Chapter 13

Gianna'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 Daniel. 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 Dark Moon 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 Lopez Enterprises. From my conversations with Daniel, I have figured out that Ethan 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 New 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. "Daniel..." 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 Zoe behaves badly again then everyone will be able to see that your behavior 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 Daniel 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 Daniel at the main entrance of Lopez Enterprises. Luke and all of Daniel's siblings are there, along with several of his other lieutenants. The Dark Moon 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 Daniel is obviously more my type. "Alpha Sanchez!" Daniel's voice booms confidently as he puts on a welcoming smile and shakes the man's hand fervently. "Welcome to New Moon City! I hope your travels were well!" "Alpha Daniel! Thank you for having us on such short notice," Alpha Sanchez answers. "Of course!" He replies before gesturing over to Luke. "And this is my Beta, Luke Walker." "Pleased to meet you Luke. Here is my Beta Jonathan Weaver," Sanchez adds as a man comes up alongside him. He gives Daniel and Luke each a nod. They finish all their formalities as Alpha Sanchez is also introduced to Daniel's siblings, Delta, and Gamma. Then Sanchez 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 Gianna Garcia," Daniel answers as he places a hand on the small of my back. I instantly blush as Alpha Sanchez kisses the back of my hand, his eyes never leaving mine. "'So, this is Gianna. 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 Daniel. "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," Daniel 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," Daniel continues. Sanchez nods. "Splendid. That's very generous of you Alpha. We'll be ready." The elevator dings and the doors open. Sanchez gets in with Daniel and I follow, along with Luke, Jonathan and a few others. We ride up to the thirtieth floor before stepping out and giving Alpha Sanchez and the others a tour. As we come back from the East wing, the elevator dings open as another large group of Dark Moon Pack wolves come out. Daniel and Luke 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 Sanchez 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 Daniel 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. ***** A few hours later I find myself in the penthouse with the stylist that Daniel hired to help me get ready. "That should do it," she says after she's finished applying my make-up. "Thank you so much Gretchen," I tell her with a smile. "Honestly, you made it way too easy on me," she responds with a laugh before she begins packing up all her supplies. I stand up from my seat and walk over to the full-length mirror that is in the closet. My eyes are smoky and my lips are a cherry red, glistening with a glossy shine. My dress is a gorgeous, white lace number that goes to just above my knees, hugging all my curves. The sleeves are made of lace and it has an open back. Nude pumps finish off the ensemble and I smile at what I see. I have never dressed this fancy before, but my confidence seems to have doubled because of it. Leaving the room, I find my guards waiting for me in the hall to escort me down to Daniel's office where he is finishing up some work. I knock on the door before hearing is husky voice call out, "Come in!" I open the door and step inside. The moment he sees me his eyes darken with lust as they slowly rake over my body. My core instantly heats and I press my thighs together, feeling my cheeks blush. His nostrils flare and I know that he can smell my arousal. He quickly strides over to me, his lips crashing against mine as his arms wrap around my waist and pull me into him. The kiss is full of passion as his lips press against mine, demanding access for his tongue. He plunders my mouth, tasting it and moaning into me. He pulls away all too soon, leaving me utterly breathless and I stare up at him with wide eyes. "You are absolutely breathtaking," he murmurs in my ear before placing his lips on my neck where his mark should be. I let out a gasp as he nips at it and he gives me a devilish smirk before pulling away. I shoot him a playful glare as I swat his shoulder and he laughs at my expression. "Come on now. We don't want to be late," I urge as I link an arm around his. "Yes ma'am," he responds teasingly with a grin as we turn to head out. Both Hudson and Tony are with us and they are smirking at us after that little show. I flush again and shake my head as we walk out and down to the lobby to meet Alpha Sanchez and his pack. A few minutes later Luke escorts the Dark Moon Pack into the lobby and we head into Della Luna. "You Will be sitting to my right at the table," Daniel says