Chapter 214 The Birthday Trap

Natalie leaned toward Alpha Sebastian, wearing a pleasant smile for anyone watching.

"Do you see how easily she commands a room now?"

Alpha Sebastian’s face darkened.

Natalie took a sip of sparkling water and lowered her voice.

"It’s almost like she was never the problem."

Alpha Sebastian said nothing.

"She only started to shine once she stepped out of your shadow," Natalie added. "That has to sting a little."

His expression hardened.

Natalie smiled into her glass. "Relax, Alpha Sebastian. We’re only here for the reception."

"Natalie, watch your tone," Alpha Sebastian said quietly. The warning in his voice was unmistakable. "Who gave you the right to speak to me like that?"

"Alpha Killian did," Natalie replied without blinking.

She had stood beside Alpha Killian through boardroom fights with Alphas far more intimidating than Sebastian Hale.

A few sharp words from a second-tier Pack leader were not enough to rattle her. Whatever trouble she got into, Alpha Killian always had her back.

It helped knowing someone powerful was in your corner.

"Alpha Killian was very clear," Natalie continued, her voice calm and professional. "His executive staff speak for him, and our statements carry his authority. That means we choose our words carefully. We don’t make accusations without proof, and we don’t insult people without a reason."

"If you disagree with me, Alpha Sebastian, you’re welcome to call him and ask."

Alpha Sebastian had nothing to say. Anything he said would only draw more attention to the exchange.

His expression hardened as he turned away, looking for Eira.

Across the room, Eira had just finished making small talk with a few business guests. She was already checking her phone.

A message from Miss Gwen had come through. It included a livestream from the Klamath Mountains, where the first snow of the season had begun to fall over the group home.

Beneath the link were several birthday messages.

[Happy birthday, sweetheart. I hope this year brings you peace and plenty of good things.]

Miss Gwen had also attached photos of handmade cards from the children. The cards were covered in crooked handwriting, bright stickers, glitter, and uneven drawings of wolves, mountains, and birthday cakes.

One showed a gray wolf wearing a crooked crown.

[Happy birthday, Big Sister Eira!]

Another said:

[We miss you. Come home soon.]

Warmth spread through Eira’s chest. She smiled before she could stop herself.

"Who’s got you smiling like that?"

Alpha Sebastian had returned without her noticing. His voice was soft, almost familiar.

Eira locked her phone and stepped away from him.

His brow furrowed. "You don’t have to act like I’m a stranger. I’d like us to be able to talk the way we used to."

"That was before."

"Before what?"

"Before you became my ex-husband."

Alpha Sebastian glanced around the room to see whether anyone from Snowmark had heard her.

"Stop trying to provoke me," he muttered.

He looked frustrated, but there was something else in his expression too. He carried himself like the injured party, as if every choice he had made had been forced on him.

Eira met his eyes.

"Sebastian, everything about tonight was your choice. So who are you trying to fool with the wounded act?"

Before he could answer, Soren approached with a fresh drink in hand.

"Alpha Sebastian. Eira." He gestured toward the open space near the center of the room. "The band is about to start. Would you two like to dance?"

His gaze moved between them.

They looked perfectly matched on paper. Alpha Sebastian was polished and controlled. Eira was elegant, confident, and impossible to overlook.

Soren found himself wondering whether they still looked as natural together on the dance floor as they did in photographs.

Before Eira could answer, Alpha Sebastian reached for her hand.

"Of course," he said.

Eira stepped back. Natalie moved between them with practiced ease.

"Eira’s not much of a dancer. " she said. "Sorry, Mr. Soren."

Only Soren seemed to believe her.

He looked genuinely disappointed, then turned to Alpha Sebastian with an encouraging smile. "You should teach her sometime, Alpha Sebastian. Even if it’s just at home on a quiet night. Nothing beats dancing with your mate in the kitchen."

Alpha Sebastian took the hint and held out his hand again.

"I can teach you right now."

"Gross," Eira said.

When he only stared at her, she added, "You’re gross."

Soren froze. His blue eyes moved between them.

Natalie stepped in with an easy smile. "Sorry, Soren. They’re having a little marital spat. Nothing serious. Long-term couples can be like that. They argue because they care."

Soren nodded, relieved to have an explanation. "Of course. I understand."

Alpha Sebastian knew better.

Eira had not called him gross out of affection. She had meant every word.

Soren turned to Natalie instead. "Would you care to dance?"

"That’s sweet of you, but I’ll pass," Natalie said politely.

There was no chance she was leaving Eira alone with Alpha Sebastian, not even for one song.

"I’m getting a little tired," Eira said. "Would it be all right if I stepped outside for some air?"

"Of course."

She pulled out her phone. "Before I go, could I get your direct number?"

"Absolutely."

Soren handed her his phone at once, clearly pleased that she had asked. Eira entered her number, gave him a missed call, and saved his contact before returning the phone.

Alpha Sebastian’s jaw tightened.

By the time he stepped forward, the exchange was already over.

"Let’s go," Eira told Natalie.

The two women turned toward the exit.

Alpha Sebastian watched them walk away. Eira’s posture was calm, and Natalie stayed close beside her, blocking him from following too closely. He stood there, surrounded by music and polite conversation, while the woman he had once considered his wife walked out of his reach.

Then a mind-link opened in his head.

Beta Jordan’s voice came through, low and urgent.

[Alpha, the first snow has started in the Klamath Mountains.]

Alpha Sebastian’s attention sharpened.

The first snow meant one thing.

Eira’s birthday.

An idea came to him.

"Wait," he called.

Eira stopped and slowly turned around.

Alpha Sebastian faced Soren.

"It’s Eira’s birthday today," he said. "How about I play something for her before she leaves? Maybe we can get everyone to sing ...Happy Birthday.’"

Soren’s face brightened."Absolutely."

He clapped twice to get the room’s attention. The conversations faded, and guests turned toward him.

"Everyone, may I have your attention?" Soren announced. "It’s Dr. Crawford’s birthday tonight."

Warm congratulations rose from the crowd.

A staff member quickly rolled the piano toward the center of the room. Servers paused with trays in their hands, and several executives gathered around with smiles that were friendly, curious, or simply eager to watch the Hale family drama unfold.

Eira glanced toward the exit. Leaving now would only draw attention.

She turned back to Alpha Sebastian.

He smiled as if he had done her a favor.

Her look said it all.

What a snake.