Glistening chandeliers threw golden light onto the polished marble floors of the Starlight Manor's great ballroom, which was a masterwork of elegance. The soothing tones of a live orchestra blended with the murmur of affluent patrons sharing pleasantries and laughing. With a big bouquet of hydrangeas and white lilies in her arms, Tessa stood close to the entrance. It was her responsibility to furnish the room, making sure that each table and nook radiated subtle elegance.
She felt uncomfortable in her plain black dress, which was more functional than fashionable, but she chose to ignore the well-dressed guests' sporadic sidelong glances. She didn't think she belonged here, and this wasn't her world. Her attention was drawn to the flowers—their symmetry, their beauty, and their capacity to make a chilly space feel cozy and welcoming.
A recognizable voice interrupted her thoughts, asking, "Tessa?"
He was there as her head snapped up. Standing a few steps away, Lucas Greystone's tall form was immaculately clothed in a black suit that seemed to accentuate his broad shoulders and authoritative presence. A moment of astonishment gave way to something softer and warmer when his golden eyes met hers.
Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper when she whispered, "Lucas." The recollection of their last meeting came flooding back to her, causing her heart to pound in her chest. She hadn't anticipated seeing him again, much less in this location.
With his eyes darting to the roses in her arms, he questioned, "What are you doing here?"
With a faint smile on her lips, she raised the arrangement a bit. "At work. Not everyone has the opportunity to go to these activities for enjoyment.
A smile twitched his lips. "I wouldn't exactly describe it as fun."
A harsh, honeyed voice shouted out before she could reply. "Lucas, my love, you are there."
Gabrielle Richards appeared, her red dress fitting her slender body like a second skin. Her ruby lips curled into a smile that stopped short of her eyes, and her dark hair was swept up in an intricate style. Her eyes flitted to Tessa and back to Lucas as she placed a neatly manicured palm on his arm.
"Gabrielle," Lucas remarked with ease, but Tessa couldn't help but notice the tightness in his voice.
Gabrielle remarked, "I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me," in a light voice that had a harsh edge. Her gaze flicked back to Tessa and lingered. "And who is this?"
Lucas said, "Tessa Moonridge," in a steady voice. "She is the event's florist tonight."
Gabrielle's smile grew wider, but it felt more like her teeth were showing. "How beautiful. Don't you think flowers are such a wonderful touch?
Tessa tightened her hold on the vase and attempted a courteous grin. She stepped aside before the discussion could proceed, saying, "Pardon me." She could sense Gabrielle's animosity radiating like a heat wave without having to stay.
As silent as a shadow, Gabrielle materialized next to Tessa as she was setting up the last centerpiece. Tessa nearly dropped a rose as she jumped at the unexpected presence.
Gabrielle responded in a very kind tone, "You have quite the talent." "These arrangements are really beautiful."
With caution, Tessa replied, "Thank you," as her fingers went back to work. "This is something I've been doing for a while."
Gabrielle hummed when she looked at Tessa after lingering on the flowers. Seeing someone so devoted to their craft is uncommon. You have to be really proud of it.
Uncertain about the direction of this, Tessa nodded. "Yes, I do."
Gabrielle's eyes hardened, but her grin remained constant. "Devotion is commendable. However, commitment can occasionally result in misguided ambition. It's critical to understand one's position.
Tessa's pulse accelerated as she straightened. "What you mean is unclear to me."
Despite being gentle and sweet, Gabrielle's chuckle lacked warmth. Yes, I believe you do. Lucas has always managed to draw attention to himself. However, not everyone is able to cope with the fallout from being close to him. Miss Moonridge, the world is perilous. Things can go out of control with only one mistake.
Tessa's stomach twisted as her hands froze. She said, maintaining her composure in spite of the uneasiness that was beginning to seep into her, "I'm just here to do my job."
Gabrielle's face was almost pity as she cocked her head. You are, of course. However, I would advise you not to become overly comfortable. There are some things that are better left unaltered.
Gabrielle turned and left before Tessa could reply, her robe leaving a bloody path in her wake. With a tight chest from a mix of fear and rage, Tessa watched her leave. She had been shocked by the plain warning.
From the other side of the room, Lucas's amber eyes narrowed as he observed Gabrielle corner Tessa close to the bouquets. He didn't need to, but the commotion of the crowd drowned out their conversation. He could tell everything he needed to know from Gabrielle's body language.
A deep growl rumbled in his chest as his wolf stirred. He clinched his fists, resisting the impulse to charge Gabrielle across the room right then. She was trying his patience and pushing limits. Worse, she was going after Tessa.
Lucas took the initiative when Gabrielle eventually turned to go. The visitors around him glanced at him as he walked across the room in great steps. As he came closer, Tessa looked up, her face displaying a mixture of relief and lingering discomfort.
His voice was low enough for only she to hear him inquire, "Are you okay?"
She nodded, but there was doubt in her eyes. "I'm all right. Gabrielle just gave me some advice.
Lucas's mouth clenched. "What was it she said?"
Tessa paused and looked around the room. Nothing significant. Just a friendly reminder to know my position.
Lucas stifled the groan that threatened to come out again. He glanced over at Gabrielle, who was now laughing with a group of customers, her expression as composed as ever. His tone was stern as he said, "Ignore her." "She doesn't have any power over you, but she thrives on intimidation."
Tessa smiled at him a little, appreciatively. "Thank you. However, I am capable of managing myself.
A slight smile flickered across Lucas's lips, but his physical stiffness persisted. "I'm sure you can. However, that doesn't mean I won't intervene if necessary.
