Chapter 9: Social Chess

The ultra-luxury villa was a marvel of modern architecture, featuring sharp, geometric lines and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls that overlooked a sleek infinity pool. Perched dramatically on a cliffside, the house combined a sophisticated "James Bond" aesthetic with minimalist lounging areas.

“It is our home,” Alpha Stellan said, as twenty Omegas bowed in unison at the entrance.

“Eleanor and Clarissa will be your personal maids. They will escort you to your room. My suite is next door if you need anything,” he added. The two she-wolves bowed politely.

I followed Eleanor inside. I had been born into wealth, but this was another level of opulence. My room was a masterpiece—bright and airy with a panoramic window, a massive bed, and a plush cream sofa. The bathroom was enormous, featuring an array of high-end products and a marble bathtub that looked more like a pool, positioned perfectly to face the breathtaking mountain view.

“Luna, would you like to select an outfit while I draw your bath?” Eleanor asked, guiding me to a large walk-in closet.

My eyes swept through the hangers and shelves. Everything was from the latest collections—rare, expensive pieces ranging from silk gowns, exquisite shoes, and rare jewellery to designer bags.

“Alpha bought these a few months ago for his Luna,” Eleanor whispered.

I said nothing. For his Luna. But not for me. These were bought for the woman who was currently hidden away in a witch coven.

The closet was filled with lace, frills, and pastels—everything I despised. There were rows of pink sandals where I would have preferred boots or sneakers, and emeralds and sapphires where I would have chosen rubies. I huffed as I looked at the training gear, which came in every imaginable shade of pink.

I definitely needed to go shopping. But for now, I dove into the sea of pastels and extracted a rare find: black tailored pants, a black silk blouse, and black block heels.

I sank into the warm, bubbling water and watched the mountains. I scrubbed myself clean, letting the regret, betrayal, and pain wash down the drain with the water.

Thirty minutes later, I was dressed. I pulled my hair into a high, sleek ponytail and applied black eyeliner, mascara, and a swipe of cherry-red lipstick.

My eyes shone like two green stars. I added a simple gold chain with a diamond star and small studs in my ears. I was ready.

Eleanor informed me that Alpha Stellan had gone ahead to meet his family and that they were waiting for me in the dining room. She looked surprised that I hadn't shown any displeasure at the wardrobe.

But why should I? I didn't love the man, and so far, I had everything I needed. Today wasn't about showing my temper; it was about gathering intel.

I walked to the neighbouring three-story villa where the Alpha, the Beta and Gamma families resided. Even before I reached the dining room, I could hear the muffled sound of a heated argument.

“I never promised it!” Stellan’s voice boomed.

“It has always been an unspoken rule,” a female voice countered. “For generations, the Alpha has mated with the Beta’s daughter.”

“I do not—”

The Omega opened the door for me, and I stepped into the room. Silence fell instantly.

Ten people were gathered. Stellan and a brunette woman looked neutral, but the rest were clearly displeased, though they quickly plastered on fake smiles.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” I said politely.

Stellan moved to my side, taking my hand firmly in his. “My Luna, Leona.”

The introductions began. “My mother, Colette,” he said. The woman who had just been arguing against me greeted me by kissing both my cheeks.

“A snake, just like Renata”, I noted silently.

“My sister, Emiliya.” He pointed to the brunette, who simply nodded. No eagerness, no fakeness, and no hostility. I liked her already.

“The Beta family—Beta Garrison.” A massive blond man kissed my hand, but his grey eyes held a murderous glint. “And his sister, Rebecca.”

The blonde girl from the entrance whispered through trembling lips, “Nice to meet you, Luna. I hope we will become friends.”

I studied her carefully. She had a flawless figure, perfect makeup, and big, dove-brown eyes. She looked sweet, beautiful, and fragile. She reminded me painfully of someone.

“Rose,” Alma snarled in my mind.

Exactly. She didn't have the same face, but she was the same type of beast—a manipulator hiding behind a "white lotus" mask.

“It would be my pleasure,” I lied, nodding.

Next were the former Beta and his wife—Garosson and Rebecca's parents. They looked sincere but clearly unhappy that an outsider had taken the spot reserved for their daughter.

Finally, there was the former Gamma family and their son, the current Gamma Brian. Brian didn't even try to hide his contempt. His blue eyes were hostile and full of challenge; he only gave me a stiff nod when Stellan shot him a warning look.

“Time for lunch,” Luna Colette announced.

As everyone settled, only two chairs remained vacant—at opposite ends of the long table. Eight pairs of eyes watched me, waiting to see what I would do.

If I accepted the arrangement and sat separately, I would look weak—a pushover. If I demanded someone move so I could sit next to Alpha Stellan, I would look like a drama queen. They were all silent, waiting for my move.