Xavier's POV
The car sped down the asphalt, the wind whipping through my hair. "Change the meeting schedules. I'll be taking a flight to Miami," I ordered my assistant, Julie, who noted everything down efficiently.
My name's Xavier Klutz, owner of various chains of gold industries and million-dollar companies.
"Sir, I've booked the closest hotel room to Miami. The flight is at 7:30 in the morning. Your pilot will be ready," Julie informed me.
As much as I hated the reason for going to Miami, I had no choice. I was betrothed to someone I hadn't met to strengthen the bond between our families. I glanced at the picture on my phone. Blonde hair, bright blue eyes, red lips. She was pretty, but she wasn't my mate. If I married her and found my mate later, it would be chaos.
Right now, there was an urgent auction in South Carolina. The priceless red beryl, a jewel passed down by the Lunas, was stolen and being sold. South Carolina wasn't my kind of place, but I had to be there.
"Don't fret too much, sir," Julie said, holding my gaze. "We'll get the gem back."
"We're here, sir!" my chauffeur announced.
The auction house in South Carolina stood as the epitome of luxury. Its grand facade, classic architecture, and meticulously maintained grounds were impressive. Julie gasped at the sight.
Patrick, my beta, approached with a smile. "Took you long enough, Xavier!" He patted my shoulder.
"Any information on the perpetrator?" I asked, hands in my suit pocket.
"Yes, Xavier. He's a member of the River Pack."
Anger surged through me. The Silver Pack, my pack, and the River Pack had been enemies for centuries. Stealing our heirloom and trying to sell it was a grave offense.
Inside the auction house, the interior was breathtaking. Expensive paintings and rare artifacts were meticulously arranged. I approached the registration desk and collected my number: 021. The room was filled with seasoned collectors and wealthy newcomers.
Patrick pointed discreetly. "That's him there, blonde hair, pale freckled skin."
I spotted the man, smiling sheepishly. He looked relaxed but determined. Soon enough, the auction started. The auctioneer began with the red beryl at $300,000. The numbers climbed rapidly.
"One million, one point one, one point two..."
When the bidding stalled at $1.5 million, I slammed my hand on the table and raised my number. "Three million dollars!" I declared.
A collective gasp filled the air. The auctioneer, surprised but composed, exclaimed, "Three million dollars! Going once, going twice... sold!"
The gavel came down, sealing the deal. My eyes met the backstabbing man's across the room. His smug smile vanished, replaced by shock and anger. The red beryl was mine.
Smiling, I walked to the front to sign the necessary documents. After receiving my congratulations, I headed back to the hotel. My mind wasn't ready for the marriage, but I hoped we'd get along.
I still had to meet her the instant I get to Miami.
***
She was late!
I have zero tolerance to lateness and she chose to do that.
When she finally arrived, she was all beauty goddess.
Not from my perspective though, the makeup she had on was too heavy with fixed lashes that I wondered how she carried herself.
She was all over me the moment she arrived.
After the awful evening was over, I sighed in relief as I watched her grab the gifts I sent my assistant to buy happily and waved off and left.
Now, am heading towards my grandmother's place. She really wanted to see me urgently and I'm not really sure why?
The night was already dark by the time we got to my grandmother's estate.
Before my chauffeur could come down and open the door, butlers had already emerged with their immaculate white shirts and uniform.
I came out happily. Trust my grandmother to always make something large.
"Welcome young master"
The bowed and chanted as I strode into the main mansion.
A sweeping staircase led up to the massive oak doors, each adorned with brass knockers that gleamed in the moonlight.
Ivy crept up the sides of the mansion, adding a touch of ancient mystery to the already impressive structure. Tall, arched windows framed with velvet curtains hinted at the glory within, casting warm, inviting glows into the darkness.
I sighed at the sight, I could remember nights, staying outside here taking in the rare beauty.
The grounds around the mansion were expansive and meticulously kept, with manicured gardens that seemed to stretch on endlessly under the night sky.
Trees stood tall and strong.
A grand staircase with a velvet carpet swept elegantly upwards, leading to the upper levels of the mansion.
This ancestral mansion was not just a home; it was a monument to the Silver pack.
My pack.
I'm proud to be one of the Silver pack's member and above all. To be it's next Alpha Lord.
I walked into the living room, the immaculate white sofas and warm fire place called on to me but before I could even move to sit, a maid stopped behind me and said, "Madame Miranda is waiting for you in the study room.
On getting there, the door was already opened. The sweet smell of cinnamon rolls and morning dew cafe filled the air.
"Oh my, you're finally here my little pup!" My grandmother said as she walked up to me as I bent and dropped butterfly kisses on both her cheeks.
She smelt like baby powder.
My granny.
There's nothing that'll make me to ever forget her. While grieving up, both my parents weren't always there with me to support me while growing up as they always attended to the matters of the pack.
I was always handed over to her for supervision and here I am.
A fine grown man all because of her and she still calls me her pup!
"I'm a grown man Nana!" I said as I guided her over to her rocking chair as u sat down on the smaller stool beside her and rested my head in her laps.
She was the only woman I could bend to her will.
"So nana..."
She cut me off immediate as she pulled my head up from her laps.
"You do realize I'm mad at you?"
"Whatever for nana?"
"Your marriage to the Bakers"
I knew this day would come. She's the only one that has advised me to marry for love and not businesses.
But I couldn't change what was about to happen.
"Nana, I've been betrothed to her since little"
"They'll double cross you. They have two daughters."
"What?"
Ashley didn't mention ever having a sister during our conversation. Come to think of it all she talked about was herself.
"I heard it from one of your cousins. The girl isn't recognized as an heir if the Bakers!" My grandmother's eyebrow furrowed as she told me.
"Doesn't mean she's the one I'm supposed to get married to!"
She sighed as she saw I've already made up my mind to get married to Ashley.
"I just have a bad feeling about the girl you're about to get married to"
"It's fine nana. Everything would be fine!" I assured her as I hugged her briefly.
To be honest, I don't also have a good feeling about Ashley. I only smell trouble around her. And we'll be getting married in two days time.
And to top it all. She was not my mate.