The Alpha novel Chapter 25

Scarlet's POV

Everyone files in and begins mingling in groups throughout the room as they order their drinks and sample the appetizers that are being carried around on silver platters. I stay by Ethan's side for a little while ,but when his conversation turns to business I politely excuse myself. I stop to chat with Alex, Xander, Isa, and Tyler before going to the bar for another glass of champagne. "I can't believe Ethan brought you to this," I hear the annoying voice sneer at me before turning to see Nicole standing beside me. "A fancy restaurant is nowhere for a slut from The Scourge to be."

"Says the classless Luna wannabe who can't seem to move on," I reply calmly back. Her face instantly contorts into an ugly scowl as she grips her wineglass tighter.

"Why Nicole," a familiar voice remarks as Alpha Lucien comes up to us. "I hope you aren't trying to make a scene. This is hardly the time nor the place for picking fights. Maybe you should go find another companion to entertain yourself with." Nicole glares at her father before turning sullen and gazing down at the floor with a nod. She huffs and turns to stomp off before he turns to me. "Sorry about her. She lost her mother at a young age and I'm afraid I may have spoiled her more than I should have."

I force a smile to my face as I turn my attention to him. "Thank you, Alpha Lucien."

"Please, you can just call me Lucien."

I blush and nod. "Thank you, Lucien," I correct and he smiles at me. "So, are you excited for your auction?"

He grimaces a bit and I tilt my head at him. "Ah... well... I am, but I'm afraid I don't have anything to be the main attraction."

"What do you mean? I've seen your work. I'm sure you have plenty of brilliant pieces," I insist.

He smiles tightly. "Thank you Scarlet, but I don't have THAT piece. You know, the one that is better than all the rest. The one that will drive the success of the show."

He leans against the bar, seeming to be in distress. "How long does it take to paint something like that? Do you have time to come up with something?"

His eyes widen and he looks over at me as though he just thought of something. "Well... I do have an idea..."

"That's amazing," I encourage with a smile.

"Yes... but only if you agree to it..." he says as he stands up to his full height in front of me with a charming smile.

I furrow my eyebrows at him in confusion. "Umm..." I begin, not knowing what to say to that.

"Pardon my boldness Scarlet, but you are a very rare beauty. With your unique violet eyes and vibrant hair, you would be the perfect subject for my featured piece. Please. I would be forever grateful," he pleads as he takes my hand in his.

"I don't know..." I respond nervously as I look across the room, wondering where Ethan is.

My search is cut off as Alpha Lucien continues. "Please Scarlet. I'm begging you. I will even give you a cut of whatever the piece sells for."

"I'm pretty sure Ethan would not appreciate me posing nude for anyone," I remark a bit more confidently.

His mouth opens in surprise and his eyes widen. "Oh! Of course! I'm sorry Scarlet for causing that assumption. I don't only paint nudes. You can be fully dressed I assure you." I bite my lip and shift on my feet, still unsure. "And I've heard you like to help out some sort of homeless shelter. You could always use your share to donate to the shelter or help with buying food or clothes or something for them. How does that sound?" My eyes widen. That would be nice, to actually have money to help all the packless. His lips twist into a smile as he realizes that he has piqued my interest. "How about we split the profit of your portrait fifty-fifty? I feel that's quite generous."

"Sixty for me and forty for you. Then we have a deal."

His smile widens, seeming to enjoy my tenacity. "Why you little minx! You drive a hard bargain! But fine! I agree to your terms. Meet me on the thirtieth floor tomorrow morning at seven and we'll figure out the best place to do this."

"Fine. I'll see you then," I answer as a line of servers come out with silver platters adorned with delicious looking entrees. I walk away from him, finding Ethan and linking my arm through his as he leads me over to the head of a long table. I'm excited at the idea of being able to more effectively help the packless, but I sure hope that I don't regret agreeing to help Lucien.