Chapter 34
Scarlett’s POV
…
:
(50)
55 vouchers
The moment Lucien’s sleek black car pulled up to the front of the Alpha Council’s private banquet hall, I could already feel dozens of eyes on us.
The air outside was thick with power and formality–male voices rumbling in deep conversation, the metallic scent of dominance mixing with expensive cologne, and the faint perfume of the she–wolves who trailed beside their mates like silent shadows.
Lucien stepped out first, his tall frame radiating quiet authority. The murmurs began almost instantly. But when Lucien came around to my side of the car, opened the door, and offered his hand, the murmurs shifted as I accepted and stepped out.
Every head turned.
I suddenly felt like an animal in the zoo.
Their gazes swept over me, from the clean–cut lines of my tailored black suit to the polished shine of my shoes. No sequined gown. No plunging neckline.
They were probably surprised that I, a woman, wasn’t wearing a gown like the other women besid
mates.
I noticed some women’s eyes go wide, but when our gazes met, they hurriedly looked away.
I smiled and nodded at everyone who looked at me, feigning ignorance of their blatant stares.
My eyes narrowed when I saw one of the women serving another Alpha male–her mate–who had bruises beneath her sleeve. She wasn’t wearing a revealing dress like the others–I guessed it was probably to hide her bruises.
I couldn’t help but frown.
“What are you looking at them for?” I heard Lucien ask as he tightened his grip on my
hand.
I looked up at his eyes, filled with possessiveness, and couldn’t help but grip his palm in return.
“I was looking at the woman standing near another Alpha,” I said in a low voice, leaning toward him.
He raised his brows and glanced in the direction I was looking.
His eyes narrowed. I was sure he had seen what I noticed. After all, wolves‘ eyes were as sharp as eagles!
“It’s normal for Alphas,” he commented, making me frown.
“Is it normal to you?” I asked.
“No. But we can’t get into their business,” he whispered. “At least, not now.”
13:07 Mon, Apr 6 N
Chapter 34
…
:
50
55 vouchers
I looked into his eyes and understood what he implied.
Lucien’s hand brushed lightly against my back as we entered, his touch warm but fleeting–almost like a silent reassurance. Then, one of the older Alphas, a barrel–chested man with black–streaked hair, approached and called Lucien’s name.
From the way they interacted, they seemed like business partners.
The Alpha’s gaze landed on me, and I gave him a nod, to which he responded with a polite nod as well.
“Excuse me for a moment,” Lucien said, his voice low near my ear. “Don’t wander too far and avoid trouble, okay?”
What did he think I was? A troublemaker?
As if he could read my thoughts, he chuckled and flicked my forehead. “You are. Though, if someone causes trouble for you, you know what to do. Don’t worry, I’ll clean up your mess.”
I chuckled and gave him a reassuring smile. “I know. Now go, handle your business.”
“You’ll be okay, right?”
I rolled my eyes. “Lucien, I’m not a kid. I’ve been to plenty of banquets before.”
“But that was as Alexander’s mate,” he said, his voice dropping lower and his eyes darkening.
I looked at him helplessly. “Don’t mention his name if it’s only going to make you jealous.”
“Tch, what am I? A kid? Why would I get jealous?” he said, patting my back and looking me in the eyes for a moment before turning away.
I turned and walked in the other direction.
The banquet was already alive with movement. Servers in crisp uniforms moved between clusters of Alphas, pouring wine and offering delicately plated hors d’oeuvres. Somewhere in the distance, a band played soft classical music. But I wasn’t there for the performance or the food.
I scanned the room, then slipped toward the back doors that led into the open garden. Somewhere out there, away from the posturing men in the main hall, the Luna women would be gathered. And I needed them.
The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of roses and freshly cut grass. I walked past the softly lit fountain, listening for voices–until a sharp, ugly sound split the quiet.
Smack.
I paused. It was the unmistakable crack of a hand meeting flesh.
A fight? A one–sided fight?
I froze, eyes snapping to the sound.
13:07 Mon, Apr 6 N
Chapter 34
50
65 vouchers
Near the shadow of an archway, I saw them–a man towering over a woman, his hand still raised. It was the woman and the Alpha I’d seen earlier at the entrance, where she had quietly served her Alpha while trying to hide the bruises under her sleeves.
Her head was turned from the blow, her cheek reddening and tears spilling quietly from her lifeless eyes. She didn’t fight back or raise her voice. She just stood there, shoulders trembling.
As if she was already used to this treatment.
My pulse spiked with fury.
“Hey!” My voice cut across the garden like a blade.
The man turned sharply, and recognition crashed over me. He was the Alpha of the Blackhood Pack. That’s why he looked familiar. I’d seen him at banquets before with Alexander.
I’d heard plenty about him from the whispered conversations between Lunas–controlling, ruthless, abusive, and even feared by his own warriors.
His eyes narrowed as soon as he saw me. “You,” he spat, his lip curling. “The disgrace to she–wolves.”
I stepped forward, my fists tightening at my sides. “And you’re the one who thinks hitting your Luna is a sign of strength?”
His sneer deepened. “You betrayed your husband, your Alpha. You poisoned your own pack. You
legs for the Alpha of the Nightshade Pack. And now, you’ve brought your rot here to influence others?”
The Luna, still clutching her cheek, murmured, “Please… stop.”
Her voice was quiet, pleading–but not for herself. She was afraid he’d come after me.
our
I ignored his insults and pulled my phone from my pocket, thumbing the camera app in plain sight. “Go ahead,” I said coolly, holding it up. “Smile for the camera. Maybe give me another demonstration–show me how you easily raise your hand to your Luna. Do it to me too, and let’s see what happens.”
His jaw twitched.
The unspoken threat hung heavy between us–public humiliation. The Alpha Council’s private banquets were supposed to be spotless affairs. No scandals. No scenes. If I posted proof of him striking his Luna here tonight, his reputation wouldn’t survive the fallout.
His nostrils flared and his eyes burned with fury. If looks could kill, I’d be in my grave.
“A dirty slut like you is a shame to all she–wolves.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “Compared to you, an Alpha who bullies the weak and fears the strong, I can’t beat you at that game.”
“If Lucien ever decides to throw you away, I’ll be the first to tear you apart,” he said through gritted teeth.
I gave him a provocative smile and spread my arms. “Feel free.”
13:07 Mon, Apr 6 N
…
Chapter 34
50
55 vouchers
He gritted his teeth. Without another word, he turned sharply and walked away, dragging the Luna by the
wrist.
“Wait.” I stepped forward and caught her other arm before he could pull her fully away.
He stopped, glaring at me.
“Fuck! What do you want?”
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Get Back The Abandoned Luna (Scarlett and Alexander)