Chapter 56
“Alpha, the East District property transfer is complete..”
Duke approached the sleek black vehicle with a folder in hand and a proud smile on his face–only for his words to die abruptly in his throat.
Because what he saw made his brain freeze..
There was his notoriously cold and untouchable Alpha, Lucien Duskgrave, pinning a girl to the hood of the car in a rather scandalous position.
The girl wasn’t just any girl either–her cheeks were flushed like ripe peaches, her breathing ragged, lashes fluttering against damp skin. Her soft hands, clearly driven by the drug coursing through her, fumbled clumsily at Lucien’s chest.
Then came a rip.
A button popped off and rolled onto the pavement. The front of Lucien’s shirt tore open, revealing a chiseled, toned chest bathed in moonlight.
Duke stood frozen, eyes bulging, mouth open in a perfect “O” expression stunned beyond recognition.
His thoughts raced, Boss? The same Alpha who was practically celibate, who didn’t even flinch when courted by she–wolves from noble lineages? The same Lucien Duskgrave who’s immune to feminine wiles is now… doing this… in public?
Then, another thought struck him like a lightning bolt.
The Matriarch!
Lucien’s grandmother had been worrying herself into old age over his love life. She even sent Duke on a mission to “find him someone decent.”
And now.. this?! This was divine intervention. A live–action romance blooming on the hood of a luxury car.
Quick as a fox. Duke whipped out his phone, snapped a photo with a swift click, and sent it straight to the Matriarch. His lips curved into a satisfied smirk.
She’s going to be thrilled.
Just as he was relishing the idea of becoming the family hero, Lucien’s sharp glare sliced through the moment. Without a word, the Alpha delivered a precise, controlled chop to the back of the girl’s neck.
Riley, the writhing, drugged young wornan, slumped into his arms and went limp.
Duke’s sinirk vanished. His hopes crumbled into dust.
Wait… what?!
This wasn’t how these things went in all the Alpha romance novels he’d read. Wasn’t this the part where the Alpha carried her into the backseat with burning eyes and growled, “You’re mine“?
Why did Lucien always ruin good narrative flow?
Duke blinked slowly, confused, until Lucien shot him a flat look. “Seen enough?”
Jolted Lark to reality, Duke coughed awkwardly and stepped forware was just about to begin reporting the transaction
details when his eyes landed on Riley’s unconscious face.
“Wait, her?”
Lucien arched an eyebrow. “You know her?”
“She’s the girl who stitched the peony into your suit, Alpha,” Duke said, a hint of surprise still in his voice.
Understanding flickered in Lucien’s eyes. “So it’s her.”
+8 Pearls
e feeling settled in his chest.
His gaze lingered on the delicate features of the unconscious woman in his arms. A strange feeli
The East District project was critical for his expansion into the Ebonclaw–dominated trade lines. His appearance tonight had to be impeccable–which was why that particular custom suit had been prepared for weeks.
Only, a week ago, a small burn had appeared mysteriously near the chest seam. It had clearly been sabotage, likely from one of the rival Packs that feared Stormridge’s influence spreading into the city.
He’d sent the suit for repair, not expecting much. That embroidery…
The peony that had replaced the damage was exquisite. The craftsmanship was rare, elite–reminiscent of a masterpiece he’d once spent thirty million on at an auction: a silk tapestry called Longevity in Pines and Cranes. It had been a birthday gift for his grandmother, who still treasured it above all.
He’d tried to acquire more from the same artist, only to learn there were only two surviving works by that mysterious. embroiderer.
Longevity in Pines and Cranes, and one unfinished piece called Blush of the Nation.
The latter had been nearly completed when, for unknown reasons, the embroiderer had abruptly vanished a month ago- disappearing from both the trade registry and the artisan circles.
And now, here she was.
Passed out. In his arms.
Lucien’s fingers brushed a strand of hair from Riley’s damp cheek.
His eyes darkened.
He had questions now. Many. And he would get answers.
Starting with her.