Chapter 13

—Sienna’s POV—

Alpha Lucius had actually come.

I couldn’t believe it. Words evaded me, my eyes trailing him as he mingled in the crowd.

Yes. The crowd.

So many people had come after Lucius arrived. A lot of other well-known Alpha’s, ones that rarely left their packs for anything.

There was Alpha Damon, a brunette, bright green eyed warrior who had won countless battles on the frontlines. A rather quiet one, but stronger than you’d ever imagine just at a glance.

Then there was Alpha Rhys, an absolute business genius. A partnership in any shape or form with him would be monumental for Nightwind’s success.

One of the most surprising ones was Alpha Aaryn, someone most of the pack leaders hadn’t seen in quite some time. For him to come out for my social event was more than I ever expected.

Julian was brooding somewhere in the crowd, his shock and disbelief transforming his usually graceful smile into something almost unrecognizable.

He just couldn’t keep his cool. He’d wanted me to fail so badly that he couldn’t even fake being happy for the turnout.

Hopefully the other Alpha’s picked up on his attitude.

Asher hovered at my side, a constant comfort to me. I hated to admit that, but he really was.

I could tell he knew he was, too.

When the inspector sidled up to the two of us, I tensed, and Asher tightened his grip around me.

Immediately, I was calmer.

“You may have had a star turnout, Alpha Sienna, but it doesn’t excuse all the other issues of your pack,” he said snidely, and I swallowed a growl.

Why does everyone want me to fail? Jeez.

“I haven’t been in charge of this pack long, sir,” I replied, keeping my voice steady. “I’m aware of the issues and I’m working on them - unfortunately, they are not overnight fixes.”

My eyes darted to Asher, remembering his words to me.

“Your review period is three months,” the inspector spat back, doing his best to set me up for more failure.

Most review periods were three to six months, with the majority falling in the five month range. But of course, for me and Nightwind, it was the absolute minimum.

“If these issues haven’t undergone significant improvement by then, your alpha status will be revoked.”

“Understood,” I affirmed, shrugging a little. “I’ll be sure to impress you then, since my attendance tonight doesn’t seem to have done the trick.”

I really just said that, I cackled to myself. If he wants influence, I’ll give it to him.

The inspector and Julian were just little thorns in my side compared to the real issues though. What I had to focus on now was building relationships with these stronger pack leaders.

If I could solidify partnerships with at least one of them, it could make or break Nightwind.

“I’m going to do some rounds,” I murmured to Asher as the inspector stormed off. “I think I should do it myself.”

“I know,” he smiled back. “I’ll make my own rounds. Catch you for a dance later, m’lady?”

“Yes,” I laughed, ignoring the flicker of nerves that gave me.

Just admit that you have feelings for him, my mind muttered, though I quickly dismissed it.

I wasn’t admitting anything.

For an hour, I mingled, making sure I got quality time with every Alpha and their Luna. I wouldn’t say any of us really hit it off, until I finally stumbled upon Lucius again.

He is insanely handsome, wow.

Someone really had carved that man to perfection. He was absolutely stunning, giving me a sense of unworthiness to be anywhere in his vicinity.

“Sienna,” he nodded, taking my hand and delicately kissing it. His lips were soft, and I knew he could sense the spike of my heart rate.

“Thank you again for coming. It means more than you know.” I couldn’t shake the feeling that I should be down on my knees, bowing to him over and over.

He was a real celebrity amongst the packs. The entire evening so far, he’d been dancing and laughing and talking with everyone who was pining for his attention.

It must feel nice to be wanted like that.

“I’m happy to be here. The support is much needed,” he said in his gravelly voice. “I wanted to discuss the idea of a partnership, by the way.”

My breath caught madly in my throat. No other Alpha’s tonight had mentioned any kind of partnership, and now Lucius was?

I swear I could feel Julian staring daggers into my back. I’d felt it all night as I’d casually avoided speaking with him at every turn.

“I’d love that.” I was embarrassed at the slight tremble in my voice, but Lucius was probably used to his affect on literally everyone around him.

“I want to help Nightwind back onto its feet. Perhaps we can schedule a meeting outside this event to discuss?” Lucius took a sip of his drink as heat swirled on my face.

“Whenever works for you. You’ve done so much for Nightwind already.” I had to push back the growing threat of tears, because in no way was I going to cry at this banquet.

I’d cried myself to sleep enough lately that I shouldn’t even have any tears left.

“Get yourself a drink, have some fun. You’ve been working hard.” Lucius winked at me, and I couldn’t help but let out a real and true laugh.

“Thank you, Alpha Lucius.” I bowed my head to him once more before he stepped away, the empty space quickly filled by Asher.

Sweet, very handsome Asher.

And instantly, I was comfortable again. Really comfortable.

“You’re amazing,” Asher chuckled. “I overheard something about a partnership?”

“I can’t believe it. Why would he do that?” I shook my head. “I’m nothing to him.”

“He’s a good man,” was all Asher said, and suddenly, I had the feeling that he had more to do with this than I might realize.

“Notice the inspector is gone?” I grinned, nudging him playfully. “A relief, huh?”

“That man is way too rude.” Asher rolled his eyes, suddenly grabbing my hand. “Come on. Get yourself a drink, like Lucius said. Let’s dance.”

We danced the night away, drinking and laughing, and for the first time in a while, I felt completely free. For that hour of my night, I had no problems.

Before I knew it, the world was spinning around me, a blurred haze of shapes bidding me goodbye and thanking me for a wonderful evening, hoping I’d host another soon.

Once the square was cleared out, Asher led me back to my room - I definitely couldn’t have found my way on my own.

“How - you know about - Lucius?” I mumbled in a drunken fog, hardly able to form the words.

Asher said something, but I had no idea what it was. All I could hear were a jumble of unintelligible words, my brain reduced to mush from the alcohol.

As he placed me down on the bed, a spark of heat shot through me.

The Mia comment.

I grabbed his collar, yanking him towards me. His eyes widened at the harshness of my words.

“Never confuse me with Mia again, or I’ll punish you, Asher. I’m your Alpha. If you really love her, then just be done with me.”

Yes, I did just say that.