Chapter 21

Dinner invitation

Knox's POV

Susie stormed out of the room but I didn't care because my mind had already turned to Melissa and the fact that she wasn't coming to the dinner today.

She's always been beautiful, I suddenly thought, unable to stop myself. Her presence here had stirred up more memories I'd tried to bury, but they were impossible to ignore now that she was back.

And though I hated to admit it, I really really wanted her to be there tonight—not hiding away because of me or because of Susie.

I had already told Susie about Melissa now so there was no point hiding Melissa away.

I made a decision then. I grabbed my phone and called one of the pack's best designer and stylist. They were so good that they only ever made clothes for me, but I now gave them specific instructions to buy a dress for the woman occupying my mind.

Within an hour, they delivered a stunning blue dress—one that matched Melissa's eyes perfectly. I wrote a small note to attach to the dress, and had it sent to her room.

The note read.

Melissa, 

Please wear this tonight. The pack deserves to see the person who's going to save our son. You shouldn't have to hide for my sake. 

Yours sincerely, Knox

I honestly doubted she'd come but I sent it any way.

Melissa had made it perfectly clear that she wanted to spend time with her sons but I knew it was so she could stay out of sight, to avoid the inevitable drama.

But I hoped—no, I really wanted her to change her mind. To show up and remind everyone, including me, of the woman she truly was now.

The festival was In full swing by the time I arrived later that evening. The pack and the council members had outdone themselves, the courtyard decorated with twinkling lights and flowers, beautiful music played softly in the background, and the air buzzed with laughter and conversation.

But I barely noticed any of it. My eyes scanned the crowd, searching for her.

'Stop it Knox, She won't come,' I told myself. She wouldn't risk it just because of my flimsy note.

But then, I suddenly saw her. Stepping through the crowd like a vision, wearing the blue dress I'd sent.

It hugged her curves in all the right places and the color made her eyes stand out even more.

But unfortunately for me, I wasn't the only one who noticed, because as she walked, heads turned and I noticed almost all the men's gazes following her with open admiration.

My inner wolf, Hector, growled in my mind as hot jealousy flared at the sight of so many men flocking around her, eager to shower her with compliments.

"She's ours!" Hector snarled, pushing me to do something—anything—to get them away from her.

Before I knew it, I was moving through the crowd, closing the distance between us. When I reached her, I didn'tstop to think. I just placed a hand on her arm, and almost yanked her away from the group of admirers and toward the high table where the pack leaders sat.

"Knox, hold on." She laughed and I finally calmed down.

"I wanted to say thank you for the dress," Melissa said softly as we slowed down our walk but her voice barely audible over the noise of the festival.

I glanced down at her to listen, but my eyes immediately took in the way the dress highlighted every sumptuous curve on her chest and hips and I felt myself swallow.

"You look beautiful in it," I replied, sincerely.

She blushed, and I enjoyed the sight of color rising in her cheeks, but she quickly looked away, pretending she hadn't heard me.

Even though I tried, I really couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. She's still the same shy sweet Melissa, I thought, despite everything.

As we reached the high table, I felt a sudden warmth press up against my side. I turned to see Susie, who I didn't even notice had slipped in between Melissa and i to press herself against me possessively.

She suddenly turned with a fake smile to wrap Melissa in a hug that seemed too tight and too sudden for my liking

"Oh sister! It's been so long," Susie gushed, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "I've missed you so much my little Melissa." She cooed.

I clenched my jaw, knowing full well that Susie was lying through her fucking teeth.

She hadn't missed Melissa one bit—she hated her and was threatened by her.

I was sure that Melissa knew this but, still ever the peacemaker, Melissa simply smiled and returned the hug, though I noticed that there was strong tension in her shoulders too.

I really wondered how this night would play out.