The Alpha novel Chapter 35

Ethan's POV

A low, even growl hums through my chest and throat as I stand there, jaw and fists clenched tightly. Part of me wants to storm the stage and rip into that piece of shit Alpha. The other part of me is trying with all my might to not make a scene. Alphas and other high-ranking wolves from across the country are here and I can't afford to make any rash decisions. Unfortunately, that also means that all these wolves are seeing the large canvas sitting front and center on the stage.

Scarlet's form is in the middle of the painting. Her body is facing away, just slightly twisted as she looks over her shoulder with a come-hither look as though beckoning her lover to follow her. A sheer sheet is clutched to her chest, slightly blurring the side of her breast that is shown and the part of her ass that the fabric trails behind like a train. The rest of her is completely bare. My wolf is going ballistic inside of me, desperately wanting to take control.

After the few seconds it takes me to register the painting of my mate, bared for all to see, I turn to her. "What the hell is this?" I snarl through gritted teeth. She turns to me, her eyes are wide in surprise and brimming with unshed tears. It is clear that this isn't what she was expecting either and I reach out to grab her hand before she takes a step towards me.

"I swear to you, I was fully dressed. I didn't agree to this. This—" she gulps as she tries to regain her composure.

"I know. I believe you," I state plainly, my anger softening slightly as I pull her into me. Suddenly, bids start coming in and we both instantly tense. There is no way in hell I'll willingly let another male hang a picture of my mate for them to ogle over, especially one where she is so indisposed.

The auctioneer rattles off numbers as the amount continues to rise higher and higher. Without even thinking I raise my paddle. I don't care what it will cost me. That painting is mine. As the amount climbs higher and higher in the hundreds of thousands, Scarlet tugs on my sleeve. "What are you doing?" she whispers harshly, her eyes wide.

"Don't worry about it. This is nothing," I assure her. Her jaw drops as she looks at me. I simply give her a smile and raise my paddle again, not even listening to the amount that is being said while my eyes stay trained on her. Her gaze alights as she stares back at me. Suddenly, she grabs my jacket collar and pulls me to her, crashing her soft lips against mine in a deep, commanding kiss. One of my arms wraps around her waist, lifting her from the ground as I hold her body flushed against mine. The other hand still going up to bid whenever a number is called out.

Many have given up but there are two other men that continue to bid against me. They are both unmated Alphas, one from what use to be California and one from what use to be New York. Both of their packs are known to be some of the wealthier ones in the region. As the one from California bids again I let out a loud roar before my gaze looks pointedly at each of my opponents. I'm done with this game. Scarlet is my mate and it'll be over my dead body to let one of them take home this painting of her. The auctioneer calls out another number and I raise my paddle, silently daring either of the other Alphas to chime in. Neither do. Finally, the auctioneer bellows out, "Sold! To Alpha Ethan Kane for $850,000!"

Still holding my mate to me, I lightly place Scarlet back on the ground before I stroll up to the stage. I shake hands with the auctioneer and give him what I owe. Then I turn to Alpha Lucien. A grin is plastered on his face as he tries to keep his friendly demeanor, but when I meet his eyes it morphs for a second into something wicked. This asshole is severely trying my patience. I take his outstretched hand in mine and squeeze tightly, feeling the bones break as he flinches in pain. He quickly recovers as he pastes his fake smile back on his face. I yank him towards me as I lean forward and whisper near his ear, "You come near my mate without me again and I'll kill you." Lucien glares unhappily at me as I turn to face the audience. They are applauding so I wave and smile at them before gesturing to a group of my men that are off to the side.

They immediately come up the steps of the stage as I mind-link them. "Cover that up and take it to my penthouse." They all nod before I also link Alex to lead the way since the men who are now carefully wrapping the picture of Scarlet don't have access to my home.