Chapter 17: Vienna’s Trick
Lucian’s POV
“You are as dashing as they say,” Vienna playfully tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, her hazel eyes gleaming under the sun’s rays.
We strolled through the grand mansion, and although I attempted to smile, I couldn’t shake off the perplexity that clouded my thoughts. Was she truly my destined mate? The aroma of her presence indicated so, yet something felt amiss.
“You flatter me, my lady,” I uttered, and she giggled, her laughter betraying the shyness I had expected. She appeared fearful in the cave where we first met, but now she exuded unwavering confidence.
“Your garden is truly splendid,” I remarked, admiring the lush surroundings. Vienna’s smile widened, her eyes still sparkling with their natural hue, affirming that they were not enhanced by artificial means. Though I recalled them to be green on that fateful night, perhaps my perception had played tricks on me.
“Right there stands my grandfather,” she pointed towards the statue positioned at the heart of the water fountain.
“He led the victorious war between the west and the east fifty years ago,” She gracefully added.
I observed the statue, recognizing it as the likeness of Gregor Crescent, the esteemed patriarch Alpha of the MoonStone pack. Naturally, I was well-versed in the history of all packs across the world, including their formidable leaders.
“Lord Gregor was a man of remarkable courage.”
“As are you,” she paused and gazed intently at me.
“You possess a silver tongue, Lady Vienna.” I remarked casually.
She responded with an exaggerated laugh, playfully resting her hands on my chest.
“Do you want a sample?” she purred in a seductive manner. It wasn’t uncommon for women to behave this way in my presence. Usually, I would play along, indulging in their interests. However, at this moment, my desires ran deeper than any fleeting pleasure they could offer. All I craved was my true mate, and doubts still lingered regarding her identity.
I gently clasped her hand resting on my chest. “It appears you possess a playful nature as well,” I remarked with a smile.
“Believe me, the game has only just begun,” she chuckled mischievously.
“Shall we continue the tour?” I suggested, taking a step forward, leaving her slightly behind.
“It seems you’re not the playboy the legends make you out to be,” she playfully remarked.
“Playboy?” I questioned, raising an eyebrow.
“You know, a heartbreaker, a Casanova, a womaniser,” she elaborated.
“Ah, I see,” I laughed. “Well, that certainly stings.”
“I wouldn’t mind if you were the one to break my heart,” she teased, her words laced with flirtatious intent.
“I do not make a habit of breaking hearts, my lady,” I responded firmly.
“Really?” she snorted dismissively.
“A heart can only shatter when one holds onto hope, and I do not provide false hope. They create it for themselves,” I stated unyieldingly. Her lips curled into a smile as if my words had thrown down a challenge.
“Merciless, huh? I find that rather intriguing,” she provocatively nibbled on her lower lip.
We continued our tour of the expansive garden, her relentless attempts to seduce me becoming increasingly desperate. I despised such overt displays of desperation in women. However, my expectations of my destined mate were far different. She had been better, more captivating, on that night we first met. What in the world had changed?
I had spent a lifetime surrounded by women like her. I had never yearned for romance, but a part of me had hoped she would be different, set apart from all the others I had encountered.
“How was the tour?” inquired Lord Remus as we sat down for dinner. Vienna and I had spent the entire afternoon exploring their magnificent garden. Of course, we had only begun to explore, considering the extensive size of their estate. It would take several days to fully explore the vast hectares it encompassed.
“It was delightful, Vienna proved to be an exceptional guide,” I replied.
Lord Remus erupted into joyous laughter at my comment, and Vienna’s smile blossomed.
“I am pleased to have kept you entertained, My Lord,” she responded gracefully.
“I can see that you two are getting along well,” Lord Remus commented, observing our interaction.
“Lord Lucian and I have instantly connected, Father,” Vienna beamed at me. I took a sip of wine and forced a polite smile.
“I have already instructed the servants to prepare your room and accommodation for your butler,” Lord Remus informed me.
“Thank you for your generous hospitality, Lord Remus,” I expressed my gratitude.
“Let’s dispense with formalities, shall we? You may call me Remus,” he chuckled warmly.
“You’ll be staying with us?” Vienna’s eyes sparkled with delight.
“Yes, my dear. We have much business to discuss,” Remus stated, casting a meaningful glance in my direction as he emphasised the word “business.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“Tomorrow, we shall resume our tour then,” Vienna proposed.
“That sounds great,” I responded, keeping up appearances.
Following dinner, I was escorted to my assigned room. Despite the day’s activities, fatigue eluded me. I unbuttoned my shirt and made my way to the shower, contemplating the peculiar turn of events.
I ran my fingers through my damp hair as the cold water poured over me, leaning against the shower wall. What on earth was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I feel anything towards her despite her alluring facade?
After finishing my shower, I dressed and made my way to the balcony of my room. It boasted a breathtaking view, but my mind was too clouded with confusion to appreciate it fully. Lost in a sea of my own thoughts, I wrestled with the perplexing situation at hand.
A knock on the door disrupted my contemplation as I stood there, consumed by my internal turmoil. Opening it, I found Vienna standing before me, clad in a seductive red lingerie dress, a bottle of wine in her hand. A smile adorned her face as her eyes met mine.
“I thought you might like a taste of my special reserved wine,” she teased, waving the bottle enticingly.
“Uh, sure,” I responded, somewhat taken aback.
“Perfect,” she purred and stepped into my room. I let out a weary sigh as I closed the door behind her. She placed the bottle on the night table.
I sat down on the bed while she poured the wine, her dress revealing a hint of her exposed chest as she leaned forward.
“Here you go,” she handed me a glass.
“Cheers,” she winked playfully.
I took a sip, then finished the entire glass. “It’s good,” I commented, my response lacking genuine enthusiasm.
“Quite good, indeed,” she murmured, leaning in closer to me, her body positioned provocatively, her chest boldly exposed. She gently held my face in her hands, her touch sending waves of heat through my body.
“Do you know what else is good?” she whispered seductively into my ear. The sound of her voice seemed to hypnotise me, and I felt a surge of warmth coursing through me. My vision blurred slightly as the intensity of the moment grew.
Her lips descended from my ear to my neck, her hot breath sending shivers down my spine. I felt dizziness wash over me. She straddled me, passionately kissing my neck, stoking the rising flames of desire and a pang of insatiable hunger.
With hungry fervour, she attacked my lips, and I reciprocated with equal fervency. Our positions shifted as I pushed her gently, my head spinning and my senses overwhelmed. My kisses trailed down her jawline, tracing a path to her neck, eliciting sweet, soft whimpers that echoed in the room.
Her hands caressed my back, the desire between us escalating. Lost in the moment, my eyes closed, and my lips continued their exploration. But then, realisation struck me like a bolt of lightning. I opened my eyes abruptly. Her scent was different, completely distinct. It wasn’t the scent I had detected earlier-it was something entirely unfamiliar. I am a wolf, my senses heightened, including my sense of smell, and she was not my mate.
“Fuck,” I muttered in frustration, running my hands through my hair.
“What’s the matter?” Vienna inquired, reclining on the bed, her exposed form on full display.
I didn’t respond. I hastily grabbed my shirt and stormed out of the room. She must have followed me as I left because she kept yelling my name and urging me to slow down, but the intense heat had already rendered me deaf.
My head was spinning, my body still ablaze with heat. I wandered aimlessly, my feet guiding me until I found myself beneath the very same tree I had stumbled upon that fateful night.
My already heightened senses became even more severe, and I noticed the scent intensifying. I took a deep breath and noticed a small cabin not far from the tree. Without pausing to think, I made my way towards it.
With each step I took, the scent intensified, my sanity waning.