Hiding My Twin Pups From their Alpha Dad novel Chapter 61

“He still hasn’t looked at you.”

Tiana’s voice cut through the laughter and music, low and sharp in Eva’s ear.

Eva didn’t respond. She just stared straight ahead, chin high, like she hadn’t been watching him all night from the shadows of the trees.

The Silverstone Pack hadn’t seen a celebration this grand in over a decade. Lanterns drifted lazily between the branches, casting a golden glow over the courtyard. Wolves danced to the beat of hand drums and guitars, their laughter weaving through the scent of grilled meat, wildflowers, and cider. It was supposed to be a night of joy. A rite of passage.

Eighteen. That’s how old she and her twin sister, Tiana, were now. Officially wolves. Officially women.

Eva stood apart from it all in a lavender dress that shimmered when the light touched it just right. Her long brown hair was braided to the side, her posture calm and elegant—like a girl who belonged in a palace, not among bonfires and secrets.

But beneath the surface, her heart thudded with quiet rage.

Because he hadn’t looked at her. Not once.

Max Crescent stood across the courtyard with his warriors, sleeves rolled to the elbow, dark hair slicked back like he didn’t have a care in the world. He hadn’t flinched when she arrived. Hadn’t blinked when she smiled at the elders. Hadn’t reacted when she was pulled into a dance—twirling, laughing, pretending not to notice the hollow space in her chest.

It was like she was invisible.

And tonight, of all nights, that burned worse than any full moon.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go talk to him?” Tiana whispered as she looped her arm through Eva’s. Her golden dress sparkled in the firelight, and she radiated energy, excitement, and just enough mischief to attract attention from every male within range.

Eva gave a small shake of her head. “He doesn’t want to talk to me.”

Tiana frowned. “He’s being an idiot. A blind, moody idiot.”

“I’m used to it,” Eva said, forcing a smile. “Go. Have fun. You don’t have to babysit me.”

“I’m not babysitting. I’m staying near the only person here who doesn’t look like she wants to set the place on fire,” Tiana teased. Then her eyes sparkled as someone approached. “Oh, wait. Scratch that.”

Dany, Max’ twin brother, strode over with two cups of cider and an unmistakable swagger in his step. He offered one to Tiana with a grin that was all charm and trouble.

“For the birthday girl,” he said, bowing slightly.

“You’ll always be my baby,” Lucien replied, chuckling as he ruffled her hair, earning an exaggerated scowl from his daughter.

While the others laughed, Eva drifted a few steps away, her eyes scanning the crowd again. Max was still there. Still talking to the Crescent warriors. Still not looking at her.

She swallowed hard, trying to ignore the sharp pinch in her chest.

Dany glanced toward her, his smile fading. “He’s being colder than usual tonight,” he murmured to Tiana.

Tiana followed his gaze and frowned. “He hasn’t said a word to her. Not even a glance.”

Eva heard them but said nothing. She could feel the distance growing between them like a wall she couldn’t climb anymore. She had tried. Letters he never answered. Invitations he always declined. She told herself she didn’t care anymore, that she didn’t need his approval, or his attention, or his friendship. But the ache in her chest told a different story.

She looked back toward the lights and laughter, to her sister and her family—the people who still made her feel like she mattered. She decided she’ll take a walk in the woods. And then she looked one last time at Max, his expression unreadable as he leaned in to whisper something to one of the warriors.

He hadn’t looked her way. Not even once.