Bound by the Alpha: Hybrid Villainess Obsession

Chapter 7: Courted by Draiken De Laurentiis

Ashara stood at the center of the grand living room, her face a mask of outrage as she stared at the procession of servants, each bearing gifts of exquisite design and undeniable value. "What do you mean by it's for Aetheria?" she demanded. Her voice cut through the murmurs of the gathered family and guests.

The butler, accustomed to the whims and furies of the Frostborne household, met Ashara's gaze with a calm expression. "These gifts," he began, gesturing to the items now accumulating in the center of the room, "are from Alpha Draiken De Laurentiis, addressed to Miss Aetheria."

A collective gasp rippled through the room, and a wave of shock momentarily unified the divided house. Shezafera stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she processed the butler's declaration. "Are you certain of this?" she inquired with a tone laced with surprise.

The butler nodded, confirming the source of the gifts without hesitation. "Yes, madam. Alpha Draiken made it quite clear they were intended for Miss Aetheria."

At this, Aetheria herself, who had been standing somewhat apart from the gathering, felt the weight of every gaze shift towards her.

Ashara's reaction was one of pure shock, her eyes wide as she struggled to comprehend the turn of events. For a moment, envy flickered across her features as she bit her nails, an involuntary response to the sudden attention and unexpected show of favor from such a powerful figure to weak, good for nothing human.

Shezafera turned to address Aetheria directly. "And what do you say about this, Aetheria?" she asked, a challenge lurking beneath the surface of her inquiry.

To her surprise, Aetheria spoke devoid of any warmth. "Do not let these gifts enter my room," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument. The servants, sensing the tension but obedient to the directive, carefully arranged the gifts in the living room, stacking them atop each other to form a tower.

The room fell into an uneasy silence. Ashara, still reeling from the revelation, watched Aetheria with confusion and resentment. The gifts are tangible symbols of Draiken's interest in Aetheria.

"Does Draiken take interest in our Aetheria now?" One of the guests whispered, her words intended for the ears of her companion but loud enough for others to overhear.

Shezafera sought to regain control of the narrative. "It seems we may have underestimated Aetheria," she stated, her voice loud enough to command the attention of the room. "Such a favor from Alpha Draiken is not to be taken lightly."

Aetheria, standing amidst the swirl of speculation and veiled insults, remained bothered. Draiken's unexpected patronage, while complicating her position within the Frostborne estate, also offered her an opportunity—a chance to redefine her standing and leverage the attention for her own ends.

Following the unexpected arrival of Draiken De Laurentiis's gifts for Aetheria, the females who had been vying for Ashara's favor huddled around Ashara.

"Have you heard? Draiken is considered the outcast of the De Laurentiis pack," one of them said, her voice dripping with a mix of pity and disdain. "It's hardly a surprise that he's trying to gain favor through gifts."

Another chimed in, eager to add fuel to the fire. "Yes, I've heard stories about him. They say he's nothing like the rest of the De Laurentiis. No charm, no grace—just an awkward shadow lurking behind his family's legacy."

"But why does he choose Aetheria? A mere human?" one asked.

"Not actually Aetheria, I think he's aiming for the Frostborne's support. Does he know Aetheria is a human?"

Ashara listened in silence, absorbing their words. Each disparaging comment about Draiken served to bolster her own sense of superiority. In her mind, Quinlan Brancacci is also a De Laurentiis, and with his esteemed lineage and undeniable charisma, Draiken De Laurentiis is just a piece of cake.

The conversation took a more malicious turn as they began to discuss Draiken's appearance. "And his face," one whispered, leaning in closer as if sharing a dark secret, "they say Draiken is so frightfully ugly, it's a wonder he dares show it outside his pack lands."

"So you mean he's ugly?" Ashara said, followed by a laugh.

"Yes, another Alpha injured his face during the most recent Werwolve competition. He is completely disfigured." The female gasped in horror as they imagined Draiken's horrible face,

Another nodded in agreement, her eyes wide with mock horror. "Truly, even the Great De Laurentiis does not favor him. It's as if he's the family's regrettable shadow, best kept out of sight and mind."

