Chapter 74 The Red Carpet

*Diana*

I looked at my reflection in the mirror and couldn't believe it was me. The woman staring back at me had beautiful thick blonde hair that was placed in a neat bun on the top of her head, with curled tendrils at the base of her neck. On the top of her head was a beautiful emerald and diamond tiara the sparkled as it hit the light. Her lips were red, her eyes veiled by her thick lashes, while her cheeks were a rosy red like she was constantly blushing.

I sighed. I have changed so much. My skin glistened and glowed under the moonlight. My once short straight hair was now long, thick and wavy and my utterly straight body now had curves that weren't there before.

The red gown Dolores had picked for me showed ample cleavage, back and shoulders while its long bouffant styled skirt spread out around me, keeping me almost at arm's length from everyone. My skin contrasted with the gown which made me appear to glow even without the moonlight. Aunt Athena and Didi looked on approvingly. They said I was beautiful. Aunt Athena finally looked happy. After I told her her kids were at Lockwood Towers, she had called her assistant and asked how her children were. He'd assistant said her children were fine despite being under lock and key. We had already made plans to pick them up as soon as possible.

Well, Aunt Athena was happy her children were fine. Alpha Connor was happy his pack members were safe. But my dad was not too happy about my cleavage showing. He kept insisting I wear a scarf.

"Dad, I'm supposed to attract attention. Isn't that the point?" I argued. Then I looked at him from head to toe. He looked good cleaned up. "Well, come to think of it, I won't attract that much attention because every wolf will be shocked you are alive. And handsome, if I so say myself." I reached up and fixed his bow tie. "All of you look so handsome." I pointed at Alpha Connor and Matt who emerged from one of the rooms of the suite, all clean and spiffy. They walked towards us and turned around to model for me.

"I'm nervous. I haven't attended a Christmas Ball since I had you. I was young then and cocky and I had Michael right beside me," my dad said. "It's weird without him."

"Dad, stop being overdramatic. Uncle Mike is downstairs as a server. He'll still be there, but not in a tuxedo. Besides, Ethan and Alpha Connor will be with you." Alpha Connor looked at my dad. He was clearly nervous.

"Hey, this will be my first time. If you think you're nervous, think again," he said matter-of-factly. "Where the hell is Ethan? He's taking the longest to get ready."

"I'm here, Alpha Connor!" Ethan walked out of our room and let out a low whistle. "Wow, you guys look twenty years younger with product in your hair," Ethan said, grinning at Alpha Connor and Matt. Ethan looked like he just came out of the pages of GQ. He looked every bit the rich Alpha he was. I wrapped my arm around his and looked at him lovingly.

"Now here's a wolf who isn't nervous. Ethan's used to high society. I saw a couple of pictures of you at the Johnson soirees," Alpha Connor said.

"Yeah, I did attend some of their parties. It wasn't because I wanted to. It was because I had to. My family has many business transactions with the Johnson's. Then, of course, there was, uhm, the arrangement," Ethan replied.

We saw Otis come out of the room where Second was chained up in. His nose was scrunched up in disgust and he had a trash bin in his hand.

"How is he?" Alpha Connor asked.

"Sick, I'm afraid. It appears he can't stand Diana's scent," Otis answered.

"If he starts feeling better, bring in Diana's towels from her room, maybe some of her used clothing. That will keep him sick until we return," my dad said.

"If he's sick, he can't run. Better he stays sick until we get back," Alpha Connor said. Otis nodded his head and left the suite to empty the bin.

"So is everyone ready? Aunt Athena, Didi?" They nodded their heads. "Colt, you good with keeping an eye on Harley and Second?" I asked him.

"Yes Luna. I'd rather be here watching cartoons," he said with a smile. "Me and the boys will be fine."

"Remember, Colt, listen to the whisper. Onyx and I, we will be keeping a watchful eye," I told him. He nodded his head at me.

We suddenly heard a knock on the door. Matt opened it and bowed. The High Lord Wolf walked inside the room in his ceremonial robes.

