Chapter 38: First social appearance

"What do you mean Emmett has completely disappeared from the system? How could he leave this pack with his family without anyone noticing?" Victor shouted at Levi and the warriors gathered in the hall.

His fury mounted when no one offered a response.

"Why are all of you silent?" Victor snarled. "I want Emmett brought before me immediately. Levi, go find him before I decide to punish every single one of you."

The Beta bowed hastily, turning to lead the warriors out of the hall before Victor’s wrath exploded further.

Victor paced back and forth across the room, his frustration mounting with every passing second. When his phone vibrated in his hand, he glanced down to see the Alpha Princess’s name flashing across the screen.

He answered promptly, masking his anger beneath a smooth, attentive tone. "Nina, were you busy? How are you doing?"

"You asked me that same question early this morning," Nina replied from the other end. "I’m fine. What about you?"

"I’m not doing well without you," Victor said.

A second passed before Nina answered. "If you miss me so much, you should come see me. If I can fly across lands for you, can’t you do the same?"

"Of course I can," Victor assured her smoothly. "Though, will I even be permitted inside the palace? I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable. Caroline’s false allegations have already strained things between us. I regret ever getting involved, Nina. It feels as though my kindness was simply taken advantage of."

"Our relationship hasn’t strained," Nina’s response came almost immediately. "I told you, that Omega is simply taking advantage of the mate bond with my brother. Andrew is foolish when it comes to matters of the heart. Victor, if you come here, I will personally see to it that you are granted entry into the palace."

"That’s exceptionally sweet of you, Nina," Victor replied smoothly. "However, I refuse to cause you any trouble. I will clear my name first, and only then will I enter the palace to ask for your hand in marriage. How does that sound?"

Nina smiled on the other end of the line. "Alright. Whatever you deem best. Try not to stress. Caroline can’t do anything to break us."

"Hmm. I love you."

"Love you too. I need to be a part of a social event, so I will hang up now."

The call ended and Victor stared at it for a long moment. "I know what I’ve to do now." A dark glint appeared in his eyes before he headed to his study.

~~~~~

Caroline brushed her hair, recalling what she had almost shared with Andrew. Her body had been so ready to surrender under his gentle caresses and the soft kisses he had left along her neck.

She pulled down the collar of her high-necked gown slightly, her breath catching as she found the faint marks still lingering on her skin. A warm blush crept up her cheeks, followed by a soft smile she couldn’t suppress.

"Are you ready, Caroline?" Andrew asked, stepping into the room as he adjusted the buttons at his sleeves.

"Yes," Caroline replied, standing up to meet his gaze.

"You are going to be the main focus at tonight’s social event in the capital," Andrew said, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

"Is it really alright for me to attend? Your entire family will be there," Caroline voiced, a trace of hesitation in her voice.

"Dad told me to bring you along. And even if he hadn’t, I still would have," Andrew stated firmly. "This is the first event I’m attending with my family present in over two years."

He reached into his blazer pocket, withdrew a sleek velvet box, and walked slowly toward her.

He opened the velvet box, revealing a delicate gold chain with a small pendant. Stepping behind her, he carefully fastened it around her neck before adjusting it over her dress. "This suits you," he murmured.

"Thank you," Caroline said softly. Her fingers brushed against the chain before her gaze drifted up to his eyes as he returned to his original place.

Noticing the family crest brooch pinned slightly crooked on his blazer, she reached out to adjust the clasp, straightening it against the fabric. As her hand rested flat over his chest for a few seconds, she could feel the rapid thud of his heartbeats beneath her palm.

"It’s strange, feeling like this around you," he murmured, taking her left hand in his and pressing a slow kiss to her knuckles. He closed the remaining distance between them, leaving barely any space. "Has anyone ever told you what a beautiful pair of eyes you have? Soft, striking hazel."

"No," Caroline replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "No one."

"Then I’m the first. That feels right," Andrew said, a subtle smile touching his lips. "Let’s go. We’ll take the private jet and reach the palace within the hour."

Caroline froze for a second, processing his words. She had never set foot on an airplane before, let alone a private jet.

But as Caroline looked at Andrew, she realized she was no longer just an ordinary woman. She was the Luna of Andrew Kensington.

"Are you nervous? It’s your very first event," Andrew said, taking her hand as they walked outside. "I had no intention of attending, but Dad insisted. He reminded me that I haven’t shown my face at a single family gathering in two years."

"Why didn’t you go?" Caroline asked, keeping pace beside him.

"Because it feels fake," Andrew replied, his tone growing serious. "The poor remain poor, while the wealthy throw lavish galas under the guise of charity. If these events truly made a difference, things would have changed by now. It’s just a playground for the rich. But this year is different. I’m married now, and I want my wife by my side for her very first social appearance. The media will be covering everything, which makes it the perfect opportunity for you to make your stance clear."