Chapter 42: Wolf Liquor

Vander's POV

I strode across the tavern. My Alpha presence made conversations falter and heads turn as I passed. Before I reached their table, Lyra blocked my path. Her face showed surprise and something like guilt.

“Vander! I didn’t expect to see you here tonight,” she said.

My attention stayed on the scene behind her. Elara was barely recognizable. Her usual calm was gone, replaced by something