Chapter 13: A Strange Day

The next day was another day like the previous day, having fun out with Fidel.

“Is this really the best use of our time?” Lila muttered to herself, her fingers absently tracing the rim of her coffee cup as she sat across from Fidel at the café.

“You’re wasting energy on trivialities,” her wolf growled, its voice distant and strained, as though speaking through layers of static.

“What’s your problem?” Lila hissed back under her breath, her frustration mounting.

“You’re not listening,” her wolf snapped. “Something’s wrong.”

“You’ve been saying that all morning,” Lila replied sharply. “Care to be more specific?”

Silence.

Lila sighed, gripping her cup tightly. Her wolf’s unusual behavior had thrown her off balance. Normally, the creature was a steady presence in her mind, guiding her with clarity and purpose. But today, it felt erratic, agitated—almost disconnected.

“Lila?” Fidel’s voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present.

She looked up to find him watching her with a mix of curiosity and mild concern. “Sorry, what were you saying?”

Fidel leaned back in his chair, a grin tugging at his lips. “You’ve been zoning out a lot lately. Thinking about me?”

Lila forced a laugh, tilting her head to meet his gaze. “Something like that.”

As the day wore on, Lila struggled to shake the unease clinging to her. Fidel, oblivious to her inner turmoil, chattered on about the upcoming event as they strolled through the city. His enthusiasm was almost contagious, but Lila’s mind was elsewhere.

“Why won’t you just tell me what’s wrong?” she prodded her wolf again, desperate for some clarity.

“You’ll see,” it replied cryptically before falling silent once more.

Lila clenched her jaw, forcing herself to focus. Tonight’s mission was too important to let her wolf’s odd behavior derail her.

By the time Fidel dropped her off at her apartment to get ready, Lila had managed to regain a semblance of composure. She stood in front of her closet, staring at the array of dresses she’d chosen for occasions like this.

Her fingers lingered on a sleek, black number—form-fitting and designed to command attention without being overtly provocative. Perfect for the kind of impression she wanted to make tonight.

The drive to the Pearl Hotel was filled with Fidel’s usual banter. He talked about the guest list, the venue, and the opportunities this event could present for him. Lila responded with polite nods and the occasional smile, all while tuning most of it out.

Her mind was focused on the plan she’d spent days refining. Every detail had to be perfect if she was going to pull this off. Yet, the nagging sense of unease persisted, her wolf’s earlier warning echoing faintly in the back of her mind.

“Don’t look so serious,” Fidel said, glancing at her as they pulled up to the hotel’s grand entrance. “This is supposed to be fun.”

Lila plastered on a bright smile. “You’re right. Let’s make it a night to remember.”

Arrival at the Venue

The Pearl Hotel was a masterpiece of modern luxury, its gleaming façade lit up like a beacon against the night sky. As they stepped inside, Lila allowed herself a moment to take in the opulence of the space.

The marble floors gleamed under the chandelier’s soft light, and the air was filled with the hum of conversation and clinking glasses. Lila’s dress, perfectly tailored to accentuate her every curve, drew appreciative glances as she walked beside Fidel.

She played her part flawlessly, letting her eyes widen slightly as though awestruck by the grandeur around her.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” Fidel said, his voice tinged with pride.

Lila nodded, leaning in closer to him. “It’s breathtaking,” she replied, her tone dripping with admiration.

Fidel’s chest puffed up slightly, and Lila had to suppress a smirk. Men like him were so easy to manipulate—just a few well-placed compliments and subtle touches, and they were putty in her hands.

As they mingled with the crowd, Fidel introduced her to several of his associates, each one more eager than the last to bask in her attention. Lila played her role to perfection, offering charming smiles and light laughter that left them hanging on her every word.

But beneath the surface, her mind was a whirlwind of calculations and observations. Every detail of the venue, every interaction she witnessed, was cataloged and analyzed for potential leverage.

Fidel’s obvious attraction to her was both amusing and useful. She kept him at arm’s length with teasing smiles and coy deflections, knowing full well that his infatuation would keep him distracted from her true intentions.

