Chapter 39
Federico sat behind his desk, deep in thought as he reviewed the security protocols for the upcoming ball. He knew it wasn’t going to be an ordinary event. With the political tension between the packs and the presence of rogues lurking in the shadows, nothing needed to go wrong. His thoughts were interrupted when Gabe and Jake walked in.
“Everything is set for the ball, Alpha,” Gabe said, standing tall before the desk. “But we wanted to check in to see if there were any last-minute orders.”
Federico looked up at them, his brow furrowed. “Make sure to check the halls thoroughly. I don’t want any mistakes. Rogues or worse, Lycans, could try to sneak in, and I won’t tolerate any threats. I want every inch of this place covered.”
Jake nodded. “We’ll sweep the halls and make sure everything’s in order.”
As they turned to leave, the door creaked open, and Maya made her way into the office, a soft smile on her face. Federico’s mood lightened instantly at the sight of her, and he returned the smile.
“Good morning, Maya,” he greeted warmly. “What brings you here?”
Maya walked over to his desk, her expression turning serious. “Federico, I just wanted to talk to you about something important. You should be careful during the ball. A Lycan can sneak in without anyone noticing. They’re good at blending in, and with so many people, it could be easy for one to slip through the cracks.”
Federico leaned back in his chair, considering her words. He hadn’t thought about that possibility before, but there was a truth in what she said. A Lycan could be a real threat, especially if they came with ill intentions.
“I see your point,” Federico said slowly, his eyes narrowing as he mulled over the situation. “I’ll make sure the sentinels keep an eye out for anything unusual. We can’t afford to let our guard down.”
Maya nodded, relieved that he was taking her seriously. “Good. I know you’ve got everything under control, but it never hurts to be extra careful.”
Federico gave her a reassuring smile. “I appreciate your concern, Maya. You’re right to bring this up. I’ll make sure the guards know what to look for.”
The two of them continued to talk for a few more minutes, discussing the preparations for the ball and what needed to be done to ensure everything went smoothly. There was a quiet understanding between them, the kind of mutual respect that had grown over time. Maya had always been sharp, and Federico valued her input.
After a while, they both stood up to leave the office. As they stepped into the hallway, they nearly bumped into Azalea, who was walking in their direction. She smiled, though the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. It was a forced, tight-lipped expression that hinted at the tension between them.
“Maya,” Azalea greeted, her voice even but cool. “Luna.”
Maya smiled back, though there was something more smug in her expression. “Luna,” she repeated as if testing the word on her tongue. It was a title that held power and prestige, something Maya knew she would never possess. But despite that, Azalea smiled brightly, knowing it was a title that would always belong to her, no matter what.
“Yes, Luna,” Azalea said, her voice carrying just a hint of pride. “That’s a title that can never be taken away from me.”
Federico watched the exchange silently, his eyes shifting between the two women. He could sense the undercurrents of tension between them but chose not to intervene. He knew Azalea could hold her own.
Azalea turned her attention fully to Maya, her smile softening just slightly. “I was just on my way to pick some flowers to decorate the halls for the guests,” she said. “I thought it might be nice to add a personal touch. And after all, it’s a woman’s place to do these things, wouldn’t you agree?”
Maya blinked, caught off guard by the sudden invitation. It was phrased so politely that it left her with no choice but to accept, though she wasn’t particularly thrilled at the prospect.
“Flowers?” Maya echoed, her reluctance clear in her tone. She glanced at Federico, hoping for some excuse to escape, but he only offered a small, apologetic smile.
“Yes,” Azalea continued, her tone sweet but firm. “We need to make sure everything looks perfect for the ball, and I could use some help. Would you care to join me?”
Maya hesitated, her thoughts racing. She had no desire to spend time with Azalea, especially not under such forced circumstances. But declining would look bad, especially in front of Federico.
With a barely suppressed sigh, Maya forced a smile onto her face and nodded. “Of course. I’d be happy to help.”
Azalea smiled triumphantly. “Wonderful. We’ll make sure the place is beautiful for the guests. And who better to assist than someone with your eye for detail?”
The two women walked down the hallway together, leaving Federico behind. As they disappeared around the corner, he couldn’t help but chuckle softly to himself. The ball hadn’t even begun, and already, the subtle rivalries and tensions were surfacing.
—
As they made their way to the gardens, Maya struggled to keep up with Azalea’s cheerful pace. She could feel the weight of the unspoken competition between them. Everything Azalea said and did seemed to carry an undercurrent of assertion, reminding Maya of her place.
“So,” Azalea began as they reached the flower beds, her eyes scanning the vibrant blooms. “I think we should go for roses and peonies for the main hall. Something classic but striking. Don’t you think so?”
Maya pursed her lips, biting back a retort. “Sure, roses sound fine,” she muttered.
Azalea bent down to pick a handful of the roses, her movements graceful and deliberate. “I’m glad you agree. It’s important to make a strong impression. After all, people will be watching closely. Especially during events like this.”
Maya straightened, her hands resting on her hips as she watched Azalea work. “Of course. Appearances are everything.”
Azalea glanced up, her smile never faltering. “Exactly. That’s why I take such care in everything I do. I know people have expectations of me, and I always aim to exceed them.”
Maya narrowed her eyes, knowing full well the meaning behind Azalea’s words. This wasn’t just about flowers or appearances. This was about power. Azalea was reminding her that no matter what happened, she held the upper hand.
“I suppose it’s a good thing you’re so confident, Azalea,” Maya said, her voice cool. “You’ll need it.”
Azalea laughed softly, a sound that was both warm and sharp. “Oh, don’t worry, Maya. Confidence is something I never lack. Now, let’s finish up here. We’ve got a lot more to prepare before the ball.”
Maya clenched her fists, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. But for now, she had no choice but to follow Azale’s lead. The battle lines were drawn, and the game had only just begun.