Chapter 11: Preparing for the Party

“You’re really going through with this?” I asked myself aloud, glancing at my reflection in the café’s window. The question carried a mix of amusement and skepticism.  

“Why not?” I answered myself with a smirk. “It’s just a party. A chance to have a little fun, shake things up, and maybe learn something useful.”  

“Or make a spectacle of yourself,” I countered in a dry tone.  

“Hardly,” I said with a flick of my hair, my voice dropping to a confident whisper. “I don’t make mistakes.”  

My wolf stirred at the edge of my consciousness, her energy sparking like static electricity. She wasn’t speaking, but her restlessness was enough to catch my attention.  

“Don’t start,” I muttered under my breath. “I don’t need your commentary right now.”  

Her response was a soft growl, more inquisitive than combative, like she was teasing me for my flippancy.  

I sighed, straightening my posture and brushing imaginary lint from my jacket. “Fine, fine. I’ll admit it—tonight is… important.”  

---

Tonight I am leaving Fidel behind with the promise of a dazzling appearance at the Pearl Hotel. The thought of his eager, almost possessive gaze made me roll my eyes, but I couldn’t deny that he served his purpose.  

“I’ll give him a show,” I murmured to myself, my lips curving into a sly smile. “But it won’t be for him.”  

The image of Lucas and Jake King flickered in my mind, unbidden and unwelcome. My wolf growled again, her excitement palpable.  

“Oh, relax,” I told her. “It’s not like I’m doing this for them.”  

Her response was a burst of energy that left me feeling both amused and unsettled.  

---

Strategic Planning  

Back in the privacy of my small apartment, I kicked off my shoes and settled onto the worn leather chair by the window. The city lights shimmered in the distance, a perfect backdrop for plotting.  

The Pearl Hotel was no ordinary venue. Its guest list tonight would be exclusive, filled with influential figures and wolves from across the region. If the King brothers were as determined as I suspected, they wouldn’t miss an event like this.  

“Time to do my homework,” I said aloud, pulling my laptop onto my lap.  

The screen glowed as I navigated through layers of security protocols, diving deep into the event’s digital details. Guest lists, security arrangements, and staff schedules appeared before me in neat columns.  

“Interesting,” I mused, scanning the names. Lucas and Jake weren’t listed directly—of course, they wouldn’t be. But there were enough aliases and subtle connections to confirm my suspicions.  

“They’ll be there,” I said, leaning back with a satisfied smirk.  

My wolf rumbled with approval, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, now you’re excited? Careful, you’re starting to sound like you want to see them.”  

She didn’t answer, but her silence spoke volumes.  

---

The dress hung in my closet, a shimmering creation of deep crimson that clung to curves in all the right places. I pulled it out, letting the fabric catch the light as I held it up against myself in the mirror.  

“Perfect,” I said, my voice low. “Bold enough to stand out but subtle enough to keep them guessing.”  

My wolf hummed in agreement, her approval a warm undercurrent that sent a thrill through me.  

“You’re awfully cooperative tonight,” I remarked, raising an eyebrow at my reflection.  

Her energy flared briefly in response, leaving me with the distinct impression of a smug grin.  

---

The hours leading up to the party passed in a blur of preparation. My makeup was flawless, my hair swept into an elegant yet effortless style that left me looking polished but approachable.  

“Showtime,” I whispered as I slipped into my heels, their sharp click on the hardwood floor echoing my resolve.  

---

The Pearl Hotel loomed ahead, its grand facade glowing in the moonlight. My wolf stirred again, her excitement mingling with mine as I approached the entrance.  

“Keep it together,” I murmured. “We’re here to play the game, not get distracted.”  

The lobby was a whirlwind of activity, with guests in shimmering attire mingling beneath crystal chandeliers. I scanned the room, my senses sharp as I cataloged faces and conversations.  

---

Subtle hints. That was the plan. Enough to tease the King brothers, to draw their attention without giving too much away.  

I made my way to the bar, my movements deliberate as I ordered a drink. The bartender’s eyes lingered a moment too long, and I offered him a polite smile, my focus elsewhere.  

“Lucas and Jake,” I thought, my gaze flickering to the corners of the room where shadows lingered. Are you watching?  

