Chapter 16

Elara

I entered the grand ballroom, holding Zoe and Ellaʼs hands as we walked together. The opulence of the venue took my breath away—the chandeliers glittered like constellations against the high ceilings, and the marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of ambient lighting.

This was the most luxurious hotel in the city, a place Iʼd only ever seen in magazines and had never imagined visiting myself. Alaric had chosen it deliberately, making a statement that was impossible to ignore.

The girls gazed around in awe. “Mommy, look at all the lights!” Zoe exclaimed, pointing up at the crystals swaying gently in the air. I offered her an encouraging smile; I never imagined that my little girl would grow to be a princess like this, attending balls in sparkling dresses, but here we were. It felt like every mother’s dream come true.

As we moved further into the room, Alaric joined us, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his commanding presence. I tried not to stare too much as he strode up to me, his shoes clicking on the polished floors.

“I need to greet the guests. Keep an eye on the children,” he said matter-of-factly. The spell instantly dissipated like mist in the morning air.

“Of course,” I replied.

He gave me nothing more than a curt nod before striding away, immediately enveloped by a group of female werewolves who seemed all too eager to capture his attention. It seemed they were practically waiting for us to separate so they could swoop in.

A tiny sigh escaped my lips as I watched the women swarm him. I wasn’t jealous, not really—our ‘relationship’ was nothing more than happenstance—but I’d be lying if I said that seeing my husband surrounded by so many women wasn’t a little degrading. Even if he was only married to me for convenience.

“Mommy, can we get something to eat?” Zoe asked, tugging at my hand.

“Sure, sweetheart. Letʼs find our table first.”

We found a table near the edge of the room, offering a clear view of the festivities without being in the midst of the crowd. The girls busied themselves with the assortment of finger foods laid out in front of us.

Suddenly, a low, deep voice spoke behind me. “You look lonely, nanny.”

I turned around to see Asher, Alaricʼs younger brother, his eyes gleaming with something dark and mischievous. He was dressed just as elegantly as his brother, but there was an edge to him that set me on guard.

Before I could respond, Zoe stepped forward, her little chin jutted out defiantly. “Sheʼs our mommy! Sheʼs not a nanny!”

I placed a protective hand on her shoulder. “Itʼs alright, Zoe.”

Asher raised an eyebrow, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Feisty one, isnʼt she? The family blood runs strong, I see.”

I met his gaze evenly. “You certainly like to meddle, donʼt you?” I retorted.

He chuckled lightly. “Tell me, how much did my brother pay you? I can double it.”

His words made my chest tighten, but I kept my expression under control. “Iʼm sorry, I donʼt understand what youʼre talking about,” I replied, turning my attention back toward the table to help the girls cut their sandwiches.

Asher leaned in slightly, the scent of his cologne practically assaulting my senses. “Oh, come now,” he nearly purred in my ear. “Thereʼs no need to pretend with me.”

I stiffened at his proximity, recalling all too well Alaricʼs warning to avoid his troublemaking younger brother as much as possible. I couldn’t see Alaric in the crowd, but I knew it would be best to walk away anyway.

“If you’ll excuse us,” I said curtly, turning to guide the girls away.

But as I stepped forward, Asher smoothly moved to block our path. “Leaving so soon?”

My jaw clenched. “As a member of high society, donʼt you know the basic principles of respect?” I spat out. “If you donʼt want trouble, youʼd better step aside immediately.”

He smirked. “Youʼve misunderstood. Iʼm simply inviting you for a dance.”

I hesitated. Dancing wasnʼt exactly my forte, and the thought of sharing a dance with Asher of all people was far less than appealing. He seemed to sense my unease, and took a step closer, his lips curling into a sneer.

“Whatʼs the matter? Afraid?” he taunted. “I understand your caution, of course. A mom with a ʻruined figureʼ might assume that a man such as myself is only asking to dance out of pity.”

Before I could reply, Zoeʼs eyes flashed with anger. “My mommy has a great figure! You just like skeletons!” she blurted out.

I couldnʼt help but smile slightly at her fierce defense. Gently patting her head, I looked back at Asher, lifting my chin defiantly. “Fine. Letʼs dance. Then we’ll see who’s afraid of whom.”

“Challenge accepted.” He extended his hand with a mocking flourish. “Shall we?”

I took a deep breath and placed my hand in his. “Lead the way.”

As we moved onto the dance floor, a hush seemed to fall over the crowd. I could feel dozens of eyes on us, whispers circulating like a tornado.

Asher pulled me into the waltz with practiced ease. We moved in time with the music, and at first, my steps were steady. The lessons with Alaric had paid off, it seemed. For now.

But that feeling didn’t last long.

“You know my brother had a wife before, donʼt you?” Asher suddenly murmured in my ear.

I stiffened slightly but kept silent. Of course I knew—everyone did. It made headlines when his wife passed away. And Asher certainly knew that I knew, and was just bringing it up to throw me off.

When I didn’t reply, he continued, “You might not know this, but my brother is far more complicated and dangerous than you think. Heʼs not someone you can trust.”

I met his gaze. “I think I can make my own judgments about people.”

“Can you?” He tilted his head, eyes gleaming. “Smart girl. Then you must know that in the world of Alphas, an Omega is ultimately just a disposable plaything.”

“Thank you for the advice,” I said evenly. “But I can make my own decisions. I donʼt need you to worry about me.”

He smirked, and his hand tightened around my waist. “Why are you suddenly as stiff as a board? Do you need me to help loosen you up?” He deliberately pulled me closer, his hand sliding a bit too low on my back.

I felt a surge of anger. Without missing a beat, I lifted my foot and stomped hard on his.

He winced, a flash of pain crossing his features before he quickly masked it. “Feisty indeed,” he murmured. “You know, Iʼm starting to like MILF types even more by the day. I suppose I have you to thank for that.”

“Youʼre despicable,” I hissed.

He leaned in, his lips close to my ear. “Careful now. Wouldnʼt want to cause a scene.”

I couldn’t care less about making a scene. Furious, I raised my hand to slap him, but he anticipated the move, swiftly catching my wrist.

“Temper, temper,” he chided, clicking his tongue.

“Let go of me,” I demanded, struggling to free myself.

Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the air. “Asher Donovan, what do you think you’re doing?”

Asher released my wrist, and we both turned to see Alaric striding toward us, his eyes cold and hard. I tried not to show how relieved I was to see him there.

Asher smiled nonchalantly. “Relax, brother. I was just getting to know your... ‘wife.’”

Alaric moved quickly, placing his broad form between us. I could feel the warmth radiating off of his body, and to my surprise, he extended his hand behind himself—toward me. An invitation. With my breath catching a little, I slipped my hand into his, feeling the unmistakable comfort of his fingers closing around mine.

“I didnʼt invite you,” he said coldly, his eyes never leaving his brother.

Asher placed his hand over his chest. “You wound me, brother. Is that any way to treat family?”

“Leave. Now,” was all Alaric said.

Asher chuckled. “Always so serious.” He glanced over Alaricʼs shoulder at me. “You might want to keep a closer eye on your wife, by the way. Sheʼs quite the charmer.”

“Thatʼs enough,” Alaric snapped. “Don’t speak to my wife ever again.”

Asher merely smirked a little more. “Funny,” he said, turning on his heel and calling over his shoulder, “you call her your wife… And yet you left her alone in public while you chat up other women. Not very husbandlike behavior…”

He paused, glancing at us one last time. His smirk was downright diabolical.

“...Is it?” he finished.