Chapter 175 Audrey

1 looked at the invitation that had both of our names on it. The elegant script and promise of a grand New Year's Eve celebration sounded nice. But Edwin's etion puzzled me. His face had gone pale, his jaw

clenched tight.

"Why does this bother you so much?" I asked, picking up the invitation to examine it closer. The paper was thick and expensive, embossed with gold lettering. "It sounds like it could be fun. A big party to ring in the new year..."

Edwin let out a humorless laugh. "Trust me, Audrey, it's anything but fun. These parties happen every year on New Year's Eve, and they're always a nightmare. More of a power play than a celebration." "Is that why you didn't go last year? Why you were at Grayspring?"

He nodded, his expression softening slightly. "I ski**ed it." He paused, a tiny smile tugging at one corner of his mouth. "Which I'm grateful for now because I got to meet you instead"

His eyes met mine, warm for a moment before clouding over again. "But this year, especially now that I'm mated to the Silver Star, I'll have no choice. My father won't allow me not to come. And he'll mostly want to meet you."

1 frowned, setting the invitation down. "Is that such a bad thing? I mean, I know your relationship with him is... complicated, but surely meeting your mate would be a good thing?"

Edwin sighed. "My father... he's not like normal parents. He's not like Claudia. He won't care about getting to know you as a person or learning about your hobbies and passions. He'll be testing you, trying to figure out what sort of benefit you'll be to Crescent pack. You'll be nothing more than an asset to him."

The thought made me uncomfortable, a knot forming in my stomach. I recalled Edwin saying that his father had threatened to give the pack to one of his brothers if he didn't find the Silver Star, "Oh," I muttered.

"Look," Edwin said, his voice tight, "if you want to find an excuse not to go, I'd understand. I can face them alone-

"No," 1 interrupted firmly. "I won't let you go without me. You said you were my shield once, remember? Well, I'm yours too

I We'll go together."

her, at least. Surely there's some shred of light in your family." Edwin's face clouded over, his grip on my hand tightening slightly. "My family, even my sister Eliza, is a mess. My parents, Stella and Erik, are fated mates but they hate each other. It's like watching two people trapped in a cage, constantly at each other's throats. Eliza is the black sheep as the only girl.

also come to my rescue in the woods when I was too far for Edwin to sense my fear. I didn't know if he only did that because I was the Silver Star or because

08:39 Sat, Sep 21

Chapter 175

will be better if I'm with you," I finally said.

to have you by my side. But I promise we can leave if it gets

ugly."

feeling a bit

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lighten the mood, "we have our own Christmas to

I sent a

carpet covered in torn wrapping paper. His hands cupping my breasts as I rode him, hips twisting,

so much at the sudden image that his body jerked in shock and his knee hit the underside of

impishly and sipped my

Eve, I woke up early to find Edwin's side of the

the house for him. It wasn't until I reached the basement door that I heard a

There, in the center of the training room, was Edwin. He was shirtless, sweat glistening on his skin as he hit the punching bag with practiced precision. His form was graceful and skilled, each movement flowing into the next. It was like watching

for a few moments in the doorway, admiring the play of muscles across his back and arms as he moved. It was mesmerizing to watch him like this, so in his

presence. He turned, his checks flushing with

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