The Alpha novel Chapter 23

Scarlet's POV

The rest of the week flies by as everyone is busy with preparations including myself. Between helping at the shelter and with arrangements, I've barely seen Ethan except for when we are crawling into bed at night or both waking up early to start our days. It's finally Thursday and I find myself standing next to Ethan at the main entrance of Kane Enterprises. Caleb and all of Ethan's siblings are there, along with several of his other lieutenants. The Silver Shadow Pack is due to arrive at any moment and we are waiting to formally greet them before leading them up to the floor where they will be living during their stay.

Finally, a row of black SUVs pulls up in front of us. I watch with bated breath as the cars begin unloading and two giant men stride up to one of the vehicles and opens the door, waiting for the passenger to exit. When he does I see that it is a tall, slender man in an expensive looking navy suit. He has light green eyes with salt and pepper hair. He has a small walking staff striped in what looks like gold and jade though he looks to only be in his forties. He's quite handsome, however Ethan is obviously more my type.

"Alpha Lucien!" Ethan's voice booms confidently as he puts on a welcoming smile and shakes the man's hand fervently. "Welcome to Crescent City! I hope your travels were well!"

"Alpha Ethan! Thank you for having us on such short notice," Alpha Lucien answers.

"Of course!" He replies before gesturing over to Caleb. "And this is my Beta, Caleb Lockhart."

"Pleased to meet you Caleb. Here is my Beta Jonathan Weaver," Lucien adds as a man comes up alongside him. He gives Ethan and Caleb each a nod. They finish all their formalities as Alpha Lucien is also introduced to Ethan's siblings, Delta, and Gamma. Then Lucien turns his gaze to me. "And who is this lovely creature?" he questions with a devilish grin as he takes my hand and brings it to his lips.

"This is Miss Scarlet Denton," Ethan answers as he places a hand on the small of my back.

I instantly blush as Alpha Lucien kisses the back of my hand, his eyes never leaving mine. "'So, this is Scarlet. I've heard so much about you," he remarks, continuing to hold my hand in his. My eyes open imperceptibly wider as I realize who has probably told him about me. And she definitely wouldn't have said anything kind.

"Oh! Umm... I'm almost afraid to ask what you've heard!" I exclaim, causing him to chuckle and I join him.

"Nothing that you should worry about. I know about your altercation with my daughter and I'm certainly not going to hold it against you. I know my daughter and I'm sure she wasn't as innocent in the matter as she claimed," he explains reassuringly to me as he pats my hand affectionately before finally releasing it.

"That's very noble of you sir. I appreciate that," I answer.

"Of course! Don't mention it!" he exclaims good-naturedly before turning to Ethan. "Now, should we go up? It's been a long journey and my pack and I would like to get some rest."

"Of course not! Here," he says as he steps closer to one of the packages in front and begins to carefully peel the wrappings off. As they fall to the floor my eyes land on a gorgeous painting of a naked woman sitting on the edge of a claw foot tub waiting for it to fill. The brush strokes and colors are exquisite and the painting seems to draw you in. It's so detailed and elicits a feeling of calm. It is simply entrancing.

I lean over to inspect it more closely. "It's remarkable," I exclaim as I stand upright once more.

"Why thank you. With all my work I always aim to evoke strong feelings. My favorites are the ones with a bit of seduction. Ones that bring out a certain level of passion and allure."

"Well, you are quite talented. I can't wait to see the rest of your work," I insist.

"It pleases me that you think so," he remarks back before Ethan comes up to us.

"Well, it looks like everything has been brought in so we will leave you to rest and will see you at six for dinner," he states with a friendly smile before wrapping an arm around my waist and guiding me away.