Chapter 7

Luca’s Pov

The guests drank their wines as they gallivanted around the ballroom, glasses in hand and gossip on their lips.

“So… Clarisse is in the other room, waiting for your go ahead,” Tyler, my friend and adviser, said beside me. It bothers me that I haven't told him about Samantha and what we discussed.

But I’m a man of my word, and to ensure this goes as smoothly as possible, not even he should know. It’s not a matter of trust—it’s being careful, because people can fuck you up anytime.

“What about Alpha Basil and his wife? They should be here with Clarisse.” My suitable candidate for Luna was Clarisse Basil, daughter of Alpha Basil of the Mystic Rose Pack. I chose Clarisse when the council mentioned the pack having a Luna.

She isn’t the person I would have originally chosen, but I was desperate. Since I have no mate and I care about my kingdom, I reconsidered.

“They’re here. She says she wants to see you personally in your chambers, Your Highness.”

“We don’t have much time to meet in secret. She should come here, to where the party is.”

“How does it feel to finally get married? I know this isn’t your thing—”

He was right. Marriage is something I wouldn’t dream about-not that I don’t want a family or children—but it hasn’t really felt necessary. In this case, however, it concerns my pack, and it is a necessity for the throne.

“The people of Silver Rose come before my desires,” I said. Tyler chuckled in agreement and cleared his throat as Clarisse approached us.

“Your Majesty, I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” she smiled at me. Clarisse is beautiful, no doubt—brunette and petite. Quiet, a dutiful daughter—she would make an amazing Luna, and I feel shitty for turning her down publicly.

In my defense, this party was scheduled beforehand, and it was not only beyond my power to call it off but also the council’s.

“Ms. Clarisse, how good to see you,” I acknowledged.

She rolled her eyes. “You’re still calling me ‘Miss’ even though we’re going to be married soon?”

“I’m just being respectful. You are a lady, after all.”

“Yes… but I want to be your lady, Alpha Luca.”

“Who. Is. That?” Tyler interrupted, his stare fixed on the doorway.

“What are you staring at?” I asked, following his gaze. It wasn’t a what but a who.

Samantha, the woman I rescued. She looked sexy—and innocent—in the shimmering red silk satin dress she wore. It hugged her slender waist, and the wide, off-the-shoulder sleeves gracefully accentuated her neck and décolletage.

Her hair was in a low bun, and the corset bodice hugged her waist tightly—giving her breasts a defined curve through the material.

Those luscious curves… that damn cleavage. A woman like that shouldn’t wear… anything.

She looked at where we stood and smiled. I swallowed, trying hard to take a mental picture while fighting both my wolf and my cock.

“I’m going over there,” Tyler said.

“No,” I responded hurriedly.

“What do you mean no? That damsel is clearly in need of a date tonight. I don’t see a gentleman waiting by her side.”

“I forbid you to go near her!”

“What’s gotten into you, man? It’s just a woman. Besides, Clarisse is here to keep you company.” He didn’t wait for my response and walked over to where Samantha stood.

He shouldn’t be near her; he shouldn’t even be close to her. I watched them both, completely tuning out whatever the fuck Clarisse was saying. What the fuck is he telling her?

I can’t hear them over the noise in here.

“Excuse me,” I said, walking over to where they stood. Tyler had his hands on her waist while she laughed at something he said. Both of them looked up at me, acknowledging my presence.

“Mind my manners, Sam—this is Alpha Luca. My King and my friend.”

Samantha looked at me innocently with those big, beautiful, dull green eyes. “Alpha Luca, I didn’t know you came to these events.”

Tyler laughed but shut up the moment I looked at him.

“Um… he does attend events once in a while, if he’s not too busy.”

“Interesting…”

“Sam, is it? You look…” I swallowed. “Breathtaking.”

“Thank you. It’s not every day a girl gets to dress up beautifully and attend a party hosted by His Majesty himself.”

“I hope you’re enjoying the party?”

“I definitely am,” she blushed. My eyes dropped to her rosy, full lips, and my cock twitched instantly. I would fuck those pretty lips.

“Leave, Tyler,” I said.

“Sorry, man, not this time. Samantha has agreed to honor me with a dance tonight, and I’m not ready to leave her side until after.” He took Samantha’s hand, and she giggled as they walked to the middle of the room.

How dare he go against my orders? Tyler knows better than to do that.

I stood and watched… again. His hands glided to her waist and he pulled her closer. I clenched my fists, trying to hide my rage. He was touching my mate… she is mine, not his!

“There you are! You left me all alone,” Clarisse said beside me.

“They look good together.”

No, they do not!

“She’s not his type,” I responded.

“Um… I think she is. I don’t know Tyler that well, but I listen to town gossip, and she is definitely his type. Maybe she’ll be his muse for the night.”

God, can she ever stop talking?

Soon after, the music died down, and they walked back to where we stood. I looked down at their intertwined hands. I didn’t just feel rage—I could fucking kill Tyler now! Samantha is a stranger to me, but she’s my mate, and touching her is forbidden!

“Enjoyed the dance?” I asked.

“Yeah… I’ve found my muse for the night,” he announced, looking at her, then back at me. “I'll be choosing Sam as my muse for tonight.”