Chapter 23: Chapter 23

SCARLET

A few hours later, I find myself in the penthouse with the stylist from the pack that Ethan convinced to help me get ready. “That should do it,” she says after she’s finished applying my makeup.

“Thank you so much, Gretchen,” I tell her with a smile.

“Honestly, you made it way too easy on me,” she responds with a laugh before she begins packing up all her supplies.

I stand up from my seat and walk over to the full-length mirror that is in the closet. My eyes are smoky, and my lips are a cherry red, glistening with a glossy shine.

My dress is a gorgeous, white lace number that goes to just above my knees, hugging all my curves. The sleeves are made of lace, and it has an open back. Nude pumps finish off the ensemble, and I smile at what I see. I have never dressed this fancy before, but my confidence seems to have doubled because of it.

Leaving the room, I find the guards, Levi and Tony, waiting for me in the hall to escort me down to Ethan’s office where he’s finishing up some work. Ethan bumped up security after he heard from Cassia that there would be another attack. I knock on the door before hearing his husky voice call out, “Come in!”

I open the door and step inside. The moment he sees me his eyes darken with lust as they slowly rake over my body. My core heats, and I press my thighs together, feeling my cheeks blush.

His nostrils flare, and I know that he can smell my arousal. He quickly strides over to me, his lips crashing against mine as his arms wrap around my waist and pull me into him. The kiss is full of passion as his lips press against mine, demanding access for his tongue.

He plunders my mouth, tasting it and moaning into me. He pulls away all too soon, leaving me utterly breathless, and I stare up at him with wide eyes.

“You are absolutely breathtaking,” he murmurs in my ear before placing his lips on my neck where his mark should be.

I let out a gasp as he nips at it, and he gives me a devilish smirk before pulling away. I shoot him a playful glare as I swat his shoulder, and he laughs at my expression. “Come on now. We don’t want to be late,” I urge as I link an arm around his.

“Yes ma’am,” he responds teasingly with a grin as we turn to head out.

Both Levi and Tony are with us, and they are smirking at us after that little show. I flush again and shake my head as we walk out and down to the lobby to meet Alpha Lucien and his pack.

A few minutes later, Caleb escorts the Silver Shadow Pack into the lobby, and we head into Della Luna. “You will be sitting to my right at the table,” Ethan says softly as he leans toward me.

“Are you sure that’s okay? Isn’t that typically where a luna or beta would sit?” I whisper back.

“I haven’t officially announced you yet, but my pack clearly sees you as its luna anyway. Plus, I want you beside me.”

“As you wish, Alpha,” I respond back with a smirk, and he reaches over and links his fingers with mine as we reach the restaurant.

He pulls my hand to his lips and lightly kisses my knuckles before leading me through the double doors. I admit, I’m quite nervous about tonight.

Not only is that bitch Nicole going to be here, but all the alphas from our allied packs were also invited along with their lunas, betas, and betas’ mates. Luckily, all of Ethan’s siblings will also be in attendance.

We are greeted by a middle-aged man dressed in a nice suit. “Good evening, Alpha, Lu—er, Miss Scarlet,” he replies with a welcoming smile.

“Good evening, Rafael. May I introduce you to our esteemed guest, Alpha Lucien of the Silver Shadow Pack.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alpha Lucien! I do hope you enjoy your dinner! Staff will be out shortly with trays of antipasto and will be taking drink orders,” Rafael states as he gestures into the main dining area where several staff members are standing at attention ready to serve us.

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 golden platters.

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 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 gala?”

He grimaces a bit, and I tilt my head at him in curiosity. “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?”

He looks over at me like he just thought of something. “Well… I do have an idea.”

“That’s amazing,” I encourage with a smile.

“Yes… but only if you agree to it…,” he says as he stands up to his full height in front of me with a charming smile.

I furrow my eyebrows at him in confusion. “Umm…,” I begin, not knowing what to say to that.

“Pardon my boldness, Scarlet, but you are a very rare beauty. With your unique violet eyes and vibrant hair, you would be the perfect subject for my featured piece. Please. I would be forever grateful,” he pleads as he takes my hand in his.

“I don’t know…,” I respond nervously as I look across the room, wondering where Ethan is. The woman in the painting I saw earlier was nude, and I don’t think Ethan would be a fan of that idea… nor am I.

My search is cut off as Alpha Lucien continues, “Please, Scarlet. I’m begging you. I will even give you a cut of whatever the piece sells for.”

“I’m pretty sure Ethan would not appreciate me posing nude for anyone,” I remark a bit more confidently.

His mouth opens in surprise. “Oh! Of course! I’m sorry, Scarlet, if I gave that impression. I don’t only paint nudes. You can be fully dressed, I assure you.”

I bite my lip and shift on my feet, still unsure.

“And I’ve heard you like to help out some sort of homeless shelter. You could always use your share to donate to the shelter or help with buying food or clothes or something for them. How does that sound?”

My eyes widen. I didn’t realize I would be paid. That would be nice, to actually have my own money to help all the packless. His lips twist into a smile as he realizes that he has piqued my interest.

“How about we split the profit of your portrait fifty-fifty? I feel that’s quite generous.”

“Sixty for me and forty for you. Then we have a deal,” I counter.

His smile widens, seeming to enjoy my tenacity. “Why you little minx! You drive a hard bargain! But fine! I agree to your terms. Meet me on the thirtieth floor tomorrow morning at seven, and we’ll figure out the best place to do this.”

“Fine. I’ll see you then,” I answer as a line of servers come out with golden platters adorned with delicious-looking entrees.

I walk away from him, finding Ethan and linking my arm through his as he leads me over to the head of a long table. I’m excited at the idea of being able to more effectively help the packless.

I could get used to being around these kinds of resources. Plus, posing for Lucian is sure to help the goodwill between the packs, and I’m happy to help bolster that relationship and alliance.