She looks at me.
“Cammie is terrifying,” I say flatly. “And Finn is far too introverted to survive that encounter. She would eat him alive.”
Lark laughs and swats my arm. “She’s only like that with you,” she says. “Because she knows you’re afraid of her.”
“Iamafraid of her,” I say immediately. “She threatened to castrate me, remember?”
Her mouth twitches, just slightly.
I offer Lark my arm again. “Come on,” I say. “Let’s find Silas and Saint before they drink all the champagne without us.”
She slips her hand back into place, squeezing my arm gently.
We don’t get far before we’re stopped. Donors. Board members. People who suddenly know my name. I introduce Lark over and over again. She’s calm, composed, and articulate. People like her immediately.
Eventually, we’re pulled toward the center of the room where the university president is holding court. He greets me with a smile and then turns immediately to Lark.
“And this must be the woman everyone’s buzzing about,” he says. “The scent match.”
Lark offers her hand to him, unbothered. “We were very lucky to find one another. Graham’s research will help other omegas and alphas find that same connection.”
He takes her hand in his, pumping it once. “And bring prestige to East Rock University.”
“Yes, it will set you up nicely for more grants and donations.”
He smiles at me, a genuine one this time. “I see your omega understands the business side of the university.”
I chuckle. “She’s a successful businesswoman herself, so she gets it.”
We exchange a few more polite words before I guide us away again.
I spot Silas and Saint across the room, each holding two glasses of champagne. Silas hands one to Lark as we approach. Saint passes one to me.
“About time,” Saint mutters.
Silas looks at me. “You ready?”
“Yes,” I say.
We make our way to our table, tucked close enough to the stage that I can easily make my way to the microphone when my name is called. I pull Lark’s chair out for her, then lean down and kiss her cheek before taking the seat beside her.
Dinner starts. Plates are set before us. Conversations pick up again. I take a few bites, then look at her. Her plate is untouched.
“You don’t like it?” I ask quietly.
She shakes her head. “It’s good. I just—” She presses a hand lightly to her stomach. “I feel a little off. Maybe the champagne.”
I frown.
“I’m fine,” she says quickly.
I reach up, brushing my fingers across her forehead. She’s warm. Not hot, but warmer than she should be.
My attention shifts to the stage as the president wraps up his speech. Polite applause moves through the room. I barely hear what he says next.
Silas nudges my shoulder. “He just called you up.”
Right. I lean in, pressing a quick kiss to Lark’s cheek.
