The Alpha novel Chapter 27

Ethan's POV

If she thinks I'm going to let her pose for the kind of paintings this guy is known for then she's dead wrong.

"I'm going to donate it to the shelter. There are so many things the packless could do with that kind of money," she insists.

"You already bring them all of our leftovers. What else do they need?"

"Well, it is starting to get cold. I could buy them new blankets and coats. I could get them more food and drinks. Maybe I can even get them a working heating and cooling system," Scarlet continues excitedly.

"I don't like the idea of some other wolf having a picture of you," I state, trying to keep my composure but it comes out more like a growl.

"Then I guess you'll just have to buy it yourself," she remarks playfully with a wink.

"If that's the case, then I can just give you the money for what you need, no posing necessary. You're not doing it," I finally say in a low voice through gritted teeth, no longer willing to try to reason with her. She looks at me, shocked for a moment before her brows furrow at me and her expression turns into a glare.

"That's not your decision Alpha," she remarks. "Lucien has assured me that I can remain fully clothed if that's what you're worried about."

Well, at least there's that, but 'Lucien?' When did she start referring to him so informally? This time, Alpha Lucien chimes in, "Most definitely. We will not do anything that Scarlet is not comfortable with."

I look between Scarlet and Lucien, placing my hands on the table as I inhale slowly. "I'd assume both of your guards will remain with you?" I ask my mate. Despite their assurances, I still don't like it and I don't trust Lucien. However, I don't think I'll be able to continue to argue on this, especially if I want to be able to pursue negotiations with the Silver Shadow Pack. As much as I don't like Alpha Lucien, I can't afford to have him as an enemy. My pack is known for having the best fighters in the country, but Silver Shadow Pack is almost ten times larger and is the closest werewolf pack outside of our surrounding allied packs which means they pose our biggest threat.

"Of course," Scarlet replies before Alpha Lucien speaks up.

"They can certainly wait outside, but I don't want anyone seeing the painting before it is finished," he insists.

I hold back a scowl and sigh. "Fine. They can wait outside."

"NO! What are you doing?! You can't let her be alone with him!" my wolf yells in my head, clearly furious.

"It's not worth the fight right now. Her guards will be right outside the door. If Lucien tries anything then it will be the last thing he does." My wolf simply growls ferociously, clearly not happy with my argument. Unfortunately, I don't see any other options at the moment. Maybe I'll decide to stop by for a surprise visit.

The rest of dinner goes by smoothly aside from both Nicole and Lucien eyeing Scarlet and me. Nicole looks like she wants to jump my bones and strangle Scarlet. Whereas Lucien seems to be undressing Scarlet with his eyes and looking at me with a smirk like he thinks he's somehow won. When I catch Xander's eyes he gives me a questioning look and I shake my head almost imperceptibly. "I'll tell you and Alex about it when we get back to my penthouse." He nods and returns to his conversation with the Alphas sitting around him. This dinner can't get over fast enough.

*****

The next morning, I begin getting calls from other Alphas from all over the country. They have all heard about the art exhibit and auction that we are holding and want to partake. So now I'm scrambling around trying to make accommodations to house all our unexpected guests. I have people dealing with making more food and ordering more supplies. People are reworking the seating and layout of the gallery. Everyone is running around and the entire pack house is in chaos. This is not what I wanted to be dealing with right now. I don't even know how all these alphas found out about this.

I haven't seen Scarlet all morning which bothers me. She had her meeting with Alpha Lucien this morning to pose for his painting. Levi informed me when they got to his floor, but other than that I haven't heard anything else. I checked in a couple times, but all they could tell me was that she was still with him. I found the whole thing to be infuriating. Something about that guy really rubs me the wrong way.

Suddenly a panicked voice enters my head, "Alpha, get to the penthouse immediately. It's an emergency. It's Scarlet."

I instantly drop everything and rush out the door. If that asshole Alpha touched a single hair on her head, I'll kill him.