Page 29 of Knot in Their Wildest Dreams: Part 1

“Oh, that’s a secret I’ll never tell.” I said with a wink, and Celeste’s face soured as she turned away.

“Vigo, it’s getting late. I had a long day and I need to rest.” She pouted as she looked out across the party.

“Excuse me? You’ve barely been here. This party is set to go until the early hours. You aren’t dipping out early.” I replied. Tonight, she’d have to pretend she belonged to us. And I intended to savor every moment of it.

“How much longer do I have to be here? I’m tired.” She griped, and I shook my head at her.

“We paid for this venue for the entire night. You knew about the party in advance. Don’t try to get out of it now.” I retorted as she looked at me wearily.

“I’m exhausted. I wouldn’t normally be one to leave early, but I was up since six, had to attend several meetings with the board, and now you are parading me around in front of all these people. It’s too much!” She pleaded, but I knew better. She was Celeste, the renowned party girl.

“Have a glass of champagne and lighten up. I know you like parties, just because we are throwing this one doesn't make it any less festive.” I said, reaching for a glass from one of the servers who passed by with a tray. “Here.” I said as I handed her the glass. “You agreed to this, now be a good omega and start acting like you want to be here with us.” My words garnered a snarl from her, and I stifled a grin. I loved seeing any reaction from her, even a negative one. She ignited something deep inside me, and while we had the contract with her, I wasn’t going to stop myself from enjoying what I could.

I spotted my pack mates across the ballroom, and left Celeste in her sulking mood to go speak to them. Being around her too long was dangerous, and I didn’t trust myself not to get too carried away with my thoughts. Plus, I could feel through the bonds that my pack was more at ease than we had been in almost a year. Things were looking up for us. We just had to get through the rest of the contract, then things would be better than ever.

As long as Celeste, and images of her with our potential offspring, didn’t get any further under my skin.

Chapter 21

Celeste

The party was the worst. This wasn’t a celebration; it was a stage. And I was the star attraction.

People had arrived right on time, a rarity for these types . But I suppose everyone wanted to get a glimpse of the heiress and the wronged pack, and see just how we acted together. I could tell which people here were friends of Liam, Dante and Vigo. A few of them couldn't hold back their looks of disgust, avoiding me when possible or turning their backs to me when I walked up to them. I clenched my jaw and plastered on a smile, something I was very practiced at. No matter what happened, I would not let these people get to me.

No matter how tired, overstimulated, and pissed off I felt.

At least the banquet spread looked good. I went toward the magnificent table of delicacies and spotted Dante nearby. He disliked me most of all - maybe he’d support letting me go home to sleep, if only to not have to deal with me. He was already giving me a weary look as I approached him.

I let out a slow breath, forcing my expression into something neutral before facing him. He stood beside me, arms crossed, radiating that sexy, mysterious aura that made me want to wrap my legs around him, and simultaneously scream at him for being such a pain. If I had any chance of getting out of here early, I needed to tread carefully.

“Alright,” I said, picking up a toothpick and spearing a strawberry. “I’ll bite - are you actually enjoying yourself, or are you just here to make sure I suffer?”

He let out a low chuckle, but his expression remained unreadable. “If I said both, would that surprise you?”

I rolled my eyes. “Look, you win. I showed up, played nice, and smiled for the right people. Can we call it a night now?”

His gaze flicked to me, sharp and assessing. “Not yet.”

His sexy, spicy scent was so potent that it made me want to whine for his approval. I was teetering on dangerous territory, the effect of my suppressants wearing off every minute. I needed to leave.

“Dante, this is absurd. You’ve made your point. Everyone has seen me here, they believe we're the real thing. Your party was a success. I have no energy anymore!” I hissed, and his eyes darkened.

“You may have grown up never hearing the word ‘no’, but now you can learn what it’s like for people in the real world. Suck it up and play your part.” He said with the rumblings of a growl. I hated him. Hated how damn good he looked when his eyes were so serious, and how hot his voice was with the hint of a growl. His scent was coming out even stronger now, and I had to get away from him. I turned, walking in no particular direction, just to put some distance between us. I gave the occasional hug or greeting to various people I knew as I walked by, and ended up close to the champagne flute tower.

I focused on the magnificent display of food and drinks, trying to clear my head and stave off the growing frustration. Someone stepped up to my side.

“Well if it isn’t the hard-to-get heiress in the flesh!” The voice came from behind. I turned, only to see Marlon, a member of Pack Acosta, right behind me. The large, unbonded alpha smiled at me, his teeth looking more like a predator than an acquaintance. I’d met his pack several times before. The Acosta pack was from the south end of our province, and all of them were from well-known families. They were also rumored to have mafia ties, and were overall an unscrupulous group. But they had a lot of money, and that made them welcome all over the Eastern Province.

“Intriguing. You run one of the largest companies in the world, yet you still have time to slum it with the pack you claimed tried to kidnap you.” Marlon folded his large arms across his chest, and I could tell he was unhappy despite his smile. “For someone with such a busy schedule, I would have thought you’d at least find time to thank us for the prize stallion we procured for you.” He said, his voice jovial, but with a hint of bitterness.

Their pack had spent years trying to court me, sending extravagant gifts I never asked for, and never accepted. The last had been a horse, a ridiculous gesture that only confirmed what I'd always known: they were attracted to my status, and nothing more. Every encounter with them made my skin crawl. Their scent was sharp and bitter, all greed and ambition, nothing warm or real. They were the worst kind of alphas - always taking, never giving.

But I’d dealt with alphas like him before. They hated not getting what they wanted. I sighed and turned to face him fully, keeping my expression calm, though my patience was wearing thin. “Oh, Marlon, if I’ve been distant, it’s only because I’ve been so busy trying to keep up with the demands of running an empire. Surely someone as accomplished as you understands the burden of such responsibilities?” I folded my hands in front of me, my voice light but firm.

The compliment seemed to subdue his attitude slightly, but he still leaned in, very blatantly trying to get a sniff of my hair. “None of that expensive perfume tonight? I sure miss smelling it. Always made me wonder what it would be like to smell the real thing…” He let his words trail off as he reached out a hand, grazing my arm. I stepped back suddenly, knocking into the table. Almost instantly, Vigo was at my side, appearing out of nowhere and ushering me away from the table and Marlon.

“Keep your hands off of her!” Vigo said sharply, and a few other guests looked over at the commotion. Marlon’s nostrils flared, and his eyes narrowed at the sudden interruption.

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