“Focus,” her wolf snapped suddenly, its voice sharper than before.

“I am focused,” Lila replied inwardly, trying not to let her irritation show.

“Not enough. Something’s coming.”

Lila’s heart skipped a beat at the urgency in her wolf’s tone. She scanned the room discreetly, searching for anything out of the ordinary.

The crowd was lively but unremarkable. Lila frowned, her unease growing.

“Everything okay?” Fidel asked, placing a hand on her lower back.

Lila forced a smile, brushing off his concern with a light laugh. “Just taking it all in,” she said, stepping slightly away from his touch.

As the evening progressed, Lila’s restlessness only grew. Her wolf remained on edge, a constant hum of tension in her mind that she couldn’t shake.

She excused herself from Fidel’s side, claiming a need for fresh air, and made her way to the balcony overlooking the city. The cool night breeze was a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere inside.

Leaning against the railing, Lila closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

“Talk to me,” she urged her wolf.

“I can’t,” it replied, its voice heavy with frustration. “Not yet.”

“Not good enough,” Lila muttered, clenching her fists.

The sound of approaching footsteps made her turn, and she was unsurprised to find Fidel standing behind her, a drink in hand.

“Thought I’d find you here,” he said with a grin.

Lila smiled faintly. “Just needed a moment.”

Fidel stepped closer, his gaze lingering on her face. “You know, you’ve been full of surprises since the day we met.”

Lila tilted her head, feigning curiosity. “Good surprises, I hope?”

“The best,” Fidel replied, his voice dropping slightly.

For a moment, Lila wondered if he was going to make a move, but to her relief, he simply offered her the drink.

“Here’s to a night full of possibilities,” he said, raising his glass.

Lila clinked her glass against his, the sound ringing out softly in the night. “To possibilities,” she echoed, her smile hiding the storm brewing within her.

As they returned to the party, Lila steeled herself for whatever the night would bring. Her wolf’s agitation was a constant reminder that she needed to stay alert, but she refused to let it show.

This mission was too important to fail. Whatever was coming, she would face it head-on.

______________

 The sounds of conversation and clinking glasses enveloped them as they rejoined the crowd. She kept her movements deliberate, her gaze sweeping the room with an air of casual interest.  

Fidel, oblivious to her subtle observations, launched into another monologue about his accomplishments. “You wouldn’t believe the deal I closed last week,” he began, his voice brimming with self-satisfaction. “It’s going to put me on the map in ways no one could’ve imagined.”  

Lila nodded politely, her mind barely registering his words. Her focus was on the people around them, cataloging faces and making mental notes of anyone who seemed noteworthy. A group of older men near the bar appeared deep in conversation, their body language suggesting familiarity and confidence—potential players in Fidel’s network.  

To the left, a cluster of women dressed in shimmering gowns laughed too loudly, their eyes darting around the room like they were seeking validation. Lila dismissed them quickly; they were unlikely to hold any useful intel.  

---

*“Still no sign of the King brothers,”* she thought, her wolf stirring faintly in response.  

*“Not yet,”* it replied, the words laced with anticipation.  

Her lips tightened briefly. The Kings were the real reason she was here tonight, and their absence was starting to feel like a wasted opportunity.  

Fidel leaned closer, his voice dropping conspiratorially. “You see that guy over there?” he said, nodding toward a tall man in a sharp suit near the far wall. “He’s been after the same contracts as me for months. Doesn’t stand a chance, of course, but he’s persistent.”  

Lila followed his gaze, committing the man’s face to memory. She murmured an acknowledgment, feigning interest as Fidel continued his one-sided commentary.  

---

The atmosphere in the room shifted suddenly.  

Fidel’s voice trailed off mid-sentence, his expression freezing as his eyes locked on something—or someone—behind her. His usual air of confidence faltered, replaced by a mixture of apprehension and awe.  

“Lila,” he said softly, his tone uncharacteristically subdued.  

