Chapter 104 Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

(Hope POV)

I have only been in Europe for a week and it has literally been a transformation for me. From the t-shirt, jeans and sneaker wearing Hope to stylish, trendy and wealthy Celeste and tonight I will formally introduce myself to the criminal world as Celeste Ashcroft, Fang's younger sister.

I knew I was making a big risk parading myself with the mafia, but I had promised Jacques that I would help him redeem his birthright. He had helped us win our war against the Rogue Lord, it was my turn to return the favor. Anyway, I'll I had to do was capture Jean Luc's attention and in the long run, affection. Arthur, actually has done most of the dirty work. It was all a means to an end.

When we arrived at our mansion in France from Italy, Alarick and Amelie were waiting by the pool, sipping on some cocktails, to our surprise. I had asked Amelie before if she would like to accompany us. She said she had business she had to attend to. Well, she was here now which us all that mattered.

"I couldn't let all of you have all the fun, could I?" Alarick gave me a big hug. "Plus, you guys have enough space to accommodate the lot of us. Shame if we don't put this place to good use, eh?"

"He just misses his bestfriend." Amelie Pat's Alarick's arm in affection. "It has been three years since he saw him last. Arthur told us you had bought a mansion the size of a hotel so we have decided to come stay here for the summer. Come, Ma Cherie, let me get a good look at you." Amelie put her hands on my arms and gave me a once over. "The green eyes suit you. As well as your new hair color. Indeed you look different. What name do I call you now?"

"Celeste, Celeste Ashcroft, your excellency."

"I have told you time and time again to call me, Mére.' She pinches me on the side.

"Oui, Mére. Easy on the pinching. That hurts." I laugh.

"Pardonnez-moi. I will keep my fingers to myself." She kisses me. "I took the liberty of placing the mansion in a bubble from prying eyes and ears. Mark had told me there are spies around the area. So you can act yourself while you are here."

"Mon cheri, Alexander, you look like a secret servic agent." She kisses Alexander and then rubs his face with her thumbs to take off her lipstick. Alexander had his hair slicked back, his posture was stiff, and his suit and shoes, conventional. His eyes hidden by dark sunglasses. He was playing his part well.

"High Elder Amelie, you are a welcoming surprise. You brought what I had asked you?" Alexander asked her.

"Oui, the scent to mask your wolf smell as well as the scent of roses for Celeste. Celeste, I will give you a signature scent. No one in the world has it." She walks to a small case carrying the bottles. She opened it and handed me a dainty pink bottle."It has she-wolf pheromones. All you have to do is dab a small drop under your ear, lean towards him with the side which has the perfume, and have him smell you. He will not resist you even if he tries." She combed her fingers into my long hair. "When you are done, just hide your ear with your hair so, no one else will smell it." She winks at me and I nod. I will always have to let my hair hang loose then.

"Now, I have brought some gowns from Amanda. Come let us try them on with the rest of your purchases, "she glanced at all the boxes and bags with designer labels on them, " and see what will be a good fit for tonight. Don't worry. I have the helicopters coming in later to take everything to Paris. I just want to play mother for now." She laughs and whisks me away from the men, who have started making plans of their own.

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(Jacques POV)

I was standing outside the balcony of my hotel room.

Down below was Paris. The Eiffel tower. The beautiful lights. Ah, magnifique! I was a bit nervous, but I usually am when something as big as this was going to happen.

The hotel we were staying in was my Mére Amelie's hotel and she had closed off a couple of floors to accommodate all of us. We even had the use of a separate elevator to take us to our rooms.

I was surprised when Mére showed up with Hope, but it was a good surprise because I felt mucb better she was here. She casted a spell to keep the hotel in a bubble while Hope casted a powerful protection charm to keep the wolves away. A powerful mage and powerful Priestess together is something my uncle has not counted on, nor does he know of my magic.

During the death match, I slowed down time for my opponents. It was the only way I could defeat them unscathed. I wanted to come out as untouchable and I did, which the Parrain didn't like, not one bit.

Just to make sure the other fighters wouldn't jump inside the ring, Yuri started talking smack, provoking the other fighters. Technically, there were 2 fights that night, one inside the ring and one outside. Yuri broke some bones on some of the fighters while I snapped the necks of the 2 fighters who were with me in the ring. No one wanted to enter the ring with me in it after they all saw the two fighters lying on the floor.

My uncle hated I gained the respect of the Caïd after that, yet he hated it even more when Maximus was announced a new Councillor. He tried to object, but he was scared Maximus might say something regarding stolen shipment and the fact Maximus can kill him in a heartbeat. So, he swallowed whatever he had to say.

I heard a knock on the door. I guess it's time to go. I take one last look of myself in front of the mirror to make sure the bow of my tux is properly centered. I smile and shake my head  The Caïd and Parrain have no idea what's coming their way. They are merely sheep. Satisfied with my reflection, I open the door. Standing at the door is my Mére.

"My son, you are perfect! Celeste and Maximus are already waiting for you. Let's go." She hooks her arm into mine.

"You're coming with us?"

"Oh no. I have business to attend to. Alarick will go with Alex. As for you, do keep a keen eye on your sister." She pats my arm.

"I will, Mére. I promise." I tell her.

"Remember, time is..." Mére starts saying

"...on my side." I finish her statement. We laugh. "Don't worry, Mére, I have used my power under their noses. What they do not expect is Celeste. I will enjoy watching Uncle Jean Luc squirm tonight."

"Make sure to keep him at arms length after Celeste has used the scent." I nodded my head,  promising I will do as told. Waiting near the elevator was Celeste, a sparkling white clutch bag  in her hand.

Celeste was wearing a white, strapless, ballroom gown as previous planned with her long, thick, caramel brown hair hanging lose behind her back, curling at the ends. She had small dainty diamonds earrings on with a matching diamond necklace and bracelet. On her finger was favorite yellow diamond ring.

"Wow, you're tall!" I kiss both cheeks, not used to leaning to reach her. She smiled at me, her twinkling green eyes, giving me a mischievous look.

"I'm in heels. I need to play the part of a "young woman with good breeding." Or whatever that means." She was using an English accent. If I hadn't known Hope at all, I wouldn't know it was her.

"Well done, sister. No one will know it is you." I link her hand in my arm and push the button of the elevator. My Mére started crying. We looked at her stunned. "Is everything all right, Mére?" I ask.

"I'm just a happy mother looking at both my children. You are so beautiful together." She dabs her eyes theatrically. "Have fun both of you." The elevator door opens and the stink of Maximus emerges from it.

"Oh my Goddess." My mother takes a spray bottle from the table, covering her nose. "Wait, you two. Let me neutralize the scent before you enter." She starts spraying the elevator.

"I forgot about Maximus' scent. Decaying corpse originally from Leia." Celeste giggles.

Mére sniffs around her and heaves a sigh of relief. "Ok, go in you two. Be blessed." She blows us a kiss as the elevator doors. I stand straight and pat Celeste'a hand on my arm. She smiled. Ah, we were dressed to the nines.

Beware of the wolves in sheep's clothing.