Chapter 168
Iris's POV
I jumped back from Sebastien's chest like I'd been burned, putting as much distance between us as possible in one fluid motion. My heart hammered against my ribcage as I tried to process what had just happened. One minute a lamp was falling toward me, and the next I was pressed against his body, his arm wrapped protectively around my waist.
"Let go of me," I said coldly, pushing against his chest. Despite my voice remaining steady, I couldn't control my racing pulse. I hated how my body still reacted to his proximity, how the familiar cedar scent of him triggered memories I'd rather forget.
I straightened my clothes, trying to appear unfazed even as my nerves jangled. Sebastien's eyes followed my movements, that infuriating half-smile playing on his lips.
A sharp knock at the door made us both freeze.
"Miss Stone? Is everything alright in there?" Dina's concerned voice filtered through the door. "I heard a noise."
Thank god. At least someone could break up this uncomfortable situation. I moved toward the door but didn't open it, keeping my voice deliberately casual.
"I'm fine, Dina. Just knocked over my drawing board. I've picked it up now, no need to worry."
I pressed my ear against the door, listening intently until I heard Dina's footsteps retreating down the hallway. Only then did I turn back to face Sebastien, who was standing exactly where I'd left him, watching me with unnerving intensity.
His gaze dropped to my midsection, lingering there longer than necessary. My stomach clenched with anxiety. Did he know? Could he tell? I instinctively wanted to cover my belly with my hands but forced them to remain at my sides. Any defensive gesture would only confirm his suspicions.
"You seem to be doing well," he said, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Putting on some weight, I see."
The implication in his words was clear. He was fishing for information, trying to get me to react.
"Of course," I shot back without missing a beat. "When you don't have toxic people in your life, your mood improves and so does your appetite." I smiled thinly. "It's amazing what divorce can do for one's health."
I watched his eyes darken at my words, his fingers flexing slightly at his sides. He took a step closer, and I held my ground despite every instinct telling me to back away.
"That can't continue," he said softly, his fingers brushing against my stomach so lightly I almost thought I imagined it.
I moved away quickly, walking toward the window where the cool night air drifted in. The light breeze lifted my hair, and I used the moment to collect myself.
"Alpha Grey seems to have a lot of energy tonight," I remarked sarcastically, glancing back at him. "Breaking into the Lowell estate without an invitation? Is this how low you've stooped?"
I leaned against the windowsill, deliberately casual. "What exactly are you hoping to find here? If there's something in this house that has you so impatient, why don't you just say it?"
Sebastien's expression remained unreadable as he studied me. "Why wasn't I given an invitation?"
The directness of his question caught me off guard. I let out a sharp laugh that held no humor.
"Are you serious? We're divorced. The entire werewolf community knows it. Why would I need to invite my ex-husband to my birthday celebration?" I shook my head in disbelief. "Your grandfather was invited out of respect for his position. You weren't part of the package deal."
I moved toward the door, ready to open it and show him out, but stopped mid-step. If I escorted him through the hallway, someone might see him. Questions would be asked. Rumors would spread. As much as I wanted him gone, I didn't want to create a scene that would overshadow my first official event as a Lowell.
I turned abruptly and walked back to the open window. The night air was cold now, sending a chill across my skin.
"You came in through the window. You can leave the same way," I said firmly.
Sebastien's face darkened as he stared at me. For a moment, I thought he might refuse, and part of me wavered at the intensity in his eyes. But I reminded myself that he had broken into my private space. He deserved no courtesy from me.
"You made your choice when you decided to sneak in here uninvited," I added coolly.
Instead of moving toward the window, Sebastien reached inside his jacket and pulled out a small, elegantly wrapped box.
"I brought this for you tonight," he said quietly.
The logo on the box caught my eye immediately. The distinctive silver moon entwined with delicate filigree was unmistakable—Moonlight & Silver, one of the most exclusive jewelry boutiques in the country. My breath caught in my throat.
"This is..." I whispered, my fingers hovering over the box but not quite touching it.