Chapter 12

Samantha’s POV

We arrived at the party on time. With my hands holding Luca's, we walked into the room. Everyone's eyes were on us, but I didn’t bother to look back at their shocked faces.

“Be careful… don’t say anything you shouldn’t,” Luca warned as we moved further into the room.

“What party is this, by the way?”

“It’s a small gathering with the allies of Silver Rose. It wasn’t hosted by me, but by them, to settle unfinished business. And what better way for people to settle unfinished business than by showing off their beautiful wives and the expensive jewelry they’re wearing?”

“Oh.”

“Now, if you need me, I’ll be right there,” he said, pointing to the side where some distinguished men—whom I guessed were the ally pack’s leaders—stood. “You can call me or just… think about me. I think that’ll do.”

“Just leave. You’re insufferable.”

He laughed before trotting off to the other end of the room. I enjoy teasing Luca as much as he enjoys teasing me. At least it keeps my mind off a lot of issues. I studied the interior of the room—it wasn’t as large as the one in Luca’s castle, but it was neatly done, with three chandeliers anchoring the ceiling. The candles placed along the sides illuminated the room, giving it a dark glow.

My eyes scanned the women gossiping among themselves and the jealous glances thrown at me, probably because of Luca. Somehow, I felt uncomfortable, like I was being watched.

‘Maybe you just miss Luca’s presence?’

No, definitely not. I do feel like I’m being watched here. I scanned the room again and landed on a woman in the left corner–glass in hand–her eyes fixed on me. She wore a burgundy dress that looked like a large robe with a bodice.

I took a glass of champagne from one of the servers, my eyes still glued to her. She stared for a moment, then looked away when she realized I had noticed her.

Somehow, that made me feel weird and uncomfortable. The way she looked at me wasn’t like someone glaring or trying to figure out if I was familiar. It was like she knew me.

And somehow, I felt like I did.

I downed the last sip of wine in my glass and walked over to the bar counter where the drinks were being poured. With no one looking, I took a bottle of wine and walked out of the room. The sounds of clinking glasses drifted into the distance as I walked closer to the greenhouse. I stepped inside and breathed in the cool air, thick and rich with the scent of healthy, green leaves. They looked aesthetically pleasing under the dark amber lights as I gently brushed my fingers over their velvety exterior.

“This is so much better than that boring party.”

It was peaceful. Calm.

‘Do you still feel uncomfortable after we left the room, Sam?’ Aldrina asked.

“No, but it doesn't change the fact that I felt uncomfortable with that woman staring at me that way. I need to know who she is.”

‘She could be the wife of one of the allies?’

“She could be. But a hunch tells me otherwise. I know it's not something major, but it made me feel… odd.”

‘I understand, Sam, and your feelings are valid. If our mate was there, he would have easily detected your discomfort.’

“He is not our mate… he is just a man we know and need help from at this time. When we are strong enough, we will leave Silver Rose and return to Black Rose.”

“Planning to leave me suddenly?”

I jumped at the sound of the voice and looked back at the door. Luca stood with his hands in his pockets before walking over to where I stood.

“I thought you were busy?”

“I was… until I turned back and couldn’t find my date anywhere. Someone had to look for her.”

I chuckled lightly. “Sorry I left like that. I didn’t want to disturb you from whatever you were busy with and had to leave to rid myself of the boredom.”

“With a bottle of wine?” he asked, his eyes glued to the bottle.

“Heh. Well, this was needed.”

“Care if I join in on the little celebration?” He grinned.

“No. There’s only one glass,” I smiled.

“We can share,” he responded, and his eyes had just the right tint to them. His crisp black dress shirt fit perfectly with his dress pants. The top three buttons of the shirt were undone, as usual, and it showed a clear view of his wide chest. And his eyes… Goddess, his grayish eyes are so beautiful.

“You look good tonight, Alpha.”

He made a horrified gasp. “Should I be worried that you just complimented me? Is this a trap?”

“Oh, please. If this was a trap, you wouldn’t be getting anything as big as a compliment from me.”

“Oh? What would I be getting then?” He moved closer to me, cornering me by the table where little plant pots rested. With no way to escape, I put my hands on the table, pushing the pots to the side, some crashing to the floor.

Oops.

“I don’t know… other things could be anything in particular. That,” I swallowed, “is a generic response.”

He ran his tongue over his teeth and just stared. His eyes led their way from my face, to my lips, and then my cleavage. I shook my still body a little in hopes that this time, my breasts would jiggle.

He smiled as if he knew and held my chin with his fingers, brushing his thumb over my already red cheeks. Whenever he looked at me that way with so much intensity–whenever he came close to me and touched me with so much care–it became so hard to speak.

Or function.

“You were… um… invited to a party. Wouldn’t you be looked out for?”

He tsked. “I think they could handle it pretty well without me.” His breath fanned my skin, and I felt a growing urge to grab him by the collar and pull him closer to me.