The whole guest had their gaze stuck on the mating mark on her neck. It was definitely the Alpha's mark. The gold of it, the patterns, no standard alpha could create a mating mark like that.
"Do you know why he got rid of you?" Alexis asked, the most malicious smile on her face. "Because I wanted it. If I wanted Keelion to—"
"Alexis, enough." His voice was smooth, filling into her ears and begging. "It's okay." He grabbed her by the arm and carefully lifted her to her feet, pulling her to his side. "I need you to calm down."
Alexis flickered her gaze up to him. When had he come close to her? She hadn't noticed.
Keelion breathed out. His people were staring at him, dumbfounded, speechless. They were expecting an explanation and he wasn't going to give any. This wasn't what he'd expected of this gala, but since it's gotten to this point, he might as well see to the end of it.