"Everyone is already at the ballroom. Diana, it's time for you to grace the red carpet."

"Good," Onyx growled. "It is time these wolves bow to me."

__________________

*Lucas Lockwood *

I was really nervous. I glanced at Alpha Connor and noticed he was just as nervous. It has been eighteen years since the last time I mingled with wolf high society. For Connor, this will be his first rodeo.

Diana checked all the Wolf Troops who were with us. After confirming they could be trusted, they were flown to Four Seasons to secure the hotel. Unbeknownst to all the wolves in the hotel, Diana has been listening intently to all their conversations.

Originally, all of us were supposed to attend, however Michael and Connor's men had taken the place of the rogues and are now disguised as servers while Ethan's men are on guard duty back at the suite.

The seven of us followed the High Lord Wolf into the elevator to go down to the ballroom and followed him out. Wolf troops who were loitering near the elevator, instantly stood at attention when the High Lord Wolf appeared from the elevator. They walked behind us all the way to the ballroom.

The ballroom doors were open as we approached it and the chattering noise of wolves and music could be heard from the inside. We paused near the doors and aligned ourselves. I had Athena by my side, Alpha Connor and Matt flanked Didi while Diana and Ethan were with the High Lord Wolf. Everyone inside grew quiet as the host of ceremonies announced his arrival.

"Ladies and gentlemen, His Excellency, High Lord Wolf, Charles Vanderbilt."

I took a deep breath. Finally, I was going to face my father and brother and make them pay for what they had done. Diana turned to look at me, sensing my nervousness and self-doubt. She smiled then winked at me. I felt myself relax from the tension.

I gazed at Diana. My daughter looked like she was having fun. The last time I saw Diana in a gown was when she was eight years old and played a princess in her school play. That was ten years ago. How time flies. Now she was of age, mated and in a daring red gown. It was hard to admit, but she looked stunning. Ethan and her made a handsome couple.

I glanced at Athena who was by my side. I saw her anxiousness in her eyes. I took her hand and placed it around my arm.

"You look lovely, Athena," I said. "Don't worry, baby sister. Look at Diana. She seems to be having fun.

"I'm not worried about us, Lucas. I'm worried about my children."

"Father won't do anything to your kids, Athena. Diana said he's very fond of them. He may use them as a way to get to you, but he won't hurt them. Plus, Diana said Onyx is keeping an eye on them. The black wolf has a way with wolves. I can assure you, your mate will hand us your children when we go to pick them up tomorrow without any obstacles. Have faith."

"I do have faith, Lucas. Diana and Onyx has done everything on their own without much help from us. I just needed reassurance. I feel much better now," Athena said, smiling at me.

"See? No need to worry. Onyx is with us. Now it's time to mingle and get back what is rightfully ours," I told her.

The High Lord Wolf's security gestured for us to enter. I glanced behind me to check on Alpha Connor and saw the beads of perspiration on his forehead.

"Wipe the sweat of your face, Connor," I told him.

"I can't breathe. I think I'm going to faint," he said.

Didi took a small handkerchief from her clutch and wiped the sweat of Alpha Connor's face. "There. Don't worry. I got your back, Connor," she said and kissed him on the cheek. She then wrapped each of her hands around Matt's and Alpha Connor's arms. "Remember, they don't have the black wolf on their side. We do. Diana can make them kneel on their knees begging for their lives if she needs to."

Alpha Connor and Matt laughed. "Thanks for that very vivid picture. You're right. We can do this," Alpha Connor said. He nodded at Matt and both of them guided Didi into the ballroom behind us.

Everyone gasped when we entered, most of the wolves pointing either at Ethan or at me. Cameras clicked incessantly capturing our entrance inside the ballroom. While we were walking the red carpet, a young lady in a yellow gown who was about Diana's age screamed, "Ethan!" She ran towards Ethan and gave him a hug.

