Kimi's mother beamed at Adalind with obvious admiration.
"Of course she wouldn't mind helping. You're destined to become our pack's Luna. Everyone here would be honored to assist you."
Kimi felt her stomach clench. She pressed her lips together, fighting the urge to roll her eyes at her mother's fawning behavior.
This woman wasn't just her ex-boyfriend's current fiancée. She was also the former lover of the man who now occupied Kimi's thoughts day and night.
As the other guests migrated toward the dining room, Adalind approached Kimi with calculated steps.
Kimi straightened her shoulders and managed a polite nod. "Miss Diego."
"Please, just call me Adalind." Her voice carried a deceptively gentle tone that made Kimi's skin crawl.
Kimi hesitated before forcing out the name. "Adalind."
They found themselves isolated in a quiet corner, each clutching a crystal glass. The ambient chatter from the dining room felt miles away.
