"Well," he said dryly, "you did promise me to her niece. That part's on you."
Claudia shot him a look. "Don't start."
"I'm just saying," he added lightly, "matchmaking has consequences."
"I guess so," she admitted, shaking her head. "But one day you'll thank me."
"Highly unlikely," Eric replied.
She pulled him into a tight hug, pressing her cheek to his chest. Then she stepped out of the bedroom.
*****
Sera barely had time to wipe the last of her tears before Vivienne's sharp voice drifted into her ears.
"I know you took that necklace, you thieving piece of shit."
Sera turned slowly. "I didn't," she said.
Vivienne stepped closer. "I don't know what the Alpha sees in you," she sneered. "Sleeping with the Alpha. Stealing jewelry. You're exactly what you look like. A slut."
Sera's eyes burned. "I'm not doing any of that," she shot back.