"That's Kate. Ethan's baby sister," Didi whispered. I stared at the young lady. She looked a bit like Harriet. I scanned the area and saw Harriet. Same old Harriet. I smiled at her and she smiled back. I gestured for her to come towards us with my hand. She nodded and made her way towards Didi, her eyes filled with tears.

"Daisy! Oh my gosh! It's been so long," Harriet gave her sister a hug. "We have some catching up to do." Didi let go of Matt and Connor to give her sister a hug.

I then took Harriet's hand and wrapped it around my other arm. Ethan turned his head at us and smiled at his mother. We now had more people with us.

The High Lord Wolf led us to a couple of empty tables at the front of the ballroom. He ushered all of us to one table and gestured for the Wolf Troops to secure the area.

"I need to go talk to the host of ceremonies and some unimportant people," he said, flustered. "I will be back when the program starts. Have some champagne and some appetizers while you wait," the High Lord Wolf said and gestured to the servers. "Bring them bottles of champagne and some food. Wolf Troops, make sure nothing happens to my guests of honor. I will have your heads." He turned and walked to the host of ceremonies. I could not hear their exchange, but I could tell the High Lord Wolf was scolding the host. The host hurriedly took his microphone and made an announcement.

"The High Lord Wolf would like to announce the presence of his distinguished guests, Alpha Ethan Crowne and Luna Diana Lockwood-Crowne, together with Alpha Lucas Lockwood, Athena Lockwood and Alpha Connor Greene. May we welcome them." The host put down his microphone and began to clap. Unfortunately, instead of clapping, we heard gasps and whispers from the wolves seated at tables near ours.

"Sir, champagne," the server said, his voice familiar. I looked up and saw Michael grinning at me. He had a nameplate on with the name Dos etched on it. I glanced at the other servers. They were Connor's men. I just couldn't help myself, I began to laugh. My father must have realized the joke was on him.

"Thank you, Dos. Now I feel much much better," I said, grinning back at Michael. I raised my glass in a toast.

"May all the wolves here have a great time. I know we will."

"Now that's a toast I like." Connor exclaimed, raising his glass.

______________________

*Eric Lockwood *

When the announcement came, we all stood up to witness the High Lord Wolf's walk along the red carpet. We didn't expect that he had an entourage with him.

The High Lord Wolf came into the ballroom with a handsome young couple. The young male was Ethan Crowne, looking sharp and happy. On his arm was a tall young woman in a red ballgown, who had blonde hair twisted up in a neat bun and a small tiara nestled on the top of her head. She was smiling at everyone, even nodding her head at the wolves around her. Then, suddenly she looked directly at me and I could have sworn I heard a piercing growl. My head began to throb and I shook my head to shake away the pain. I can't get sick. Tonight is a big night for me.

She had green eyes just like me and Lucas. The famous Lockwood greens. I knew immediately who she was. She was my half-breed granddaughter. The bitch had some gall showing up with Ethan Crowne. I stared back at her and was surprised her lips curled up into a malevolent sneer while her eyes showed her utter disdain towards me. She knew who I was. I then noticed Chase had lowered his head and winced in pain. Was he as affected as I was?

"Chase stand up straight," I whispered.

"Sorry Father. There's a ringing in my ears," he explained. "Is that the daughter of Lucas? She has his green eyes."

"I think so," I answered. I glanced at Chase, waiting for him to say something, but his eyes widened like saucers and with a shakey hand, pointed at the entrance of the ballroom.

"Father, it's Lucas and Athena!" Chase gasped.

I turned my head around and found Lucas walking the red carpet with his sister beside him. One was right. His supposed death was a hoax. Lucas was obviously alive and apparently well in a tuxedo, looking as dashing as he was in his youth. I heard the sighs of admiration from a number of she-wolves as he smiled at everyone, clearly enjoying himself.

"Chase, call Athena's mate and make sure her children are under lock and key. I will deal with her later," I ordered Chase. He nodded his head and walked away to make the phone call.

I took out my phone and messaged One that Lucas was here and that our plans to kill him were a go. He messaged me back telling me to find Dos.

