Chapter 0005

Liam's wolf seethed with anger as it observed the scene before them. Liam couldn't comprehend why his wolf was acting this way, and it only served to irritate him further. He knew he needed to distance himself from the situation, to forget about the woman who had stirred such intense emotions within him before he did something reckless.

The encounter in the dressing room had been exhilarating, a game of teasing and desire. Liam yearned for her, but he planned to bide his time until he had her right where he wanted, to then release himself from her grip. However, that didn't mean he didn't fantasize about tearing apart anyone who stood between them, particularly Shane, and eliminating any trace of male scent from her until he had satisfied his own desires.

"Alpha," James interjected, appearing at his side, "we've thoroughly searched for the girl you described, but found no trace."

Liam smirked and gestured towards the PDA in response.

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"She's the Luna of Crimson, for fuck's sake."

"Yeah."

"And you still desire her?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, shit, Liam!"

"Yeah."

"Come on, that's like poking a sleeping tiger or tugging the tail of a lion," Liam chuckled. "Does he really look like a tiger? More like a puppy."

James sighed and massaged his temples. "It's not worth it."

"Not when I stupidly marked her," Liam replied.

"Wow," James exclaimed, his eyes widening. "But, how did she... when... you?" He stuttered.

Liam chuckled again.

"Exactly."

James sighed heavily. "How the hell did you even meet the Luna? You slept with her and even imprinted your mark on her?" He hissed. "Alpha Shane keeps that woman under lock and key! He's extremely protective of her, or so I've heard. And why shouldn't he be? She's his mate and beloved by her Pack members!"

Liam tore his gaze away from Shane and Nicole for a moment to look at his Chief warrior.

"Why do you sound like Tony?"

"Because Tony's the sensible one. Honestly, if he wasn't your Beta, I wonder what would have become of you."

Liam shrugged, his cool demeanor on the verge of shattering. Firstly, Shane was still mauling in the name of showing affection, and secondly, James was right.

Hell no! He had never felt this way before. His wolf was moments away from breaking free, and if it did, Shane would die. There were no two ways about it.

Liam closed his eyes and took a deep breath, attempting to compose himself. He forcefully unclenched his fists, placing them flat on the table, and exhaled slowly.

"You need to think this through, Liam. Don't do anything foolish. Don't let a woman ruin everything for you."

Liam shrugged and glanced back at the couple as they moved apart.

"Wow!! Holy fuck!!!," James muttered, his eyes widening as he observed Nicole up close for the first time.

Liam's heart twinged, and his fists clenched once again.

"Damn it! I understand why. She's incredibly attractive."

Liam suppressed a growl, redirecting his focus elsewhere. She was undeniably beautiful, but she wasn't his type to begin with. He blamed his wolf and the foolish mark. His cock twitched at the sight of her luscious lips and hazy eyes. It triggered memories of their night together.

Suddenly, rage surged through him. He wanted to grab her, kiss her passionately, and push Shane away. However, something caught his attention—she wasn't aroused. If she truly enjoyed being in her mate's arms, the scent of her arousal would have intoxicated him.

"Allow me to introduce Nicole, my Luna," Shane announced.

Liam smirked, took her hand, and planted a brief kiss on it, grazing her skin. She gasped, her cheeks reddening momentarily. Her sudden arousal engulfed him.

"So, you're the Luna everyone's been talking about," Nicole snatched her hand away, her eyes burning with irritation. Liam's smirk grew wider.

"Yes, indeed. My Luna is the most capable," Shane boasted as he introduced her to other important guests.

"Tonight, your task is to uncover all the dirty secrets about that bastard and present them to me," he instructed James once Shane was out of earshot. "I know that son of a bitch has skeletons in his closet. Show them to me."

James sighed, "Yes, Alpha. Hold on, what's your plan? I thought you'd be asking for a secure place to meet the Luna so you can take care of your business before we return home tomorrow?"

Liam gave him an incredulous look.

"Geez, I'm not that terrible, James. I can't pursue her now, not after what we've discovered. It wouldn't be right."

"Then why am I getting involved in this mess and digging up some shit for you?" James asked.

"Why are we even here in the first place, James? Can we trust Shane?" Liam asked and James shook his head. A sigh escaped his lips.

"Liam, I know you very well. You're always scheming," Liam smirked, his bright blue eyes gleaming mischievously.

"What on earth do you have planned?"

Liam shrugged, "She's coming home with me."

James, who had managed to grab a drink and was sipping it, choked. Spluttering, his eyes turned red as he tried to clear his airways.

"My dear friend," Liam chuckled, patting his back.

"What the hell! Liam! Have you lost your mind?"

Liam's eyes darkened, and he snarled at him.

"Fine, okay, okay, fine! You're in charge. You're the Alpha. I'll gather the information and prepare my men for war because that's where this shit is heading."

Liam ignored him and turned his attention back to Shane. They were now with his pack members, all of whom were gazing at Nicole as if she were some kind of angel. His heart sank at the sight of them. If only he weren't so selfish, he thought to himself.

"Liam," James said softly.

"Yeah?"

