I kept my eyes fixed on the hall entrance, unafraid to meet anyone's gaze. I saw the Alpha I'd been waiting for enter—Alpha Adrian. He was, as another Alpha remarked, "powerful in ruling his pack, and undeniably handsome."

I rolled my eyes. "Handsome," I thought, "is all he is. He's good for nothing else. At least I realized that sooner rather than later," I sighed.

Eric looked at me. "What?" he asked.

He shook his head and looked away. What was wrong with him? He'd been fine just moments ago. I assumed his gloomy mood stemmed from his hatred of Adrian—who could not hate that man?

When I turned my attention back to the Alphas I was speaking with, I saw fear in their eyes. It was Adrian. They undoubtedly wanted an alliance with the Crystal Blood Pack, but were too afraid to approach its Alpha.

Adrian couldn't deny his failures, however. I'd snatched numerous projects from him and his company, which clearly rattled him.

BONUS

After a while, Damia, who'd been standing in a corner with her drink, rushed over. "Boss, Alpha Wade wants to talk to you," she said.

"Where is he?" I asked.

She pointed to where Alpha Wade was speaking with several Alphas. Everyone was vying for his attention, hoping to impress him.

"Let's go," Eric said.

We walked to Alpha Wade in another corner of the hall. As we approached, a scent reached my nostrils. I closed my eyes to calm my wolf. It was my so-called mate. I decided to speak with Qadir about the mate bond upon returning to my pack. Telling him everything might

"Alpha Wade," I said, stopping in front of him. I ignored the others, including Adrian.

I remembered how he'd tested his DNA against my daughter's. Fate had been kind, allowing me to conceal the truth through Harold.

"CEO Natalia, I was looking for you," Alpha Wade said.

I smiled faintly. "Have you met Alpha Adrian?"

"No," I said coldly, avoiding Adrian's gaze.

My reply stunned the other Alphas. They'd seen Adrian at my brother Alpha Jason's party; some had even seen me standing with my family while Adrian spoke with them.

Eric remained silent.

Alpha Wade chuckled. I couldn't fathom the reason.

"Let me introduce you. This is Alpha Adrian, and Alpha—"

"The lost princess of the Blue Blood Pack? Yeah, I know her," Adrian interrupted.

I turned to him. I expected animosity, given his past behavior, but instead, he extended his hand. "Nice to see you again, Natalia Hansley," he said.

I hesitated, doubtful of his politeness, but shook his hand given our surroundings. As our hands touched, an electric shock surged through me, making me want to pull away, but his grip was firm. I tried to break free, but he held on, unnoticed by the others.

"I've heard a lot about you," he continued. "You've captured all the projects I wanted. I thought I'd be angry whenever I saw you, but just looking at you made me reconsider; I might even give up a few projects to someone like you."

I was stunned. What was wrong with him? What was his game?

But I wouldn't yield.

"Alpha Adrian, nice to meet you too. But I think you admire me too much; that's why you won't let go of my hand," I retorted.

He released my hand. "Of course I do. You are an admirable woman."

I rolled my eyes. He couldn't fool me. His expression remained unchanged, as if he held no resentment or was speaking to a stranger. Has he lost his memory? I hope so, I thought.

Eric spoke. "Does Alpha Adrian learn to speak nicely, or does he have ulterior motives?"

I turned to Eric, whose eyes burned with hatred—a sentiment I shared. I took his hand, preventing him from confronting Adrian. What if this was all a ploy to incite conflict?

Adrian glanced at our joined hands, then at Eric. "If I wanted something, I wouldn't hide it. But I believe you're a knowledgeable Beta who understands the difference between assistance and coveting what belongs to someone else."