A Good Show Tonight!
(Melissa’s POV)
I twitled in front of the full–length mirror at Moonlight Bridal Boutique, admiring how the delicate lace bodice hugged my curves. The ivory satin skirt flowed around me like water, making the look taller and more elegant than I’d ever appeared in my
life.
“Perfect,” I whispered, imable to contain my smile.
I’d come here alone, not wanting to tell Ethan about this little excursion. He’d been so stressed lately, especially after that humiliating scene with Amber at the Moonlight Club. Besides, I wanted to surprise him with the perfect dress for our marking
ceremony.
My phone buzzed on the nearby chair. Ethan’s name flashed on the screen, making my heart skip. I quickly answered, “Hello?”
“Mel, where are you?” His voice sounded tense.
“Just running some errands,” I said vaguely, turning to examine the back of the gown in the mirror. “Is everything okay?”
My wolf Zoe stirred inside me, sensing my excitement about the dress. Ever since Dominic had agreed to make Ethan, and me partners officially, I’d been planning every detail.
“Dominic wants us at the Blackwood Pack House at seven tonight Ethan said.
My heart raced. “Tonight? Why?”
“I don’t know, but we can’t refuse.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already past four. “I’ll meet you at home in an hour.”
After hanging up, I carefully removed the wedding dress, my thoughts drifting to the house Amber had designed for herself and Ethan. That beautiful bungalow in the neutral zone had been my dream home too.
The soft neutral colors, the spacious rooms, the perfect blend of modern and traditional werewolf elements – Amber had impeccable taste. I’d envied her talent almost as much as I’d envied her position as Ethan’s fiancée.
Zoe whimpered inside me at the memory of Dominic forcing us to sell that house and dispose of everything inside. Another reminder of what I couldn’t have.
I still remembered the thrill of being in that house with Ethan. It had been raining that night, and Amber was out with Paige. Ethan had taken me there for drinks, and the moment I stepped inside, something primal took over.
We made love three times on that king–sized bed meant for him and Amber. The forbidden nature of it made everything more intense, more satisfying.
I smiled at the memory of Amber’s face when I “accidentally” showed her the photos afterward. The perfect angle capturing a naked Ethan sleeping in my equally naked arms, with Amber’s carefully chosen furniture and even a framed photo of her visible in the background.
Her devastation had been complete. Just as I’d planned.
Victoria had once described Amber perfectly: smart and stupid. Smart because of her undeniable talent and academic accomplishments – all derailed after her kidnapping at seventeen Stupid because of her stubborn refusal to yield or compromise.
That stubbornness had allowed Victoria to usurp her position in the Chase Pack. It had allowed me to steal her mate.
Amber’s weakness was always her temper and inability to handle an Alpha like Ethan. She fought him at every turn, challenging his authority. I knew better.
From the beginning, I showed Ethan my vulnerability, my need for his protection. I let tears fall at just the right moments,
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making his wolf rise to defendine. It was so easy to manipulate hit once I understood his need to feel strong and dominant
Now we were planning our future together. While searching for a new place, I’d chosen his downtown penthouse as our temporary home. There wasn’t enough time to redecorate before aur spring ceremony, but it would do.
Reing associated with Ethan Blackwood had changed everything for me. Store attendants who once looked down on my humble heritage now lawned overine, offering their best services and products.
This designer wedding gown had been flown in from international headquarters just for my fitting a testament to my new
status.
My phone buzzed again, breaking my reverie. I needed to hurry if we were going to make it to the Blackwood Park House by
seven.
Whatever Dominic wanted, I was sure it would bring us one step closer to making my position in the Blackwood Pack permanent.
(Third–person’s POV)
Lucas Blackwood was scrolling through his phone, planning a weekend getaway to take Amber out of Silvercrest, when his screen lit up with an incoming call. The name “Uncle Dominic” male him freeze instantly.
His finger hovered over the screen for a moment before he answered. “Hello, Uncle.”
“Lucas.” Dominic’s deep voice was calm but commanding. “I heard about the incident at the Moonlight Club.”
Lucas swallowed hard. “Which part?”
“Your involvement in assisting Amber against Ethan.”
Lucas straightened his posture instinctively, even though his uncle couldn’t see him. “Ethan grabbed her first. I was just protecting Amber.”
“I see.” Dominic’s tone revealed nothing of his thoughts. “And you provided her with a private booth in the Alpha’s Den.”
“She’s my friend,” Lucas said defensively. “And Ethan was wrong to treat her that way.”
There was a brief silence on the line. Lucas held his breath, waiting for his uncle’s displeasure.
“I’ve ordered you a gift,” Dominic said unexpectedly. “A Lamborghini. It will be delivered to the Blackwood Pack House tonight.
Lucas nearly dropped his phone. “A… what? Are you serious?”
“Be at the Pack House b
seven to receive it,” Dominic continued as if he hadn’t just offered a life–changing gift. “Don’t be late.”
The call ended before Lucas could properly express his gratitude. He stared at his phone in disbelief, then let out a whoop of joy that echoed through his apartment.
A Lamborghini! His uncle had never given him such an extravagant gift before. Lucas could hardly contain his excitement as he rushed to get ready.
Meanwhile, Dominic ended his call with Lucas and immediately dialed his chauffeur. “Bring the new Lamborghini to the Pack House tonight.”
Felix Peter, standing nearby with a tablet in hand, raised an eyebrow. “The Lamborghini, sir? The one you specially ordered si months ago?”
Dominic nodded, his expression revealing nothing. “Lucas will be valuable ally in protecting Amber within the pack.”
“You’re giving him your car to secure his loyalty?” Felix asked, carefully keeping his tone neutral
“I’m recognizing his initiative,” Dominic corrected. “Lucas and Amber grew up together. They’re of similar age. In situations where my intervention might seem excessive, the younger wolves will listen to him.”
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Felix made a note on his tablet. “A strategic choice.”
“Precisely.” Dominic turned to look out the window. “Amber will need allies beyond just me.”
By seven o’clock, the Blackwood Pack House was buzzing with activity. Word had spread quickly about Dominic summoning Ethan and Melissa, and pack members had found various excuses be present for what promised to be an interesting evening.
Lucas arrived early, riding the high of his unexpected good fortune He commandeered an entire couch in the main living area, forcing his sister to squeeze to the side as he sprawled comfortably
“What’s got you so smug?” she asked, annoyed at being displaced
“Uncle Dominic is giving me a Lamborghini,” he replied, unable to keep the pride from his voice as he pulled out his phone and started playing a game.
His sister rolled her eyes. “What for?”
“For being awesome, obviously.” Lucas didn’t elaborate further, top focused on his game and the anticipation of his new car.
The room fell silent suddenly, and Lucas looked up to see Ethan and Melissa entering hand in hand. Ethan’s face was still slightly bruised from Amber’s attack, but he walked with his head high. Melissa clung to his arm, her expression a careful mix of humility and quiet triumph.
Lucas immediately put down his game and activated his phone’s camera, pointing it directly at Melissa. He had a feeling something interesting was about to happen.
He wasn’t disappointed.
A blur of movement ended with a resounding slap that echoed through the room. Olivia Blackwood, Ethan’s mother, stood before a shocked Melissa, her hand still raised from the blow she’d just delivered.
“You little Omega bitch!” Olivia roared, her face contorted with fury. “I haven’t even gotten to you yet, and you have the nerve to come in here and spit on me!”
