Scarlett The moment Lucien’s sleek black car pulled up to the front of the Alpha Council’s private banquet hall, I could already feel dozens of eyes on us. The air outside was thick with power and formality—male voices rumbling in deep conversation, the metallic scene of dominance mixing with expensive cologne, and faint perfume of the she-wolves who trailed beside their mates like silent shadows. Lucien stepped out first, his tall frame radiating quiet authority. The murmurs began almost instantly. But when Lucien went to the side of the car, opening the door for me and I stepped out after his offer, accepting the hand he offered, the murmurs shifted. Every head turned. I suddenly felt like an animal in the zoo. I could feel their gazes swept over me, from the clean-cu

