Hailee's POV
Montana's gaze didn't waver. It was steady, burning with a kind of hate that only comes from jealousy. I forced myself to look away before she could see the unease on my face.
"Hailee," Callum's voice pulled me back. He gestured toward the main area near the fire circle. "Come on."
He led me toward the front, where a long wooden table had been set up for the pack leaders and guests. Callum placed his hand gently at the small of my back, guiding me to sit beside him. His touch was calm and comforting. I could feel the curious stares of the crowd as I took my seat next to their Alpha—a place they clearly believed didn't belong to me.
Callum rose to his feet, his presence commanding immediate silence.
"My people," he began, his deep voice carrying easily over the crowd, "tonight we celebrate the Lunar Festival—the night our ancestors danced under the first full moon to honor the bond that ties us as one."
