Rule number one of this lifestyle: never speak to the paparazzi during unplanned interviews.

One of the people in the crowd reached out to touch Rachel, getting a little too excited in her presence. I pulled Rachel closer to me, putting a hand on her waist, and guided her the rest of the way to the crowd. Rachel didn’t seem to mind the closeness; she beamed and gave me a bright smile, which I ignored.

My only focus was to get us inside safely.

Once we were inside, I released my hold on her as if she had bruised me.

She frowned when she noticed the distance between us.

“May I take your coat?” Someone asked Rachel, pointing at the shawl around her shoulders, covering her dress.

Rachel nodded, her eyes never leaving mine as she handed him the shawl. He went to put it with the other coats in the closet.

As always, the charity event was held in the most elegant fashion. Wait staff went around with champaign flute offerings to guests; hors d’oeuvres were being brought around on platters. It was a black-tie event, so everyone was dressed in the most elegant fashion. There was also music being played in the background; classical retakes of popular songs to appease the younger generation.

The hostess of the event, Elana Michalson, stood at the center of attention; her short curls bouncing around her features and her green dress hugging her figure, making most of the men drool at her feet. She had been the hostess of these charity events for years, and they’ve always been a success. Her husband is one of the top Alphas, and they both come from rich families. Elana also descends from strong Alpha blood, making her an Alpha female, though she takes on the role as a Luna to support her husband, Alacar Michalson of the Blue River pack. “Should we get a drink?” Rachel asked as she too took in the scenery around her. “We need to say hello to Elana first,” I informed her. “She’s the hostess after all.”

I went towards Elana, who was entertaining a few other guests with tales of her recent travel, making them laugh at her witty commentary and colorful storytelling. Rachel stood behind me, a bit hesitant in her movements, but she followed me, nevertheless.

Elana noticed me approaching, and her face lit up as she excused herself from her current conversation.

“Alpha Landry,” she greeted as she approached me. She kissed both sides of my cheeks as she often did in greeting. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“I’ve never missed any of your events, Elana,” I remind her. “And I’ve told you before, call me Gavin.”

She was one of the few I allowed to call me by my given name instead of my title or formal last name. Given our history and how she had there for me and my family countless times, I owed her @great debt. I’m not sure I would have been able to find Matthew when he was 1 year old if it weren’t for Elana’s help during the search.

“It’s really good to see you,” she said, pulling back to look up at me. “You look well, how are things at home? Are the kids good?”

I nodded.

“They aren’t much kids anymore,” I told her. Trene turns 21 soon, and Matt is turning 8, but he’s acting like he’s in his 20s. He’s wise beyond his years and just completed his first shift.”

Elana’s eyes widened.

“How is that possible?” She asked. “It’s never been known for anyone ot shift that early in life.”

“I know; I’m still not sure myself, but we are handling the best we can,” I told her.

Her eyes found Rachel, who was standing behind me.

“And who is this?” Elana asked, raising her brows.

“This is Rachel,” I introduced. “An old friend.”

Rachel frowned at my introduction, but then she plastered on a fake smile and shook Elana’s hand.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Rachel said.

“Likewise,” Elana replied, eyeing

Rachel suspiciously. She opened her mouth to say something, but the murmuring in the distance caught her attention, and her eyes narrowed before widening. I was about to turn to see who caught Elana’s attention, but then I smelled her.

Her scent wafted through the room, rooting me to the ground. My wolf was

immediately alert as his senses grew stronger.

It was Rachel’s words that confirmed my suspicions.

“What is she doing here??”