With each word spoken against Draiken, Ashara's confidence swelled. In her heart, she felt reassured that an "ugly" and seemingly insignificant Alpha posed no real threat to her or her standing with Quinlan. The notion that Draiken, with all the rumors surrounding his appearance and status, would dare to send gifts to Aetheria only made her scoff internally. "An ugly and unknown Alpha is nothing compared to my Quinlan Brancacci," she thought, a smug smile playing on her lips.

As the gossip continued to swirl around her, Ashara reveled in the momentary boost to her ego. While the laughter and mocking filled the air, the grand doors of the Frostborne mansion swung open with a silent, imposing grace. Draiken De Laurentiis, embodying the very essence of regal authority and irresistible charm, stood in front of them. The room fell into a hushed silence as every eye turned to him, the mockery dying on their lips as they took in his appearance.

Draiken stood tall, his presence commanding the room. His features, sharp yet perfectly balanced, were complemented by a striking jawline that enhanced his handsome appearance. His eyes, a deep and mesmerizing shade of blue, seemed to draw everyone in. His hair, dark and rich, was pulled back to reveal the strong contours of his face. Dressed impeccably, his attire accentuated his muscular build, the subtle power of his physique visible even beneath the elegant fabric. The air around him vibrated with an intensity that was both captivating and slightly intimidating, starkly contrasting the baseless rumors that had painted him in a monstrous light.

The guests, especially the women who had just moments ago belittled his name, found themselves unexpectedly enchanted. Draiken's beauty was not just in his physical appearance but in the aura of power and confidence that enveloped him. Whispers of admiration and surprise fluttered through the room, as eyes that had once rolled in derision now widened in appreciation.

Draiken, fully aware of the shift in the room's atmosphere, addressed the crowd with politeness that was underscored by an authoritative edge. "I invited myself in, seeing as no one else did," he stated, his voice smooth and resonant, carrying through the room with an easy command that left no room for argument.

"Oh, even his voice is sexy," one of the females gasped.

Shezafera quickly recovered from her initial shock and stepped forward with an apology. "Forgive us, Alpha Draiken. Please, you are most welcome here," she said, gesturing towards the heart of the room and inviting him to join their gathering.

Luiz, meanwhile, stood as if turned to stone, his eyes locked on Draiken. The resemblance between the young Alpha and the legendary Cornelius De Laurentiis was uncanny. After a moment of stunned silence, Luiz found his voice, his words tinged with a mix of awe and disbelief. "You bear a striking resemblance to him—the great Cornelius De Laurentiis."

The comparison to one of the most revered figures in their society only served to enhance Draiken's standing in the eyes of those present.

As Draiken moved to take his place among them, Quinlan entered with a cold voice. "I didn't know you're back, cousin." Quinlan's voice has no emotion.

"I wasn't informed that I should let you know," Draiken said as he rolled his sleeves, which revealed the veins on his firm hand, "yet, here I am, I'm back, isn't that what matters more?" Draiken said in his sexy voice as he took a bottle of wine from the table and filled the goblet. He gave one to Quinlan and raised his own goblet.

Meanwhile, females were busy observing his every move, which they found too sexy. Draiken became the new subject of fondness and fantasies.

Quinlan composed himself and tried to be more casual. "So what brings you the House Frostborne?" Quinlan asked. His eyes shifted on the tower of gifts.

Draiken look towards Aetheria's direction, "someone in this house caught my interest," Draiken answered then he took a sip of his wine.

"Is there anything that could please you I—" Shezafera's statement was cut off by Draiken.

"There is. I would like to ask your permission as her guardian to allow me to court Miss Aetheria Frostborne." Everyone, including Aetheria, was shocked upon hearing Draiken's request. Ashara stood in controlled anger while Quinlan clenched his fist. He felt like something that belonged to him was about to be taken, and he couldn't do anything.