My wolf growled softly, her energy shifting with every passing second. She was on edge, her instincts brimming with anticipation.  

“Patience,” I told her silently. “We’ll know soon enough.”  

---

The party was a dance of deception, every interaction a calculated move on the chessboard. Fidel found me within minutes, his presence as overbearing as ever.  

“You look stunning,” he said, his voice thick with admiration.  

I gave him a coy smile, letting him bask in his illusion of control. “You’re not so bad yourself,” I replied, my tone light.  

He reached for my arm, guiding me toward a cluster of guests, but my attention remained elsewhere.  

---

Time slowed as I caught a glimpse of them—Lucas and Jake King, their commanding auras unmistakable even amidst the glittering crowd.  

My wolf growled again, this time with unmistakable excitement.  

“There you are,” I thought, my lips curling into a subtle smile.  

They hadn’t seen me yet, but that was fine. The night was young, and the game was just beginning.  

---  

As Fidel continued to chatter about the guests and the event, I allowed my thoughts to drift. The King brothers were here, and that meant I had to tread carefully.  

Subtlety was key. If they realized I was watching, the game would shift, and I couldn’t afford that—not yet.  

“I’ll let them come to me,” I decided silently, my confidence growing with every passing moment.  

Fidel squeezed my arm, his grip firmer than necessary. “You’re distracted,” he said, his tone laced with suspicion.  

“Am I?” I asked, tilting my head with an innocent smile. “Maybe I’m just enjoying the view.”  

His expression softened, but the possessiveness in his gaze didn’t fade.  

He leaned closer, his voice low and edged with concern. “You’re not fooling me. What are you really thinking about?”  

I chuckled softly, keeping my tone light. “Fidel, you worry too much. This is a party, remember? Try relaxing for once.”  

He frowned, glancing around the room as if searching for the source of my distraction. “Relaxing isn’t in my nature, especially when I know something’s bothering you.”  

“Nothing’s bothering me,” I insisted, sipping my drink and letting my eyes wander briefly to Lucas and Jake. They stood near the bar, their postures exuding authority and danger. “I’m just...observing.”  

“Observing what?” he pressed, his gaze narrowing. “You’ve been like this since we arrived.”  

“Fine,” I said with a sigh, tilting my head toward the balcony. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll step outside for some air. Alone.”  

“Alone?” His grip on my arm tightened. “You know I don’t like that.”  

“You don’t have to like it,” I replied, my voice soft but firm. “Trust me, Fidel. I’ll be fine.”  

He hesitated before releasing my arm, his jaw tightening. “Five minutes. That’s all I’ll give you.”  

“Generous as always,” I teased, offering a quick smile before slipping away.  

The night wore on, the energy in the room crackling with tension. Lucas and Jake moved with purpose, their presence a constant reminder of the danger they posed.  

On the balcony, I leaned against the railing, letting the cool night air clear my mind. From this vantage point, I could see everything—the mingling guests, the sharp movements of the brothers, and Fidel’s restless pacing as he watched me from the doorway.  

“Still watching, Fidel?” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head. His protectiveness was both endearing and exhausting.  

The sound of laughter drew my attention back inside. Lucas had joined a small group, his charm on full display. Jake, however, lingered on the fringes, his piercing gaze scanning the crowd like a predator hunting prey.  

But for now, the game was mine to play.  

I stepped back inside, my demeanor calm and collected. As I moved through the crowd, I felt their eyes on me—Lucas’s gaze lingering a moment too long.

“Careful,” I whispered to myself, keeping my smile easy and my movements unhurried. “Let them think they’re in control.”  

My lips curled into a determined smile as I sipped my drink, my eyes never straying too far from my targets.  

Fidel appeared at my side again, his voice low and urgent. “You shouldn’t be so obvious.”  

“Obvious?” I repeated with a laugh. “What am I doing that’s so alarming?”  

“You know what, I don't want anyone to come take you away from me tonight,” he hissed, glancing toward the brothers. “You’re playing with fire.”  

“And you know I love a good challenge,” I shot back, keeping my tone light but my meaning clear. “Trust me Fidel. I know what I’m doing.”  

“Let’s see how well you handle a challenge,” I thought, my resolve unwavering.  

The hunt was on, and I intended to win.