Adrienne paced the dimly lit room, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and fury. The walls felt like they were closing in on her as she thought about Sophia, that insipid little human who dared to take what was rightfully hers. How dare she come into Ethan's life and pretend she belonged there? Adrienne was done watching from the shadows; it was time to strike.
Her phone buzzed, jolting her from her thoughts. Luke’s name flashed across the screen, and she felt a wicked grin spread across her face. He was finally reaching out. Perhaps he was starting to realize that he needed her to execute his pathetic little plan. She answered, her voice dripping with feigned sweetness.
“Luke! What’s the matter? Missing me?”
“Adrienne,” he replied, his voice taut with urgency. “I just found out Sophia is back at the bar.”
Adrienne's grin widened. “Oh, how delightful! Is she back to serve drinks, or is she planning on dazzling the patrons with her charm again?”
“She’s working the bar,” Luke said. “I want to make sure she’s safe. We don’t need any more drama after what happened last time.”
“Of course,” she said, her voice laced with mock sincerity. “What’s your plan? You think you can charm her back into your life?”
Luke’s silence lingered for a moment, and Adrienne could practically hear the gears turning in his head. “I just want to keep her close, you know? I don’t want her dead. Just… distracted.”
Adrienne’s laughter burst forth, startling even her. “Distracted? Oh, Luke, that’s adorable. You’re still clinging to this fantasy of having her all to yourself. But what you need to understand is that she’ll never be yours. She’s too wrapped up in Ethan now.”
“Ethan…” he spat, the name bitter on his tongue. “I can’t stand him. He thinks he’s so much better than everyone else just because he’s the Alpha. But Sophia… she’s special. I want her to see that.”
Adrienne rolled her eyes. “Special? She’s a human, Luke. Just a fragile little thing. You really think she can handle the likes of us? You’re only setting yourself up for failure.”
Luke hesitated. “I don’t want her dead. I need her in my life. But if she’s with Ethan—”
“Then she becomes a liability, doesn’t she?” Adrienne interrupted, her mind racing with possibilities. She could sense Luke's uncertainty and seized the moment. “What if I told you that I have a plan in place? One that will get rid of Sophia and keep you safe?”
“What do you mean?” Luke asked, skepticism creeping into his voice.
“I have connections,” she said, her tone lowering conspiratorially. “Rogues who owe me favors. We can make it look like an accident. No blood on your hands, and you’ll have Sophia all to yourself afterward.”
Luke’s interest piqued, and she could almost see the gears turning in his head. “You really think that will work?”
“Oh, it will work, Luke. I assure you,” she purred. “We can execute this in three weeks. Just enough time to make it look convincing. By then, you’ll have your chance with her.”
“But I don’t want her dead!” Luke insisted, his voice rising in alarm. “I just want her to see I’m the better choice. Not that monster she’s chosen.”
Adrienne feigned innocence. “But what if she just doesn’t get it? What if she can’t see how wonderful you are? Sometimes, the best way to make someone appreciate what they have is to take it away. Think about it, Luke. With her gone, you could finally be free of Ethan’s shadow.”
“But…” Luke began, hesitation creeping back into his voice. “I want her to trust me again. I can’t destroy her like that.”
“Trust? Oh, darling, you’re so naïve. She’s already with Ethan. You’re not going to win her heart through kindness. This is the only way to get what you want,” Adrienne pressed, her voice sultry with persuasion.
“But I need to know you won’t hurt her,” Luke finally said, the conflict evident in his voice.
“Trust me, I won’t hurt her… not in a way that matters. She’ll be taken care of,” Adrienne said, suppressing the satisfaction that bubbled up within her. She had Luke right where she wanted him, wrapped around her little finger.
“Alright, I’m in,” he finally said, resignation creeping into his tone. “But I’ll need your word that she won’t suffer.”
“Of course, darling,” she replied, her smile widening as she imagined the moment of triumph that awaited her. “You just sit back and let me handle it. In three weeks, everything will change.”
As the call ended, Adrienne allowed herself a moment to revel in the anticipation. Sophia would never see it coming. The moment of her demise would be so satisfying. With the rogues on her side, she could pin the blame squarely on Luke. When Ethan’s rage was unleashed, it would be a spectacle to behold.
She could already envision the aftermath: Luke, shattered and grieving, would become the perfect scapegoat. Ethan would unleash his fury, bringing about Luke’s end. Adrienne would step in, the ever-loyal friend, right when Luke needed someone the most. Then, she would be there to pick up the pieces, ready to comfort Ethan and claim her place at his side as the Luna she was meant to be.
It was a perfect plan. One that would not only rid her of the human girl who dared to stand in her way but also clear the path for her own return to Ethan’s affections. She would have her vengeance, and there would be nothing left of Sophia but a memory. The very thought sent a thrill of delight coursing through her veins.
As she stepped outside into the fresh air, Adrienne felt invincible. The world was hers to manipulate, and with Luke as her unwitting accomplice, she was ready to unleash chaos upon the unsuspecting pack. Time was on her side, and soon, she would reclaim what had been stolen from her.