Chapter 11

—Sienna’s POV—

I knew I couldn’t sleep again. My entire thought process was on the upcoming banquet and all the things that could go wrong.

So much could go wrong. I’d listed every single possible option that I had to avoid.

Even if no alphas showed up, I was determined to do the best with what I could control.

It would be a beautiful banquet, even if the attendees were slim. I would be front and center, giving all the necessary influence I needed to, especially for that inspector.

I would prove I could do this. That being an alpha was meant for me, and I wasn’t going to let my parents down.

My phone bleeped on the table, startling me from my spiraling thoughts.

A message from Julian?

I clicked open the message, my eyes widening as I read it.

Dear Sea - I thought you should know I’ll be doing you a small favor by attending your lavish banquet tomorrow. You’re welcome, in advance.

Are you kidding me? I couldn’t help but scoff aloud, tossing my phone to the side. He didn’t deserve a response.

My guess was he was coming, last minute, to try and monitor things. Spread even more gossip about me - or worse, make me out to be a total fool.

What I really wanted to know was why he had such a change of heart. Clearly his own success was his true motive.

Wasn’t it always?

He just had to be in control.

But Asher had said Lucius Thorn was coming, the pack leader of Blackmoon. I was still flabbergasted, wondering what on earth could have convinced him to attend.

Maybe Asher was just kidding, trying to make me feel better, lift my spirits.

My mind went back to Lucius, and just how top-tier of an Alpha he was. Wherever he went, others followed.

Like really followed. He was sort of the star of the Alpha’s - Julian wished he could be like Lucius.

Lucius had been a genius since childhood. Power and intelligence, all in one, born to lead the Blackmoon pack.

Thirteen years ago, before the Lycan Prince - Prince Alaric - had died, the two of them were considered the future of the werewolf nation.

Now that future was broken.

My thoughts pivoted back to the banquet. Earlier, Simon had told me that a lot of the pack Luna’s had agreed to come, which had surprised me.

Females supporting females, maybe?

Or nothing better to do? The banquet was an excuse for a night out, after all.

Just then, Asher strolled by, looking more relaxed than ever, my eyes catching on him and the way he moved.

He couldn’t attend the banquet with a posture like that - and he definitely couldn’t talk in that lazy, informal way he always did.

Okay, but earlier, with the inspector…

He had some kind of presentable qualities hidden away. I just had to dig them out.

“Asher,” I called out, stopping him in his tracks.

“Mmmm?” He said with a glance back over his shoulder.

“I think you need a lesson in etiquette for tomorrow. You’re not really familiar with an event of this caliber, are you?” I asked, trying not to offend him.

I swear I heard him snicker, but as I opened my mouth to object, I wondered if I’d just imagined it.

Forget it, I muttered to myself.

“Of course,” he smiled, his eyes brightening. “Teach me your ways.”

For a while, I taught him all the important things - how to greet a Luna, the proper way to bow and approach an Alpha. He took it all in like an eager child, hungry for more.

Is he just putting on a show? Maybe laughing at me inside?

I didn’t allow myself to get too close to him. His scent, the way his skin felt against mine - it was captivating.

He drew me in so easily, like every other thirsty female.

But he’s mine, I whispered to myself, a flutter of excitement moving through me. For now.

“What are you thinking about, miss Alpha?” Asher cooed, sensing the growing heat in me. Why did he always have to notice?

“How you could ruin this for us tomorrow by being lazy,” I shot back, my words only making him grin harder.

“I’ll surprise you with my good behavior.” His eyes twinkled, and that stupid heat between my legs grew stronger.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, muttering something unintelligible under my breath.

“You have to behave,” I urged, taking a step back from him. “All these things we’ve talked about, they’re so important; it’s the make or break for the inspector.”

“I’m mischievous by nature - you know that,” Asher grinned, making my blood boil.

“Asher.” I growled, my arms crossing over my chest like they always did when I was serious.

Okay, that was definitely enough. There was only so much I could do for him.

With a single breath in, I tried to calm myself. Deep down, I knew he’d behave tomorrow.

I sighed, suddenly losing my balance on my own feet as I tried to turn away, Asher’s strong grip catching me.

Almost a little too romantically, actually.

Our gazes locked, my breath catching in my throat. Those blue eyes of his pulled me in all at once, and I couldn’t see anything else.

Not one thing but him.

“You know, you look like Mia in that dress,” Asher whispered in my ear, ripping me out of the moment.

“Who is Mia?” I snapped, pushing away from him.

He really ruined the most perfect moment.

Asher looked afraid, realizing what he’d just said. “I wasn’t thinking. She was just someone I used to know.”

“Someone you used to know, huh? Must have been important enough to ruin that moment.” I glared at him, my heart pumping way too fast in my chest.

“She was a childhood friend,” Asher said after a moment, sorrow painted in his eyes. “We swore to always be together…but…we were forced apart due to circumstances way out of our control.”

I didn’t like the pang of jealousy that gave me.

He’s not your fated mate. Why does it matter?

“So she was your first love?” It was hard to say those words. Even harder to understand why they affected me so much.

Asher only looked down, confirming what I’d thought. He didn’t need to answer.

Feeling this way was wrong. I shouldn’t be angry - it should be fine.

Totally fine.

I pushed the emotions back, lifting my chin coldly. “This lesson is over. I hope you’ll behave tomorrow.”

I needed to get away before I made some kind of mistake, or embarrassed myself in an irreparable way.

Asher started to call out to me, wanting to smooth things, but I didn’t listen. I kept walking to my room, shutting the door loudly behind me.

Mia was from his past, separated from him. Clearly not with him anymore.

He’d been jealous when he’d found me with Julian, though. It was so obvious.

And here I was, just as jealous about this girl from his past.

The bitter truth was, I’d already stumbled once when it came to love, derailed completely by Julian’s betrayal.

I refused to let myself fall again.

I would not be hurt again.