Chapter 3
1189 Words
Chapter 3: The Alpha’s Secrets
The next evening, I find myself standing in my small apartment, staring at the reflection of a woman I barely recognize. The stylist Amon sent earlier today worked magic. My usual simple style has been replaced with a sleek black dress that hugs my figure in all the right places, paired with heels that make me feel both elegant and slightly unstable.
I glance at my phone for the tenth time, reading Amon’s message: “A car will pick you up at 7 p.m. Don’t be late.”
The knock on my door startles me. When I open it, the driver from yesterday stands there, as polished as before. “Miss Clara, the car is ready.”
The drive to the event is quiet, though my thoughts aren’t. What kind of “event” requires this much preparation? And why does Amon need me of all people?
When we arrive, the car pulls up to a grand estate glowing with lights. A red carpet stretches from the driveway to the massive front doors, where elegant guests step out of luxury cars and disappear inside.
I swallow hard. This isn’t just an event—it’s a gala.
The driver opens my door, and I step out, nerves making my legs shaky. Before I can fully panic, Amon appears. He’s dressed in a sharp black suit, looking every bit the powerful CEO he is. His gray eyes sweep over me, and for a moment, I think I see approval.
“You look stunning,” he says, offering his arm.
I hesitate, then take it. “You could’ve warned me about this,” I whisper as we walk toward the entrance.
“Where’s the fun in that?” he replies, smirking.
Inside, the ballroom is breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the sea of impeccably dressed guests. A string quartet plays softly in the corner, and waiters weave through the crowd with trays of champagne.
As we step into the room, I can feel the eyes of strangers turning toward us. Amon walks with an air of authority, his grip on my arm firm but not overbearing.
“Who are all these people?” I whisper.
“Influential figures,” he replies. “Business leaders, politicians… people who matter.”
“Why am I here, Amon?”
Before he can answer, a man approaches us—a tall, broad-shouldered figure with sharp features and a cold smile.
“Amon,” the man says, his voice smooth but laced with something dangerous. “It’s been a while.”
“Kieran,” Amon replies, his tone equally sharp. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
Kieran’s gaze shifts to me, and I suddenly feel like a deer caught in headlights. “And who is this?”
“Clara,” Amon says smoothly, pulling me closer. “She’s with me.”
The way Kieran looks at me sends a chill down my spine. His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Interesting. I didn’t know you were the type to bring… company.”
Amon’s grip on my arm tightens slightly, and his expression hardens. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Kieran.”
Kieran chuckles, raising his glass in a mock toast. “Indeed. Enjoy your evening, Amon. And Clara.”
As he walks away, I exhale a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Who was that?”
“No one important,” Amon says, though his clenched jaw tells a different story.
I don’t press him, but my curiosity grows. Who is Amon Drake, really?
---
The night drags on, with Amon introducing me to various people whose names I instantly forget. He’s charming, confident, and always in control. But I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something he’s not telling me.
During a lull in the evening, we find ourselves on a balcony overlooking the estate’s gardens. The cool night air is a welcome relief from the crowded ballroom.
“You’re doing well,” Amon says, handing me a glass of champagne.
“Thanks,” I say, taking a sip. “Though I still don’t understand why you needed me here.”
He leans against the railing, his gray eyes studying me. “Because you’re different. Genuine. People like Kieran can smell weakness, and I needed someone they couldn’t read.”
“Read?” I echo, frowning.
He chuckles softly, but there’s no humor in it. “Let’s just say this world is full of predators, Clara. And not all of them are human.”
His words send a shiver down my spine, but before I can question him, we’re interrupted by another guest.
“Amon!” A woman’s voice calls out.
We turn to see an older woman approaching us, her sharp eyes narrowing as she looks me over.
“And who is this?” she asks, her tone cool.
“Clara,” Amon says, his voice steady. “She’s with me.”
The woman raises an eyebrow but doesn’t press further. She turns her attention back to Amon. “We need to talk. Now.”
Amon nods, then glances at me. “Stay here. I’ll be back soon.”
I watch him disappear into the crowd with the woman, leaving me alone on the balcony.
The night air feels heavier now, and I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being watched. I glance around, but there’s no one there.
Suddenly, a voice behind me says, “You should be careful who you trust.”
I whirl around to see Kieran standing in the shadows, his cold smile back.
“What do you want?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
“To warn you,” he says, stepping closer. “Amon isn’t who you think he is. He’s dangerous.”
“And you’re not?” I shoot back, my heart pounding.
His smile widens, but it’s not reassuring. “Fair point. But at least I’m honest about it.”
Before I can respond, Amon’s voice cuts through the tension. “Kieran, leave her alone.”
Kieran steps back, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Just having a friendly chat.”
“Now,” Amon growls, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Kieran chuckles, giving me one last look before disappearing into the night.
Amon turns to me, his expression hard. “What did he say to you?”
“Nothing I didn’t already suspect,” I say, crossing my arms. “Amon, what’s going on? Who are you? And don’t tell me you’re just some CEO.”
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “It’s not safe to talk here. I’ll explain everything later.”
“Later?” I echo, frustration bubbling up. “That’s not good enough, Amon.”
He steps closer, his eyes locking onto mine. “Trust me, Clara. Please.”
There’s something in his voice—something raw and almost vulnerable. Against my better judgment, I nod.
For now, I’ll play along. But I won’t stop digging for answers.
Whatever Amon Drake is hiding, I’m determined to find out.
- Writer
