Chapter 204
Territory disputes in Oregon, challenges from a rogue pack in Montana, financial reports from our European holdings–all requiring my immediate attention.
My Beta, Ethan, had taken over the less urgent matters, but as Alpha, certain decisions could only come from
- me.
My stomach cramped uncomfortably, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since dawn.
I ignored it, focusing instead on the screen where my security chief outlined potential threats to our southwestern territories.
“We’ll increase patrols along the border,” I concluded, rubbing my temples. “And I want daily reports until this situation resolves.”
As the meeting finally ended, I leaned back in my chair, allowing myself a moment of exhaustion no one else would ever witness.
My wolf growled restlessly inside me, irritated by the prolonged confinement and lack of physical activity.
‘Soon,‘ I promised him silently.
“What time is it?” I asked Jeremy, my personal assistant who had been quietly taking notes throughout the meetings.
“Nine–thirty, sir,” he replied, glancing at his watch.
I frowned. Had I really been working for over twelve hours straight?
“There’s a masquerade ball tonight on the upper deck,” Jeremy added. “It started an hour and a half ago.”
The masquerade. I vaguely recalled being informed about it by the yacht’s steward.
11
“Ms. Winters attended,” Jeremy said carefully, studying my reaction. “The steward mentioned she was asking about your presence.”
Sarah. My jaw tightened involuntarily. I’d been avoiding her since our encounter at sunrise–her earnest eyes and gentle smile stirred emotions I couldn’t afford to indulge. She was dangerous to me in ways she couldn’t understand.
“I’ll head back to the suite,” I said, standing and straightening my tie.
“Sir,” Jeremy’s tone was cautious, “given the nature of these events, perhaps someone should keep an eye on Ms. Winters? These masquerades can become… uninhibited as the night progresses. And there are always those who might take advantage of someone perceived to be alone.”
“Jeremy’s right, don’t you want to know why we don’t get headaches when we’re near her?” my wolf, Orion, interjected.
“I don’t care,” I responded coldly.
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+25 BONUS
Yet the thought of her alone among strangers, potentially vulnerable without her wolf’s protection…
“I need something to eat first,” I decided, ignoring Jeremy’s knowing look.
Twenty minutes later, I stood at the entrance to the upper deck lounge, a simple black mask covering the upper portion of my face. I’d changed into a tailored black suit that allowed freedom of movement if needed.
The scene that greeted me was far worse than I’d anticipated.
The yacht’s top deck had transformed into a depraved playground of flesh and desire.
In one shadowy corner, a man had a woman pressed against the wall, her dress hiked up around her waist as he thrust into her with savage intensity.
Her shameless moans cut through the pounding music.
On the far side, a group had formed a circle around what appeared to be a strip poker game.
A woman stood in the center, giggling drunkenly as she unhooked her bra to the wild cheers of the men surrounding her.
My wolf growled in revulsion.
This wasn’t a masquerade—it was a thinly veiled orgy, the masks merely providing the illusion of anonymity for actions they’d never admit to in daylight.
“Alpha Blackwood?” A purring voice interrupted my thoughts.
A woman in a silver cat mask and a dress cut so low it barely contained her ample cleavage pressed herself against my arm. “I’ve been waiting for someone like you all night.”
I stared down at her, letting my contempt show plainly.
““Remove your filthy paws from me before I break them, little bitch, “I said, my voice cold as ice as I removed her hand from my arm like it was something diseased.
She stumbled backward as if slapped,I didn’t spare her another glance.
And then I saw her–a vision in black moving through the crowd like a spirit.
Sarah’s mask couldn’t hide her identity from me; I would know her anywhere, even without my wolf’s enhanced
senses.
She moved with purpose, searching the faces around her, occasionally rising on tiptoes to peer over the crowd.
Looking for me.
Realizing this, I felt as if a feather had gently landed on my heart–the sensation was subtle yet distinct.
*Sarah is looking for you. You should go meet her,* Orion said. *She hasn’t found you yet. She must be worried.*
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“That’s not your concern,” I muttered, cold and clipped.
+25 BONUS
Before Orion could respond, Jeremy appeared at my side, his voice low and urgent. “Alpha,there’s someone following Ms. Winters. Black mask with red markings, by the bar. He’s been tracking her movements for the past fifteen minutes.”
My gaze snapped to where he indicated. A tall figure leaned against the bar, his attention fixed solely on Sarah as she continued her search through the crowd.
Without a word, I began moving through the crowd toward Sarah, my eyes never leaving the stranger who watched her with such predatory interest.
