The Alpha novel Chapter 25

Scarlet's POV

Everyone files in and begins mingling in groups throughout the room as they order their drinks and sample the appetizers that are being carried around on silver platters. I stay by Ethan's side for a little while ,but when his conversation turns to business I politely excuse myself. I stop to chat with Alex, Xander, Isa, and Tyler before going to the bar for another glass of champagne. "I can't believe Ethan brought you to this," I hear the annoying voice sneer at me before turning to see Nicole standing beside me. "A fancy restaurant is nowhere for a slut from The Scourge to be."

"Says the classless Luna wannabe who can't seem to move on," I reply calmly back. Her face instantly contorts into an ugly scowl as she grips her wineglass tighter.

"Why Nicole," a familiar voice remarks as Alpha Lucien comes up to us. "I hope you aren't trying to make a scene. This is hardly the time nor the place for picking fights. Maybe you should go find another companion to entertain yourself with." Nicole glares at her father before turning sullen and gazing down at the floor with a nod. She huffs and turns to stomp off before he turns to me. "Sorry about her. She lost her mother at a young age and I'm afraid I may have spoiled her more than I should have."

I force a smile to my face as I turn my attention to him. "Thank you, Alpha Lucien."

"Please, you can just call me Lucien."

I blush and nod. "Thank you, Lucien," I correct and he smiles at me. "So, are you excited for your auction?"

He grimaces a bit and I tilt my head at him. "Ah... well... I am, but I'm afraid I don't have anything to be the main attraction."

"What do you mean? I've seen your work. I'm sure you have plenty of brilliant pieces," I insist.

He smiles tightly. "Thank you Scarlet, but I don't have THAT piece. You know, the one that is better than all the rest. The one that will drive the success of the show."

He leans against the bar, seeming to be in distress. "How long does it take to paint something like that? Do you have time to come up with something?"