Chapter 4: Striking back at the cheating couple

"Mercedes is Alpha Christian's mate? Holy shit!" Claire muttered as they stared at Mercedes.

Mercedes felt the heat rising in her cheeks as Christian's lips moved against hers, Her friends' shocked whispers buzzed in her ears.

He kissed her so well like her lips were part of the alcohol he was enjoying- Intoxicating.

"I don't need your penny, little miss. By the way, your friends are staring," Christian murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine.

"Please don't back out." She crossed her leg over and settled onto his lap, her body fitting against his as if it belonged there. "They have to believe you are my mate."

Christian' piercing blue eyes locked onto hers. "Do you know me?"

"Yes, Christian. I'd always see you supervising us..You even once helped in the sword training section. Guess you are my senior, but how old could the difference be?"

"40."

"I'm 27. Fuck!"

"Why? Don't you like older men?" Christian asked, a sly smile playing on his lips as he felt her press against him, his hands beginning to wander.

Mercedes' breath hitched as his fingers teased the edge of her lips. "Now. My name is Mercedes Blake. You should know, a top actress and model. I live at Redhill Estate. Alone. I love chocolate and music a lot."

"This is the least information my friends would want to hear. We first met during my trip to California before I came to this industry. Love at first sight. One-sided. But we started dating on August 19th of last year."

"Are you done?" he asked gently, his eyes searching hers.

The reality of the situation crashed down on her, and she jolted to her feet as if electrocuted. She straightened her dress, the fabric wrinkled from her impulsive move.Christian's gaze followed Mercedes as she stood, his expression unreadable. Her heart pounded in her chest.

"Mercedes," Christian said softly, standing up and closing the distance between them.

"I'm sorry" She apologized, her mind haunting her painfully. She was so selfish that she didn't stop for a second to think of the possibility that this hot man might have a mate or even married.

"Your legs are shaking. You are fucking nervous and your friends are inch away from us"

Mercedes's head snapped towards Claire, her eyes locking onto Claire's gaze. She moved quickly, sidling up beside Christian and laying her aching head on his shoulder.

". Mer, you're so selfish, not even hinting that your mate owns the industry." Claire chose her words wisely, a little envious.

Mercedes's eyes widened, darting to Christian, who raised an eyebrow. She had never imagined she was involved with someone so wealthy.

"I'm Stephanie. Nice to meet you, unofficially," Stephanie extended her hand, but it hung awkwardly in the air, unacknowledged.

"Your husband? Isn't he here already?" Christian asked, his eyes scanning behind them.

Trevor was there not believing that Mercedes was so influential to be at Alpha christians side.

"Uncle!. If I had known you'd be here, I would've brought a token of respect," Trevor greeted. At that moment, Christian's arm enveloped Mercedes' waist.

Trevor's eyes twitched at the sight. 'What the hell?'

"It's fine," Christian murmured, placing a soft kiss on Mercedes's head to soothe her.

Stephanie and Trevor exchanged confused glances, their faces painted with disappointment. Trevor, in particular, had hoped Mercedes would return to him.

"Your partner, she's gorgeous," Trevor said, jealousy hiding beneath his words.

"That's why I always keep her close. She's a blessing to the werewolf clan. Every morning,I wake up with her by my side. I thank the moon goddess for making her my mate. I can't imagine her with anyone else," Christian said, his gaze tender as he kissed Mercedes's fingers.

Trevor felt a sharp pain cursing himself for losing Mercedes. She looked radiant and content,

Stephanie's heart burned with jealousy. She despised Mercedes not only for her success but for seemingly taking everything Stephanie believed should be hers. She clenched her teeth, convinced Mercedes was lying about her relationship with Christian, but she dared not challenge the powerful Alpha.

Christian's mission tonight was clear: to secure a bride. He never failed his father and didn't intend to start now.

He clapped his hands twice, and a uniformed worker entered with a large guitar. Eyes followed curiously as Christian cleared his throat.

"This is a gift for a new beginning with my beloved mate, Mercedes." Mercedes looked bewildered, wondering what Christian's true intentions were. And what he would want in return.

He was taking this offer way too far. That's beginning to scare her.

Christian took his seat at the black, long backless bench and began to play a song that brought tears to Mercedes's eyes. If she hadn't just met Christian, she would have thought the song was dedicated to her. [I Like You So Much, You'll Know It by Ysabelle Cuevas]

Everything he planned with Mirabel was now happening with another woman.

Once he was done singing, He pulled her into a passionate kiss, then whispered in her ear, "I'd love to rent you as my Luna for a year."