The Drider

Selena felt her fury build up as she watched Kieran and Rose from a distance. He was across the courtyard, his arms wrapped around Rose's slender waist, whispering something into her ear that made her laugh.

The sound carried through the air like a mocking melody, sharp and grating.

Her chest tightened painfully, and she tore her gaze away, focusing instead on the shimmering surface of the fountain at her side. She felt ridiculous—like a child pining for something that was never hers to begin with. Kieran had made his choice, and it wasn't her. It never would be.

But that didn't make it easier to accept.

She inhaled deeply. She needed to calm down, to push away the ache blooming in her chest. When she opened her eyes again, they landed on Declan.

He was leaning casually against a tree, his gaze locked on her with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine. His dark, wolfish grin only grew as he noticed her attention.

Damn him.