You stole from me, bitch; I mean Alpha.

Luciano couldn't take it - the Alpha had no idea where Seth was and if she was alright.

She had purposely hidden away from him, ignoring the texts and messages. He knew that going on the same note wouldn't lead him anywhere, especially if he tried to win her heart.

He wanted to be persistent, yet Seth might view his attempt as obsessive, which made everything worse. Luciano wanted Seth by his side, he was sure that nothing would stop him, but he forgot that there was one person capable of doing so.

If Seth rejected him, the Alpha would have to stay away, but the woman didn't. That was the biggest issue - she didn't reject him, nor accept.

The competition would last for a little longer than a week, at this point - he was on top of everyone, just a few Alphas were trying to keep up with his results.

Two of the finalists had refused to continue their participation in the competition, and even though their decision seemed highly suspicious, the Council decided to let them go.

Luciano didn't bother to question who any of those men were - they did what they wanted to, it was none of his business to involve himself in such unimportant issues.

However, the Alpha did spend a lot of time, surrounded by the last competition of the games.

Getting to know the ones you're about to fight is the best thing one could do - knowing their moves before they manage to do anything. As it seemed, Luciano could worry about two men, one of them was way lower by numbers, but he was capable of climbing those within a matter of two days.

The men were to gather in the main building's library today, discuss territorial questions, and have a couple of drinks.

As much as Luciano dreaded the thought of spending more time with them - he had to go.

The Alpha hurried to his car, dressed in a nicely tailored suit, and drove to the Council's main building, hoping that none of those men would piss him off.

As soon as the Alpha pulled into the parking lot, one of the male servants offered to walk him to the library. It wasn't that Luciano didn't know where he was supposed to go - during such evenings, the Council ordered all servants to escort men.

Luciano nodded his head and handed the servant a bill, his way of showing appreciation for the male's work. Unlike other workers around the Council territory, many servants didn't earn much, so receiving a tip from an Alpha was both honorable and useful for those who had less.

Luciano stepped into the library, and the joyful chatter died down. All eyes focused on the visibly larger man, looking as grumpy as usual.

“Alpha Vincent, it's an honor you decided to join us,” one of the Council members spoke up, visibly intoxicated enough to mock Luciano.

A corner of Luciano's lip lifted in amusement before he took a seat on the lounge chair near the fireplace. “Augustino, let me give you a piece of advice,” Luciano stated, his eyes focusing on the fire.

“In life, you don't play with three things. Fate - you don't challenge the gods and don't try to change whatever was given to your sorry ass. Then, you don't play with fire, because obviously, it burns. Last but not least - you don't run your mouth in front of me. You'd probably like to know why right? Well, every other friend you have here could be easily bought, and I have enough money to shut their mouths about the accident that happened here? What might be the accident, you'd ask? As far as I can remember, everyone left the library in a joyful mood, highly intoxicated. The councilman Augustino was responsible for paperwork, and when the man didn't leave the library for too long - a friend went to check on him. This friend found the councilman stuck in the fireplace; his face burned to ashes. So, why don't you do me a favor and repeat how big of an honor it is for you to greet me here? Was I not supposed to come? Anything to say? Matter of fact - does anyone have anything to say?” Luciano smiled and averted his gaze from the fire, taking in the shocked expressions and paled faces.

Not a single soul dared to talk back, especially when Alpha Vincent acted so calmly. The man that had the most explosive nature of them all would bring only chaos and destruction whenever he seemed so collected.

“Why don't we raise a glass for the success of the games? Gentlemen, feel free to announce the drink of choice, and the servers will bring those right where you're seated. After that, we could discuss some serious matters. Alpha Vincent, please don't leave early; most of the topics could be about your territories; thus far, you own more than many Alphas put together,” another Council member spoke up, his voice a little shaky.

The older men knew that Luciano had the biggest chance of winning the competition, and getting on his bad side was the worst idea now. Worst idea ever.

If the Alpha became the King - he would have all rights to kill the Council and look for a new one whenever he pleases. The King had little to no rules to live by, while others had to go by the law, even the highest Royalties.

For some, the system seemed unfair, but most had gotten used to the way things worked around the Kingdom. After all, the King would lead a monarchy; his word was the law.

“I rather pass on the drinks since I'm driving. Could we discuss the problems you're having so I can leave? Unlike most men here, I have a business to lead while I'm here, and there's enough work for me to do now; later on, there will be more.” Luciano tried to be as respectful as he could, ignoring that he had little to no respect for the men he faced.

Every other Council member was a two-faced, rotten maggot, doing everything for their benefit only.

The rest of the Alphas were there for their own good, attempting to become closer with ones who are supposedly more powerful than they are. It was a game of power and mind-games, nothing more or less.

“As you wish, Alpha Vincent. We have received some reports about borders with your territories. For example, Alpha Levius here had complained about the high fences that separate his territory from yours. The young man said something about electricity. Is that correct?” The councilman questioned him, unaware of the mistake he was making.

With the murderous look in Luciano's eyes, one should know that challenging him was a pretty awful idea, especially if the Alpha was immensely angered.

“Well, Alpha Levius should stop trying to force his dick where a dog wouldn't even try to; let's start with that. Of course, I will build a damn electric fence around my territory if this fuckhead doesn't understand that stealing is a damn crime. He should be happy that I didn't pass his behavior and doings to authorities. I'm still waiting for the twenty grand you stole from me bitch; I mean Alpha Levius. I'm more than happy to deal with this issue on the spot - don't shy away.” Luciano's eyes met the frightened Alpha.

