(Evelyn's POV)
Lucian had never once invited me to a Thornwood Pack event.
Three years. Not a single formal dinner, not one public appearance. I was the woman who kept his life running smoothly from behind closed doors - the one who was never introduced, never acknowledged, never named.
So when his call came that afternoon, I almost didn't answer.
"The charity gala tonight." His voice was flat, businesslike. "Come. I need you to entertain some guests from the Southern Territory. They brought their partners. Someone needs to keep them company."
Not an invitation. An assignment.
"Of course," I said.
I hung up and opened my wardrobe.
All the way in the back, behind three years of deep navy and charcoal grey and muted black, I found it. Red. A deep, rich crimson that caught the light like a live coal. Fitted through the waist, floor-length, with a neckline that was elegant without apology.
I'd bought it before I ever met Lucian. Back when my wardrobe was full of colors like this - red, fuchsia, wine, the bolder the better.
Then one evening, maybe six months in, Lucian had glanced at a photo of me from before and said, almost as an afterthought, "Women with restraint are more refined."
I'd packed every bright dress into the back of the closet the following week.
Last night, I'd taken the scissors and cut out every tag.
I put on the red dress.
The gala was already in full swing when I arrived. The foyer of Thornwood Pack's main hall glittered with chandeliers and the low hum of polished conversation. Core pack members clustered in familiar constellations - Betas and their mates, senior advisors, business allies.
I found the Southern Territory guests exactly where Lucian said they'd be. I introduced myself, smiled at the right moments, guided their partners through the exhibition wing, explained the charity auction pieces with just enough detail to seem knowledgeable without being tedious.
Lucian appeared at my elbow twenty minutes later. He looked at me and his brow drew together.
"Why are you wearing that color?" he said, low enough that only I could hear. "It's too loud."
Around us, a cluster of senior pack members were exchanging pleasantries. They all turned their gazes toward him, and he immediately shut his mouth.
I smiled pleasantly at the nearest elder and said nothing.
The formal dinner began.
Everyone filed into the main hall, preparing to take their seats for the meal. I led the guests from the Southern Territory to their places.
Just then Lucian walked in, with a woman on his arm.
The woman beside him had soft brown hair and doe-like eyes and the particular kind of delicate appearance that made people instinctively want to protect her.
Lucian's hand rested at the small of her back as he guided her toward the head table. The Alpha family's table. He pulled out a chair for her.