I looked up from my phone, back at the red carpet, and saw three other wolves walk into the ballroom who I did not recognize. As they walked in, a young lady in a yellow gown ran to greet Ethan Crowne. She was followed by a woman who looked just like her, however the woman greeted the woman behind Lucas and Athena. I wasn't sure who they were.

"Edward Crowne's family is in attendance," Jacob Johnson whispered to me. "That is his mate,  Harriet and his youngest, Kate. The woman trailing behind your son and daughter is the mate's sister who Edward Crowne banished for having human relations. Who is the woman next to Alpha Ethan? Do you know her?"

"Lucas's daughter I believe," I answered.

"Why is she with Ethan?" I heard the disappointment in Jacob's voice. I glanced at his daughter who had a surly expression on her face.

"I have no idea J.J.," I lied.

"Well then, I'll have Sophia do what she does best. Take." Jacob Johnson chuckled. He left my side, went to his daughter and whispered in her ear. Sophia smiled mischievously while nodding her head. She walked off to the front of the ballroom where the High Lord Wolf's tables were. However, Jared, Jacob Johnson's son, shook his head at his father. Unlike Jacob, Jared didn't appreciate manipulation.

I noticed a server rush by with the nameplate Dos. I chuckled to myself. Fate was with me. Ah, Lucas, why did you have to come to your own wake?

I followed the server who went to the small bar at the corner of the ballroom to prepare champagne glasses. I approached him from behind and nonchalantly positioned myself beside him.

"You have a green light to slit Lucas's throat," I whispered to him. The server stopped placing glasses on his tray and turned to face me. I felt the blood drain from my face. It was Michael!

"Elder Eric Lockwood, you know better than to go against wolf protocol in event such as this. Wolves need to strictly adhere to the "no violence" policy instated by the High Lord Wolf. Or did you miss the memo?" He laughed at me and took out his phone which had recorded our conversation. "You touch MY FAMILY and I will make sure the Wolf Troops drag you out of this ballroom to a silver cell. Believe me, I don't want you in a cell. I want you out here so I can KILL YOU MYSELF."

"How dare you threaten an Elder!" I exclaimed. "I have connections with the High Lord Wolf as well!" An announcement was made by the host of ceremonies, but I didn't bother to listen.

"Elder Eric Lockwood, if I don't kill you, Diana will. You will die by the hands of a half breed you almost denied a life. How terribly tragic!" He sneered at me. "You just missed an important announcement. Go back to your seat like a good boy. I need to tend to the guests of honor. Enjoy your night, Eric. It might well be your last Christmas Ball." Michael turned around with his tray of champagne glasses. I was about to grab his shoulder, but one the servers pushed me so hard, I almost lost my footing.

"Watch it." I gave the server a dirty look. I walked back to my table. Chase was already seated, sipping on a glass of scotch while Jacob Johnson had also began drinking, a murderous look on his face.

"What did I miss?" I asked.

"Ethan Crowne is mated to a Diana Lockwood-Crowne," Jacob Johnson answered. "He's mated to your granddaughter! And no one can get near them. They are under the protection of the High Lord Wolf!" I followed his eyes to where his daughter sat. She was crying, clearly humiliated.

"And oh Father, they called Lucas, Alpha Lucas Lockwood. I'm Alpha," Chase said, annoyed. "Ana I believe Alpha Connor is with them," Chase said, a gloomy look in his eyes.

I sat down in my chair. Great, another Alpha who was a pain in the ass.

I stopped a server and took the champagne bottle from him.

Michael may be right. This may be my last Christmas Ball. But I still had aces up my sleeve. I'm not going down without a fight.

I was still an Elder and I had friends. Rich friends as well as criminals. I only needed to kill one wolf and all of them would come crumbling down.

"We only need to get one wolf and her name is Diana." I pulled out my phone and dialed.

"One, your rogues you had disguised as servers are presumably dead. All thanks to Lucas's daughter, Diana. It's time you take your vengeance."