#Chapter 143: Stakes Raised

Logan

The room was a blend of laughter, chatter, and the soft notes of a violin. Dressed in a tailored tuxedo, I mingled among our guests, pausing to speak with business associates and family friends alike.

My mind, however, kept driving back to Ella. She had run from the room so suddenly when our dance ended. Something about it was jarring and rather unlike her.

“Did I offend her somehow?” I asked my wolf.

My wolf was silent for a moment before responding. “You were awfully casual about the end of your arrangement. I think it hurt her.”

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. “But she didn’t want to be with me. I don’t understand how…”

“Don’t be dense, Logan,” my wolf hissed. “She clearly likes you; she’s just scared of your future, of your life. And for good reason.”

I was just about to respond when I was suddenly pulled from my internal conversation as my father, seemingly out of nowhere, materialized at my side. With his salt-and-pepper hair neatly c