Almost

Chapter 8

~Lucien~

I watched as Selena’s sister disappeared down the hallway, her footsteps echoing in the distance. The way Selena had handled that entire situation—calm, composed, standing her ground even when attacked—it made her even more intriguing to me.

She wasn’t just beautiful. She wasn’t just competent at her work. She had strength.

I wanted to know more about her. Needed to understand who Selena actually was beneath the surface.

“There’s a party tonight,” I said, still holding her arm gently where I was examining the scratches. “With one of our ally packs. It’s a formal gathering to strengthen our alliance.”

Selena looked up at me, surprise in her eyes. “A party?”

“I’d like you to attend. As my guest.” I released her arm carefully. “It would be good for you to meet the other pack leaders, to understand the political landscape.”

“I would be honored, Alpha Lucien,” she said, a small smile playing at her lips. “What time should I be ready?”

“The party starts at eight. I’ll have the car ready at seven-thirty.”

“I’ll be ready at seven-thirty sharp,” she said confidently. Then she gave a small bow and walked away.

After she left, Rowan cleared his throat behind me.

“Alpha,” he said carefully. “The other workers… they’re going to say you’re being unfair. Showing her special treatment.”

“I don’t give a fuck what they say,” I replied flatly. “She’s good at what she does.”

Rowan nodded slowly, but I could see the doubt in his eyes.

———

At exactly seven-thirty, I walked downstairs to where the car was waiting.

And then I saw her.

Selena walked toward the car wearing a dress that made my breath catch in my throat. Deep emerald green that matched her eyes perfectly. The neckline plunged low, showing off curves that made my wolf howl inside me. The dress hugged her body before flowing out at her hips. A slit ran up one side, revealing her long legs with every step.

She looked absolutely stunning.

She’s just your worker, I reminded myself firmly. Just an employee. Nothing more.

But my body wasn’t listening. Heat pooled in my stomach as I watched her approach.

“Good evening, Alpha Lucien,” she said softly. “I hope I’m not late.”

“You’re right on time,” I managed to say, my voice rougher than intended.

This was going to be a long night.

The party was being held at the Shadow Creek pack’s main hall. Music played softly as pack members mingled.

Alpha Marcus greeted us at the entrance. “Lucien! Good to see you.” His eyes moved to Selena with curiosity. “And who is this lovely young woman?”

“This is Selena,” I said. “She’s my new assistant for pack affairs.”

As we moved into the party, I noticed how Selena carried herself. She walked with poise and grace. She spoke to the other pack members with confidence, asking intelligent questions about pack dynamics.

She was perfect.

And I hated that I couldn’t stop noticing every little thing about her. The way she laughed. The way she tilted her head when listening. The way her dress shifted with every movement.

Several young males from the Shadow Creek pack approached her throughout the night, clearly interested. Each time it happened, I felt a surge of possessiveness that I had no right to feel.

I wanted to step between them and her, to make it clear that she was….

What? Mine?

She wasn’t mine. She was my employee, my son’s mate!

But that didn’t stop the jealousy burning in my chest.

After a few hours, I needed air. I made my way to a balcony overlooking the pack grounds.

I heard footsteps behind me and knew without looking that it was Selena.

“The view is beautiful from here,” she said, coming to stand beside me.

“Yes,” I agreed, though I was looking at her, not the view.

She was quiet for a moment, then turned to face me.

“You’ve barely looked at me all night,” she said, her voice playful but curious. “Did I do something wrong, Alpha Lucien?”

I closed my eyes briefly. “No. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Then why?” she pressed, stepping closer. “Why do you keep looking away?”

I turned to face her fully, and the honesty came out before I could stop it.

“Because it’s hard to stare at you,” I admitted, my voice rough. “Because if I look at you too long, if I let myself really see you, my wolf is going to get the better of me. And I can’t let that happen.”

Selena’s eyes widened slightly, but she didn’t step back.

Instead, she moved closer.

She walked toward me slowly until she was standing right in front of me. Close enough that I could smell her perfume. Close enough to see the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed.

The moonlight behind her made the thin fabric of her dress almost transparent, giving me a clear vision of her body underneath.

My hands gripped the balcony railing behind me so hard the wood creaked.

“The Alpha can take what he wants,” Selena whispered. “When he wants it.”

Everything in me went tight. My wolf was howling, demanding I claim her. My body was responding to her nearness, to her words, to the invitation in her eyes.

I was about to risk it all. My hands released the railing, reaching for her…. But then her phone rang.

The sound cut through the moment sharply. Selena jumped, startled, and stepped back. She pulled her phone from her purse.

“It’s my parents,” she said breathlessly. She answered. “Hello?”

I watched her face change as she listened. The sultry confidence disappeared, replaced by concern.

“What? Why? Is everything okay?” She listened for a few more seconds. “Okay. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

She ended the call and looked at me apologetically.

“I’m so sorry, Alpha Lucien. My parents need me to come home right away. They said it’s urgent.”