Chapter 4

Tess' POV

The uproar in the entire banquet room froze, as if under an invisible pressure. The crystal chandelier cast a cold, silver light. The pack crests on the long table glinted sharply.

A few young pack members instinctively lowered their heads.

Cole's hand, holding his glass, stopped mid-air. His knuckles were white. As a beta, he looked distressed.

I knew he wanted to maintain harmony, but with Shirley's provocation, the situation was clearly out of control.

Shirley scrutinized my simple clothing. The mockery in her voice was thick.

"Luna Tess, it must be tough managing pack affairs during the…