Chapter 78

**Duncan's POV**

"Why did you walk out on the guest and I at the party?" I asked, stroking her hair softly.

I had wanted to ask right there at the party, but it was going to seem rather rude, so I just let it slide. And this is certainly the perfect time to ask.

She didn't respond, instead I felt her grow limp in my arms and the next thing I heard were soft snores.

I chuckled at the thought that, just moments ago, we were in a conversation, and now, she's fast asleep. 

"Sweet dreams cupcake." I murmured and pecked her neck softly, before laying her in bed properly and dragging the duvet over her.

...

The sun's rays found their way into the elegant bedroom, bright light covering my eyes, and causing me to awake from my slumber.

I stretched and got out of bed, only to find Arielle still in bed, which is rather unlike her, considering that she always gets up for her morning jogging and morning routine.

I shrugged, and deciding not to disturb her, I stripped off my night robe, tied a towel around my waist instead, headed to take a shower and prepare for work. 

I'm supposed to meet up with Mr. Adrian today.

I freshened up, got dressed and was about to head out of the room, when my eyes darted to the bed, Arielle was still fast asleep.

"Okay...this is rather strange." I mumbled. One part of me wanted to get her out of bed, but the other just wanted her to enjoy her beauty sleep.

My gaze lingered on her for a moment, before I walked out of the room.

I'll just check up on Luciana before leaving. Hopefully, she'll be fine now.

...

"Is she here?" I asked, barging into the room, without bothering to knock.

"Who?" Keira asked.

"Luciana, where..."

"Hi" she greeted, interrupting me. Her face radiated pure innocence.

"Oh...hi" I replied, wondering where the sudden awkwardness came from, as my Wolf squealed in excitement. "I was told you're here, and unwell, I just thought to…"

"Check on me?" She gasped, unable to hide her surprise, nor hide the bright shade of pink that found its way to her face.

"Ye...s I'm glad you're alright." I muttered and turned around, walking out of the room.

Why did that feel so weird?

'It didn't feel weird, weren't you excited?.' My wolf asked and I scoffed.

"It's funny how you think you can control me. I wonder what you really think you are."

'I'm the only reason why you're this powerful, and command so much authority,' replied me, in a rather cocky tone. 'Don't I deserve to be accorded some respect?'

"Just shut up." I snapped, making my way to the main entrance.

"Greetings Alpha." Lycan, my personal guard, bowed, collecting my briefcase. 

"Greetings Alpha", Damon bowed. 

Is my mind just playing dirty tricks or Damon is really avoiding my gaze?

I shook my head at the thought of the awkwardness that would accompany the day if I went around with Damon, who couldn't even look me in the face.

Lycan pushed the gigantic door open, and walked out, holding it for me to follow suit. I observed Damon following behind, and so I stopped, turning to him.

"Damon, just stay back, there's really not much to do today" I said, waving my hand, and for the first time since he joined me today, his gaze darted towards mine, and I could see something like confusion flash through.

"Are you sure you don't need my company?" He asked softly, concealing his confusion and nervousness. "Who knows, a need for my presence might just arise."

"I insist, Damon, stay back with Luciana and Keira." I said and, without waiting for his response, I turned around and walked out of the house.

As I walked to the car, which was already prepared by the driver, I couldn't help, nor suppress the feeling that today was going to be another strange day.

'Why do you think so?' My wolf asked and I shrugged. 

Replying to my wolf right here isn't the best idea, considering the fact that not every wolf has the ability to communicate with itself, so I remained mute.

'You're the rudest person I've come across' my wolf growled angrily. 'Now I'm getting ignored, huh? You'll certainly need me very soon, and I hope you do not get ignored."

Is he really threatening me? How bold.

"Boss, are we heading straight to the company, or are we getting to the site first?" The driver asked, stealing glances from the rare view mirror.

"I have a meeting to attend." I replied coldly. "Do whatever you like with that piece of information." I added, resting my head on the headrest. 

My mind drifted to Arielle, and worry found an expression on my face.

She only sleeps during conversations when she gets nervous or anxious about something she's really ashamed of.

She does that to avoid talking about whatever was bothering her.

"Whatever it is, she'll be fine eventually." I murmured.

...

"We're here sir." My driver muttered, stopping the car by the entrance.

I scoffed with an eye roll. He must really think I'm dumb. 

"I can see that," I replied and picked up my briefcase. "You can return to the mansion, and you, too, Lycan."

I noticed them giving me weird stares before leaving, but does that even matter?

I don't need any of them around me today, I just want to be alone. I'm the Supreme Alpha of the black wolves after all, strong enough to defend myself.

I walked into the company, stepping into the VIP Elevator, which rode me to the 5th floor.

I stepped out of it with my signature look; a deep frown and my eyes, void of emotions.

As I walked into my office, Sara, my assistant, greeted me, visibly trembling. I waved my hand, stopping by her desk. 

"Morning Sara, Mr. Adrian here yet?"

"Yes Alpha. He's waiting in the conference room."

"Alright then", I nodded and headed to the conference room.

My gaze drifted to my wristwatch and a satisfied sigh escaped my lips. Although I'm Alpha, there's nothing I hate more than to keep people waiting, regardless of their status.

"Mr. Adrian" I called with a smile, devoid of warmth as I walked in. He stood, mirroring my smile.

"Alpha Duncan", He smiled, stretching his hand and for a shake. "Thank you so much for seeing me."

"Of course, Mr. Adrian" I smiled, taking his hand. "So what's this about?"

"Please call me Adrian." He corrected with a chuckle as we both settled into the chairs. "I wanted to discuss something really important."

Intrigued, I gestured for him to proceed.

After moments of discussion, Adrian suggested a break. "Let's step out for a moment. I'd love a discussion at your building's rooftop view."

I shrugged and agreed, as we walked to the rooftop. 

'What does he want to talk about that must be on the rooftop?' My wolf objected, and of course I ignored it.

It certainly has a way of sticking its face in matters totally unrelated to it.

As we got to the rooftop, I felt the soft breeze hit my skin, totally calming my nerves.

Adrian pointed out landmarks with a genuine and contagious enthusiasm, but as I turned to face him, his expression shifted.

I would swear, that for an instant, I saw something darker, then his smile lingered.

"Quite a sight isn't it?" He asked and I nodded, sensing unease.

My wolf stirred, alert. But while I tried to calm it down, I felt a push.

Adrian's hands shoved me towards the edge.

I grasped his arms, my reflexes saving me from the fall.

"What the..." I growled, my eyes locking onto Adrian's, which held a bitter and vengeful look...