Chapter 2

Leonardo

“Your presence is needed in the banquet hall, Alpha Prince. Dinner's ready... and the girls are waiting.”

Just after a courteous knock reverberated in the room the Golden Valley Pack had set up for me, Matteo's voice cut through the dense silence. I knew better than to be impressed, but the place was too opulent for a short visit. I was sent here by my father, the Alpha King, for what he called "training." It was like hell. He was desperate to see me mated, tethered, and acting like a prince charming, and I knew the true reason.

I didn't respond. I simply took a slow drag from my cigar and gazed at the horizon outside the window. I've been tense here since I got here. Something in my stomach twisted the instant my boots touched the ground.

"I already told you, Matteo, I don't want this shit. I'll find a partner on my own. They shouldn't parade their daughters in front of me like I'm buying cattle.

His voice lowered as he entered the room. Leonardo, your father gave you the order. They are simply following the Alpha King's instructions.

I blew out smoke. I'm so over this. "They're not assisting. They are advancing their own goals. This whole "selection" nonsense is nothing more than ribbon-wrapped politics.

"You still need to perform the procedures. Just enough so we have something to write about. It's crucial.

I took a bottle of wine off the table, took a whiff of the cork, and put it back without pouring. "All right. I won't find her here, though. I would be aware.

Matteo nodded briefly. "Then let's finish this up."

The banquet took place on the lawn outside. Long tables stacked with food. There's music playing. Like some fairytale gibberish, lights strung across trees. And women practically worshipped the ground I walked on, dressed like peacocks, wearing heavy perfume and fake smiles.

"Please accept this perfume I made myself, Alpha Prince."

"My father's best jeweler made this ring especially for you."

I didn't even look at them. I located the chair that was farthest away from the commotion, sat down, and drank from a glass that was thrust into my hand. Bitter. Like the whole night.

From the other side of the table, a voice purred, "Alpha Prince Leonardo." "I didn't bring you a present. The gift is me.

Wearing a tight red dress, she stepped forward as if this were a real movie.

“Sophia Egret,” she added proudly. "Alpha Dario's only daughter."

Just a daughter? Something in my memory was evoked by that name. Dario had two daughters. Presumably, one of them passed away. The story never sat right with me.

"Just a daughter?" At last, I asked without raising my gaze.

She tried to sound sweet as she laughed. "Alpha Prince, the other one is gone. She is no longer relevant.

Slowly, I turned my head and met her eyes. "I'll determine what is pertinent."

She winced and blinked quickly, but she maintained her phony smile. I brushed my long hair back as I stood.

"That's enough fake smiles and presents. I'm going to check out the mansion now. By themselves.

"What? An unexpected examination? Alberto, the beta, appeared to have just swallowed a lemon. "But you're here to meet your future bride, Alpha Prince."

My glass hit the table with a slam. "I have an obligation to follow my gut. I check if I feel like it. Do you understand?

Alberto looked down. "Yes, Alpha Prince."

I didn't repeat myself, and everyone knew it. Either you follow or you vanish.

Still holding on to her fantasy, Sophia blocked my way. "You still haven't eaten. I'll give you a tour. Just a quick tour with me…”

I gave her a stern look. "You believe that you are the center of the universe? I only see someone offering her body as if it were valuable. You don't bring anything else.

Her jaw dropped. Nothing was revealed. She has glassy eyes. Her face is flushed. I moved past her.

Matteo caught up. "This evening, Alpha Dario is not present. Gianni, his omega, will conduct the tour.

A soft-featured young man walked up and bowed deeply. "At your disposal, Alpha Prince."

We worked our way down from the top floor. Gianni pointed at the walls, giving me the pack’s history like I cared.

More than a century ago, during the war, this mansion was constructed. Since then, the layout hasn't changed much.

There were always secrets in old mansions. History lessons weren't why I was here.

"How about the basement?" At the garden doors, I paused.

Gianni's expression wavered. He took a deep swallow. "Well, our basement is essentially a trash dump. A man of your status shouldn't see anything.

That was sufficient to verify that there was something concealed there.

"What I see, I'll decide. Take me to the basement.”

After hesitating, he nodded firmly. “Of course, Alpha Prince.”

As we went down the stairs, they creaked beneath our feet. The path was illuminated by a slender beam of light. I heard a faint hum as we were walking, someone singing, far away but familiar. My chest constricted. I had heard that song when I was younger. From a kind, warm person

Gianni pushed open a door and said, "This is the basement."

We were first struck by the smell of mold, rotten food, and old trash. He had told the truth about that. My stomach calmed. Perhaps I had been overanalyzing the situation. I turned around, disappointed.

Then something caught my eye.

“Wait… what’s behind that?” I pointed at a low, hidden door under a pile of junk.

Gianni jumped in front of it like a human shield. That? Oh, just a place to put biohazardous waste. Your time is not worth it.

He twitched his eyes. He blinked too quickly.

"Open it."

"I don't have the key,"

With a voice colder than the surrounding air, I took a step forward. "Say less."

I kicked in the door.

"Leonardo!" Behind me, Matteo yelled.

There was nobody in the room. Until I spotted another door at the far end, it was just more trash.

Fire rising in my blood, I turned to Gianni. "Open that one."

He went pale. "Alpha Prince….."

Before he could finish, my hand was around his throat. "Take action. or your head strikes the ground.

"All right! All right, I'll do it!

I released it. His hands trembled as he fumbled for keys.

I froze after taking one step inside when the door creaked open.

Warm vanilla, crushed flowers, and a wild scent I couldn't identify hit me like lightning. My entire chest became rigid. Inside of me, my wolf howled.

"No way." I muttered.

The center of my universe seemed to be just out of sight even though I was looking into a dark, cold room.

My partner could never be in this situation. But I knew.

I was aware.