Chapter 49
When we finally reach the ceremony, I am unerly and completely stunned. This place does not scream wealth, it screams it at the top of its lungs. Wherever my eyes roam, there’s luxury oozing out of every nook. The room is alive with two kinds of glamour.
First, there are the people–dressed in their finest, their colors so bright and their jewels so blinding. Then, there’s the decor. The chandeliers are mude to glitter like they’re from the stars, the walls have the most intricate patterns, and even the cutlery appears to be of solid gold
This is every thief’s fantasy.
Out of everyone looking extermely gorgeous and expensive, I can say for sure that I am one of them.
The emerald necklace resting on my collarbone alone could buy several prime plots of land back in Blackwater City. And the ring on my finger! Priceless. It looks like a family heirloom, the kind of treasure soaked in centuries of secrets
Soft muse fill the room–opera singers, a grand harp, and other instruments I don’t even recognize. The melody is hauntingly beautiful, making everything feel surreal.
Even if I am not getting love like 1 would like the rest of the lovers here
As m–this power, this respect, this attention–it’s intoxicating. Maybe love isn’t what I need after all. Power? Now that’s something I can work with.
As we walk in. Deckard tightens his grip on my arms, leaning close to whisper in my ear, “You’re meant to smile and look like you’re in love.” His tour was commanding but Lam irritated so I don’t even bother replying. Let him think what he wants–I don’t need to force a simile. This place alone is my mout
Soon, we’re led to our seats. They’re elevated, set apart from the rest, like we’re royally–or something close to it. The eyes of the crowd is grazing Over us makes me anxious.
The opera begins with the music is breathtaking. The voices, so hauntingly beautiful, swirl around the room, wrapping us all in their magic. But Deckard won’t let ine have any moment. He’s relentless. His hand slides onto my thigh. A few minutes later, he’s holding my hand, his thumb brushing against my skin. Before I can process une move, he’s pressing a kiss so my forehead, his lips lingering longer than they should. What is this performance for the crowd.
He’s overdoing it. There’s no need for any of this; everyone is too engrossed in the opera to care. But Deckard seems determined to play his role to perfection
Then, after the first performance, a man in an impeccably y tailored royal–blue tuxedo takes the stage. Ha, voice smooth and authoritative as he welcomes everyone.
I can feel it. Every
y head in the room turns soward us, their eyes boring into my skin
They raise a roaring applause echoing through the hall. The orchestra strikes a sweet, delicate tune on the piano as if to accompany their
1 force a smile, but the nerves churn inside me. Deckard’s expression doesn’t falter. He sits there as if this is his natural habitat, soaking in the attention with ease. I try to do the same, but all I feel is the weight of their gazes pressing down on me.
The room filled with cheers and applause as the sweet sound of a piano played in the background.
One by one, Alphas and Lunas came forward, showering Deckard and me with gills. The offerings were incredible–land deeds, keys to houses and cars, rare jewelry, and even checks written in my name.
It felt unreal. In my Twenty–live pears, I’d never been treated as someone so important. That’s when it hit me–right now, I’m the most powerful Luna around. People look at me with respect, admiration, even envy. Well, everyone except Deckard, Dane, and of course, that jealous Mary,
These people actually like me. Some even with they were me–I can see it in the way some of the women sneak glances at Deckard, throwing little winks and smiles his way,
And honestly, I get it. Deckard looks incredible tonight. He has that rugged, effortless kind of handsomeness that doesn’t need to try. Everything about him screams confidence and power. Those golden eyes of lsis–ugh, they could make anyone spill their deepest secrets.
He’s got this presence, this way of commanding a room without even speaking. And his looks! Let’s just say breathtaking doesn’t even begin to cover it. If he weren’t such a pain in my ass, I’d probably be falling for him, hard.
No wonder Mary can’t stand mr. Who wouldn’t want to be in my shinest
Chapter 49
But as amazing as all this attention is, there’s a ragging thought in the back of my mind. Power and admiration are nice, sure, but they come with complications. Complications like Deckard–handsome, infuriating, and far too easy to get lost in
My ryrs follows Deckard as he moves through the crowd, greeting guests with that signature charm of his. Damn, Em getting carried away.
“Oh wow, you two are so in love?” one of the other Lamas exclaims, catching me staring. I instantly regret it. How could I let my guard down like
Deckard notices too. He meets my gaze, and I quickly look away, pretending to focus on the lady who just called me out. I force a polite unile, even as my face burns with embarrassment
After receiving our mountain of gifts, the ceremony kicks into full swing with an endless lineup of dazzling performances. Soon, it’s time for the ball dance. Deckard and I are supposed to lead the floor, with the other couples following
I remind myself of the quick lessons I got yestendy–how to hold myself, how to glide effortlessly. It’s all paying off.
But Deckard is stating straight at me, and it’s making me uncomfortable. His gaze is so intense, like he’s trying to seduce me! I can’t stand it. I shift my focus anywhere but him.
“Look at me,” he anusars, his tour soft but commanding. “Your gaze should be on me
And like an idiot, I obey. My eyes lock onto his, and suddenly, I’m not just lost in his gaze but in the way his lips taste when they meet mine–like the rich wine we just drank, mixed with something raw and undeniably masculine. Heat blooms through me, making my thighs clench
Before I can even process what’s happening, another hand grabs me by the waist. My eyes snap open, and I find myself face–to–face with a man who stands about 5’8“, dressed imprecably. Everything about him screams royalty
to meet you, Amica. Tim Marquis, the Alpha
“Apologies for pulling you away from your mate,” he says with a charming smile, “but I’ve been dying to of the Redwoll pack.”
“Sorry I had to steal you away from the warm emirate of your mate,” the man says, his voice smooth and confident. “But I’ve been dying to meet you ever since I heard about you, Amica, I’m Marquis, the Alpha of the Redwolf pack.”
He offers a polite smile as he introduces himself
“It is my honor to meet you, Alpha Marquis,” I reply, bowing slightly.
“Oh, you don’t need to do that,” he says quickly, waving a hand “I’m the one honored. You’re far more beautiful than the stones let on! You really must visit the Redwolf pack sometime–we’d be delighted to how you”
- h. I’ll add it to my list… I begin, but before I can finish, another hand takes mine, guiding me away in a smooth motion.
sand sly
This goes on for what feels like an ecrity. Three different partners sweep me across the dance floor, each offering their polite remarks an smiles. I manage to keep up with the changing pace, but by the time I’m returned to Deckard, I’m both relieved and annoyed.
“Miss me?” he asks, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile that creeps onto my face. He’s joking, of course. But did miss him?
