Chapter 72: An acquired skill

Alpha Cole’s home was tucked between two giant mountains on the eastern side of Ashgard, surrounded by a dense, towering forest.

The mountains reached high into the sky, their peaks disappearing into the clouds like stone gods guarding the estate.

Dorian pulled the Bentley into the driveway, where several other sleek cars were already parked in a straight line. Alyssa sat up, a soft frown marring her brows.

"That’s a lot of cars," she said. "Did he invite other guests?"

"None that I know of," Dorian murmured, his gaze scanning the vehicles. "He didn’t mention it. Will that be a problem? We can leave if you feel uncomfortable."

"No, it’s fine," she said, offering a small smile to smooth out her expression. "It would be nice to meet new people."

She didn’t want to seem timid. Her mind was still reeling from the confrontation in the parking lot–the violent flash of lost memories, the stranger’s scalding touch, and the terrifying mirror-image of her own face.

But she couldn’t break down now. What would people say if they realized the Luna Queen of Wintercrest was a nervous, easily intimidated girl? She needed to grow a backbone.

She stepped out of the car, looking around in awe. The estate possessed a peaceful, grounded vibe, vastly different from the cold, military routine of Wintercrest.

Dorian came around the hood and took her hand. A soft mountain breeze tousled her hair, and he reached out to smooth the dark strands gently behind her ear.

"Do I look okay?" she asked, a sudden wave of self-consciousness hitting her. Maybe she should have returned to the villa to change into a better dress.

Dorian smiled, leaning down to press a soft kiss against her lips. "You look stunning, my love. You could wear a linen sack and still be the most captivating woman in the room."

Alyssa let out a soft laugh, ducking her head as a flush warmed her cheeks. "You always know exactly what to say, don’t you?"

"It’s an acquired skill," Dorian grinned, a wicked glint in his gold eyes as he offered her his arm. She slid her hand into the crook of his elbow and followed him toward the wide stone steps. "When Anthony and I were younger, we used to tease the she-wolves at the academy until they practically swooned for us."

Alyssa smiled softly, imagining a younger, rogueish Dorian before the weight of the crown had settled onto his shoulders. Morgana had mentioned that he had been wild and reckless in his youth–a dangerous heartbreaker long before he became the ruthless Alpha King.

As they reached the entrance of the mansion, two guards approached and bowed deeply.

"Welcome, Alpha Dorian, Luna Alyssa," one greeted respectfully. "Alpha Cole is expecting you."

Dorian offered a curt nod, guiding Alyssa through the archway into the grand interior of the mansion. The rich sound of low laughter and clinking glasses echoed from the main living quarters.

Alyssa squared her shoulders and stiffened her spine as they stepped into the cool, spacious living room.

Seven Lycans were gathered around the couches; four men arguing loudly over pack boundaries, and three women in the middle of light gossip, sipping wine.

The moment Dorian and Alyssa crossed the threshold, the room fell silent. Every head turned, sharp, calculating eyes locking onto the new Luna Queen.

A tall, broad-shouldered Lycan detached himself from the group, a warm smile breaking across his tanned face as he stepped forward with open arms.

"Alpha Dorian. You made it."

"Wouldn’t miss it for anything, Cole," Dorian responded, a rare smile tugging at his lips. He released Alyssa briefly to shake hands with Cole before slipping his arm back around her waist.

Cole turned to Alyssa, his expression filled with genuine awe. "And this must be the Luna. It is an honor to finally meet you, Luna Alyssa."

Alyssa was instantly charmed by his warmth. She smiled as he took her hand and lifted it politely to his lips.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alpha Cole. Thank you for inviting us. You have a lovely home."

"Such kind words," Cole chuckled. "And please, call me Cole. Formalities are for strangers, and you are my honored guest."

He straightened, his gray eyes taking her in. "I must confess, Dorian didn’t tell me his wife was a breathtaking goddess. Your beauty is unmatched."

"Enough with the flattery, Cole," Dorian muttered, though his tone was laced with quiet pride.

"I mean every word," Cole insisted smoothly. "Her beauty would rival the Moon Goddess herself."

Alyssa flushed, a deep blush warming her cheeks. "You’re far too kind, Cole. Thank you."

"Do not let him charm you with that silver tongue, Luna. My husband has spent a lifetime mastering the art of flattery."

Alyssa looked past Cole as a tall, striking woman stepped to his side. She wore a deep emerald dress, her dark hair pinned back with elegant silver clasps.

Cole offered a wolfish grin, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Luna Alyssa, allow me to introduce my wife, Penelope."

Penelope smiled and curtsied low. "It’s an honor to meet you, Luna Alyssa. Please, call me Penny."

Alyssa was humbled by the deep respect Penelope offered her, especially since the woman was clearly older. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Penny. Thank you for having us."

The rest of the guests soon gathered around, eager to meet the new Luna.

"I hope you don’t mind," Cole said smoothly. "I took the liberty of inviting a few friends over. They were dying to meet the newly crowned Luna."

He introduced Andrew and his mate, Juliette; Julian and his mate, Genevieve; and Robert, who was currently unmated.

Alyssa smiled politely, immediately noticing how Genevieve’s gaze lingered a little too long. Her instincts instantly told her that she wouldn’t get along with that particular female Lycan.

Juliette gushed around Alyssa happily, surprised to see the young woman who had managed to tame the cold Alpha of Wintercrest.

Genevieve, however, made no effort to hide her spite. A surge of ugly jealousy curled down her spine as she took in Alyssa’s youthfulness and striking beauty.

Feeling outshone, her mood soured.

"Wow," she said, forcing a tight smile onto her face. "She’s so young, Alpha Dorian. I didn’t expect your bride to look so... child-like."

Dorian didn’t say a word, but the golden light in his eyes darkened into a lethal warning.

Alyssa, however, was never one to let people push her around. She offered a sweet, serene smile.

"And you’re so seasoned. I didn’t expect a high lady of Ashgard to look so... old."

Silence settled over the room. Genevieve’s face flamed crimson in embarrassment, and she tried to cover it up with a strained laugh.

Beside her, Robert buried his face in his hand to hide a smirk, while the other couple quickly looked away. Dorian simply smiled with dark, arrogant satisfaction.

Noticing the rising tension, Cole stepped in smoothly. "Let’s proceed to the dining area, shall we?" he said, clearing his throat loudly.

Penelope gave Alyssa a subtle, approving wink before leaving with her husband. Genevieve whirled on her heel and hurried off, dragging Julian behind her.

Alyssa looked up at Dorian, catching the smug look on his face. She tilted her head, her own lips pulling into a subtle grin. "I didn’t say anything bad, did I?"

"Of course you didn’t, my love," he chuckled, guiding her toward the dining area. "Certain people need to be put in their place."

Alyssa lifted her chin with a soft smile, letting the quiet satisfaction settle over her as they settled into their seats.

The dining table was a massive slab of carved oak, set with crystal and polished silver. Cole sat at the head of the table, with Penelope at the opposite end.

Alyssa was seated to Dorian’s right, with Robert beside her. Unfortunately, Genevieve was seated directly across from her, her eyes glinting like daggers.

Alyssa decided to ignore her, focusing instead on the exquisite food being served by the estate staff. But as the wine was poured, Genevieve leaned forward, placing her elbows on the table.

"So tell us, Luna Alyssa," she began, a fake smile plastered across her face as her voice carried across the quiet table. "Are the rumors true about you being a wolfless Luna?"