Chapter 5: Dangerous Temptation
561words
"This is your territory?" I asked as we rode a private elevator to the top floor.
"One of many assets," he replied, violet eyes gleaming. "Western Territory specializes in... influence."
"You mean money."
"Money, information, connections." His smile was predatory. "The things that truly run the world, little miracle."
The elevator opened to a penthouse suite that screamed luxury—black marble, glass, and views stretching across the city.
Unlike the other territories, there were few werewolves here. Just a handful of sleek, beautiful people who looked more like models than supernatural creatures.
"My inner circle," Valerian explained. "I prefer quality over quantity."
"So what exactly does Western Territory do?" I asked. "Besides looking pretty and making money?"
"We protect our kind in different ways." He leaned against the railing, the wind ruffling his dark hair. "Griffin fights hunters with claws. Lucien heals the wounded. I make sure we have the resources to survive in the human world."
"And what would you teach me, if I chose you?"
His violet eyes darkened. "To embrace what you are. To use your power instead of fearing it."
"That sounds suspiciously vague."
"Allow me to demonstrate." He checked his watch. "It's nearly time anyway."
Twenty minutes later, we were descending into an underground nightclub. The sign simply read "HOWL."
Inside was unlike anything I'd ever seen. The music pulsed with a primal beat. The dance floor was packed with beautiful people moving with inhuman grace. In VIP areas, I glimpsed partial transformations—eyes glowing, claws extended.
"They can control it?" I whispered, fascinated.
"With practice." Valerian's hand rested on the small of my back, sending heat up my spine. "The moon compels the change, but with training, you can access your wolf anytime."
He guided me to a private booth. A bottle of champagne appeared instantly.
"This is how you live?" I asked, watching the crowd.
"I enjoy life's pleasures." He studied me over his glass. "Don't you?"
"My idea of pleasure is usually a good book and not working double shifts."
"Then your imagination is lacking." His fingers brushed mine. "There's a whole world of sensation you haven't experienced yet, Lyra."
The way he said my name made my skin tingle.
A commotion broke out below. Two werewolves were squaring off, eyes glowing, fangs extended.
Valerian descended to the dance floor. The crowd parted for him. He didn't raise his voice or show claws. He simply spoke to the aggressors, one hand on each of their shoulders.
Whatever he said worked instantly. The tension dissolved.
"What did you say to them?" I asked when he returned.
"I reminded them whose territory they're in." His expression was suddenly serious. "Western may seem all pleasure, but make no mistake—I maintain order."
For the first time, I glimpsed the Alpha beneath the charm.
"Why do you want to be my guardian?" I asked. "The real reason."
His violet eyes held mine. "Because you're powerful, fascinating, and completely unaware of your potential. And because—" he leaned in, his breath warm against my ear, "—rules are more interesting when broken together."
As we left the club, I found myself wondering which was more dangerous: Griffin's intensity, Lucien's sorrow, or Valerian's temptation.
Tomorrow I would have to choose.
