Scarlet's POV

His eyes widen in surprise at my statement before his eyebrows furrow and the corners of his full lips turn down. "What's that supposed to mean?" he grumbles as he folds his arms across his chest as though he can't decide if he should be angry or offended or not.

"A Luna is supposed to be considered an Alpha's equal. We are mates Ethan. I'm not your property," I state plainly. He seems to bristle and opens his mouth to speak, but I cut him off again. "That being said, I can at least understand where you are coming from, though you most definitely should have handled it better."

"So, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that no matter what happens, you will not under any circumstances throw Will in your damn dungeons. However, I will talk to him about our need to re-establish boundaries now that I have a mate."

"You will?" he asks with a skeptical look that causes me to chuckle at him.

"Yes," I answer before elaborating further. "But you need to remember that he is my best friend, so it's unlikely that we'll never hug or touch again. You just need to trust me."

He sits there silently for a moment, contemplating what I've just said. Finally, he gives a quick nod. "Fine. I'll try."

I shrug. "That's all I can ask." He lays down next to me in the bed and puts his arms out in a gesture for me to curl up next to him. I move closer, resting my head on his chest as he begins lightly running his fingers through my bright red locks.

"By the way, the Silver Shadow Pack should be arriving on Thursday. We'll be hosting a nice dinner for them at Della Luna," he informs me. Della Luna is one of the fanciest restaurants in the city. It's an Italian restaurant that is on the first floor of Kane Enterprises. From my conversations with Ethan, I have figured out that Xander manages their clubs, bars, and restaurants.

"And you want me to be there?" I question with apprehension in my tone.

"Yes. I can't officially announce you as my mate and Luna, but I still want you to take part in the politics of everything. I want you to start establishing yourself with the Crescent Moon Pack and all of our allies," he answers in a business-like tone.

I lie there in silence for a moment thinking before turning my head so that my chin is resting on his firm, muscular pec. "Ethan..." He looks down at me, hearing the hesitation in my voice. "Did I ruin anything with the treaty? Since I hit Nicole?"

His hand rubs my back reassuringly. "Don't worry about it. That's one of the reasons I want you there to meet them. If Nikki behaves badly again then everyone will be able to see that your behavi or was warranted and that of a true Luna. Everyone will see how good you are with people and how charming you are. They'll know that you don't just go around hitting people for no reason." He bends his head so that his lips can reach me as he places a soft kiss on my forehead. He is certainly feeling more confident about this plan than I am. However, I want to be there for him in whatever way I can.

"Okay... If you think it's what's best for the pack and the treaty, then I'll go."

*****

The rest of the week flies by as everyone is busy with preparations including myself. Between helping at the shelter and with arrangements, I've barely seen Ethan except for when we are crawling into bed at night or both waking up early to start our days. It's finally Thursday and I find myself standing next to Ethan at the main entrance of Kane Enterprises. Caleb and all of Ethan's siblings are there, along with several of his other lieutenants. The Silver Shadow Pack is due to arrive at any moment and we are waiting to formally greet them before leading them up to the floor where they will be living during their stay.

Finally, a row of black SUVs pulls up in front of us. I watch with bated breath as the cars begin unloading and two giant men stride up to one of the vehicles and opens the door, waiting for the passenger to exit. When he does I see that it is a tall, slender man in an expensive looking navy suit. He has light green eyes with salt and pepper hair. He has a small walking staff striped in what looks like gold and jade though he looks to only be in his forties. He's quite handsome, however Ethan is obviously more my type.

"Alpha Lucien!" Ethan's voice booms confidently as he puts on a welcoming smile and shakes the man's hand fervently. "Welcome to Crescent City! I hope your travels were well!"

"Alpha Ethan! Thank you for having us on such short notice," Alpha Lucien answers.

"Of course!" He replies before gesturing over to Caleb. "And this is my Beta, Caleb Lockhart."

"Pleased to meet you Caleb. Here is my Beta Jonathan Weaver," Lucien adds as a man comes up alongside him. He gives Ethan and Caleb each a nod. They finish all their formalities as Alpha Lucien is also introduced to Ethan's siblings, Delta, and Gamma. Then Lucien turns his gaze to me. "And who is this lovely creature?" he questions with a devilish grin as he takes my hand and brings it to his lips.

"This is Miss Scarlet Denton," Ethan answers as he places a hand on the small of my back.

I instantly blush as Alpha Lucien kisses the back of my hand, his eyes never leaving mine. "'So, this is Scarlet. I've heard so much about you," he remarks, continuing to hold my hand in his. My eyes open imperceptibly wider as I realize who has probably told him about me. And she definitely wouldn't have said anything kind.

"Oh! Umm... I'm almost afraid to ask what you've heard!" I exclaim, causing him to chuckle and I join him.

"Nothing that you should worry about. I know about your altercation with my daughter and I'm certainly not going to hold it against you. I know my daughter and I'm sure she wasn't as innocent in the matter as she claimed," he explains reassuringly to me as he pats my hand affectionately before finally releasing it.

"That's very noble of you sir. I appreciate that," I answer.

"Of course! Don't mention it!" he exclaims good-naturedly before turning to Ethan. "Now, should we go up? It's been a long journey and my pack and I would like to get some rest."

"Certainly! Let's head up. I gave you the entire thirtieth floor. I believe you should find the accommodations to your liking. If you need anything else don't hesitate to let us know," Ethan replies.

"I'm sure it will be just fine!"

"Once you are all settled, we are going to treat you to dinner at Della Luna here on the main level. I'll send someone down at six to escort you," Ethan continues.

Lucien nods. "Splendid. That's very generous of you Alpha. We'll be ready."

The elevator dings and the doors open. Lucien gets in with Ethan and I follow, along with Caleb, Jonathan and a few others. We ride up to the thirtieth floor before stepping out and giving Alpha Lucien and the others a tour. As we come back from the East wing, the elevator dings open as another large group of Silver Shadow Pack wolves come out. Ethan and Caleb walk over to help bring some of the luggage in as I notice several of them are carrying large rectangular packages wrapped in brown paper and bubble wrap. "What are those?" I ask Alpha Lucien curiously.

A smile stretches across his face as he places a hand on my back and leads me over to where they are being placed against a wall. "These are the paintings that will be included in my show on Saturday. Would you like a sneak peek?" he asks me with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

"May I? You don't mind?" I question.

"Of course not! Here," he says as he steps closer to one of the packages in front and begins to carefully peel the wrappings off. As they fall to the floor my eyes land on a gorgeous painting of a naked woman sitting on the edge of a claw foot tub waiting for it to fill. The brush strokes and colors are exquisite and the painting seems to draw you in. It's so detailed and elicits a feeling of calm. It is simply entrancing.

I lean over to inspect it more closely. "It's remarkable," I exclaim as I stand upright once more.

"Why thank you. With all my work I always aim to evoke strong feelings. My favorites are the ones with a bit of seduction. Ones that bring out a certain level of passion and allure."

"Well, you are quite talented. I can't wait to see the rest of your work," I insist.

"It pleases me that you think so," he remarks back before Ethan comes up to us.

"Well, it looks like everything has been brought in so we will leave you to rest and will see you at six for dinner," he states with a friendly smile before wrapping an arm around my waist and guiding me away.