Chapter 163

Sloane looked at her. Just one look. Cold. Still. Unflinching. Avery froze. An unfamiliar chill crept up her spine. The woman in front of her, no longer timid, no longer pliant, radiated something sharp and unyielding. Her raised hand trembled. She lowered it. “Sloane,” Damon said quietly. His voice softened, urgency leaking through. “Didn’t you always want me to take you to the auction? You said you wanted to see it. I didn’t have time before, but tonight I do.” It was an offer. And an apology. And a plea. Sloane frowned. She had wanted that once, because he liked that world. Because she had tried so hard to fit into his life. Now? Unnecessary. “Alpha Blackthorn,” she said calmly, “you win. I can’t eat here anymore. You’ve disgusted me enough.” Ethan spoke immediately. “I know a dessert place nearby. We can go there instead.” Sloane nodded. “Good.” Then she added lightly, “I might stop by an antique shop too. I want to buy a mirror, something magical.” She glanced at Damon. “So I can