51. Chapter Fifty-One
Chapter Fifty-One
Dacre
The Central Lawn of Doxlothia is ablaze with lights, and the main road that leads into the grounds is lined with parked sports cars and limousines.
Doxlothia is big enough that it tends to be the preferred venue for high-end private events.
There are multiple people on the board of directors who, like my grandfather, have connections to the Donor Program, and Dean Abrams loves to suck up to them.
She was probably ecstatic when this was brought up in some meeting months ago.
Every gala has a theme, and this year, I think I may have finally hit a rare stroke of luck because it’s a masquerade ball.
It is invitation only, and I recognize a lot of the men and women attending. Legacy families, some new money, some old.
The black tie dress code is certainly not optional, but the masks are. Most appear to be wearing them, though. An exuberant display of wealth, where precious jewels are wasted on a mask that will be worn for one night. They love them for pictures.
I straighten, checking my hair in the car’s visor mirror.
“Just tell me who to fight,” Parker says, watching me from the passenger seat.
It’s been a long trip in the car with Parker’s pack members, plus the addition of Olivia and the other sister, Evangeline, whom I hadn’t really met until now.
“That’s the worst thing you can do here. You need to stay calm. Absolutely no shifting.”
“I’m not letting some stranger buy her and lock her away.”
“I think you should be more worried about how stubborn she is. If she thinks she’s doing the right thing, she won’t go,” Olivia says.
“I’m okay with being the bad guy here.”
“Do you know anything about being subtle? You can’t kidnap her from the gala. There’s security, not to mention the wealthiest families in Vviveren and the press.” I turn toward Olivia, who is adjusting the hem of her black dress. “You want to help me here?”
“No. He’s right. We have to think of every option.”
“You do realize attacking anyone at the gala is a one-way ticket to jail time, right? I’m not sure what kind of accommodations they make for linked mate criminals.”
She crosses her arms. “It wouldn’t matter, because I’d be in jail too, and I’d have my sister back.”
Okay, never mind. They’re both equally unhinged, on a soul level. No wonder they’re linked mates.
“You’re sure they’re going to let us in without an invite?” Parker asks.
His pack mates won’t be let inside without an invitation. But he and Olivia . . .
“Ha. Yeah, I think they’ll be begging you to walk through the door.”
I forgot he’s not used to this. Parker has a well-off family, but these days, he’s stepped up into a completely different caliber. He’s got more power than he realizes, and that’s exactly what I’m going to use to get us all inside.
The four of us head toward the lanterns and the light of the event’s white tents.
The largest one stretches half the length of the castle.
Evangeline and I have masks on. If we enter together, they shouldn’t give us issues.
It was short notice for the gowns and such, and unfortunately, the only available supplier of such things was Darien.
If that asshole thinks I’m going to be in his debt now, he’s got another thing coming.
I smell for any trace of Emma. She’s not outside, that’s for sure, but as we get closer to the entrance, her sweetness greets me. It’s so faint, but it’s like melting sugar on my tongue or warm cookies right out of the oven. I want to run to it.
I’m still not sure what I’m going to say to her to make her believe me. “I love you, and I’m sorry” is the only sentence that seems worthy.
I haven’t caught sight of my grandfather yet.
He’s likely inside already, along with Liam.
The first thing I did upon getting in the car was contact my brother to make sure Florence was okay.
He took her out of school for a long weekend at his private coastal house.
I even got to talk to her on the phone, and she gave me an earful for scaring her and dumping her with Daniel.
I’ll need to make it up to her. She’s been dying to go to the city. Maybe I’ll take her.
There’s a surge of commotion as Parker leads Olivia onto the violet velvet carpet.
“Ms. Osborne, it’s nice to see you here at the gala.”
The light from the flashing cameras is blinding.
“Please let me help you find a seat,” one of the event organizers says.
Parker is a step behind her, and at the advance of the reporters, he wraps an arm around her waist, dipping his lips to the top of her head.
“Mr. Owens. We’re honored to have you and Ms. Osborne at the gala.”
“We’re happy to attend and donate on behalf of the Owens family.”
Parker motions for me to follow. Olivia walks arm in arm with her sister, who blends right in, despite being dressed entirely in pink.
We don’t get asked for any identification at the door.
Just as I thought, they’re the perfect distraction for me to disappear into the crowd they’re garnering.
Normally, they’re hidden behind the gates of Doxlothia, so, for many of them, this is their first opportunity to see the linked mate couple in person and maybe their only one.
An honor for many, and also a perfect time to kiss ass to the happy couple.
I can’t be seen with any of them tonight. I order a glass of whiskey at the bar and stand in the corner. I have a good view of the auction items in the opposite corner, which consist of famous paintings, jewels, and more.
My grandfather is sitting with his friends.
I keep a good distance between us. Liam is here, too, but standing in the back, scanning.
He won’t notice my scent, because I disguised it with an enchantment, and he can’t see my face.
It doesn’t soothe my hammering heart, and neither does the alcohol.
It’s okay. Everything is still going according to plan; I just need to make sure I don’t get caught.
Olivia’s family is being given a tour of the entire gala, and I can barely see them due to the number of people following them. The auctions have already started, as indicated by the growing roar of the crowd and the screech of the microphone.
“Ah, did you finally get invited to a party?”
I straighten. Behind me, Luther is propped up against the bar.
Fuck.
“How’d you know?”
“I’d know you anywhere, boss.” He chuckles as he gathers ice into his mouth, and it crunches between his molars. “Mostly it’s that rigid stick-up-your-ass look that’s a true tell.”
“I heard you started working with my grandfather. He isn’t loyal to anyone who isn’t family, just to let you know.”
“Even then, I’ve heard it’s shaky.” His eyes darken as he leans in. “Couldn’t help but notice you were gone for quite some time. Let’s just say, I’ve covered my bases.”
I’m not surprised. Luther may be one of the most annoying assholes alive, but he knows how this world works. He knows the kind of man my grandfather is. It’s possible he saw the writing on the wall before I did.
“Are you going to turn me in for being a party crasher?” I ask.
“And ruin what might be your plan to dismantle the Everhart empire? No, I think I’ll sit this one out. I know you’re here for Emma.”
Of course he does.
“My father will be pleased to see the prized jewel of the Everhart offering be taken off the table. But if you were to pluck her from her dressing room right now, you know it wouldn’t make a difference. You know how demanding contracts can be.”
Next to the bar, we look like a couple of friends, despite my hatred of the guy. I feel like he understands me. We had similar upbringings, after all. He knows the weight of my choice.
“Man to man, are you sure you can’t let this one go?” he asks.
“I can’t.”
He nods and waves the bartender over for another drink.
“Your father was always trouble.” Those words repeat in my head again. Trouble enough to die over? There are two people I’d die for, and she’s one of them.
He hands me another drink. “Fine, but between you and me, she owes me for throwing me to the wolves. I’ve spent the last few days being interviewed by the dean.”
I laugh but take the drink. “I’m sure you deserved it.”