Camellia's POV
Spotlights burned into us from every direction. I could practically taste the curiosity dripping from their stares.
I opened my mouth, but Esmond grabbed my hand first. "We're working on it, okay?"
His voice went two octaves higher than necessary. He was trying to project confidence and control in front of everyone.
"The kid thing is already in the plans." His shaky delivery completely ruined the "confident future Alpha" act.
My fingers twitched to pull away, but his grip turned vise-tight.
Fine. If he wanted to play dirty...
I tilted my head just enough to expose the faded bite mark.
"We're not true mates," my calm voice cut through the tension. "Never completed the bond. And lately? Our connection's been... glitchy."
The crowd erupted like someone dropped a grenad
