ALBERT'S POV
I was still grinning, my thoughts spinning with the thrill of collecting Evelyn's phone number. The electricity of our brief exchange lingered, but something about her expression before she left tugged at my instincts. Was she onto something? I had to ensure no loose ends.
As Evelyn walked to her car, her figure fading into the night, a familiar voice called from behind me.
"Here you are, Albert."
I stiffened, turning swiftly to see Nora standing there. The last person I wanted to deal with at that moment.
"Nora!" I exclaimed, masking my surprise and swinging her around slightly, maneuvering her so her back was to Evelyn. "What are you doing here?"
She chuckled softly, her laughter laced with that knowing edge she often had. "What do you think? I know your scent," she teased, her tone light but her gaze sharp.
We spoke in unison, her words forming just as I realized what she'd say. She laughed again, clearly enjoying my unease.
"So, why are you here, Albert?" she asked, tilting her head, her curiosity genuine yet probing. "I thought you'd be inside."
I forced a smile. "I told you this morning, remember? I had a meeting," I improvised quickly, my voice steady. "I came to represent my father. He's considering investing in Mooncrest."
Her smile faltered slightly, her brow furrowing. "I see," she said slowly, her tone shifting to a mix of skepticism and interest. "Given the tensions between the two major packs here, it's… noble of him."
"Yeah, it is," I replied, my voice steady though I felt the weight of her scrutiny. Deciding to shift the narrative, I leaned in slightly, my tone dropping conspiratorially. "Actually, Nora, there's something I need to let you in on. But you have to promise absolute secrecy."
Her eyes widened, curiosity lighting them up. "Of course, Albert. You can trust me," she said, her hand lightly brushing my chest.
I leaned closer, keeping my voice low. "The Alpha, my father, is the secret sponsor of the charity event," I said, letting the words hang meaningfully. "He didn't want anyone to know, not yet. It's delicate."
Her expression softened immediately, her suspicion melting into admiration. "I promise I won't tell anyone," she said earnestly, her voice barely a whisper. "Oh, Albert, I'm sorry for doubting you before. I should've known better."
"It's okay, Nora," I replied smoothly, my smile easy. "You just have to trust me more especially with all your nagging about me… cheating."
Her cheeks flushed, and she waved a hand dismissively. "It's nothing, really," she said quickly. "I just… I don't want to lose you."
"Lose me to what? Or to whom?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, playing the part of the amused partner.
She hesitated, then laughed nervously, brushing it off. "Don't worry about it," she said. "Anyway, I'm starving. Do you think you could take me out for lunch like we used to? We could… reconnect."
I glanced discreetly toward the parking lot. Evelyn's car was gone, and the coast was clear. I nodded, keeping my response casual. "I'd love to, Nora, but I already have a lunch date with my father to debrief him about the meeting. Why don't you join us instead?"
Her face lit up instantly, her joy practically radiating. "Really? I'd love to!"
"Great," I said with a smile, motioning for her to follow me. "Let me find Ashley so we can head out together."
As we made our way back to the hall, Nora walked beside me, her excitement palpable. She practically glowed as she whispered, "Thank you for trusting me with this secret, Albert. It means a lot."
I nodded, my smile automatic as my mind churned with calculations. Every move had to be precise now. The pieces were falling into place, but one misstep could ruin everything.
At the entrance, I paused briefly, casting a glance over my shoulder. The night air seemed heavier somehow, laden with the promise of challenges to come.
As we stepped into the hall, my eyes locked on Ashley, who stood amidst a cluster of unfamiliar faces. Her laughter floated over the hum of chatter, but there was no time for pleasantries.
"I see Ashley over there," I said to Nora, keeping my tone casual. "Wait here, I'll be back in no time."
She nodded, and I moved swiftly, weaving through the crowd toward Ashley.
"Hey, Ashley," I interrupted, stepping into the circle. "I've been looking for you."
Ashley flashed me a wry smile. "These gentlemen have been keeping me busy."
"Thank you for entertaining her," I said, directing a polite nod to the group. "But it's time for us to go."
Before we could leave, one of the men squinted at me, his curiosity piqued. "You look familiar, like Allen, the Alpha of the Nightshade Pack. You could be his reincarnation."
My stomach dropped, but I kept my face neutral. "I think you're mistaken," I said coolly. "I'm not related to anyone by that name."
Another man chimed in, his tone light but probing. "No, he's right. The resemblance is uncanny. Same sharp features, same confidence. What pack are you from?"
Ashley started to speak, but I cut her off sharply. "We're from out of town," I said briskly. "You wouldn't know it."
I grabbed Ashley's arm, steering her toward the exit, but a figure stepped in our path, blocking the way. My wolf stirred, a growl bubbling low in my chest. The tension thrummed, and I was seconds away from shifting when a familiar voice sliced through the thick atmosphere.
"Albert, darling, there you are!" Nora's voice was a lifeline, her tone bright and commanding. She stepped forward, her presence both disarming and strategic. "I was just telling that group over there about our little prank the other day."
She gestured dramatically to a distant corner, effectively redirecting attention. Then, without missing a beat, she launched into a story so animated, that the group around us leaned in, their curiosity piqued.
"You wouldn't believe it," she began, her voice laced with mock indignation. "Albert here decided to play a prank on our friend James. Classic bucket-over-the-door trick. Only Albert, in his infinite wisdom, wanted to double-check the setup."
She painted the scene vividly; me drenched from head to toe after my own trap backfired, while James strolled in unscathed. The laughter that followed was instant and contagious.
I forced a chuckle, nodding along as Nora's storytelling prowess dismantled the tension like magic.
"And James had the audacity to tell Albert, 'Looks like you needed that more than I did!'" Nora concluded with a flourish, sending the group into another fit of laughter.
The man blocking our way stepped aside, chuckling. "Good to see someone with a sense of humor. Sorry for the misunderstanding."
"Not a problem," I said smoothly, masking my relief as I led Ashley and Nora toward the exit.
Once outside, Nora turned to me, her expression sly and victorious. "You owe me big time, Albert."
I nodded, the adrenaline still pumping. "You're right. Thanks for that."
Nora's smirk softened into a smile, her presence both a comfort and a complication. As much as I appreciated her quick thinking, I couldn't shake the feeling that the stakes had just been raised.
The game I was playing wasn't just beginning, it was already in full swing.
And I intended to win on all fronts.