The whole room filled with gasps of shock, the attention turned towards the Alpha that dared to challenge the beast.

“I- I didn't know that it was his money. In my defense, it lay on the floor, and nobody knew whose it was. I took it and left a note where the owner could get what he lost. The intentions behind my doings were purely out of good heart,” Levius lied, his eyes darting to everyone in the library, seeking even the smallest support from fellow Alpha's and councilmen.

“So, you're telling me that you snuck into my office while I was away, well aware that the guards were unconscious since certain someone shot them with wolfsbane darts? So you casually walked around my house, entering every other room to look for women servants, cursing out loud when you couldn't find some fun? Then, you went to my office, trashed it, found the spare safe key, and took my money out of it to help me out, yeah?” Luciano's voice grew louder.

If he wasn't pissed off enough before, now the conversation nearly sent him flying over the edge. He wanted nothing else but to smash the male's head against the wall until he would leave a hole in it.

“Y- you have no proof! Listen to me; he's lying. He set this up to make me lose my face in front of you! I haven't done such things and I would never!” The male couldn't hide his emotions even when he tried - his voice shook the same as hands; Levius couldn't face Luciano, fearing to challenge him even more.

He cursed himself mentally, thinking about why he had to be stupid enough to bring up the topic. If only he kept his mouth closed, perhaps then nothing would go wrong.

But the fence kept him away from the beautiful women who worked for Luciano, and at this point, that was the only reason he complained.

“So the security footage in my house, outside of it and on certain spots of territory, is fabricated? Interesting, I had no idea you could do such things. Now, either I get back my money, and you stand in front of the guards, begging to spare your life, or I will demonstrate what happens to a man when his dick gets stuck in that electric fence,” Luciano brought his hand to his chin, scratching it as if he thought of something.

“Why would I apologize to some guards? Are you insane? I am an Alpha!” The tables turned on an instant, Levius felt offended by the demand his fellow Alpha voiced.

How could someone so high get as low to apologize to some nobodies? He didn't care about people that lived in his territory, let alone some who worked for his distant neighbor.

“An Alpha who almost killed my men. You obviously don't know what that dose could do to the men you targeted!” Luciano jumped on his feet; his breathing became ragged, eyes switching colors.

If the surrounding men wanted to see an Alpha during half-shift, they'd be lucky because he was seconds away. Luciano wouldn't bother to calm down or fight Demon; the wolf had ideas of his own.

Demon thought as far as having Seth in their bedroom while they would have to leave for a couple of hours, and this freak invited himself in. The money didn't anger Luciano as much as the thoughts his wolf had did.

Only now, they both understood the real danger their loved one would have to face if he didn't take her everywhere with him.

“Alpha Levius, keep in mind that we shall request the proof Alpha Vincent just mentioned. If we find you guilty - you shall comply with his demands and face the court as everyone else does. Carrying a title won't release you from taking responsibility for your doings. We know that you are a wise man; please follow the guards to the cells, don't make them force you.” The Council member shook his head in disappointment.

Before Luciano arrived, everyone listened to Levius's words, unable to grasp the thought of another Alpha having the audacity to separate the poor man from the nearest territory.

Judging by Levius's comments, the territories had relatively successful trading roads, and Luciano had cut those off without a warning or explanation. Now, everyone knew why Alpha Vincent did - he was protecting his people and assets.

Luciano watched how the guards took the Alpha away and tried to keep his wolf down.

Demon shouldn't show up now, especially when his human side had decided to leave the meeting. If the older men had anything to say - they could send him an email as everyone else did.

He didn't excuse himself, nor did anyone try to stop him. The Alpha headed back to his car and unlocked the door when a faint scent hit his nostrils.

At first, he thought that it was his wolf, playing tricks on him, but he soon understood that it wasn't the case. Even Demon seemed confused about the source of the godly scent.

Luciano stepped away from the car and searched his surroundings, his eyes landing on a figure standing near the house. It seemed to be a man, holding a cigarette and looking up at the stars.

“Hey, mind if I join you?” Luciano approached the stranger, unable to tell who he was. The man moved a little as if shielding himself from others.

However, he still had this nagging feeling that this wasn’t the first time they had met.

“Be my guest; just keep quiet. I don't want anyone to know that I'm a smoker. Can't deal with the lectures and stupid whining surrounding me.” When Luciano got close enough, he could finally see whom he approached.

One of his fellow Alphas - Vlad. The man didn't show up unless it was his turn to join the competition. If there were any kind of meetings, the man preferably kept his distance.

“Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. Luciano,” he offered Vlad his hand for a handshake, grinning like a maniac.

The scent he caught was Seth's, and the man smelt as if he nearly swam in it.

“Thanks, I appreciate that. Vlad.” The men shook their hands, soon after, both leaned against the wall, for a while watching the stars.

While Vlad had no idea why Luciano approached him, the Alpha thought of the best way to bring up the topic. He couldn't start the conversation with instant accusations of this man being aware of where she was.

Then again, they might be close friends; Seth met many Alpha's while working there. The Council avoided any topic of cat shifters, even her.

She didn't pick up the phone and didn't answer the texts. No matter what he did - Luciano felt like he failed over and over again.

And then, there was this man, carrying her scent without attempting to hide it even a bit.

Then again, Luciano wouldn't bother to hide it as well. Besides, the Alpha thought that he already had a claim on her, and after he would explain the reason behind his doings, she would understand.

Luciano cleared his throat to gain Vlad's attention and spoke up without thinking: “So, you're sleeping with my kitten?”