Chapter 22: Chapter 22

SCARLET

I stand with 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 to the floor where they will stay.

Finally, a row of black SUVs pulls up in front of us. I watch with bated breath as the cars begin unloading. Two giant men stride up to one of the vehicles and open the door, waiting for the passenger to exit.

When he does, I see that it’s 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 with 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 went 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 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 widen slightly as I realize who likely told him about me. 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,” he reassures as he pats my hand affectionately before finally releasing it.

Lucian turns back to Ethan. “Now, should we go up? It’s been a long journey for my pack, and I would like to get some rest.”

“Certainly! Let’s head up. I gave you the entire thirtieth floor. I believe you should find the accommodations to your liking. If you need anything else don’t hesitate to let us know,” Ethan replies.

“I’m sure it will be just fine!”

“Once you’re all settled, we are going to treat you to dinner at Della Luna here on the main level. I’ll send someone down at six to escort you,” Ethan continues.

Lucien nods. “Splendid. That’s very generous of you, Alpha. We’ll be ready.”

The elevator dings, and the doors open. Lucien gets in with Ethan and I follow, along with Caleb, Jonathan, and a few others. We ride up to the thirtieth floor before stepping out and giving Alpha Lucien and the others a tour.

As we come back from the East wing, the elevator dings open as another large group of Silver Shadow Pack wolves come out. Ethan and Caleb walk over to help bring some of the luggage in as I notice several of them are carrying large rectangular packages wrapped in brown paper and bubble wrap.

“What are those?” I ask Alpha Lucien curiously.

A smile stretches across his face as he places a hand on my back and leads me over to where they are being placed against a wall.

“These are the paintings that will be included in my show on Saturday. Would you like a sneak peek?” he asks me with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

“May I? You don’t mind?” I question.

“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 clawfoot tub, waiting for it to fill. The brush strokes and colors are exquisite, drawing me in with their detail and calmness. The painting 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’re 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.