After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 115

"Are you alright?" she asked, her brow furrowed in concern. I quickly masked my discomfort, forcing a smile. "Yes, I’m fine. Just… surprised, that’s all."

Odette approached us, her gaze falling on Cyrus, who was busy laughing and playing nearby. She crouched down, gently teasing him with questions, her tone friendly yet sharp. Something about her felt off. I told myself it was harmless—just socializing—but I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease.

Then she straightened up and turned her steady gaze on me. "I don’t think we’ve properly met," she said, her tone confident. "I’m Odette, the Alpha of the Sunshine Pack." "Odette," I repeated, recalling Carlos mentioning her. "The fiancée."

"Exactly," she confirmed, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I didn’t introduce myself earlier because I wanted to see how you’d handle this meeting without that knowledge. I have to say, I’m impressed. You’re holding your own quite well." I met her gaze, feeling a surge of pride. "Thank you. I believe in leading with strength and integrity." Odette nodded, clearly evaluating my response. "That’s good to hear. We’ll need leaders like you as we move forward together."

She studied me for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "I can see you have strength and determination. Those qualities will serve you well."

A realization hit me. Carlos had once mentioned that the Sunshine Pack would "provide financial support." Now it made sense—Odette’s influence over him ran deeper than I had thought. She wasn’t just his fiancée; she was a powerful ally and perhaps his greatest strength.

As we rejoined the others, Carlos noticed my tension and quietly moved to sit beside me. His eyes softened with worry, but I couldn’t give him any explanation. The whole situation felt strange.

Eventually, I decided it was time to leave. I gathered Cyrus and noticed the concern on Carlos’s face, as if he wanted to say more—something that would convince me to stay. His lips parted slightly, but ultimately, he let out a sigh, and the moment slipped away. "Just… drive carefully, okay?" he urged.

Just as we were about to leave, Cyrus pulled out the present. "Carlos, Mummy and I …." I quickly interrupted him. "Cyrus picked this out himself."

Carlos took the gift with care, kneeling down to look Cyrus in the eye. He kissed his forehead gently and smiled. "I love it, thank you, Cyrus."

Forcing a small smile, I tried to brush it off. "No, nothing happened at work. I’m just tired, honey." He looked at me skeptically, his young eyes too perceptive. After a pause, he pressed further. "Mom, are you upset because of Dr. Carlos? Did he say something that hurt you?"

Hearing Carlos’s name made me feel tense. I shook my head, brushing it off with a gentle tone. "No, sweetheart, there’s nothing to worry about. I promise."

But he still looked unconvinced. Cyrus had always been sensitive to my emotions, and as much as I tried to protect him, he always seemed to know when something was off.

As we rounded a corner, my eyes caught sight of a long black car in the rearview mirror. It was keeping an unsettlingly steady distance behind us. My heart sank, and worry set in. I turned again, looking to see if they were still behind me. They were.