Lucas pov
It was not merely about following Alessia to the party; it also involved ensuring her inebriation to gain Harper’s attention.
“That lady over there could use a drink. Could you assist me by serving her?” I requested of the bartender, who responded with visible annoyance. I understood his irritation; after all, he was unaware of my intentions.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that, sir. You’ll have to serve yourself!” he retorted grumpily. I was about to walk away when I abruptly pulled him back by his collar.
“The lady over there requires a drink, and I insist that you walk over and serve her. Red wine, specifically,” I instructed calmly, leaning in to whisper, having nearly forced him down onto the counter.
“You’re hurting me! I will… I will comply with your request,” he stammered.
“Excellent.”
I released him, straightening my blazer as if nothing had occurred. I then turned my attention to Harper and Alessia, who were seated together. Alessia appeared to be enjoying herself, swaying to the music, while Harper’s gaze was fixed on me, sharp and accusatory. I was aware of her disdain for me, yet her presence was beneficial at this moment.
With a smirk on my face, I approached Harper and Alessia. Harper’s eyes narrowed, her stare cutting through me like a knife.
“Alessia, are you having a good time?” I inquired, disregarding Harper’s animosity.
Alessia nodded with enthusiasm, her eyes alight with excitement. “Yes! Thank you for inviting me! This party is fantastic!”
Harper’s expression remained unchanged. “You certainly know how to host a gathering, don’t you?” Her voice was laced with sarcasm.
I laughed lightly and took a seat beside Harper. “Just doing my best to ensure everyone enjoys themselves.”
The bartender, still massaging his throat, approached our table with the red wine. “Here you are, ma’am,” he said, handing the glass to Harper.
Harper raised an eyebrow. “Are you now in a position to serve me?”
I leaned closer, murmuring, “I have my methods.”
Alessia giggled, unaware of the underlying tension. “What’s happening? Am I missing something?”
Harper’s eyes flashed with anger, yet she opted to sip her wine rather than respond.
I reclined in my chair, observing the interactions. Harper’s animosity towards me was evident, but I required her cooperation. Meanwhile, Alessia, blissfully ignorant, held the key to my plans.
As the music transitioned to a slower rhythm, I stood. “Alessia, would you honor me with a dance?”
Alessia’s eyes widened, and she looked at Harper, who merely shrugged.
“Go ahead,” Harper replied, her tone tinged with indifference.
As I guided Alessia to the dance floor, I felt Harper’s gaze burning into us, filled with resentment.
“She is my brother’s mate,” Alessia whispered, her voice barely rising above the music.
I smiled, drawing her closer. “I am fully aware of my intentions.”
But was I truly?
As the song concluded, I returned Alessia to the table, where Harper awaited with an inscrutable expression.
“Let us make a toast,” I declared, raising my glass. “To new friendships and… mutually advantageous arrangements.”
As I turned to address Alessia, a chill ran down my spine. Amelia?
I called out, astonished, my heart racing. “How did she find out about the party I was hosting in another pack?” I pondered, staring at her. Surprised, are you? she asked, furrowing her brows.
“Oh, thanks to Harper, she texted me that my dear fiance had gone to see his ex-mate. The same mate he had rejected and yet decided to throw a party for!” She growled, shoving me in the chest.
I stumbled back, my eyes locked onto Amelia’s fierce gaze.
“Alessia, Harper, let us-”
Amelia raised her hand abruptly, cutting me off. “Do not even consider speaking to them at this moment. You are coming with me.”
Her grip on my arm became more forceful, her nails pressing into my skin.
Harper’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction, while Alessia appeared worried.
“Amelia, please calm down,” I attempted to reason with her.
“Calm down?” Amelia’s laughter sent a shiver through me. “You believe I can calm down after discovering you are still involved with your past? With her?”
She gestured toward Alessia, who had risen with her hands raised in a defensive manner.
“Amelia, I-”
“Save your breath,” Amelia retorted, pulling me away.
As we left the party, her anger transformed into a cold fury.
“You will explain everything to me. Immediately.”
We stepped into the cool night air, the music fading into the background.
“Amelia, just listen-”
“Do not lie to me,” she hissed, each word dripping with disdain.
I inhaled deeply. “Alessia is merely a friend. Harper’s situation is not your concern, and I left the party to avoid creating any turmoil.”
Her eyes blazed. “Turmoil? You turned down Harper for me, and now you are hosting parties with her, who clearly despises you?”
I massaged my temples. “It is not as it appears.”
Amelia’s voice lowered to a whisper. “I noticed the way you gazed at Harper. The way Harper looks at you with animosity. You are playing games, and I refuse to be a pawn. I might just reveal everything to Ethan, and then you could have a proper confrontation with him.”
Harper suddenly materialized beside us.
“It seems the festivities have come to an end,” she remarked, her voice saturated with sarcasm.
Amelia’s expression sharpened. “And what part do you play in this?”
Harper nonchalantly shrugged. “I’m merely here for amusement.”
Amelia’s eyes fixed on mine. “This is not over.”
“You might want to linger a bit longer while I make a call to Ethan,” she suggested, blinking rapidly, her tone serious.
“Please don’t. I can’t let my brother discover that I brought Harper to a party; he would be livid,” Alessia interjected, stifling a giggle at the unfolding drama among the three women.
“Your brother?” Amelia inquired, moving closer to me, clearly taken aback by the revelation that Ethan had a sister and that I had inadvertently complicated matters.
“Yes, Ethan is my brother, and I really don’t want him to find out about this gathering,” Alessia implored, reaching for Amelia’s arm, but the fierce glare from Amelia caused her to hesitate.
