Wrong Number, Right Alpha novread novel Chapter 4

Chapter 4

He was wearing a black V-neck suit, the collar slightly open just enough to reveal the fitted black high-neck sweater underneath.

The fabric stretched tightly across his chest, outlining the shape of his muscles before the suit jacket covered them again in the most restrained, dangerous way possible.

Way too easy to imagine what was underneath.

His long fingers lifted the glass casually as he took a sip of water.

The overwhelming Alpha aura radiating from him nearly suffocated me.

I swallowed nervously.

Under Finn’s urging, I forced myself to explain the security plan to King Hayden from beginning to end.

The moment I shifted into work mode, though, my nerves settled down.

I spoke confidently and clearly, laying out every detail of the plan without hesitation.

When I finished, Finn immediately started clapping.

“Not bad, Cora.” He turned toward Hayden. “So? What do you think?”

Both Finn and I looked toward Hayden at the same time.

But Hayden’s gaze wasn’t on the proposal.

It was on my neck.

Then, out of nowhere, he said quietly,

“Gamma Cora, your necklace is beautiful.”

My breath hitched.

I looked down instinctively.

The neckline of my outfit was slightly loose today, and my crystal necklace had slipped into view at the perfect angle.

Panic instantly flooded me.

I hurriedly pressed my hand against the necklace and shoved it back beneath my collar.

Because when I first bought this necklace…

I’d sent a picture of it to Noctis.

[N, look at my new necklace. Pretty, right?]

The photo had been a close-up shot of my neck while wearing it.

And Noctis had replied:

[Pretty. Pretty enough that I wanna strip you naked except for that necklace… hook my fingers around it and kiss you over and over again.]

Now that the necklace was exposed…

Would Finn recognize it?

I secretly glanced at Finn.

Luckily, he barely reacted at all. He was still sitting there waiting for Hayden’s response like nothing happened.

Right.

Of course he didn’t remember.

After all, he already had a mate.

What we had was probably just a game to him.

Only I was stupid enough to remember every tiny detail from our relationship.

I quickly lowered my hand and forced out a casual smile.

“Just something random I bought. I wear it for fun.”

Finn sat down beside Hayden and took another sip of coffee.

“Hayden, stop staring and answer already. What do you think?”

Finn was looking at Hayden. But Hayden was looking at me.

After several long seconds, he finally spoke.

“Very good.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Finn laughed and slapped Hayden on the shoulder.

“See? That’s my guy. Reliable as always.”

I secretly let out a breath of relief too.

At least all those sleepless nights rushing this proposal hadn’t been wasted.

Hayden looked annoyed as he pushed Finn’s hand away.

“Gamma Cora, Alpha King Hayden invites you to accompany him to tonight’s Alpha Ball.”

The moment I saw the invitation, the first thing out of my mouth was:

“Will Alpha Finn be there too?”

Nick seemed surprised by the question. He frowned slightly before answering,

“No. Tonight he’s meeting his mate’s parents.”

I fell silent.

A bitter ache spread quietly through my chest again.

Maybe worried I’d refuse, Nick added quickly,

“Alpha Finn said if you attend, there’ll be a bonus.”

I blinked.

Who would turn down money?

“Alright,” I answered immediately. “I’ll be there on time.”

That evening, I put on the prettiest dress I owned and arrived at the luxurious hotel listed on the invitation.

Hayden was already standing outside waiting for me.

For a brief second, the image of Noctis in my mind overlapped with him completely.

Distracted, I missed a step on the stairs.

The next thing I knew, Hayden caught me instantly and pulled me straight into his arms.

The moment our skin touched, sparks exploded between us.

And in that instant, I heard my wolf whisper clearly in my head.

“Mate.”

Then Hayden lowered his gaze to me and said softly,

“You alright, cupcake?”