Kaelan’s question hung in the air like an arrow waiting to strike.
“Where were you?” he repeated, his voice steady but sharp, each word cutting through the silence.
Liana blinked, surprised by his sudden interest in her whereabouts. Kaelan had never been one to question her movements before, his focus always on pack matters or his internal struggles. She recovered quickly, her smooth facade slipping into place.
“I went to see my father,” she replied, her tone light and casual, as if the answer were obvious.
Kaelan’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes narrowed slightly. “That’s interesting,” he said, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable edge. “Your father has been with me all day.”
Liana’s heart skipped a beat, but she kept her face neutral, her mind racing to come up with a plausible explanation.
“So, I’ll ask again,” Kaelan continued, his gaze unyielding. “Where were you?”
For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath. Liana’s mind worked frantically, but her years of manipulation served her well. She allowed a small, exasperated sigh to escape, tilting her head slightly as if the misunderstanding were his fault.
“I didn’t meet him,” she said, her voice carefully measured. “I stopped by a friend’s house nearby before heading back here.”
Kaelan leaned back slightly, his arms crossing over his chest. He studied her closely, his silence heavy with unspoken suspicion. The air between them grew taut, each second stretching longer than the last.
Liana fought to keep her breathing steady, maintaining her neutral expression despite the growing pressure.
Finally, Kaelan nodded, though the tension in his posture didn’t ease. “Very well,” he said coolly, his tone dismissive.
Liana exhaled inwardly, relief flooding through her. She had dodged his interrogation for now. Forcing a small smile, she inclined her head and turned to leave, her steps deliberate and steady.
As she walked away, Kaelan’s sharp gaze followed her, his mind churning with doubt. Something about her explanation felt off—too rehearsed, too convenient. He had learned to trust his instincts as an Alpha, and right now, every instinct screamed that she was hiding something.
The moment she disappeared from view, Kaelan turned to his Beta, who had been standing silently nearby.
“Trail her,” Kaelan ordered, his voice low and firm.
The Beta’s eyes widened slightly, but he nodded without hesitation. “Yes, Alpha.”
“I want to know everything she’s hiding,” Kaelan added, his tone carrying an edge of finality.
The Beta bowed and slipped away, leaving Kaelan alone in the hall.