Chapter 34

Scarlett's POV The moment Lucien's sleek black car pulled up to the front of the Alpha Council's private banquet hall, I could already feel dozens of eyes on us. The air outside was thick with power and formality—male voices rumbling in deep conversation, the metallic scent of dominance mixing with expensive cologne, and the faint perfume of the she-wolves who trailed beside their mates like silent shadows. Lucien stepped out first, his tall frame radiating quiet authority. The murmurs began almost instantly. But when Lucien came around to my side of the car, opened the door, and offered his hand, the murmurs shifted as I accepted and stepped out. Every head turned. I suddenly felt like an animal in the zoo. Their gazes swept over me, from the clean-cut lines of my tailored black suit to the polished shine of my shoes. No sequined gown. No plunging neckline. They were probably surprised that I, a woman, wasn't wearing a gown like the other women beside their mates. I noticed some women