Alpha Roman

Emily

"No, Emily, I also like this look on you. You mature to-"Alpha Gavin was cut before he continued to compliment how good I looked today.

My heart pounds as I stare up at the same man who bumped into me. I can still feel his hands grip my shoulders firmly, steadying me after I lost my balance. Like he doesn't want to let me go.

Our eyes lock and something powerful courses between us, sending a shiver down my spine. 

"Oh, Roman, there you are! Come, let me properly introduce you." He smiled, grabbing him by his shoulder.

So, it's him. The Alpha of Red Creed Pack that I'm now betrothed to—Roman. 

Roman takes a few steps forward. I smooth out my dress and straighten in my place, Alpha Gavin was still beaming. This is it. Time to put on the performance of a lifetime. 

"Roman, meet Emily James, my Beta's daughter," Alpha Gavin announces proudly. 

Roman takes my hand in his, bringing it to his mouth and grazing his lips softly over my knuckles. The intimate gesture sends a shiver through me. His eyes bore into mine as he murmurs, "A pleasure." 

I don't trust myself to speak so I just smile demurely. Inside, my wolf is slowly stirring uneasily. Is she coming out, but it's early. Then she went low again. 

"It's nice to finally meet you," he murmurs. His voice is deep and smooth like velvet. 

I find myself momentarily speechless as I take in his appearance. He's tall, well over six feet, with a muscular yet lean build. His jet black hair is slightly tousled in a sexy bedhead style. But it's his eyes that captivate me most—a piercing icy blue that seems to stare straight into my soul.

"It's nice to meet you too," I finally managed to say. I feel a blush creeping into my cheeks as neither of us makes an effort to step apart. His hands still rest on my bare shoulders, searing my skin. 

Roman clears his throat, dropping his hands. I immediately miss his touch.

"Alpha Gavin talks a lot about you." He gives a curt nod, his intense gaze never leaving my face. I can tell he's studying me just as intently as I am him. 

Trying to break the suddenly tense silence, I force a smile. "Well, it's nice to officially meet you. I've heard...interesting things."

One corner of his mouth lifts in a hint of amusement. "Interesting? I can only imagine. But I hope you won't let rumours cloud your judgement until you get to know me yourself."

I bite my lip. If only you knew just how dark the rumours paint you, Alpha. They say you're ruthless, cold, and merciless. The most feared Alpha in the region. Part of me thinks agreeing to marry you might be the worst mistake of my life. 

But another part of me—the part thirsting for revenge—whispers that you may be exactly what I need.

"Of course not," I replied innocently. "I'd love to get to know the real you."

Alpha Gavin goes on about what an excellent match we'll make to unite the packs. Roman listens politely, though his attention keeps straying back to me. I pretend not to notice, keeping my expression neutral. But each glance makes my heart skip a beat. 

There's an undeniable attraction between us, like two magnets pulled together by an invisible force. I wonder if Roman feels the mate bond beginning to form too or if it's still one-sided for now. 

"What do you think, my dear?" Alpha Gavin asks suddenly. "Have you made your decision?"

It takes me a second to realise what he's talking about. Right, my agreement to marry Roman. I put on a shy, hesitant act. 

"Alpha Roman seems...agreeable so far. But it's only been five minutes. I'd like more time to get to know him before making such a big commitment."

Gavin nods understandingly. "Of course, dear. Take all the time you need." He claps Roman on the back. "I'll let you two talk privately. Try to convince this lovely young lady that you'll make a fine husband." He winks before leaving us alone.

Roman steps closer and I inhale his appealing woodsy scent mixed with citrus. Intoxicating. 

"Well?" He raises an eyebrow. "Do you think I'll make a fine husband?" 

His voice holds a teasing note, but there's seriousness in his eyes as he awaits my answer. Clearly he wants this marriage too, though he's trying not to seem too eager. 

I lift my chin. "Honestly, I'm not sure yet. Like I said, I barely know anything about you." 

Before he can react, I step even closer, emboldened by his nearness. Slowly, I trail a hand up his firm chest. I hear his sharp intake of breath at my bold advance. 

"But I'm looking forward to finding out," I add with a coy smile. My gaze drops pointedly to his mouth.

Roman clears his throat. "Emily..." he says in a strained voice. "We shouldn't."

I sigh in faux disappointment and step back. "You're probably right. We've only just met." Inside, I'm smirking. Two can play the hard to get game, Alpha. 

An awkward tension settles between us. Roman runs a hand through his hair looking conflicted. I pretend not to notice his inner turmoil. 

"Tell me about yourself," I prompt gently. "What's your family like? Any siblings?"

Roman's expression shutters. "Both my parents died when I was young. I never had siblings."

"I'm sorry," I murmured. My parents are still alive in this timeline. I can't imagine losing them so early.

We continue making stilted small talk. I share funny childhood stories to get him to open up, and eventually he cracks a smile. I feel like I'm slowly chipping away at the cold, distant mask he wears. 

Underneath, there are glimpses of a man who's passionate, lonely, and hungry for a real connection. A man I could easily fall for, if I let myself. 

No, I remind myself sternly. I can't lose focus. Roman is merely a means to an end. A tool for my revenge, nothing more. I refuse to actually develop feelings for him.

After about an hour of talking, an Omega approaches to tell Roman he's needed urgently. He turns to me with a regretful look. 

