My focus snaps back to Aurora, currently engaged in conversation with Ari near the east balcony. Relief floods through me when I see Ari’s protective stance—he’s keeping her visible while blocking direct approaches. Good man.
I begin making my way toward them, maintaining a casual pace despite the urgency building in my chest. Aurora laughs at something Ari says, the sound momentarily cutting through the tension coiling inside me.
Three steps from reaching them, a hand clamps onto my shoulder.
“Hunter.” Jax’s voice carries the illusion of warmth. “I’ve been looking for you.”
I turn to find him flanked by two of his new security personnel. The silver wolf mask does nothing to hide the calculation in his eyes.
“Senator Blackwell has been asking for you,” Jax continues smoothly. “Something about the military contract we discussed last quarter. He insists it’s critical we speak immediately.”
My gaze flicks to Aurora, now watching our interaction with visible concern.
“Surely it can wait,” I reply, keeping my tone even. “I was just about to?—”
“It cannot.” Jax’s fingers dig harder into my shoulder. “The senator has arranged a private meeting room. We should join him now.”
I weigh my options rapidly. Refusing Jax directly would escalate whatever game he’s playing. But leaving Aurora vulnerable isn’t acceptable either.
“Of course,” I tell Jax, maintaining perfect composure despite the rage building inside me. “I’ll join you shortly. First, let me inform Mr. Carter about a security adjustment.”
Jax’s fingers tighten fractionally on my shoulder. “I’m sure your staff can handle any adjustments.”
I stare directly into the eyes behind his silver wolf mask. “This requires my personal attention. Two minutes.”
Without waiting for his response, I move toward Ari and Aurora, feeling Jax’s gaze burning into my back. Ari reads the situation immediately as I approach, his posture shifting subtly into defensive mode.
“Ari,” I say loudly enough for nearby guests to hear, “there’s an issue with the east wing lighting. Would you handle it?”
Understanding flickers in his eyes. “Of course.”
I turn to Aurora, keeping my expression neutral for our audience. “Miss Harrison, I apologize, but urgent business requires my attention. Mr. Carter will ensure you have everything you need.”
I let my hand brush hers, voice dropping to a whisper. “Don’t leave his side. No matter what.”
Aurora nods slightly, fear flickering behind her mask. “I understand.”
Turning to Ari, I murmur, “Keep her safe. No one approaches her. Not even Jax.”
“With my life,” he promises quietly.
I reluctantly walk away, joining Jax and his security detail at the edge of the ballroom.
As we reach the corridor, I glance back over my shoulder. Jax gives me a predatory smile as he moves behind me, his silver mask gleaming under the chandeliers.
A chill runs through me as the truth crystallizes. This isn’t random. The entire evening has been orchestrated to separate me from Aurora at precisely this moment. Whatever Jax is planning, it’s going to happen while he has me detained in some bullshit meeting. I have to trust that Ari can handle it.
29
AURORA
The moment Ari and I are alone, my eyes scan the crowded ballroom, heart hammering against my ribs. Hunter’s warning echoes in my mind, his urgency unsettling me. That’s when I spot her—Olivia, radiant in her cream gown, the custom mask Hunter designed framing her eyes perfectly.
“There’s Liv,” I tell Ari, already moving toward her. “I need to speak with her.”
He follows closely. “Hunter said to stay with you.”
“Then tag along,” I reply, weaving through elegantly dressed bodies. “But give us some space when I talk to her.”
