Author's note: this is from Lazarus's point of view

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I didn't want to go to the event. Who cares about the Council and their games?

All of them are the same, pretending to be there for the good of their people when in reality they are selfish pricks who care only about their interests.

However, when Aldus told me that Serina will be there, I got a reason to go.

There will be food and dancing, almost like a date. I will protect Serina so that no one sleazy approaches her, and at the same time, they will see that she is with me.

Ah, she still owes me the date! But it's been such a long time since I brought it up, that I wonder if she still remembers it.

It doesn't matter. I will ask Serina on a date as soon as I get a chance.

I entered the ballroom and searched for Serina's scent, but she was not there. Bummer.

I made my way toward the drinks and leaned on the wall while hoping that no one will be brave enough to talk to me. I have a certain reputation of a loner who is not easy to get along with, and I don't mind.

"Lord Aldus Mezzanotte with Lady Calista Mezzanotte and Lady Seraphina Mezzanotte!", a voice boomed over the chatter and my eyes snapped to the main entrance.

Serina's hair was braided and lifted into a bun, revealing her perfect face and enchanting eyes, and her neck. Mmm... I still remember inhaling her scent, right there. Perfection.

Serina's floor-length blue gown fit her just right, covering everything yet showcasing her breathtaking figure.

The only thing off was that her hand was not linked with mine. Yup, I'm going to get that woman on a date and sweep her off her feet. Alex wagged his tail excitedly at that thought.

I watched Serina interact with people, and I found my chance to approach her.

Just as I suspected, she gladly accepted to get out of there, so I had her for myself. Lucky!

After a short walk, I heard some ambiguous sounds and I picked up a scent of arousal.

'We should go the other way…', Alex urged me, and I knew he was thinking how Serina will be uncomfortable.

'Nope. This is exactly the right path…', I responded with malice.

'Serina will not like this', Alex tried to reason with me, but I reminded him how Elias made lecherous remarks about Serina.

The news about Serina spread through the werewolf community since she started sponsoring those three pups, and werewolves got curious about an outsider (aka Serina) who would get involved in their lives.

The inquiries about Serina were mostly from Alphas who feared that a new player showed on the field, challenging their authority.

Alex and I despise those self-serving dogs. They don't care about their kind, as long as they can hold onto their positions. No wonder the werewolf community is in decline.

Of course, when Elias heard that Serina is attractive, he asked Fynn to introduce him. Luckily, Fynn didn't entertain that entitled scum, but that doesn't mean I didn't hear Elias saying how if Serina wants some pups to take care of, he will be happy to impregnate her.

Alex growled in my head as he heard my thoughts clearly. 'How can he get such ideas when he is mated?'

I was not sure, but... 'I heard that a bond by choice is weaker than when it's given by Goddess. It doesn't matter if Elias's bond with Lina is faulty or he has a screw loose in his head, or maybe that was just empty talk to make him look important in front of other Alphas. In any case, we need to make sure Serina is disgusted by him.'

Alex agreed with me.

Neither of us wanted to tell Serina nasty things that Elias said about her, but we can make sure that Elias doesn't get a chance for an amicable relationship with Serina.

My ears and nose didn't disappoint as we found Elias and Lina in a steamy make-out session on the bench, hidden behind a bush.

They were locked in a kiss with his hand was under her skirt while her hand was inside his pants, rubbing him off. Elias and Lina were so into it that they didn't notice us.

'So much for Alpha senses…', Alex said mockingly. 'If we are the enemy, both of them would be dead.'

'If we came a few minutes later, they would be going at it.', I grumbled.

"Councilman Elias…", I called in an exaggerated surprise.

He jerked and threw me a glare, his hand still under Lina's skirt.

I did my best not to grin. "I thought you have a room in the castle. Maybe you should use it. Garden is open for guests and anyone could see you."

'He is pissed that we interrupted him.', Alex said in my head, and I agreed with him. This was one hundred percent successful.

I glanced at Serina. "I'm sorry you had to see this. I heard the noise and thought that someone was hurt."

Serina gave me an 'I don't believe you' look, but she didn't say anything.

I ushered Serina away. "Let's not disturb the couple. It seems they are busy. Some people are slaves to their primal urges."

"That's a councilman?", Serina asked when we put some distance between us and the couple.

Just as I suspected, her disapproval of the man was audible.

"Yes. Councilman Elias. He is the self-proclaimed king of the werewolves.", I said mockingly.

"King of the werewolves?"

"I told you that in the last decade werewolves don't have a proper leader, so the so-called Alphas are running the show. Alphas from the biggest packs organized themselves in what they call The Main Route with the purpose to come up with rules that all werewolves would follow. Elias is the head of The Main Route, and he is also a council member."

"You don't seem to like him."

I chuckled. "I don't like anyone who is trying to make me bow."

Serina's eyes flashed in surprise. "He wants you to submit to him?"

"Mhm…", I responded with a hum.

"He seems to be someone with a lot of power. Can he force you to do what he wants?"

'She is concerned about us…', Alex said, and I agreed with him.

'Serina is compassionate and caring. A true Luna…', I responded and then I shook those thoughts away. This is not a good time to space out with Alex. We both agree that Serina is amazing in every way possible.

"Werewolves follow the strong one. Elias can't beat me in a fight.", I said proudly. "His strength is in politics and connections. He wants me to be his soldier, and I'm irking him because he doesn't have any leverage against me as I don't depend on other werewolves."

Serina nodded thoughtfully. "Is that why you work with Aldus when you have rogues on your territory?"

I didn't deny it. "Working with Aldus is more of a business transaction, while Elias demands loyalty. I can't be loyal to a man who would exchange me for benefits."

Serina frowned. "He would sacrifice his own people?"

"Elias thinks only about himself.", I paused and tilted my head to the back. "The scene we saw. Do you think he would do something like that in the open when his room is two minutes away if he cares about that woman?"

Serina blushed and she never looked so adorable.

"Let's head inside…", I changed the topic. "It's dinnertime and I don't want Aldus to scold me because you are late."

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