Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 185

**The Heart I Buried for You by Serene Lockwood**
**Chapter 185: I Wasn’t Doing It for You**

In the vibrant aftermath of their shopping excursion, Deanna and her friends strolled towards the renowned Imperial Grace Restaurant, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the bustling city.

Imperial Grace was a sight to behold, a true gem adorned with crystal-glass decor that sparkled under the soft lighting. The lavish landscaping was an artist’s dream, with exotic flowers blooming in a riot of colors, their delicate fragrances weaving through the air like a gentle whisper. Each corner of this establishment seemed to beckon for a photograph, promising that every snapshot would be a hit on the wolf pack’s social media feeds.

As they approached the entrance, a mid-tier Beta with a subtle hint of soap on his skin greeted them with a warm smile. He ushered them into an exclusive VIP room, the door closing behind them with a soft click, sealing them away from the outside world.

Servers began to stream into the room, each one carrying pristine white plates that gleamed like pearls. The table soon overflowed with a magnificent spread: king crabs glistening like jewels, lobsters exuding an irresistible aroma, and foie gras arranged artfully alongside a selection of other extravagant dishes. The centerpiece of the feast was a bottle of vintage red wine, its deep color promising a rich, velvety taste.

Zelena’s eyes widened as she surveyed the opulence laid out before them. This meal had to be worth a small fortune—certainly six figures, if not more. In the past, she might have dismissed such extravagance with a wave of her hand, but now, the thought of that bill sent a flutter of anxiety through her. The complexity of her feelings was overwhelming; she couldn’t help but think that this lavish spread could easily erase her mounting debts.

Moments later, the door to their private sanctuary swung open, and in walked Luis, tall and impeccably poised. He wore a crisp button-down shirt, complemented by a stylish gray vest, with a suit jacket casually draped over one arm. A striped tie was meticulously knotted at his collar, adding to his air of effortless sophistication. He looked relaxed yet powerful, a combination that made him all the more magnetic.

“Sorry, I’m late. The pack meeting ran over,” he said, his voice smooth and rich, drawing everyone’s attention.

Zelena looked up, her heart racing at the sight of him. That perfectly sculpted face, his tall, commanding presence, and the way he moved with such confidence made her pulse quicken. It was a visceral reaction that she couldn’t quite control.

Across the table, Violet was keenly aware of the chemistry unfolding before her. She had been stuck on her last impression of Luis from their encounter at the hospital, where he had blocked their car with an air of arrogance that had rubbed her the wrong way. But seeing him now, in this elegant setting, his presence was undeniably magnetic. Even in a world filled with handsome actors and models, there was a nobility to Luis that set him apart—something that even the most skilled low-level werewolves could never replicate.

Seizing the moment, Zelena raised her glass toward Luis, her voice ringing clear and sweet. “Mr. Eaton, thank you for helping me gather the evidence against Felix. I really appreciate it.”

Luis arched an eyebrow, his gaze flicking to her glass but choosing not to lift his own in response. His long fingers drummed lightly against the table, a rhythm that seemed to echo the tension in the air. “Someone already thanked me. Besides… I wasn’t doing it for you,” he replied, his words hanging in the air like a sudden chill.

Zelena felt herself freeze, her glass suspended awkwardly in midair. The weight of his statement settled over her, stirring a mix of confusion and disbelief within her. What did he mean by that? The air crackled with unspoken implications, and the room felt charged, as if the very walls were holding their breath.