Chapter 17 - Sweet Traces Part 17: A Rival?

Forced to welcome Lorsey, Luciano's expression was grim, casting a shadow over the atmosphere.As he stood there with a furrowed brow, awaiting the cabin doors to open, an unusual sensation pricked at his instincts—it felt as though someone was observing him. Though he was accustomed to being the center of attention, this particular gaze was unsettling, inducing an irrational sense of unease.With a blink, Luciano slowly turned his head.A few hundred meters away, he spotted the returning members of Team Nine and the Alpha Squad. Among the returning soldiers, a girl donned in a black butterfly mask, her high ponytail swaying, was directly looking at him.Despite the distance, his werewolf vision allowed him to discern her clearly.When their gazes crossed, an inexplicable flutter surged within him, a reaction entirely driven by instinct.At that moment, Lorsey emerged from the spacecraft and, upon seeing Luciano, rushed forward intending to embrace him.Noticing the commander lost in thought, David quickly tugged at his arm.Luciano's focus snapped back to attention, and he instinctively assumed a defensive posture. The coldness in his eyes made Lorsey hesitate."Lucho, it's been a while," Lorsey greeted, clad in a flowing white dress, every detail seemingly crafted to enhance her intimacy with Luciano, from the spacecraft to her attire, all reminiscent of a couple."Good day, Miss. Welcome aboard the Zeus," Luciano replied, his face betraying little emotion. After a brief nod, he turned to walk away, having shown the Ruby family enough courtesy.Other reception staff rushed in to fill the silence left in his wake, attempting to alleviate the tension.Watching Luciano's retreating figure, Lorsey smiled outwardly, though fury bubbled beneath the surface. How dare he marry in secret! To someone of mixed blood, no less! She resolved that this time, she would not leave Zeus.She had brought along an experimental concoction developed by her company, designed to spark the mating instincts of werewolves; once they shared a bed, he would be compelled to marry her for the honor of the Ruby family.Luciano, you cannot evade this fate.Concealing her scheming thoughts behind an elegant facade, Lorsey gracefully entered the elevator leading to the upper residential quarters.Back in her quarters on level -3, Filia isolated herself as the memories of the original host reminded her of the Ruby family's reputation. They were military-industrial aristocrats, wealthy and powerful—little did she know she had such a formidable rival.Nonetheless, her husband had once declared that werewolves only had one mate in a lifetime; even if she were to perish, he would not seek another.No, she must not die; the thought of him facing a lonely existence was far too tragic.Caught in this tumult of thoughts, there was a knock at her door."What's up, big boss?"Regaining her composure, Filia opened the door to find Brook waiting."I just received orders that tomorrow evening we'll be attending the Ruby family's banquet, and I need you to accompany me," Brook said, his expression serious."Why? Aren't we soldiers? Why must we attend such a gala?" Filia questioned, perplexed."It's for your sake. They've taken notice of you—Athena, they want you to make an appearance. You're too exceptional; I'm afraid you might be whisked away," Brook remarked, gently patting Filia on the shoulder, his tone tinged with nostalgia.Upon hearing this, Filia instinctively wrapped her arms around Brook's."Big bro, I'm not leaving. I was born an Alpha, and I'll die as one. As long as I choose not to go, no one can drive me away.""Humph! You must remember you're a soldier, and soldiers follow orders. Got it? By the way, is there no better uniform for you?" Brook remarked, eyeing her soiled combat gear with disdain."There isn't. I'll wear this; if they don't allow me in, so be it.""You..."With a few playful taps on Filia, Brook sauntered off.After a bit, a new uniform was delivered to Filia: sleek and black, adorned with a prominent blue "A" insignia that represented Alpha.The following evening, as the banquet commenced, it marked Filia's first experience ascending to the top tier of the Zeus.The venue was filled with officers in uniform, but the moment Filia arrived, a palpable stir arose—her recent solo confrontation with an advanced sorcerer was well-documented.Once inside the banquet hall, Filia chose a seat toward the back while Brook mingled with old comrades who had since risen through the ranks.Surveying the array of blood plasma flavors adorning the table, Filia selected a grapefruit-flavored one and took a sip."Athena?""Hmm?"It was Cole, now dressed in a sharp dark gray uniform, looking quite dapper."What have you decided? Want to join us in Team Nine?"Cole took a seat beside Filia."I haven't decided anything; I'm not going anywhere. I won't abandon Alpha.""Without growth at Alpha, once old Brook retires, you'd only reach the rank of captain. If you joined the regular forces, possibilities would abound..."But before Cole could finish, he noticed a shift in Filia's gaze.Turning to follow her stare, he saw Lorsey seated close to Luciano, both dressed in white; they appeared strikingly harmonious."Ah, admiring the young lady? Athena, remember to steer clear of the Ruby family, as they harbor severe bloodline prejudices. Do not attract trouble; offending the young lady could jeopardize even the commander's protection.""Oh."Watching another woman nestled up to her husband left Filia feeling ill at ease; Luciano's body language screamed resistance, yet the so-called young lady clung to him.Biting her lip, Filia struggled to remain composed in the banquet hall."Cole, it feels stifling in here; I need a breath of fresh air," she announced, standing up."Do you need me to accompany you?""No, it's fine."They exchanged no further words, and Filia exited under Cole's watchful gaze.Meanwhile, Luciano remained ensnared in an unavoidable entanglement."Lucho, my father mentioned he'd sponsor a batch of new weapons for you. I've brought samples with me; I believe these new armaments will significantly impact the current battlefield," Lorsey's voice flowed smoothly.Luciano offered no reply, his left hand, adorned with a wedding ring, tapping rhythmically on the table.