Chapter 117: Dracula, Please Don’t Kill Anyone

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘❦✾❦∘∙⊱⋅•-

I could almost sense the questions swirling around the room. Who was I? Why was I standing next to Lorenzo Castelli? Why did Lorenzo keep one hand on my back as if he intended to keep me from straying more than three feet away? Was I his Omega? We’re we married? How come they hadn’t known about his marriage? Had the great Second Son of the Castellis actually taken a mate?

His fingers pressed gently against my back. "Stay close to me."

"That was my plan anyway. I don’t know any of these fuckers."

And that seemed to soothe him.

For a while, everything went rather well. Lorenzo was soon embroiled in discussions with several businessmen, and I hovered by his side, occasionally chiming in when someone addressed me.

Most people were cordial, some genuinely curious. One woman complimented my suit, while another asked if I enjoyed my time in Paris.

I responded that I had mostly spent the day indulging in pastries and buying books, which visibly amused her more than expected.

However, then a man approached, and I could see Lorenzo’s entire demeanor shift.

He was older, with silvery-grey hair and an expensive suit, and he approached us flanked by two female omega companions. He smiled broadly, casting an immediate sense of suspicion.

"Lorenzo Castelli," he greeted with a warm tone. "I was starting to think you might not show up."

"DeLuca."

The warmth was notably absent from Lorenzo’s voice, the man laughed as though they were old friends. "I thought you’d forgotten me."

"I haven’t."

DeLuca’s gaze shifted toward me, studying me slowly, almost too slowly. I felt Lorenzo’s hand tighten protectively against my back.

"This must be your husband," DeLuca remarked.

"Yes, indeed."

DeLuca grinned. "Such a charming couple."

I offered him a polite smile. "Thank you."

His gaze lingered, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Quite the beautiful Omega you picked, Lorenzo. A sight for sore eyes and the type of Omega that would have made Alphas go to war for in the old days, am I right?"

Then Deluca laughed and I rolled my eyes, talk about a stretch...

Lorenzo shifted slightly. One moment, I was standing beside him; in the next, his body was angled protectively between me and DeLuca.

It was a subtle change, but I felt its impact right away. His presence radiated through the air, commanding enough that most nearby guests likely wouldn’t have taken notice, yet potent enough to make DeLuca’s smile falter for a brief moment.

The two women beside him became noticeably quiet.

DeLuca cleared his throat. "Of course, I mean...erm, no disrespect."

"I’m sure." Lorenzo’s voice was calm yet intimidating in its steadiness.

I closed my eyes... please don’t fucking kill anyone, Dracula. Please don’t kill anyone!

"I couldn’t help but notice how Castellis has grown in just a few months since your father passed under your leadership." DeLuca grinned again. "With Frederick gone, perhaps it’s time for our families to put aside old disagreements. The Castelli and DeLuca organizations could achieve quite a lot together."

Lorenzo’s expression remained unchanged. "Our organizations are thriving separately, we should keep it that way, no?"

DeLuca chuckled lightly. "That sounds like a polite no."

"It is."

DeLuca’s smile tightened. "I see."

Lorenzo stayed perfectly composed. "I’d prefer we keep our operations apart."

"Of course."

DeLuca raised his glass. "Perhaps another time."

"Perhaps."

DeLuca withdrew with his two companions, disappearing into the throng of guests.

I waited until he was far enough away before leaning toward Lorenzo. "That guy gives me the creeps."

Lorenzo’s lips curved again. "I suppose he does"

"Did you catch how he was looking at me?"

"Yes."

"Because I was merely about three seconds away from throwing a canape at him."

"You would have missed."

I glared at him. "Are you questioning my throwing skills?"

"I’m merely being realistic."

I tried not to chuckle. Lorenzo’s hand found the small of my back once more. "Stay close tonight."

His tone had changed. The humor lingered, but beneath it lay a sharper edge. I nodded. "I will."

The night wore on for another hour. Lorenzo was tangled in discussions with various investors and business associates, and though he remained within sight, there were moments when the crowd separated us.

I was starting to feel fidgety...and bored out of my fucking mind. There were simply too many people. The scent blocking perfume was overwhelming.

Conversations buzzed around me, peppered with terms like investments, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. I had reached my limit.

I had eaten way to much cake and other pastrys at the buffet table and was currently wondering what g I could get the Orchestra to quit the classical music and play something actually decent...like Lady Gaga.

When Lorenzo was briefly cornered by yet another businessman, I leaned closer. "I’m going to get some fresh air."

His gaze immediately snapped to me. "Where to?"

"The balcony."

"I’ll accompany you."

"You’ve been talking to that man for ten minutes already."

"He can wait."

I smiled. "I’ll be back shortly."

He hesitated, then nodded. "Don’t stray too far."

"I won’t! Beside, don’t you have an army wondering around or whatever?"

I weaved my way through the crowd, and as I moved farther from the ballroom, a sense of calm settled around me.

The music faded into the background, replaced by the quieter sounds of footsteps and distant murmurs. I turned down a side corridor leading to the balcony, eager to take in the cooler air.

But I never quite made it.

I noticed the first man only because his reflection briefly flickered in the glass of a painting on the wall. I slowed down, realizing he was standing several feet behind me.

I turned around. Nothing. The corridor appeared empty. Frowning, I assumed I must have imagined it, so I continued my walk.

Then someone stepped out from a shadowy doorway ahead. My instincts screamed that something wasn’t right. I halted. The man smiled, but it wasn’t a friendly smile.

Before I could turn and flee, another figure materialized behind me. My heart plummeted. I stepped back, stammering, "Excuse me?"

Neither man responded. The first began to advance toward me swiftly. I spun around to flee, but the second man seized my arm. I twisted violently, trying to break free.

"What the hell—"

A hand clamped around my wrist. The first man reached inside his jacket, and my stomach lurched. He produced a folded cloth. My senses caught the sharp, chemical scent before it even neared my face.

Panic surged within me as I struggled harder. "Let me go!"