Chapter 44 The Alpha’s return
IRIS
The silver dress hangs on the back of the closet door like it knows it’s the star of the night, but it’s not mine.
It’s Daisy’s.
She’s been obsessing over it for a week, gushing about how it would shimmer under the chandeliers, how it was made for moments like tonight. Honestly, the way she’s been guarding it, you’d think it came straight off a royal runway. She’s barely even let me breathe near it.
I, on the other hand, am wearing a dress that’s a little quieter, but no less stunning.
It’s a deep emerald green, the kind that looks almost black in dim lighting, but rich and vibrant under warmth. The neckline dips into a tasteful sweetheart curve, and the back swoops low, exposing just enough skin to make me a little self-conscious. The satin fabric hugs my waist and flows down in soft layers, a thigh-high slit cutting daringly through one side. Simple, but it makes a statement.
“You look like royalty,” Daisy says suddenly, breaking me from my thoughts.
I glance over at her. She’s in the silver dress now, off-the-shoulder, dramatic shimmer, slit to the thigh, fitted within an inch of her life. “So do you. The dress lives up to the hype.”
She grins smugly and turns back to the mirror to finish her makeup. “Told you.”
I look like someone who belongs to something much older, much more powerful.
And honestly? That terrifies me.
Daisy finishes her last curl and tosses her hair dramatically over her shoulder. “Okay, but seriously, if anyone’s gonna steal the show, it’s me. So don’t go crying if all eyes are on me.”
I smirk. “All eyes will be on you if you get drunk and try to fight stone sculptures.”
“That was one time,” she groans, laughing.
“And I’m just saying, try to behave. This isn’t a frat party. It’s like an ancient-Lycan-royal-ball vibes. Please don’t embarrass me.”
“No promises,” she grins, reaching for her lipstick. “Besides, what’s a party without a little chaos?”
The makeup process is chaotic, but in the best way. There’s music playing, mascara wands being shared, and that perfect buzz of anticipation. Daisy goes with a bold berry lip and dramatic winged liner. I stick to something softer, rosy lips, glowy skin, and a touch of silver shimmer on my eyes.
By the time we’re finished, we both look and feel like people we barely recognize.
“Okay,” Daisy says, grabbing her clutch. “Let’s go crash a royal event.”
As if on cue, a message buzzes on my phone.
Adrian: Your chariot awaits. Try not to faint when you see it.
I peek out the window, and sure enough, a sleek black car is parked out front, engine humming, lights glowing like eyes in the dark.
“Oh my god,” Daisy breathes. “He wasn’t joking.”
“I told you,” I say, grabbing my coat. “He has a flair for drama.”
We slip into the back seat, and the leather feels like butter beneath our hands. The driver says nothing, just nods and takes off smoothly.
“This is insane,” Daisy whispers as the city passes by. “Do you realize where we’re going?”
“We’re going to the Lycan’s haven, Daisy. Now, stop being dramatic.” I say and she swats my arm.
\~~~~
The party venue isn’t just beautiful, it’s breathtaking.
An old estate turned event hall, nestled just outside the city. Ivy climbs the walls like lace, and warm golden lights wind around stone columns and balconies. The entrance is lit with torches, casting flickering shadows across the grand doors.
The moment we step out of the car, it feels like we’ve left the world behind.
“Woah,” Daisy whispers.
We walk up the steps together, heels clicking in perfect rhythm, eyes wide as we take in the scene. Inside, it’s all candlelight and chandeliers, silver and black décor with hints of royal blue. It smells like sandalwood and magic, like history and power.
I feel out of place and completely at home all at once.
“Look who finally decided to grace us with her presence,” a familiar voice says, pulling me from my awe.
Kelvin steps into view, dressed in a fitted midnight-blue suit, hair slicked back. He offers a charming smile. “Iris, Daisy, glad you made it.”
“Kelvin,” I say with a polite nod.
He looks between us, clearly impressed. “You both look… wow. It’s nice to see you again. Hope tonight goes easy on you.”
“Appreciate the warning,” Daisy says with a wink.
We barely get a few feet further inside when another voice cuts through.
“There’s no way you two got past security lookin’ that suspicious.”
Adrian.
He strolls up with a glass of champagne in hand, black-on-black suit tailored within an inch of its life, a smirk playing on his lips.
“Damn,” he says, scanning us with exaggerated approval. “I thought the dress code was elegance, not intimidation.”
“You’re welcome,” Daisy replies dryly.
He raises his glass in a mock toast. “To heartbreak and high heels.”
I roll my eyes. “Are you done?”
“Never,” he grins, then looks at me. “You look good. Like, ‘my brother’s going to need to be monitored’ good.”
I feel my cheeks warm. “Tell your brother to behave.”
“I’ll try, but he’s genetically predisposed to obsession,” Adrian teases. “Must run in the family.”
We laugh. Just for a moment, the pressure lifts.
The party is only just beginning. And I have a feeling the night is going to be unforgettable.
Adrian finishes his second glass of champagne and glances toward the far end of the room where a group of older Lycans in sleek suits are gathering.
“Duty calls,” he says with a dramatic sigh, brushing invisible lint off his jacket.
Kelvin steps up beside him, already straightening his tie. “We’ve got to do the rounds. Keep the Alphas and the council types from getting bored.”
Adrian gives Daisy a wink and me a quick, two-fingered salute. “Try not to miss us too much.”
“Try not to get caught flirting with anyone’s wife,” Daisy mutters.
“Hey,” he grins. “No promises.”
They disappear into the crowd, swallowed by velvet and shadows and power.
Daisy and I are left standing near the edge of the ballroom, the music soft and regal in the background, the air thick with perfume and politics. I take a sip of champagne, the bubbles barely masking the way my nerves have returned in full force.
I don’t know what I’m expecting, maybe to blend in, maybe to feel like I belong here, but none of that prepares me for the moment I see him.
Darian.
He’s across the room, tall and commanding, dressed in a black suit with silver accents that match the moonstone cufflinks at his wrists. His presence demands attention without even trying. Lycans bow their heads as he passes. Humans step aside.
And then I see her.
The woman on his arm.
Tall. Golden-skinned. Raven-dark hair pinned back in an intricate twist. Her gown is deep red, dramatic and royal, and her hands rest lightly, familiarly, on his arm.
They look like something out of an ancient painting. The perfect future king and queen.
Daisy follows my gaze and arches a brow. “Is that her?”
I nod, unable to find my voice.
Her fingers tighten on Darian’s arm when she notices him staring across the ballroom. Staring at me.
Our eyes lock.
Something in his expression shifts, just slightly, but it’s enough.
Enough to burn.
The woman beside him notices. Of course she does. She moves in closer, slipping her arm tighter around his. Her body almost molds into his side like she’s been trained for this. Claimed this.
Darian doesn’t pull away.
I feel my breath catch, my hand tightening around the stem of my glass.
“You okay?” Daisy asks under her breath.
“Yeah,” I lie. “Fine.”
But I’m not.
Not when he looks like that.
Not when she’s holding him like he’s already hers.