Sylvia’s POV

She gestured around the room with graceful hands. "Just a small token of my appreciation for both you and Caesar. After everything that’s happened, I realized how childish and petty I’ve been." Her eyes lowered in apparent contrition. "Caesar has always been special to me, but I need to respect that you’re his mate. This dinner is my way of apologizing and showing gratitude for your patience with me."

Every word dripped with false sincerity. My wolf growled low in my mind, sensing the deception. What game was Helena playing now? And where was Caesar?

"How thoughtful," I managed, scanning the room for any sign of my mate. "Is Caesar home yet?"

"Oh, he’s on a call with some Vertex executives," Helena said, arranging silverware with meticulous precision. "Something urgent about their latest project. You know how demanding they can be with him."

She glanced up, studying my reaction through her lashes. "It must be difficult being mated to someone so... entangled with Vertex. Especially given what they’re really planning—"

The front door opened with perfect timing, and Caesar’s commanding presence filled the entryway. His dark eyes took in the scene before him—me standing rigid with suspicion, Helena playing hostess in our home—and his expression darkened.

"Helena," he said, his voice carrying that unmistakable Alpha timber that made even my knees weak. "I wasn’t aware we were expecting you."

She turned toward him with practiced elegance. "I wanted to surprise you both with a peace offering. After everything that’s happened, I felt it was time to make amends."

Caesar’s gaze slid to mine, a silent question in his eyes. I gave him the barest shake of my head, communicating my distrust.

"How thoughtful," he echoed my earlier words, though his tone held none of the uncertainty mine had. He moved to my side, his hand finding the small of my back in a gesture that was both possessive and reassuring.

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.

"I hope I wasn’t overstepping," Helena continued, her voice sweet as poisoned honey. "I just thought, given Caesar’s complicated relationship with Vertex’s leadership, you two could use a nice evening together without worrying about—"

"Helena," Caesar cut her off sharply. "Perhaps we should discuss your... concerns privately."

My wolf bristled at the thought of them having secrets I wasn’t privy to. What exactly was Caesar’s relationship with Vertex? As Wolf King, he had tremendous power over pack politics, but without a strong family lineage backing him, even someone in his position would need powerful allies in the human business world.

Was he being used by Vertex? Controlled? Blackmailed? The possibilities made my stomach clench.

"Actually," I said, stepping slightly away from Caesar to assert my independence, "I think anything concerning my mate should be discussed with me present."

Helena’s eyes gleamed with triumph. "I agree completely. Caesar has always been too protective of those he cares about. But you deserve to know—"

"Enough." Caesar’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried the full weight of his authority. Both Helena and I felt the pressure of his dominance washing over us like a physical force.

I lifted my chin, refusing to be silenced. "Caesar, if there’s something I should know about your dealings with Vertex—"

"There’s nothing for you to worry about," he said, his eyes softening when they met mine, though the steel remained in his voice.

"But that’s just it," I pressed. "I’m not worried for myself. I’m worried for you." I stepped closer to him, lowering my voice. "Whatever hold they have over you, whatever pressure you’re under—you don’t have to face it alone anymore. I’m your mate. I stand with you."

Something flickered across Caesar’s face—surprise, followed by an emotion I couldn’t quite name. His eyes burned into mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.

Helena watched our exchange with narrowed eyes. "How touching," she murmured. "But Sylvia, you should understand that Caesar’s position as Wolf King is more precarious than it appears. Without a traditional power base—"

"My mate’s position is secure," I cut her off, turning to face her directly. "And if you were truly his friend, you’d support him rather than trying to sow doubt." My voice hardened. "I appreciate the gesture of dinner, Helena, but I think it’s time you understood your place in our lives."

Helena’s mask slipped for just a moment, revealing the fury beneath, before she composed herself again. "Of course. I only want what’s best for Caesar. Always have."

Caesar’s fingers tightened around my waist. "Helena and I need to have a private conversation," he said, his eyes never leaving her face. "Would you mind giving us a moment, Sivi?"

Part of me wanted to refuse—to demand answers about Vertex right then and there—but the tactical part of my brain recognized this wasn’t the time. Whatever game Helena was playing, Caesar seemed determined to end it away from my ears.

"Fine," I relented. "I’ll be upstairs."

As I climbed the stairs, I couldn’t help the sour feeling in my stomach at the thought of them sharing secrets I wasn’t allowed to hear. What could be so damning about Caesar’s relationship with Vertex that he couldn’t tell me? We were mates—bound in ways that transcended ordinary relationships.

I paused at the top of the stairs, tempted to eavesdrop, but decided against it. Trust had to go both ways.