Claimed by my Alpha Prince on Christmas Eve

GIMMICKS

SLOANE

It was a black tie event. I’d trailed behind Camille and her husband whenever they had a law banquet. So, this wasn’t new to me.

Wrong.

This was different. Not in the way I was used to. The hall was flamboyantly decorated with the finest materials. Some of which I recognized, others, I didn’t.

“This is it. The perfect time to pitch yourself to the crowd,” Andrian said matter of factly.

My eyebrows furrowed into a frown, as I snapped my chin to accommodate his face. Honestly, I hated the way my imagination ran wild each time my eyes rested on him. I don’t even want to start with how my entire body was on fire.

“Is this some kind of interview disguised as a welcome dinner?”

“This is Aragon, Sloane. We do things a bit differently here,”

I sighed. I wanted to have a change of mind, turn around and board the next flight back to New York. I already had enough for the few hours I got to Aragon. I’ve had enough.

“I hope I don’t get killed by your father,”

“That’s a good concern,” His voice sounded serious. Then slowly the corner of his lips tipped into a smile, a genuine smile. I guess Andrian loosened up too when he seemed fit. “Once, some human came to the pack to close a deal with the old man. He didn’t like the bargain…” his voice trailed off, as we walked further into the hall.

The entire time, my gaze pendulumed between him, and the marble tiles. I didn’t prepare to face this kind of crowd.

So much for welcome dinner. There were like a thousand people swarming around, walking and exchanging pleasantries. “Alpha Adrian…” A masculine voice called from beside us, drawing our attention.

The man was smartly dressed in a white shirt, and slammed his physique in a good way, his hair styled neatly in a buzzed cut. He looked like the rest of the guests. Six feet, and a fierce look.

A werewolf.

I tightened my arm lock with Andrian, and I could’ve sworn I saw the corner of his eyes crinkle in laughter, that somehow got caught in his throat. “Lucas, come on here, meet Sloane Sinclair,”

Lucas bowed, and stretched his hands in a handshake. “It’s nice to finally make your acquaintance Luna Sloane,” He said still holding my hands.

I smiled. Asides Andrian who tilted between Iciness, and a sprinkle of kindness. Lucas was the only one with a first impression of being kind.

“Nice to meet you too, Lucas,” I’m not the Luna. Certainly not Luna to a man I barely know.

He grunted, and shifted his gaze to Andrian. “Your father wants to see you,” Andrian shot his hands out, and broke the handshake.

Something stirred in my chest, and pierced through my heart. We were only putting up a show for equal benefits. Why was he acting so comfortable?

Because he’s a good actor. A devastatingly hot one at that.

My morality blew up in flames in this instant.

My mind made up about twenty ways to put the heat skittering all over my body to good use. Gosh! I was a f*****g pervert. Since when did I start making scenarios about a man I barely know for twenty four hours. I was already doubting my self preservation.

I was stuck the entire holiday with him.

“I’m not about to indulge in some stupid business gimmicks at my own welcome dinner,” Frustration, and anger lined his words.

Lucas gave him a stiff nod, as his gaze bounced to me. My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. “I think the Alpha king is more concerned about the young Luna,”

“That woman would never be recognized as Aragon’s pack Luna,” indignation burned through his statement.

My chest tightened, as disappointment spread over my skin.

“Hmm. She’s your stepmother,”

“My father’s second chance mate. The one who can’t fill the void of the real one,”

A small beep cut through the tensed atmosphere. “Please come with me,”

Adrian hesitated. “We’re not going to see him,”

“Alpha Adrian, your mother—”

A low growl rumbled through his chest. “One more mention about my mother, and I’ll forget you’re my best friend and treat you like a f*****g rogue,” He turned to face me. “Champagne or scotch whiskey?”

Silence.

“Champagne,”