124

124
Alpha Nolan's mansion was just as big as Davian's, if not bigger. Lights flickered around the house, starting from the fence. Men in black could be seen scattered across the entrance even before they could pull up to the gate.

Surprisingly, there wasn't much of a delay and they were allowed into the compound without any checks. Layla thought that was suspicious and looked back to see that none of the convoys they brought were searched.

"He is not searching?" She asked, glancing at Davian.

"I was wondering what you were looking so intently for. There is no need," he said with a sigh. "If Asher is coming as he said, he is likely to come along with his mate. Nolan trusts that we won't do any funny business with our mates in his building."

"Oh," she said with a sigh.

A look of horror appeared on her face at the thought that Nolan might have held her hostage if Alpha Davian didn’t attend the party. There was nothing in the clause that said he couldn't.

"What are you thinking about so seriously?"

"Have I by chance put you in some kind of danger?"

"Because of Nolan?" He asked and drew circles on her thigh again.

Goosebumps popped out on her skin. "Yeah."

"I'd really like to see him try but worry not. We haven't been the three Mafia Kings for this long for no reason. It won't be worth the trouble to take out a Mafia King; the benefits aren't worth the sacrifices. Nolan just enjoys getting on people's nerves; he couldn't care less about my turf."

"Oh, okay. Do you believe him when he says he wants a truce?"

"It's not that I don't believe him. It's just that he does things selfishly. I am sure there is a dubious reason for this too."

"He mentioned that this is what you want," she said, staring at him.

"Yeah,” he replied and glanced at her. “This is our hometown and if things had been a little more peaceful between the Mafia Kings earlier, my father wouldn't have been killed. He would still be alive."

She hadn't realized this was something very important to him. "I am sorry."

"What are you apologizing for? Look, we have arrived. Let us hope Nolan keeps his word and doesn't waste our time."

He got out of the car first and walked towards her side of the car. As soon as Daniel opened the door, he stretched out his hand to help her out.

"Thank you," she whispered with a proud smile.

He gently rested her arm on his elbow. "Daniel, as soon as I give the order, bring the car around and we will leave immediately."

Daniel nodded and shut the door before he got into the driver's seat and drove away from the entrance.

The compound wasn't filled with cars as she expected. Even the cars his men drove in were led to the back, leaving the front of the huge mansion pristine.

A huge mermaid fountain stood proud right in front, water splashed out of the front of her mouth spraying back into the bottom. 

"Shall we?" He tugged her, drawing her attention to the doors.

A red carpet lined the open doors of the mansion as if telling them what path to take. Guards stood by the entrance staring at them but none said anything or stopped them from entering.

Layla winced as the lights increased in intensity as they walked into the building. Aside from the blinding lights, the next thing she heard was voices, clinks of glasses, and the steady low sound of soft music playing under the chatter.

It took some time for her eyes to adjust and she took in the guests. There were a number of them. She wouldn’t have guessed from the outside.

"What do we have here?" Nolan cried as he slid into view. "Welcome to my humble abode, Alpha Davian, Layla."

Layla couldn't help but think there was nothing humble about his house. If she wasn't already used to Davian's house, her jaw would be on the floor.

"Thank you for having us," she said with a smile.

"Don't be nice to him. Where is Alpha Asher?"

Nolan frowned. "You still don't believe me that he is here?"

"Until I see him."

"Alright," Nolan said and shook his head. "Right this way. Layla, I'm really glad you could make it."

"I had a contract binding me," she replied.

"Oh, true. But I'm not cruel enough to do anything if you refuse."

She stared at him with obvious disbelief.

"Alpha Davian, what have you been telling her about me? Oh, there we are."

The venue was arranged in a way that one could both walk and sit, whichever. Guests mingled with one another and waiters walked around with drinks on trays.

"Alpha Asher," Nolan called as they approached a table right in front. "Alpha Davian has arrived."

A man with dark red hair and a dark look in his eyes raised his head and turned towards them but he wasn't the one that had her attention; it was the young woman seated on his lap.

She sat down sideways typing away on her phone until Nolan's announcement, then she raised her head.

Layla blinked. She was pretty in that delicate way. Pale blond hair and crystal blue eyes; she sparkled and drew attention without trying.

She caught sight of Layla simultaneously and squinted her eyes. Layla suddenly felt self-conscious at the stare.

She jumped off Alpha Asher's lap. The Alpha's eyes followed her but he didn't stop her. It took her a moment to realize she was walking directly towards her.

"Are you Alpha Davian's mate?" She asked with a smile as she peered at her.

"Huh!" Asher's thunderous voice echoed. "You got a mate?! Since when?"

"I was shocked too," Nolan said with a sly grin.

"My name is Celine," she said and stretched her hand towards her.

"Layla," she replied and realized she had to pull her hand from Davian to accept the handshake.

She glanced at him but his expression gave nothing away, and he didn’t stop her from taking her hand. She was smiling when she shook Celine's hand.

She was slightly embarrassed that she had once been jealous of her when Davian first mentioned her name.

"It's nice to finally meet you."

"You've heard about me?" She asked with a grin and pulled her away. "We will be just at the corner," she said out loud, not giving Davian a chance to stop them.

"Jael," Asher said to the beta that had been standing behind him the whole time. "Keep an eye on her. Don't let her out of your sight."

"No need for that," Nolan said with a smirk. "No one would dare try anything, not with your clear marks all over your mate."

"Are you jealous?" Asher asked with a loud snicker.

"I can get a mate if I wanted to."

"Hahaha!" Asher laughed even louder. "Yeah right!"

"You only beat me to Celine," he said and slammed his hand on the table.

Asher scoffed. "If that's what you believe."

"Enough," Davian said. "We are here to talk about a truce, not why Nolan can't find a mate."

Asher's hazel eyes widened as large as saucers before he held his stomach and burst out laughing again.

"What did you do to Davian?" He asked mid-laugh. "Did he go after your mate too?"

"Should I cancel this party? I won't hesitate,”
Nolan said.

"You have already called us here," Asher said seriously, every hint of his earlier laughter vanishing from his features. "Don't think you can chase us out because you've changed your mind."