Amelia’s expression turned icy. “Ethan is your brother?” she echoed, her voice laced with malice.
Alessia nodded, visibly shaken. “Y-yes, please keep this from him. He would be furious.”
I stepped in, trying to ease the tension. “Amelia, we should discuss this-”
“Be quiet,” Amelia retorted, her attention still fixed on Alessia. “You are Ethan’s sister? The same Ethan who is now bonded with Harper?”
Alessia’s eyes widened in alarm. “H-how did you find out?”
Amelia’s laughter sent a shiver down my spine. “What do you mean, how do I know? This man here is my fiance.”
Harper moved closer, her voice firm. “Amelia, back off.”
Amelia glanced at Harper. “Or what? Will you shield her from your own foolishness?”
The atmosphere grew increasingly charged.
Alessia’s voice quivered. “Please, Amelia, don’t reveal this to my brother.”
Amelia’s desires have led us away from our previous location. It is time to return to our pack.
******************************
Upon arriving at the pack house, I made my way to the bar cellar, with Amelia’s voice trailing behind me.
Her words reverberated through the walls, reminiscent of a deranged individual. I momentarily forgot her reputation for instability, muttering to myself as I focused on my thoughts.
“Alpha Lucas…” a guard called out, but I dismissed him with a snap of my fingers.
“I am not in the mood to listen; you may address me later.”I responded calmly, reaching for a bottle of vodka, only for it to be knocked from my grasp to the floor.
“Lucas, are you still involved with Harper? Answer me immediately!” I anticipated her inquiry.
“Nothing, my dear. I simply need a drink, is that alright?”
Amelia’s eyes blazed with anger. “Do not call me ‘my dear’! You intend to stand there, drinking vodka, while I attempt to sort out the chaos you have created?”
I exhaled deeply, rubbing my temples in frustration. “Amelia, please-”
“Please?” she echoed, her voice escalating. “You expect me to be placated after discovering you are still connected to Harper and hosting parties with her?”
I gripped the bar counter tightly, striving to maintain my composure. “Harper is merely an old acquaintance. Alessia is a friend of a friend.”
Amelia’s laughter sent a chill through me. “Help? You really think I would believe that?”
“I didn’t expect you to believe me, Amelia. Just go to your room; I have pack meetings to attend, so please stop your tirade,”I replied, forcing the alcohol down my throat. The sharp taste made me gasp.
“You repulse me!” she spat, jabbing her finger at me.
“Yes, I am aware that I repulse you. Can you leave now?”
Amelia’s finger quivered with fury. “You are dismissing me? After all that I have uncovered?”
I poured another shot, my eyes fixed on the golden liquid. “There is nothing left to discuss.”
Her voice lowered to a whisper. “You will come to regret this.”
With a flourish of her skirt, she turned and stormed out.
I exhaled sharply, the vodka searing my chest.
The door creaked open once more, and my Beta entered.
“Alpha Lucas, we need to talk,” he said, his expression serious.
“Pack business?” I inquired, pouring him a shot.
“Yes, we need to devise a solution regarding the pack project offer before the patriarch convenes for the meeting,” Liam replied, standing tall with his head slightly bowed.
I nodded, handing Liam the shot. “The Silverstone offer. I have been contemplating it.”
Liam’s gaze met mine. “We cannot accept it.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What is the reason for that?”
Liam lowered his voice to a whisper. “There are rumors regarding Silverstone’s actual motives. They are not merely investing in our pack… they are seeking to gain control.”
I tightened my grip on the glass.
My voice pierced the tension. “What leads you to believe that?”
Liam paused before responding. “A trustworthy source within Silverstone.”
Amelia approached, her gaze fixed on Liam. “Who is it?”
Liam’s eyes darted to Harper before returning to me. “Someone I have confidence in.”
I scrutinized Liam’s expression, looking for any hint of falsehood.
Leaning in, I spoke quietly. “If this is accurate… we cannot allow them to take over.”
The gravity of Liam’s statement weighed heavily on me.
Suddenly, Amelia’s voice resonated from the doorway.
“Alpha Lucas, I am going to check on some files in your office.”
I quickly turned my attention to her, but she had already left.
“Address Silverstone later,” I instructed, my tone resolute. “Amelia is my priority.”
He nodded and pushed away from the bar.
However, as I began to follow Amelia, Liam’s words halted me.
“Lucas, we cannot afford to lose our focus. The future of the pack is at risk.”
I sighed, but my thoughts quickly shifted back to Liam.
“Get to the office and ensure Amelia does not interfere with anything that belongs to the pack, understood?”
Liam acknowledged with a firm nod. “I understand, Alpha.”
“Gather the council. We must deliberate on Silverstone’s proposal.”
He nodded in agreement.
Liam’s gaze fixed on mine. “It would be wise to leave Amelia out of this.”
I tightened my jaw. “The affairs of the pack take precedence.”
“You are making a grave error.”
Disregarding his caution, I exited, determined to follow Amelia’s path.
That woman knows nothing about this pack, and I prefer it that way due to her ineptitude, I thought as I quickened my pace toward the pack office to find Amelia.
I entered the pack office abruptly, my eyes scanning the area.
Amelia was positioned by the desk, papers strewn about her.
“Leave immediately,” I growled.
Her eyes met mine, filled with defiance.
“You cannot dictate my actions, Lucas.”
I advanced closer, lowering my voice. “You are no longer welcome here.”
Amelia’s smile contorted. “I have taken what I require.”
My heart sank as I noticed the open safe behind her.
“What have you done?” I demanded.
Her eyes glimmered with mischief. “Just securing my future.”
I gradually stepped back and sank onto the couch.