Harper pov
“Oh my goodness! It is indeed true; she possesses a beauty reminiscent of the moon goddess!” The woman in the purple short dress, which hugged her figure closely, expressed her delight while smiling at me.
Initially, I was taken aback by her resemblance to Concord; it appeared she was the sister alpha Ethan had mentioned. She embraced me warmly, showering my cheeks with kisses.
“You look stunning! I brought some outfits from Mexico, and I assure you, you will adore them,” she exclaimed, her excitement radiating from her face. I remained momentarily speechless as she pulled me along.
As she led me away, I stumbled, my thoughts in disarray. “Wait, who…?”
“Alessia, Ethan’s sister,” she replied, her smile contagious. “And you, my dear, are Harper, the star of the evening!”
Alessia’s exuberance was almost too much to handle, yet I found myself laughing.
“Mexico, is it? You must be Ethan’s sister-full of drama and intrigue.”
Alessia winked playfully. “Well, someone has to add a bit of excitement around here!”
We stepped into an opulent dressing room, where garments overflowed from racks and trunks. Alessia opened a trunk with a flourish, revealing a vibrant array of clothing.
“Ta-da! I brought the finest designs from Mexico. You will shine at the pack gathering tonight.”
I raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Pack gathering? Ethan didn’t mention anything about that-”
Alessia’s expression shifted to one of mischief. “Ethan doesn’t know everything, darling. Tonight is… a surprise.”
A sense of unease washed over me. “What sort of surprise?”
Alessia’s smile wavered briefly before she regained her composure. “Just have faith in me, Harper. This evening will transform everything.”
In an instant, Lucas’s voice resonated in my thoughts: “She belongs to me.”
“Alessia, what is happening?”
Alessia’s eyes glimmered with mischief. “All will be revealed in due time, belle. Now, let us prepare you to dazzle.”
She pulled me toward the couch, my eyes widening in disbelief, my heart racing at her clumsiness. Upon seeing her for the first time, I realized I was already enamored. I turned to her. “What have you been up to in Mexico?”
Alessia settled beside me, her eyes alight with excitement. “Oh, you know, the usual soaking up the sun, indulging in tequila tastings, and… shopping sprees!”
She winked while sifting through her trunk. “I brought back some exquisite items. This one’s for you.”
Alessia held up a breathtaking emerald necklace, causing me to gasp in astonishment.
“Stunning! But you really shouldn’t have-”
Alessia waved her hand nonchalantly. “Think of it as a welcome-to-the-family present, Harper.”
Her words stirred a warmth in my chest. Family? Ethan had never mentioned Alessia’s kindness.
“Alessia, you are… incredibly generous,” I managed to say.
Alessia laughed lightly. “That’s just me dramatic and generous. Now, put this on!”
She fastened the necklace around my neck, the emerald shimmering beautifully against my skin.
As Alessia began to style my hair, her fingers moved with a gentle intimacy, putting me at ease.
“Tell me, Harper, what is it like being the spurned mate of the notorious Alpha Lucas?”
My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Alessia, you are quite straightforward.”
Alessia’s smile wavered momentarily. “I apologize, dear. I simply wish to comprehend. Ethan has been… preoccupied recently.”
I paused, uncertain about how much to disclose.
“Alessia, Lucas… he lingers in my thoughts. His presence, his gaze… it feels as though he possesses me.”
Alessia’s demeanor softened. “You still have feelings for him.”
I quickly shook my head, tears threatening to spill from my eyes.
Alessia enveloped me in a comforting embrace. “Do not fret, Harper. This evening will alter everything. You will see.”
As she released me, a playful sparkle returned to her eyes.
“Now, let us prepare to impress. The pack gathering is approaching!”
The term “pack gathering” struck me as peculiar. However, there had been no announcements from the pack members or Alpha Ethan, my mate.
“Are you certain there is a night pack event?” I inquired, adjusting the necklace around my neck.
She furrowed her brows, a clear indication that she might not be entirely truthful.
“It’s not a pack event, Harper. It’s a nightclub.”
Alessia’s expression shifted from innocence to cunning. “A nightclub, indeed? Consider it a… pack gathering, without the furry costumes.”
I raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident on my face. “Alessia, what is really happening?”
Alessia’s smile widened with mischief. “Ethan is unaware, and as for Lucas… let’s just say he is in for an unexpected turn of events.”
My mind raced with inquiries. “What sort of surprise?”
Alessia winked. “You will find out soon enough. Now, let’s prepare you to shine at that nightclub!”
She handed me a sleek black dress, its fabric glimmering under the lights.
“Put this on. We are going to turn heads.”
As I changed, Alessia informed me about the nightclub, “Eclipse.” Exclusive, elusive, and notoriously difficult to enter.
“Ethan would be furious if he discovered this,” Alessia remarked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I slipped into the dress, its fit highlighting my figure. Alessia styled my hair, and we exchanged a look filled with anticipation.
“Are you ready to stir things up?” Alessia inquired.
I nodded, excitement surging through me.
Upon our arrival at Eclipse, we were met by formidable bouncers at the entrance. Alessia leaned in to whisper to the head bouncer, who then stepped aside to allow us entry.
Inside, we were enveloped by pulsating lights and booming music, the atmosphere charged with vibrant energy.
Suddenly, Alessia seized my hand. “It’s time to make our entrance.”
As we stepped onto the main floor, an unexpected silence fell over the room.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
“Shake your hips, Harper!” she shouted, moving her waist energetically. I found myself bewildered by the scene, unable to grasp the essence of the party as everyone danced around me. It was my first experience at such an event, and I hoped that Alpha Ethan would not be displeased.
Alessia pulled me into the throng of dancers. “Let loose, Harper! Embrace the music!”
The driving beats surrounded me, and I hesitated, feeling uncertain. Yet, Alessia’s vibrant spirit compelled me to join in.
Gradually, I began to sway, my body responding to the rhythm. The crowd encircled us, drawing closer.
Then, a pair of intense eyes locked onto mine.
“Lucas.”
He navigated through the dancers, his gaze fixed on me with unwavering intensity.
Alessia shouted above the music, “Go, Harper! Dance with him! He’s my friend!”
Lucas reached us, his eyes still locked onto mine. “Dance with me,” he murmured, his voice deep and husky.
My heart raced.
Without hesitation, I nodded.
Lucas pulled me into his embrace, our bodies moving together seamlessly.
The music enveloped us, our movements becoming fluid and sensual.
Ethan’s face flashed in my mind, but Lucas’s presence pushed all other thoughts away.
Alessia’s laughter rang out, lost amidst the music.
How had Lucas found us? I had thought he was with his own pack in another city. What was the connection between Lucas and Alessia?