"My apologies, but I need to deal with a pack matter. Please enjoy the rest of your party." He lifts my hand to his mouth again, kissing it tenderly while holding my gaze. "I hope we talk again soon."

I nod, watching him disappear into the crowd. My skin still tingles where his lips touched. 

I'm relieved our first meeting went smoothly overall. Hopefully I intrigued him enough that he'll agree to our mating. Now that I've decided he's my best chance for revenge, I can't let this opportunity slip away.

I just have to keep playing my cards right. Make him desire me but also make it a tantalising chase. Men like Roman love the thrill of the hunt. 

Lost in thought, I don't notice the figure approaching me until a hand grasps my wrist in a crushing grip. I'm instantly on alert, my eyes widening at the furious face.

"Dorian," I gasp. "Let me go!"

His fingers dig deeper into my skin as he pulls me toward him. "Who the hell was that, Emily? The man you were with?"

I struggle in his grasp. How dare he act jealous when he's the one who betrayed me? 

"That's none of your damn business," I retort. "We're over, remember?"

Dorian bares his teeth, eyes glowing amber. "Over? I decide when it's over between us."

My own temper rises. I lean closer and whisper harshly, "Let. Me. Go. Now." 

To my surprise, Dorian releases me instantly. He looks confused, like he doesn't understand why he obeyed my command. I guess my Alpha heritage makes some wolves instinctively submit to me.

Before he can recover, I turn and disappear into the crowd. My wrist throbs where he grabbed me and my heart pounds with lingering fear and anger. 

Damn him. I'll make sure he and Lily pay for everything. For now, I need to focus on convincing Roman to make me his. 

The question is, how much am I willing to give him? What line am I not willing to cross for my revenge? Only time will tell.

 Alex POV

Standing guard at the edge of the ballroom, I keep a close eye on the young woman chatting with Alpha Roman before. Emily James. Our new Luna-to-be. Or so the rumours say. Alpha Roman instructed me to keep an eye on her.

From a distance, I observe her graceful movements and the animated way she talks with her hands. She certainly is lovely, even if she's currently covered in wine thanks to that clumsy waitress. Who spills drinks on an Alpha's future mate? Honestly.

When Roman leaves her, I notice another wolf approaching Emily. He grabs her aggressively and I take a few steps forward, prepared to intervene. But after a tense exchange, he lets her go.

Emily disappears into the crowd and I lose sight of her. Dammit. My first day on Luna protection duty and I'm already messing up.

I know Roman plans to have Emily closely watched for her own safety. And he made it clear that she's not to leave the pack grounds once she moves here.

Not that I blame him for taking precautions. Emily's reputation isn't exactly pristine based on the rumours. Apparently she had some ill-advised teenage fling with a wolf named Dorian.

Plus, there are whispers about her being spoiled, selfish, and trying to seduce any wolf she can get her claws into. Not exactly Luna material in my opinion.

I weave through the boisterous party guests searching for Emily. Where did that little troublemaker run off to?

I finally spotted her standing alone near a secluded balcony. She's watching the moonlight with an unreadable expression. Even from here, I can smell the distress pheromones coming off her in waves.

Something about seeing her look so vulnerable stirs my protective instincts. But I remind myself that she's just another assignment. I can't let myself get attached or distracted.

Emily turns her head, noticing me approaching. She sweeps her eyes over me in a way that makes me feel exposed. As if she's peeling back all my layers at once.

"Who are you?" she asks bluntly.

I give a polite bow of greeting. "My name is Alex, my lady. I've been assigned as one of your personal guards."

Her eyebrows raise slightly. "One of my guards? A little presumptuous, isn't it? I haven't even agreed to mate Roman yet."

I shrug. "Just following orders. Keeping you safe is my top priority."

She steps closer, head tilted as she continues scrutinising me. Her nearness makes my nose fill with the scent of her floral perfume mixed with the coppery smell of blood from where that wolf grabbed her wrist.

"And if I ordered you to leave me alone? To let me come and go as I please without this absurd guarding?"

Her voice holds a challenge that makes me want to growl. Does she really think I'll just disobey a direct command from my Alpha?

"I apologise, but I cannot do that. Your safety is not yours alone to risk anymore. You're an Alpha's mate now." I keep my tone polite but firm.

Something dangerous flashes in her violet eyes. For a second, I see past the sweet façade to the fiery will underneath. She clearly doesn't appreciate me impeding her freedom.

But before she can retort, hurried footsteps approach and Alpha Roman appears. Emily's whole demeanour changes instantly.

She rushes to him, looking up at him adoringly. "Oh, you're back! Finished the meeting already?" She asked.

Roman glances at me over her head, no doubt taking in her distressed scent. I give an almost imperceptible shake of my head to let him know I'll explain later.

"Would you like to dance? little moon," he murmurs to Emily, brushing a strand of hair back from her face. His voice is gentle, just for her.

Emily nods and lets Roman guide her away, throwing one last unreadable look at me over her shoulder.

There's something going on beneath that innocent act of hers. I can't put my finger on what she's hiding, but I don't trust her sweet façade one bit.

As I trail discreetly behind them, I vow to stay alert. Emily seems determined to challenge rules and boundaries. And that's a dangerous risk with a ruthless Alpha like Roman.

She's playing a risky game trying to manipulate him. If she is, I just hope Emily realises what's at stake before it's too late. The question is, will I end up getting caught in the crossfire?I realise what's at stake before it's too late. The question is, will I end up getting caught in the crossfire?