The Betrayed Alpha’s Daughter

Lucille’s POV I told myself I’d only stay for one drink. That was three drinks ago… so technically, I’m a liar. I sat back, not letting the pressure of the room get to me, as I inhaled the musty scent that came with these rich wolves walking by each time I took a sip. For the first time in a long time, I actually get to enjoy some peace as pack enforcer. With a loud groan, I sighed and wished the music wasn't too loud. I hated parties but somehow I had been dragged here. Everyone's dressed like they were auditioning for a magazine cover, the laughter was too fake but I couldn’t miss the look of disgust in their eyes as they stared at me. My father had been the alpha of the pack and before his death, he had been accused of conniving with the rogues and terrorizing our locals and other packs just so he could embezzle enough funds. My father had fought, tried to prove his innocence but all the evidence were against him, and in the end he died in a prison cell as a traitor and a threat to the pack. I believed he didn’t do it and tried to clear his name after his death but the pack members had shunned me and shut me up. They all claimed they loved me but they could never forgive my father. I let out a sigh, pushing the thoughts out of my head as I gulped down my fifth glass. “Mmm, it's so yummy. Oh moon goddess, these chocolate fondues are so freaking tasty. You have to try them.” Kelsey slid it free, the chocolate dragging with it, slow and stretchy, leaving a glossy ribbon that clung before melting away. I did kinda forget I came in here with my two brain rot so-called friends, Kelsey and Sarah. One ate everything that walked past her while the other was posting selfies and updating her feed every five minutes. “Come on, girl. Loosen up those shoulders. You're always stiff, no fun at all.“ Kelsey said, tugging at her wrist. “The council's here, half the city's here, and who knows your mate might be here too. And he's not gonna approach you if you're always looking grumpy and angry.” I rolled my eyes at Kelsey, the little brat always had jokes. I rolled my eyes, scrunching my nose. “If he's here, he'd better be hiding. I'm not in the mood.“ Kesley leaned in with her lips covered in sticky chocolate like a twelve year old and whispered, “What you are in the mood for is a dance. Don't lie. You already look messed up, you need to shake off some of that liquor.“ I let out a dry chuckle at her words. My mood hasn't improved for a while now, not even the slightest since whispers about my father's betrayal couldn't stay dead even with the man rotting in the ground. Tonight was supposed to be about one of the councilmen’s son stepping up and claiming a mate, but it seems I was taking the spotlight yet again. I could cheer up a little but that wouldn't solve my problems. “Just let me be, Kelsey. If I get drunk, just order a ride.” “Nah girl, you're a bummer.” I held up my glass again, and twirled it, “Not like I ever gave a fuck.” While sipping my drink, Kelsey tapped me roughly in excitement, drawing my attention to someone leaning against the far wall as if the chaos of the event didn't concern him one bit. He's a tall, broad-shouldered young man. He wore a black, perfectly cut suit but he didn't seem like a guest at all. His demeanor screamed something else, something dangerous and a lot more watchful. With how uninterested he was in everything going on, I could tell he wasn’t from around here. “I think he's cute.“ Kelsey said, with hands under her jaw, and elbows on the table. Her body leaned slightly forward as her eyes drilled into him, not blinking once. I smacked her to cut it out and she scoffed, “Mind how you stare at people in places like this. You wouldn't want to end up catching the attention of a psycho killer or a lunatic.” ”Would you stop killing the mood? Look at that man for a minute, That jawline isn’t dangerous, it’s deliciously distracting. The only menace around here is you having your dad's short fuse, stiffness, and batshit...“ She sighed and looked away for a split second before glaring back at me. ”You know, Enforcer Lucille, everything isn’t always about crime. Sometimes it’s about getting tucked away in a man's fluffy chest or why my neighbor owns seven cats. Loosen up.” I pinched the edge of my nose, That doesn't make any sense. But that's what I've got to work with. After running low on whiskey, I decided to get another bottle from the buffet. Whoever thought serving whiskey in an event like this was either the dumbest genius or they knew I was coming. I walked my way to the counter and up close, the guy Kesley was staring at was even more striking and now it was my turn to stare like a moron. That sharp jawline, those dark eyes that seem to weigh on everything they see, and a calmness that doesn't belong in a place this loud. He doesn't even smell like any pack I know either and has no familiar signature. Which was odd. And then his gaze held mine across the room. My neck snapped to the side and I felt my pulse quicken. I turned away, clenching my teeth but as if my legs had a mind of their own, I found myself in front of him. “So… hi. Uh, nice shoes,” I blurted, like a complete i***t. Was it the alcohol? I swallowed hard, his presence overpowering and commanding, making me want to bare my neck out to him in submission. He gave me a complete once-over, nodded, and without any word turned his back on me. My cheeks flushed red in embarrassment but I refused to give up. “I'm sorry, would you like to take a stroll, it's a bit stuffy in here,” I asked, realizing that Kelsey might catch me lacking and this was not the time. He hesitated, acting like he didn’t hear me but suddenly he turned and motioned with his head for me to lead the way. He was gentle enough to accompany me down the staircase. The balcony was mercifully quiet, and the night air was cool against my flushed skin. I tell myself that I didn't know what I was doing, and that whoever he is doesn't matter. I decided I was going to blame whatever happens tonight on the alcohol. “Running from someone?“ His voice slides in smoothly, not very hoarse but enough to make the hairs on my neck rise. I smirked, “I'm not running. Just... not a fan of crowds.” ”Neither am I.” His lips twitched. “I'm Lachlan by the way.” ”Lucille Darius...“ We shook each other's hands. We fell into a conversation, or rather I talked his ears off while he remained silent, his gaze never leaving my lips. Just as the night air grew colder and after a few more glasses of whiskey, I was way-way more tipsier than I intended. My car keys felt heavy in my purse, but when I pulled them out, Lachlan intercepted. “You know you're in no shape to drive.” He said, his tone left no room for argument. I almost resisted, not letting go of the keys. “Do you always boss around women you barely know?” “Only the ones who'd crash into a tree, yes.“ I should be offended, but instead I laughed. Against my better judgment, I handed over the keys to him as he helped me to my car. The drive was quiet, a bit tense in a way I couldn’t explain. Every time I glanced at him, my vision got more blurred. By the time we reached my apartment, the air was thick. I shouldn't invite him in but I was too drunk and all logic went out the window. Our eyes met at the door and we silently stared at each other for a few seconds until he cupped my face gently, and claimed my lips. His hands wrapped around my waist, mine tugging at his collar as we pushed back the door and fell into the living room. For once that night, I let myself forget everything, my failure, my father's disgrace, and whatever my name implies. With him, I just felt the urge to press him against myself and beg him to stop when his thrust was too deep.