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Alarik had seriously joked that this guy would play into his hands, even though he knew full well that such security breaches would damage the Vanderwood’s reputation and, therefore, his own.

My gaze lingered on Miles once again.

“Was that you?”

He looked at me and seemed to know immediately what I meant, because he raised both eyebrows without completely losing his smirk.

“That’s not my way of causing trouble.”

I rolled my eyes.

Of course not, Miles.

“Do you want to pick Alarik’s lock again?” Julie interjected, looking at Larissa.

Larissa turned to me, alarmed.

“Best with Emely by your side, sis,” Miles laughed, patting Larissa on the shoulder.

With raised eyebrows, I pulled the key I hadn't used in far too long out of my pocket and looked challengingly at Miles.

He just stared at me.

You didn't expect that, DeLoughrey, did you?

After three seconds, he had regained his composure.

“How charming. You're stealing from the man you would have ratted us out to a month ago.”

The accusation hit me harder than I had expected.

“I want answers,” I clarified through clenched teeth.

“And you'll get them.”

I looked at Bayla with gratitude.

“But we have to hurry.” I turned to everyone. “Alarik has been in his office almost every night lately.”

Larissa grinned. “Weird guy.”

“Hey!” I hissed sternly, even though she was right. “We’re talking about my uncle here.”

Larissa's grin widened and she looked at Bayla. “Whoever he is, he's the only one who seems to have more secrets than Bay's mother.”

Bayla snorted.

“There's a meeting today,” I continued. “All high-ranking members of the pack, including Alarik, are required to attend.”

The thought that this gathering was because of the Ruisangors made my stomach do a strange flip.

“Oh, really? Not that anyone is missing the Alpha's daughter.”

My gaze shifted to Miles. I squinted at him, sure he knew he had just hit a sore spot.

The reminder that, despite my Beta status, I did not belong to the most important circle of the pack was frustratingly sobering. Almost disheartening. Especially coming from my rival.

I couldn't help but return his challenging gaze, but any hint of anger faded the longer I stared.