With the occasional clink of champagne glasses interspersed with the gentle hum of conversation, the large ballroom exuded an electrifying mood. Still reeling from Gabrielle's previous warning, Tessa hovered around one of the flower arrangements, arranging petals that didn't need to be arranged. Despite the discomfort pressing against her chest, she made herself concentrate on her work.
With his golden eyes fixed on her, Lucas stood on the other side of the room. Despite his composed manner, his wolf instincts were constantly vigilant. There was a slight odor of danger in the air, strong enough to make his muscles tense, and the gathering had gotten denser. His senses heightening, he looked around the room once more before focusing on a man by the back wall. The way he hovered in the shadows, his posture too stiff, his gaze flitting repeatedly toward Tessa, something about him seemed strange.
The crystal in Lucas's glass creaked as his hand became tighter around it. His attention narrowed as he carefully put it down. With a shift, the man reached into his jacket. Lucas didn't hesitate to move, navigating the crowd with ease and accuracy.
At first, Tessa was too preoccupied with her thoughts to notice the man. But as she raised her head, their gazes locked, and a chill of fear scuttled through her. His eyes had a predatory quality, a sinister intent that made her stomach turn. Her heart thumping, she stepped back.
Lucas's quiet but forceful voice broke through the commotion, "Tessa." In a moment, he was beside her, putting himself between her and the stranger. "Remain behind me."
The man acted without hesitation. With a blade gleaming in the dim light, he attacked. The guests in the vicinity gasped as Lucas grabbed the man's wrist in the middle of his swing and twisted it so violently that the blade clattered to the ground. Lucas was quicker than the hunter, who hissed and struck out with his free hand. His movements were a whirl of controlled power as he easily blocked the blow.
The struggle started, and Tessa staggered back, gasping for air. Lucas's strength and speed overpowered the hunter, and he moved with an almost unnatural precision. In a matter of seconds, Lucas's knee was jammed into the man's back, pinning him to the ground.
"Who sent you?" Lucas sent out a low, menacing growl.
Unwilling to respond, the hunter spat a curse. Lucas's hold tightened, but he hesitated when he heard footsteps coming. Security personnel were running in their direction, their faces displaying a mixture of bewilderment and fear. With a deliberate flip of his wrist, Lucas straightened up and let go of the hunter.
Lucas pointed to Tessa and said calmly, "He attacked her." "I stopped him."
After exchanging doubtful looks, the guards pulled the man to his feet. Lucas's eyes softened as he turned to face Tessa as they pulled him away. "Are you alright?"
Even though her hands were still shaking, she nodded. She muttered, "Who was he?"
The truth lingered on the tip of Lucas's tongue as he paused. At last, he said, "Someone who shouldn't have been here." He won't disturb you again, though.
The air between them was thick with unsaid words, and the ride home was silent. While she gazed out the window, Tessa's mind was racing with thoughts of bewilderment, anxiety, and something more she couldn't quite put her finger on. Her thoughts repeatedly replayed the image of Lucas's power and his fluid movements.
Lucas broke the silence by saying, "You're quiet."
Her forehead furrowed as she looked at him. She remarked, "You... you didn't even hesitate." "You did it as if you had done it before, knowing exactly what to do."
Lucas gripped the steering wheel a little tighter, but he kept his eyes on the road. He said cautiously, "I've dealt with dangerous people before." "I've had to defend someone before," the speaker said.
Tessa squinted her eyes. "That dude... He was more than simply a threat. Was he not pursuing me?
Lucas hesitated, and she realized she was correct at that precise moment. At last, he stated, "It's complicated." But Tessa, I need your trust. I'm working to protect you.
"What is safe from?" She pushed. "Lucas, you're withholding something from me. I take it that you're more than simply a businessman?
His quiet was a powerful statement. Tessa's chest constricted as she turned away. A part of her was scared of what she could discover, but she needed to demand answers. She couldn't help but be drawn to him in spite of her anxiety and bewilderment, the way his presence simultaneously made her feel secure and shaky.
Lucas parked when they arrived at her house, but he left the engine running. His golden eyes searched hers as he gazed at her. "Tessa, I swear to you... I will explain everything. Not tonight, though. You've experienced enough.
The weariness in his voice prevented her from arguing or demanding the truth. Reluctantly, she nodded and opened the door. "Good night, Lucas," she murmured.
He said, "Goodnight, Tessa," as he watched her vanish inside the house. He drove away after lingering for a while, his wolf instincts still tense.
With the guests long gone and the workers occupied with cleanup, the charity location was now quiet. The sound of Tessa's shoes reverberated in the deserted hallway as she went back to fetch a forgotten tool bag. She noticed something as she walked past the large mural that covered one of the walls.
The mural showed individuals covered in light and shadow in a celestial environment, a sky full with stars and moons. A crescent moon shone in the center, its edges dotted with elaborate designs that appeared to throb subtly in the gloom. Her heart skipped a beat as Tessa froze.
She raised her hand, the pattern precisely matched by the subtle illumination of the symbol on her palm. Fragments of memories came flooding back to her, including voices calling her name, bursts of fire, and an unfathomable sense of power and purpose.
Her voice was shaking as she said, "This can't be real." However, the symbol and the indisputable bond she had with the painting told her otherwise.
As she moved closer, her fingers grazing the cool wall, her heart pounded. She touched the mural, and it hummed as if it knew who she was. A feeling of fate descended upon her, exciting and terrible.
She had a gut feeling that this was just the beginning.