Chapter 69
Chapter 69: Lucas
I kept my word to Sutton and spent the day in bed with her. But I did eventually have to drag myself away to check the preparations for tonight’s event. I’d already put a plan in place the day Sutton told me she wanted to announce our mateship and had linked Jaden this morning to get everything put into place. But there were a few details that were unusual for this tradition that were important to ensure. I wanted to make sure those measures were followed to a T. So I left Sutton to shower get ready while I met up with Jaden.
“You’ve made sure everyone knows there will be no photography, right?” I asked Jaden as I walked through the small banquet hall. “We have a full security staff ready and waiting?”
“Yes and yes,” Jaden said, following close by. “The only camera will be our local news station and the press meeting will only be broadcast live. After that, I’ll personally see the footage is deleted. All security will be sweeping every guest with a metal detector and all phones and cameras will be taken before they can enter the hall.”
“Good,” I said. “And no one who’s not on the guest list gets in. We’re keeping this small for a reason.”
“Of course,” Jaden agreed. “You know this isn’t going to keep Alpha Anders from finding out, right? Once you give her name, it’ll get back to his ears soon enough and he’ll know.”
“I’m well aware,” I said. “The precautions aren’t for him.”
“Okay… for whom then?” he questioned.
“The rest of the packs,” I stated. “The fewer people who set eyes on her, the better. At least for the time being.”
There were a few reasons for my discretion. After Soloman’s reaction, I wasn’t sure who else would have the same one. I didn’t want more people questioning who she was until we had more information ourselves. It would also limit Anders‘ possible reactions. I didn’t know why he wanted Sutton, but keeping her out of the spotlight for a while longer would at least make his actions easier to predict. Thus, easier to contain.
“So, when are you going to tell me what you and Soloman were up to for three days?” Jaden asked, shoving his hands in his suit pockets. “I know there’s something big going on if you want to bring Hunter in on a project.”
I glanced at him before looking around the room. The sound carried through the room and there were guards starting to come in and out to secure
the area.
‘Not here,‘ I linked him. ‘Not now. We’ll talk after.‘
He nodded once and I knew he’d hold me to it. But that wasn’t my priority at the moment. I checked my watch and headed out of the hall. The guests who resided in the packhouse had already started to meander over to the waiting area. I saw several valets rushing toward the front entrance and figured more were starting to arrive outside as well. I needed to get Sutton.
I rode the elevator up. The doors open and I see Tarrah, fussing with something with her back to me. As I stepped in, she looked over her shoulder.
“There you are,” Tarrah commented. “She’s just about ready.”
Tarrah finished what she was doing and stepped aside. Sutton was in front of her and turned to face me as she straightened a necklace that Tarrah must have been helping her with. She looked every bit the part of a Luna in a fitted business dress and her hair styled in a loose curl. She was as beautiful as always. I stepped in and gripped her chin, pulling her lips to mine.
“It’s time to go,” I told her. “Ready?”
She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as she nodded. Taking her hand, we headed back downstairs. Tarrah stayed close and Jaden and Max were waiting at the elevator doors. We took a back way to the conference hall to avoid any crowds. As we approached our destination, I could hear the
murmurs.
I shifted my hand to the small of Sutton’s back as Jaden opened the rear door for us. A small stage had been set up with a podium at the head of the room. I guided Sutton up the stairs and directed her where to stand for the moment. Tarrah would stay with her while Jaden and Max stood guard.
Going to the podium I waited for the room to quiet. By this point, they knew I didn’t expect to have to make the request for their attention. I expected them to give it. When the hall was silent and all eyes were on me, I began to speak.
“Thank you all for being here tonight,” I stated. “I know you are all curious as to what this is about. Well, keeping true to fashion, I intend to keep this short and sweet. While you all know I don’t condone gossip, I’m well aware I have thrown fuel on that fire recently. We’re here to put an end to the speculation.” I turned and ushered Sutton to join me, putting an arm around her waist proudly. “I would like to officially introduce you all to my fated mate and your future Luna – Sutton Langston.”
There was a round of applause as the room erupted in conversation. The reaction was positive. A positive atmosphere settled in the room. That was enough to satisfy me.
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3:42 PM
Chapter 69
I raised a hand to regain control of the room. It fell quiet once again.
“I’m sure you all are as pleased as I am with the development,” I stated. “However, we request that you curb your curiosity. Sutton will have a more formal presentation soon enough and you will have the opportunity to get to know her. For now, please respect our privacy. Thank you.”
Keeping hold of Sutton, I ignored the bombardment of questions being hurled our way and escorted her off the stage and out the door. I felt her exhale heavily, as if she had been holding her breath.
“That’s it?” she questioned. “We don’t have to stay and talk with anyone?”
“Not tonight,” I said. “I’ve shared you enough. For now, you’re all mine.”
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