The Alpha

Chapter 26

Ethan's POV

I do not like Alpha Lucien. I am doing my best to remain cordial and professional because this alliance

would be very beneficial for us, but so help me, this guy is getting on my last nerve. Upon meeting

Scarlet he was overly flirtatious. Now, every time I spot him, he is either eyeing her or talking to her.

He's even touched her multiple times. Maybe I'm being possessive, after all it has only been her hand

or back, but in the werewolf community most know it is in bad taste to touch another person's mate.

Werewolves are inherently territorial and possessive over their mates, especially those that have Alpha

blood in them.

As I spot the servers on their way out, I instantly go up to Scarlet and guide her away, even though I

know we will be sitting with the Silver Shadow Alpha. We reach the table and I pull out the chair that is

seated to the right of the head of the table. She smiles at me gratefully and slides a hand down to

smooth out her dress as she sits down and I push her in. Lucien approaches as I am taking my seat All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

and remarks, "Alpha Ethan, you have outdone yourself. The food smells divine. I can't wait to dig in."

I force a smile at him as he sits in the chair to my left. "Only the best for our guests," I assure as plates

are set before us with small portions of several of the restaurant's best sellers.

"Oh yes! I find that the Crescent Moon Pack has been quite welcoming. Going above and beyond to

please me and my pack. I do look forward to negotiating new terms with you for our alliance," he

gushes before taking a bite of his grilled beef filet. He lets out an exaggerated moan as he looks at me

and then Scarlet. "Absolutely delicious!"

"I'm glad you have found everything to your liking," I remark as calmly as I can, despite that I seem to

be getting more and more agitated.

"Most definitely. Even the lovely Scarlet has been most gracious," he replies before shooting her a

toothy grin that makes me want to punch him in the face. I can't decide if he's simply trying to make

friendly conversation or if he is trying to stir up trouble.

"I think he's putting on an act. I think he wants our mate," my wolf insists with a growl.

I look over at Scarlet who seems to be oblivious to the heinous undertone that I am picking up from our

illustrious guest. Unless she is just better at faking her dislike than I am. If that's the case, she'll

certainly make an excellent partner in pack negotiations. "Even if she's buying this shit, she won't do

anything with him. We can trust her," I insist to my wolf.

"It's not her that I don't trust. It's him," my wolf answers back grimly. I only smile and nod at Alpha

Lucien's comment, not wanting to fuel whatever he is trying to accomplish. I'm only half listening while

having a conversation with my wolf anyway. Unfortunately, he takes this as an opportunity to continue.

"Yes, she has agreed to pose for me so that I can have a featured piece for my art exhibit."

That instantly draws my attention back to him. My hands clench the utensils I'm holding as though they

are around his scrawny neck. I struggle to keep my composure as I turn to look at Scarlet with

narrowed eyes. Her magnificent violet orbs are wide and her red lips hang agape as though she has

just been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"Oh, did she now?" I ask, my gaze not leaving her face and my voice coming out in a harsh, even tone.

She quickly closes her mouth and smiles tightly as she reaches out a hand to place over mine. It's like

she is trying to reassure me, calm me. She turns to face me and uses a sugary sweet voice as she

responds, "Yes. He was worried that he didn't have anything that would work and asked me if I would

be his next subject. He's even letting me have sixty-percent of the profit for whatever it sells for."

"And why do you need that kind of money?" I question, continuing to control my anger to the best of my

ability.