mask of thunder. He grabbed Lydia's arm, his grip tight. "
r face flushing with indignation. "Eve
, his eyes flashing. "If I hear one more word of this, I'll h
dia shot me a venomous gl
r softening into concern. "D
hilling calm. I looked up at my cousin, my voice quiet. "Aidan,
ossip, Belle. People wit
e curious and contemptuous stares. "It's too fast. Too specific.
n We
ive affections. It erased his humiliation and, worse, it bound us together in a web of scandal. Now, no matte
touched my lips.
ith a worried expression. "You know," I said,
ed. "Belle, what are
y all want a show, then I'll give them one. Jalon wants to use gossip to trap me in his or
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