"You're doing this because you want to get her out of your mind, right?"

Liam shrugged, "Why else would I do it?"

"Well, actually, leaving her here is the best way to move on. If you're far away from her, you'll get over her in a matter of weeks, and the connection you think you have will fade away."

"Weeks?" Liam growled, "I need to get her out of my mind and dreams as soon as possible!"

"B-but-"

"Besides, when has staying away from someone ever worked for me? Just do as I asked. I'll handle the rest."

James slumped his shoulders. "You'll be the death of me, Alpha."

"Nah, I'm pretty sure I'm your savior."

James disappeared from his sight and went to do what he had been tasked with.

Liam's eyes sought out Nicole once again. She was now engaged in what seemed like a forced, polite conversation with a female member of the Crimson pack.

Annoyed, he looked away, searching for any cracks in this perfect facade. Liam knew that it was all a charade. An Alpha like Shane concealed so much. He remembered how Shane had skillfully avoided his probing questions.

Liam smirked, he was determined not to let Shane leave tonight without answering his question.

"Spike his drink," he instructed through their pack bond.

A Dark Moon member, who was closest to Liam, nodded and made their way toward Shane. Now, all Liam had to do was wait for the alcohol to weaken Shane's wit and defenses before making his move.

"Hey handsome," a heavily perfumed redhead purred, sitting next to Liam.

Crimson. Omega. Their Alpha's scent on her! Liam's senses jolted.

"So, you're the infamous untamed beast they talk about, right?" she said, moving closer.

Liam narrowed his eyes as he realized something. Every member of Crimson Pack bore the distinct scent of their pack and their positions, except Nicole.

When they had first met that night, Liam would have kept his distance if she had the scent of Crimson or Crimson's Luna, but she didn't. She had her own enticing scent; her mate's scent wasn't even present on her.

Intriguing! He thought to himself.

"So, I hear you're untamed and no woman has been able to tame you," she asked, and Liam smirked.

Normally, he would entertain such audacity and let the girl believe she had won, following her lead until they were alone. Then he would prove her wrong, satisfying her desires, and leave her obsessing over him and his prowess. But now, his sole focus was on the hazel-eyed girl who had plagued his dreams.

The redhead continued to pester him, her fingers trailing over his skin. His gaze remained fixed on her as he let out a low growl. She only smirked and persisted.

He took a quick glance at her. Her cleavage threatened to spill out of the corset top she was wearing, and her mini skirt barely covered anything. But her heavily made-up face was excessive. He could sense her arousal clouding her judgment. That was not his concern.

What irritated him was the audacity of an Omega sitting next to him and touching him!

Traditionally, Omegas steered clear of those more powerful than themselves. He grabbed her hand, which had crossed a line, and forcefully removed it.

She pouted at him, crossing and uncrossing her legs. Liam paused.

Why did she carry the Alpha's scent more strongly than the supposed Luna?

"Playing hard to get, big boy?" she teased.

Liam's patience with her had reached its limit. In one swift movement, he grabbed her arm and led her to a dark corner. She giggled and followed him. He pressed her against the wall, his eyes gleaming with mischief. She reached for his belt, still chattering excitedly.

His right hand forcefully snatched them away, while his left tightened around her neck, holding her in a merciless chokehold. She struggled to breathe, her face matching the fiery shade of her hair. Tears welled up in her eyes, turning them red and watery.

"Listen carefully," he commanded, his voice filled with venom. "Do not dare to lay a filthy finger on me or anyone in my pack again, or even approach us. Is that clear?" He bellowed, and the red-haired woman weakly nodded, her vision fading into black dots.

With a growl, he flung her aside and walked away, leaving her crumpled on the ground.

How the hell is he even managing his pack like this? Why should an omega not know her place? He pondered, questioning the situation.

As he returned to his position, both Shane and Nicole had vanished. His heart sank, and his inner wolf tugged at him, urging him to search for them, particularly Nicole.

"Damn, this place is completely fucked up," James uttered breathlessly, rejoining him. Liam smirked, as he had suspected.

"Shane's a bastard. He's involved in all sorts of shady deals you can't even imagine. That's the reason why he threw this party. And the guests here are representatives from other packs he has signed treaties with, who happen to be enemies of Dark Moon, among other despicable things he has done-

He cannot be trusted. This party is just a façade to show his allies that you've got his back, while he plans to betray you. He's trying to prove his power. That's why he's being overly friendly. Our team hacked into their remote network and found loads of incriminating evidence against him. I've already sent you the files-

"But that's not all. His Luna is not his fated mate. It's a lie. There's a murky story behind his relationship with her, but no one is willing to share the details. It seems like everything about Crimson is fabricated."

"Jackpot," Liam smirked, a sense of revelation coursing through him.

Now he knew exactly what he needed to discuss with Alpha Shane.

"I'll review the other details later tonight. For now, I must find our gracious host. There's a burning question I need to ask and I want to identify the representatives from other packs who are present tonight. Gather their information for me. None of them will leave this place alive, tonight or tomorrow."

With that, he rose to his feet, sniffing the air until he caught a trace of Nicole's scent, guiding him on his path.