Chapter 6 Cliff's POV I entered the venue with Melinda , who was dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress that I had the tailor make for her specifically . Her hand trembled as she linked arms with me , her voice tinged with fear and shyness , " I … I've never been to such a grand occasion before . I'm a bit scared . Maybe I should go back . " I turned to look at her . As our eyes met , an emotion emanated from the depths of our souls . She was my true mate . Every glance and every word from her seemed magical . I gently patted her hand on my arm , trying to sound calm , " You need to learn to adapt . In the future , you will often be by my side at such events . " Melinda nodded slightly , her docile appearance stirring a hint of tenderness in my heart . At the same time , I felt a pang of guilt towards Vanya . Just as I was about to step into the venue with Melinda , Elliot's voice rang out inopportunely , " Alpha Cliff , but your Luna hasn't arrived yet . " A wave of annoyance surged within me , my brows furrowing tightly . I snapped at Elliot , " I explicitly told you to inform her not to come today . What exactly happened ? " Elliot's gaze shifted between Melinda and me . Melinda , startled by the suffocating tension , immediately had her eyes rimmed with a circle of redness . She hurriedly explained , her voice on the verge of tears , " This isn't Beta Elliot's fault . I told him to notify Luna Vanya … I'm aware of my status , and I don't want to cause you any trouble , so … I thought it would be more appropriate for Luna Vanya to accompany you inside … " With that , she lowered her head , her vulnerable and helpless appearance unconsciously stirring a hint of pity in my heart . I raised my hand to rub my temple , internally caught in a very dilemma . On one hand , I really didn't want Vanya to appear here , fearing various unexpected situations . On the other hand , I couldn't ignore Melinda's terrified state . Melinda gently bit her lower lip , leaving a faint imprint on the tender lip . She looked up at me . Her eyes were filled with dependence and anxiety . She softly called out , " Alpha Cliff … " I turned to Elliot . " You go to the door immediately and wait . If you see Vanya , send someone to escort her back immediately . No mistakes allowed . " However , just as I finished speaking , the crowd suddenly burst into exclamations of amazement . N Elliot looked in the direction of the sound . late . " In an instant , his face was filled with shock , his mouth slightly open in astonishment , " It's probably too My heart sank , and I followed his gaze . ' Vanya ? I was dazed for a moment before recognizing Vanya . She was wearing a red evening gown , like a flame sprite . A slight pain came from my arm , and I turned to see Melinda's face was not looking good . 1/2 The 4 ' P Chapter 6 0 Compared to Vanya's sexy beauty , Melinda appeared too plain , like an immature student . " Luna Vanya looks really stunning . " Melinda's tone was laced with imperceptible jealousy . In this situation , I felt my wolf becoming restless . I watched as Vanya walked confidently toward us , her presence commanding attention . The murmurs of the crowd reached my ears : " Luna Vanya is here . Then who is the female companion beside Alpha Cliff ? " Vanya's expression remained indifferent as she approached , her eyes scanning Melinda briefly before focusing on me . She linked her arm with mine gracefully , her smile unwavering . " Melinda , you look very beautiful today , " Vanya said softly , her tone polite but distant . Melinda's discomfort was evident as she awkwardly withdrew her hand from mine . She shook Vanya's hand , and the words " Hello , Luna Vanya , " sounded particularly forced . I could see the flicker of irritation in Vanya's eyes as she glanced at Melinda , but she quickly masked it with a smile . I nodded slightly and explained , " Melinda is quite excellent in her studies and plans to study abroad this year . She's just a bit timid , so I brought her here today mainly to let her see more and broaden her horizons ." Vanya's smile didn't reach her eyes as she nodded , her gaze lingering on Melinda for a moment longer before turning back to me . Her gaze was utterly calm , as if she were looking at a stranger . For some reason , my heart ached , and I felt an inexplicable irritation wash over me . 2/2