#Chapter 22: Damage Control

I could feel curious eyes following me as I left the dining room. Several pack members lingered in the hallway, their hushed whispers barely concealing their interest in what had just transpired. "Did you see how the Alpha stormed out?" one woman murmured to her companion. "And did you hear what Kane said?" another replied. "About his type looking like Aurora?" I quickened my pace, heart hammering. Three days into my marriage, and already rumors were spreading. Beta Collins, one of the pack elders, intercepted me with a concerned frown. "Luna, is everything alright? The Alpha seemed... distressed." I forced a pleasant smile. "Just wedding exhaustion, Beta Collins. Raymond has been working so hard during the transition to Alpha. You know how seriously he takes his responsibilities." "And Kane's comment?" he pressed, not entirely convinced. "Just his usual teasing," I said lightly. "Kane and Raymond have been friends since childhood—they enjoy getting under each other's ski