Howl of Destiny: Alpha Lira's Legend novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17 The Gathering

Lira’s POV:

Finished

I turned toward the voice. Steve was standing by the check–in table. He wore a sharp dark gray suit. It made him look even more gentle and refined.

Victoria didn’t react to his scent, but Lily felt a spike of instinctive fear.

I silently soothed Lily, then walked over with a teasing smile. “Mr. Garcia, were you waiting here just for me?”

He came forward to meet me. His eyes held a spark of anticipation. “What do you think? I was afraid you might not find the place. I wanted to make sure you got in alright.

“You’ve grown taller. Even more beautiful.”

I glanced down at my outfit–a simple dress with a light coat of the same color. No jewelry.

But the energy from Victoria, the years of training… it gave me a quiet confidence. I wouldn’t be nervous

here.

“You’re looking quite dashing yourself tonight, Mr. Garcia,” I replied with a smile.

He gave a soft, helpless laugh and gestured for me to follow. “You flatter me. Come on, let’s go in. It’s about to start.”

He led me toward the main hall.

The hall was on the hotel’s top floor. When I pushed the door open, bright light flooded out.

A huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, its light shimmering on the polished marble floor.

Guests dressed in elegant clothes stood in small groups, glasses in hand, chatting. They all smelled like

h–ranking werewolves. Even the wait staff weren’t low–ranking Omegas.

ong table was piled with fancy desserts and cold dishes. A tower of wine glasses gave off a rich aroma. very corner screamed luxury.

The moment Steve and I walked in, dozens of eyes turned our way.

I understood. Steve wasn’t just rich. He was from the ruling family of the Silverwhip Pack.

Someone like him was naturally the center of attention. The top choice for many high–society daughters.

Now, seeing him with a strange, “ordinary” girl like me… the looks around us held jealousy, curiosity, envy.

I gave a small, inward sigh.

So much for keeping a low profile. Steve’s spotlight was my trouble now.

“Steve. Who is this?” A deep voice cut through the whispers.

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9:05 pm PD

Chapter 17 The Gathering

Finishe

I looked over. Two men were walking toward us.

The man in front was middle–aged and a little heavy–set. He was in his forties but carried himself with solid, calm authority.

Steve stepped forward with a smile. “Dad, this is the young lady who identified the rare sapphire at the stone–betting hall. Lira Krom.”

So this was Tommy Garcia. The Alpha of the Silverwhip Pack.

His slightly sharp eyes looked me over. There was scrutiny, but no malice.

After a moment, he smiled. His tone was gentle. “Not bad. A clever girl.

‘So you’re the talented healer from the Hidmoon Pack? The one with the eye for stones that my son won’t stop talking about?”

He was talking about the imperial green jadeite.

I glanced at Steve and smiled. “Alpha, you might not have heard the full story of our first meeting. He wasn’t impressed by my ‘talent‘ at first. He was shocked by my nerve.”

Tommy let out a loud laugh, full of appreciation. “I heard all about it! He told me the whole story.

Ive been curious. What did the bold girl who left such an impression look like? Seeing you now… you are indeed remarkable.

“This calm composure of yours… it’s not common.”

He praised me while his eyes kept studying me.

I let him look. Very few could sense Victoria. I was used to people judging me as just an Omega based on Lily alone.

When Tommy finally looked away, Steve gestured to the young man beside him “Lira, this is my childhood friend, Fred Jaquez.”

Fred stepped forward with a bright smile, offering his hand. “Hello, Ms. Krom Fred. Steve talked about you nonstop. Said he met an amazing girl on his travels. Finally, I get to meet you.”

I politely shook his hand briefly. “Mr. Garcia exaggerates. I just got lucky.”

“Luck is a skill too,” Fred said, shaking his head with a smile. “Besides, I’ve never heard Steve praise anyone like that before. You’re the first.”

Seeing the three of us talking easily, Tommy smiled. “You young people chat. I need to greet some old friends.” He turned and melted into another crowd

Steve led Fred and me to a sofa in a quieter corner.

He got up, fetched a glass of juice, and handed it to me. His tone was thoughtful. “You’re still young. No alcohol. This is better.”

9:05 pm PD

Chapter 17 The Gathering

Finished

I took the juice and thanked him.

He gave Fred a glass of red wine and took a champagne for himself.

We talked casually. Mostly, Steve and Fred shared interesting business stories from the Silverwhip Pack. I listened quietly, chiming in now and then. I filed away the useful names and connections.

This information could help Four Seasons Group later.

Then, a sweet, high–pitched voice came from behind me.

“Steve! There you are! I thought you hadn’t arrived yet!”

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