CALIFF
“Do I look okay?” Everlee looked at herself.
We went for a quick shopping last night. Right now, she was wearing a blue dress. She always looked beautiful and sophisticated, and she shouldn’t have doubted herself over her sense of fashion.
Mason had always dreamed big for his unica hija. That was why he approved of her relationship with me, but having lunch with the Lycan royalty and the King who saved her mate intimidated her or could be one of her dreams, and she wanted to look nice.
“You look beautiful, babe,” Calder said, who wore a two-piece dark Italian suit.
“So, are you guys ready?” My gorgeous mate just walked downstairs, which took my breath away. She chose a simple white midi dress, which never looked simple. It popped out the color of her hair and eyes with an irresistible sparkle. She complemented it with white shoes and a clutch.
“Aren’t you gorgeous?” I kissed her forehead.
“So do you, Alpha.” I wasn’t supposed to buy for myself, but they forced me to do so. So I had to put on the new dark navy blue suit.
“I always envy you, Everlee.” Those words coming from Shadow surprised me. She had no idea how stunning she was, yet she still felt insecure. “You always look calm and effortlessly well-dressed.”
“Are you kidding me? I thought you were the most beautiful brunette I’ve ever seen.”
She snorted, blinking at her. “Seriously?”
“Yes. And when you two are together, you make the powerful couple like Beyonce and Jay-Z and Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively look like a prom date went wrong. Trust me. Even the blind could see it.”
She opened her mouth to say something, but her phone buzzed. She checked the message. I saw it was from Zarah. “Let’s get to your office, big guy. Zarah is about to create a portal.”
“Let’s go then, baby.”
Just right after we entered the office, the portal appeared.
“So, we just stepped in, and we’re in Italy,” Calder said excitedly.
“Precisely,” I said, “Lead the way, baby.”
“Oh, my Goddess. I can’t believe I’m doing this.” Everlee held her mate’s hand.
“See you in Italy, guys.” She stepped in.
“Go ahead.” I motioned for them. Then I followed. The portal brought us to the outdoor tea area inside the palace. The first person I saw was Zarah, glaring at me in her beautiful strappy red midi dress.
“Zarah, thank you.” I smiled. “For everything.”
She put a blank face. “Do you know how hard it is to create a portal to two places?”
“I love you, Zarah.” That was all Shadow said, hugging her tight like a daughter asking something from a mother. It put a smile on Zarah’s face.
“What do you want?”
“Nothing.” She slipped her hand on Zarah’s arm, and her smile grew wider. “So, tell me about your date with my father.”
“I’m sorry, child, but I don’t kiss and tell.”
“Oh.” She laughed. “So, you two kissed and f- each other’s brain’s out.”
“Shut up and behave. You should start acting like a true princess, Shadow, or your father will hire an etiquette teacher to spank your ass.” She went forward.
“Wew. I have a feeling your date went well.” Shadow wouldn’t just let it go. I guessed she really wanted them to hook up or be together.
“Wait. How old exactly is Zarah?” Everlee whispered to me.
“I have no idea, but she’s older than us.”
“This is surreal,” Calder finally spoke. “I was in New York minutes ago, and now I’m here in Italy.”
“I said once that I feel like I’m cheating time and space.”
“Exactly, but how awesome is that? And now, I’m having lunch with the Alpha King,” my brother concluded.
“The Majesty is waiting, Your Highness.” The same guy came. Sebastien’s omega slightly bowed his head at Shadow.
“Your Highness, The High King, My Lord, and now The Majesty. Should we address him like the King of England?” Shadow asked the omega annoyingly.
“Alpha King, Your Highness.”
“Please, don’t call me that. Shadow, Miss Shadow, Mrs. Stone, or Luna. That’s way better.”
I chuckled as we followed the omega. “I like it, Mrs. Stone.”
Zarah turned to me. “In the human world, she can be Mrs. Stone. You, too, should plan for the ceremony. Shadow needs to make a formal appearance before the Lycan Council so they can honor her as the heiress to the throne. Considering she’s born with a vagina, the Conclave wouldn’t make it easy for her. Convince her to decide it sooner. We might need their support to end this hunting.”
“Do you want me to convince Shadow? It’s like convincing a stone, Zarah. You know her stubbornness, and she can decide it for herself.”
She shook her head, disappointed. “This is who she is, and she will listen to you than anyone.”
I paused for a moment. Zarah made a point. We need more support from the Lycans if these hunters killed more werewolves- innocent werewolves while the werewolf council wasn’t alarmed by what was going on around us.
Zarah went ahead of us. “Go with your mate, Shadow.”
The double door opened wide to the luxurious receiving area. The smell of expensive incense filled the air. It was still mind-boggling how rich Sebastien was. And my mate would inherit all of this.
“Oh, dear. I couldn’t believe it when Sebastien told me you were coming.” Alexander, in his three-piece suit, walked to his granddaughter.
“Grandpa,” Shadow said gleefully, hugged the old man, and kissed him on the cheek. “You look great.”
“I miss you dearly, Shadow.”
“I miss you, too, but I’ve been busy.”
“So I’ve heard.” Then he shifted his gaze and found mine. “Son, good to see you again.”
“High Lord.” I shook his hand.
“Grandpa is good. You’re like my grandson now.” Then he turned to my brother. “My, my. So you must be Calder.”
“Yes, sir. It’s an honor to meet you.” They shook hands.
“You’ve been through hell, my boy. And I feel my son’s blood on you.”
“Yes, sir. I will be forever indebted to him.”
“Don’t say that, or he will come to collect,” he said half-jokingly. Then he looked at Everlee. “Mason Ross’ daughter.”
“Yes, High Lord.” Everlee bowed slightly. “Pleased to meet you.”
“And you finally mated to Calder.”
“Yes, sir.”
Sebastien walked in with Zarah. He always oozed confidence and power. Every time he showed up, he caught everybody’s attention and always made a good entrance.
“Father.” Shadow went to kiss Sebastien. “How’s your date?”