gaze shifted to me, and I could see the challenge in her eyes. She was here to stake her im on Lucien and throw me out.


    Auch POV


    Taking a deep breath in. I felt like a startled deer surrounded by predators. All the she-wolves were sizing up Lucien as their prime target, which angered me somchos. They all bowed to us as we walked.


    Lucien led me toward the podium, his grip firm on my lund as we moved through the glittering chaos of the Celestial Soirée. I couldn''t help notice the dazzling she wolves who unted their dresses that were so daring they could give lingerie a run for its money.


    As my heels clicked nervously on the floor, I couldn''t help but notice the countless eyes following us. When we reached the podium, I spotted Tarian standing beside a table at the center of the arrangement. Lucien turned to me, "Sit here," he instructed, guirling me to a table right in front of the stage.


    1 sank into the chair, feeling like a disy under the watchful eyes of the pack. When Lucien stepped up to the podhum, the chatter in the room stopped, and everyone''s attention was on him.


    "As Alpha of the Shadowfang Pack, it is my honor to wee you all to the Celestial Soirée Lucien began, his deep voice booming across the


    TODEL


    As the speech started, from the corner of my eye. I saw Sable. She was shimmering like a disco ball in her silver dress. Her eyes were locked on Lucien. Every move she made was deliberate, calcted to draw his attention. She ran her fingers Lazily down her neck, tracing the edge of her deep neckline, and then slowly ran her tongue over her teeth like she was in a toothpaste ad, and then licked her lips.


    Oh, the gall. My chest tightened with anger. I clung tightly to the edge of the table until my knuckles white.


    Vivi''s earlier advice came in my head: "There are going to be many girls who will vie for Alpha''s attention. So if you want to keep his attention, act


    -wy. Don''t just sit there like a scared pup!"


    The problem was I didn''t know how to act sexy. Frustrated my mind raced on ways to look sexy. So I did what Sable was doing. I tilted my head slightly and slowly rolled my tongue against my pte, just like I''d seen her do and then traced the line of my breasts. I leaned forward, resting my elbows lightly on the table, which in turn made my neckline fall down further, revealing the outer swells of my breasts dangerously.


    Lucien''s voice faltered mid-sentence and when I nced up at him with my heart pounding, I saw his eyes were on me, and for the first time since I''d met him, I saw something raw sh across his face. His hand gripped the edge of the podium, his knuckles white.


    He quickly cleared his throat, tearing his gaze away from me. as I was saying." he continued, his voice sounding strained now. "This ball is special because this time the Elders have decided not toe." There were chuckles around. "So it will be some of you who will make you y the mating


    My tongue started to cramp, and I could feel my neck stiffening from leaning forward for too long. Then it happened. A moan. It escaped me before I could stop


    it


    Lucien froze mid-sentence.


    nce His head whipped toward me so fast I thought he might pull a muscle. His jaw tightened, his dark eyes narrowing on me with an intensity that made my cheeks burn. I leaned back and crossed my leg. And now my exposed leg was further exposed


    Lucien''s jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he might step away from the podium ande over to me. But then he blinked, breaking the speil, and turned back to the crowd. "Enjoy the soirée, he finished abruptly, in a gruff voice. Without waiting for apuse, he stepped down from the podium and headed straight toward me.


    Panic set in as I watched him approach, in long, purposeful strides, Did I do anything wrong? I just did what other she-wolves were doing. Goddess, why did I act upon Vivi''s advice? Why was I so raw with my emotional It was then I noticed that every other wolf in the hall was staring at me, and at group of young unmated wolves, standing in the corner just a few feet away, had their gazes locked on me. I gulped, feeling dirty under their sick. gazes. I turned my attention to Lucien who sat down next to me.


    -What are you doing?" he asked as he pulled his chair right next to mine and sat down.


    “I— what_ umm_"I spluttered. Before 1 could say anything else, he grabbed my waist and pulled me in hisp possessively. I squeaked like a mouse as my cheeks turned beetroot red. Oh My Goddess


    Sable, still lurking nearby, gave me a venomous re. Lucien pulled me against his chest, pressing his hands on my stomuch. Something hot and fund poked my back. It was so hot that is branded my skin. I turned my face over my shoulder as I squirmed. "Are you okay?" I asked. "Your pre-per


    A growl rumbled from his chest. "Don''t move!" he ordered d in a strained voice. So I stayed there unmoving. No one had ever done this with me rver. I was spiraling. Every nerve in my body was hyper-aware of his warmth, the way his firin muscles rippled beneath me, and the scent of him- warm and earthy, like pine trees after a rainyonn. Did he not realize how scamululous this was? Or, worse, did he realize and not care!


    The music started and the soiréemenced. As the wolves mingled, the champagne bottles opened and people started to talk or dance. But continued to sit on Lucien''s Lip, tension mounting inside me. From the periphery of my vision, I saw Tarian''sps etching. He leaned towards us, and said, "Alpha Lucien, a group of wolves from the Purple Moon and Redwood packs are also attending the soiree. They would like to meet you and deliver their Alpha''s message."


    1/


    Chapter 23-


    Lucen gritted his teeth. “Okay, give me live minutes." Five minutester, I think


    he felt better. He made me sit on my chair and said, "Don''t


    "Yes" Farouked When he leh with Tartan, my gaze darted around the room, catching a few jealous stares, especially from Sable. Oh, she was ring geers. My heart swelled with equal parts embarrassment and satisfaction. Despite how mortified I was, a tiny, rebellious part of me couldn''t deny how thrilling it felt to be nned by him so openly


    "So you''re Auten, a deep voice came from the side. I turned my head to see the same group of young wolves who were standing in the corner, were here You''re beautiful!" said the tallest one in a flirty voice as his eyes roamed over my body. "I''m Finn, and these are my friends, Cody, ke and JNC"


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