Chapter Five

Alex's Pov

Nora stepped out of the dressing room, and for a moment, I couldn’t look away. She was radiant, almost otherworldly, her gown hugging her curves in all the right places.

It wasn’t that the dress was particularly revealing, it was her. She carried herself with a confidence I hadn’t seen before, a fire in her eyes that made her more alluring than ever.

I didn’t realize I had spoken until I heard my own voice. “You look… stunning.”

She tilted her head slightly, then dipped into a slight bow. “Thank you,” she said curtly, her tone polite but distant.

Her reaction threw me off. I was used to the old Nora, timid, eager to please, always seeking my approval. But this version of her was different. I wasn’t sure if I liked it or hated it.

At some point I was happy we had the mating ceremony weeks ago for me to make her my Luna. Even if I was forced just to keep my position as the Alpha king, I needed to have a Luna and the ceremony had to be rushed too. Thanks to my father, I now have a wife.

I cleared my throat and gestured toward the door. “Let’s go. We’re already late.”

The drive to the party was quiet, though the air between us felt charged. When we arrived, the valet opened her door first, and I followed behind her.

As we entered the grand hall, I noticed heads turning. Eyes followed her every step, men and women alike unable to look away. She was undeniably the most captivating person in the room.

She leaned closer to me, her voice low. “Why are they staring at me?”

I smirked, unable to resist teasing her. “Probably because you’re ugly.”

She stopped in her tracks and turned to me with a sweet smile. “Oh, thank you for clearing that up.” Then, without warning, she stepped on my toe, her heel digging in painfully.

I winced but bit back a groan as she continued walking, her head held high. “You’re welcome,” she said over her shoulder, still smiling.

I shook my head, following her to our seats. She was really above what I ever expected.

The party began, and I settled into a corner as the waiters passed the drinks around, letting the buzz of voices and the hum of the music played fill the room. Nora, however, was far from relaxed. She seemed distracted, her eyes scanning the crowd as if looking for someone, or something.

“We welcome you all to this party and as the host, I say we give each and everyone of us the chance to feel at home, like we always do, now let's make some noise!” the host announced, holding up the microphone and his hands to cheer the crowd.

“I can't imagine holding up this long because of some new kids joining the community, is this really a party?” Nora said suddenly, her voice firm.

I glanced at her. “What about it?”

“It’s noisy. This isn't how a party should be,” she said, her eyes locked on the people around.

I raised an eyebrow. “It’s a party, Nora. Everyone's having fun.”

“I don’t care,” she said. “I just hate it here. Can't you see? They're all….”

With a sigh, I went up to the music man and told him to switch the music to a more slow function for a dance. I had that influence and it worked.

I returned back to Nora who was getting distracted by something else and I grabbed her attention.

“Happy now?” I asked, leaning closer to her.

“Very,” she replied, smiling faintly.

The doors at the back of the hall opened, and a group of men entered. They moved with practiced precision. Leading them was a man I hadn’t seen in weeks—Samael.

His reputation preceded him, and then the whole community made it so that he would feel himself even as a dangerous rival. He always traveled with an entourage, his bodyguards flanking him like shadows.

The host paused to acknowledge him. “Alphas, Lunas, Betas, Omegas and our new members…. Let's welcome the one with so much love, that had a thoughtful idea of celebrating our newly found families”

Applause rippled through the room, but my focus was on Nora. Her body tensed, her hands gripping the edge of her seat.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, leaning closer.

Her voice was strained as she whispered, “I want to leave.”

“No,” I said firmly. “We’re staying.”

Before I could press her further, the party ended, and people began to mingle. Suddenly, Stella appeared on stage, microphone in hand.

“Hey, everyone, ” she announced, her voice cutting through the chatter. “There’s been a slight issue. A necklace belonging to me has gone missing, and I cannot allow anyone to leave until it’s found.”

The room buzzed with murmurs and whispers.

Guards began searching bags and pockets, and before long, they reached Nora. One of the guards opened her bag, and it was found almost immediately.

The whispers turned into gasps, and all eyes fell on her.

I stared at the necklace in disbelief, my mind racing. I knew she hadn’t stolen it. She had been with me the entire time before the auction.

Stella stepped forward, her face a mask of smug satisfaction. “Care to explain, Nora?”

I clenched my jaw, stepping between them. “That’s enough, Stella.”

She raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. “What’s wrong, Alpha? Defending your little thief of a wife?”

I took a deep breath, keeping my voice steady. “Nora has been with me all evening. In fact, we were making out before the auction started. Isn’t that right, darling?”

Nora’s eyes widened slightly, but she quickly masked her surprise and nodded.

I turned back to Stella. “Maybe you should explain why you insisted Nora use that bag tonight. Were you planning something, Stella?”

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder. Stella’s face turned red, and she stammered, “I…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The atmosphere in the room was tense and I had a smile on my face, and just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, Samael stepped forward.

“Defending your wife so passionately, Alpha Alex,” he said, his voice smooth and deliberate. “It’s admirable.”

Then he turned his gaze to Nora, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Nice to meet you again, Nora.”

My stomach dropped at his words. I looked between them, trying to piece together the meaning behind his cryptic statement.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked, my voice sharp.

Samael’s smile widened, but he didn’t answer. Instead, his gaze was on Nora, who just gave him a death stare.

“Alex, let's go.” She said, holding my hands and a forced smile was on her face.

‘What was going on between these two?’ I thought so hard.