Chapter 16

ISABELLE’S POV

I pushed past them and lounged on the plush sofa, observing the awkward tension radiating from Rowan and Kael as they stared at me.

They both stood still, on their guard, they looked unsure of what to do in a club. I gestured for them to sit down, patting the cushions on my sides with a sly smile.

“Both of you need to relax and let go,” I teased. “You’re making it very obvious to everyone watching, you’ve never been to this sort of place.”

They hesitated for a second, their eyes flickering over me with wariness before they crossed the distance and settled at my sides.

Their warmth engulfed me, my body on high alert from their closeness, their distinct scents mixing in the air.

Rowan sat stiffly, his expression slowly easing into something almost playful yet his eyes remained sharp and calculated. “Darling, it seems you’re quite at home here.”

For a split second, the sudden pet name caught me off guard, and I faltered, my eyes snapping towards him.

He looked a bit more relaxed, his eyes watching me closely, filled with a hint of mischief.

‘What game is he playing?’ My wolf wondered. I never expected him to play along with our pretences.

‘Has he suddenly changed the way he sees you?’ She questioned instinctively, her voice echoing with confusion. I mused over her question, watching his expression closely and I eventually dismissed the thought.

I wasn't willing to believe, after so many years chasing him without success, he would suddenly change how he sees me in a second.

Quickly replacing my shocked expression into an easy smile, I leaned fully into the act. “Darling? Isn't that a bit presumptuous Rowan. You should be calling me ‘Mistress.’ After all, you’re just one of my many lovers.” I responded with a little bit of flair.

Kael, who had been watching us silently, nearly choked on the glass of water he had just picked up. Rowan, however, didn’t sputter, leaning back onto the sofa.

The room buzzed with tension as we exchanged subtle glances.

As the tension heightened the silence in the booth deafening, a heavily made-up woman walked in, not alone. She was leading a line of elegant women all dressed to entice, their bodies on full display.

“Hello, my name is Lyra and we are all at your service.” She announced with a dramatic curtsey.

My gaze scanned the women and smiled slyly as they introduced themselves, but I clicked my tongue in disapproval waving them off with a dismissive flick of my wrist.

“These won’t do,” I replied coldly, my eyes still trained on the group. “I need you to bring me the best. I was told this establishment caters to those with very discerning tastes.”

The woman raised her brow at me, her eyes narrowing.

“I heard from someone named Casper,” I added,

It was a calculated move that I made to set everything in motion. I sat the tiniest flicker in Lyra's expression and moments later, she returned, carrying a bottle of fine wine, offering to personally serve me.

“You should come with me.” She whispered brazenly in my ear after setting the drink down.She leaned even closer, lowering her voice. “Perhaps you’d like to leave here? And go somewhere more intimate?”

I started rising up like I wanted to stand, but Rowan and Kael immediately caught my hands, holding me in place.

Rowan leaned forward, his Beta aura radiating authority. “That won’t be necessary,” he said firmly. “Mistress Isabelle is a relative of the Night Fall Pack’s Beta. I trust you wouldn’t want to offend such an important connection.”

“And as my girlfriend, I wouldn't allow anyone to touch her.” Kael quipped in with a jealous tone that seemed too real.

“I can't be seen doing anything improper,” I added, playing along. “If I'm caught it won't be good for my nobel Beta relative.”

I leaned back, dropping the glass with a slight sway, Rowan's arms closed around me as I smiled feigning drunkenness.

“Oh, you two,” I drawled out with a giggle. “Always so protective. I suppose it’s time to leave. I need my beauty sleep.”

Rowan and Kael, both stood up, carefully guiding me out of the club.

LYRA’S POV

I gritted my teeth in annoyance, my sharp gaze

monitoring as the men lead the noble woman out of the club.

I knew her type: wealthy, connected, and very valuable to me and my work for the noble family that ruled the Night Fall back before the new Alpha.

I had a plan and I purposely leaked information that the club offered special services to high status individuals, to lure some key masters of the Night fall pack in exchange for very valuable information.

And recently, several high society members have visited the club and after negotiations I have been able to gather some Intel. I worked for a noble family that rules the Night Fall back before the new Alpha

A few days ago, I made my biggest catch yet, but he was taken away before I could extract the information I needed from him.

I had played the situation out, pretending I was a victim so I wouldn't be caught in the investigation.

My plan was simple: isolate the woman, find out all about her connections, and extract any valuable information. But before she could make her move, the men beside her stopped me, their protective instincts kicking in.

I watched their retreating figures with annoyance, my mind racing. I had spent weeks investigating Beta Rowan, only for this mysterious woman to appear and complicate everything.

The legendary Beta known for his profound wisdom and bravery was seeming like a tough nut to crack.

My mind went back to the woman in front of me.Who is she really? I wondered. She definitely caught my attention as her connections to the Beta made her even more intriguing.

I clenched my jaw, as they walked through the door. I shouldn't have let such a promising lead slip through my hands, but there was nothing I could do, not with those men here to protect her. I just had to watch her go.

For now, I retreated, but the game wasn't over.