She turned to follow his gaze, the weight of his reaction already prickling at her senses.  

---

Standing just a few feet away was Lucas King. “Today again” she muttered in her breath 

The moment their eyes met, the world seemed to fall away. His presence hit her like a physical force, overwhelming and undeniable. The room blurred into insignificance; all she could see was him.  

Tall and broad-shouldered, Lucas radiated a commanding authority that made it impossible to look away. His dark eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. There was a raw power in his stance, an untamed energy that seemed to ripple beneath the surface.  

Her wolf stirred restlessly, its earlier agitation now replaced with something far more visceral.  

*“Him,”* it growled, the single word heavy with meaning.  

Lila’s breath caught, her carefully crafted composure threatening to crumble. She clenched her fists, fighting to regain control.  

---

“Lucas,” Fidel said, his voice tinged with nervous respect.  

Lucas’s gaze flicked briefly to Fidel before returning to Lila, as if dismissing the other man entirely. He took a step closer, the air around him thick with his Alpha presence.  

Lila straightened her spine, refusing to let herself be cowed by the sheer force of him.  

“Lila,” Fidel said again, his tone urgent now. “This is Lucas King. I know you both saw yesterday but it's my duty to introduce him to you anytime.”  

Her lips parted, but no words came. The connection she felt to him was overwhelming, a pull so strong it left her reeling.  

“Lila,” Lucas said, his deep voice resonating with a quiet authority that made her pulse quicken.  

The sound of her name on his lips was almost too much. She swallowed hard, struggling to maintain her composure.  

---

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Lucas continued, his gaze never wavering.  

Lila managed a faint smile, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. “All good things, I hope.”  

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Of course.”  

Fidel shifted uncomfortably beside her, clearly sensing the tension between them. “Lucas, we were just—”  

Lucas held up a hand, silencing him with a single gesture. His attention remained firmly on Lila.  

“You’ve made quite an impression,” he said, his tone softer now, almost teasing.  

Lila arched an eyebrow, her confidence returning in small measures. “Have I?”  

Lucas’s eyes darkened slightly, the faint smile on his face fading into something more serious. “More than you realize.”  

---

Her wolf growled softly, a mix of approval and unease that mirrored her own conflicted feelings.  

*“This is dangerous,”* Lila thought, trying to push past the magnetic pull of his presence.  

*“He’s ours,”* her wolf replied firmly, the certainty in its voice sending a jolt through her.  

“Fidel,” Lucas said suddenly, his tone cutting through the moment like a blade.  

Fidel snapped to attention, his earlier discomfort now replaced with a tense sort of submission. “Yes, Alpha?”  

“Give us a moment,” Lucas said, his words carrying the weight of an order.  

Fidel hesitated briefly, his gaze darting between them. Then, with a reluctant nod, he stepped away, leaving Lila alone with Lucas.  

---

The silence between them was thick with unspoken tension.  

“You have a way of clearing a room,” Lila said, her voice steady but laced with subtle defiance.  

Lucas chuckled softly, the sound low and rich. “It’s a gift.”  

Lila tilted her head, studying him carefully. “What do you want from me?”  

His expression grew serious, his dark eyes holding hers with an intensity that made it hard to breathe. “I think you already know the answer to that.”  

Her heart pounded in her chest, the weight of his words sinking in. She couldn’t deny the connection between them, but that didn’t mean she was ready to accept it.  

“Do I?” she countered, her voice sharper now.  

Lucas took a step closer, his gaze never leaving hers. “You can fight it all you want,” he said quietly, “but it won’t change the truth.”  

Lila clenched her fists, her wolf’s growl echoing in her mind.  

“You’re mine, my mate, Lila,” Lucas said, his voice a low, possessive rumble.  

The words sent a shiver through her, their meaning both thrilling and terrifying.  

But Lila wasn’t one to back down easily.  

“We’ll see about that,” she replied, her tone cool and defiant.  

Lucas’s lips curved into a faint smile, his dark eyes alight with challenge. “We will.”