softly as he leans toward me. "Are you sure that's okay? That's typically where the Luna or Beta would sit," I whisper back. "I haven't officially announced you yet, but my pack clearly sees you as its Luna anyway. Besides, I want you beside me." "As you wish Alpha," I respond back with a smirk and he reaches over and links his fingers with mine as we reach the restaurant. He pulls my hand to his lips and lightly kisses my knuckles before leading me through the double doors. I admit, I'm quite nervous about tonight. Not only is that bitch Nicole going to be here, but all the Alphas from our allied packs were also invited along with their Lunas, Betas, and Betas' mates. Luckily, all of Daniel's siblings Will also be in attendance. We are instantly greeted by a middle-aged man dressed in a nice suit. "Good evening Alpha, Lu— er, Gianna," he replies with a welcoming smile. "Good evening Rafael. May I introduce you to are esteemed guest Alpha Sanchez of the Dark Moon Pack." "It's a pleasure to meet you Alpha Sanchez! I do hope you enjoy your dinner! Staff Will be out shortly with tray of antipasto and Will be taking drink orders," Rafael states as he gestures into the main dining area where several staff members are standing at attention ready to serve us. Everyone files in and begins mingling in groups throughout the room as they order their drinks and sample the appetizers that are being carried around on silver platters. I stay by Daniel's side for a little while, but when his conversation turns to business I politely excuse myself. I stop to chat with Mason, Ethan, Layla, and Daniel before going to the bar for another glass of champagne. "I can't believe Daniel brought you to this," I hear the annoying voice sneer at me before turning to see Nicole standing beside me. "A fancy restaurant is nowhere for a slut from The Bane to be." "Says the classless Luna wannabe who can't seem to move on," I reply calmly back. Her face instantly contorts into an ugly scowl as she grips her wineglass tighter. "Why Nicole," a familiar voice remarks as Alpha Sanchez comes up to us. "I hope you aren't trying to make a scene. This is hardly the time nor the place for picking fights. Maybe you should go find another companion to entertain yourself with." Nicole glares at her father before turning sullen and gazing down at the floor with a nod. She huffs and turns to stomp off before he turns to me. "Sorry about her. She lost her mother at a young age and I'm afraid I may have spoiled her more than I should have." I force a smile to my face as I turn my attention to him. "Thank you, Alpha Sanchez." "Please, you can just call me Sanchez." I blush and nod. "Thank you, Sanchez," I correct and he smiles at me. "So, are you excited for your auction?" He grimaces a bit and I tilt my head at him. "Ah... well... I am, but I'm afraid I don't have anything to be the main attraction." "What do you mean? I've seen your work. I'm sure you have plenty of brilliant pieces," I insist. He smiles tightly. "Thank you, Gianna, but I don't have THAT piece. You know, the one that is better than all the rest. The one that Will drive the success of the show." He leans against the bar, seeming to be in distress. "How long does it take to paint something like that? Do you have time to come up with something?" His eyes widen and he looks over at me as though he just thought of something. "Well... I do have an idea..." "That's amazing," I encourage with a smile. "Yes... but only if you agree to it..." he says as he stands up to his full height in front of me with a charming smile. I furrow my eyebrows at him in confusion. "Umm..." I begin, not knowing what to say to that. "Pardon my boldness Gianna, but you are a very rare beauty. With your unique violet eyes and vibrant hair, you would be the perfect subject for my featured piece. Please. I would be forever grateful," he pleads as he takes my hand in his. "I don't know..." I respond nervously as I look across the room, wondering where Daniel is. My search is cut off as Alpha Sanchez continues. "Please Gianna. I'm begging you. I Will even give you a cut of whatever the piece sells for." "I'm pretty sure Daniel would not appreciate me posing nude for anyone," I remark a bit more confidently. His mouth opens in surprise and his eyes widen. "Oh! Of course! I'm sorry Gianna for causing that assumption. I don't only paint nudes. You can be fully dressed I assure you." I bite my lip and shift on my feet, still unsure. "And I've heard you like to help out some sort of homeless shelter. You could always use your share to donate to the shelter or help with buying food or clothes or something for them. How does that sound?" My eyes widen. That would be nice, to actually have money to help all the packless. His lips twist into a smile as he realizes that he has piqued my interest. "How about we split the profit of your portrait fifty-fifty? I feel that's quite generous." "Sixty for me and forty for you. Then we have a deal." His smile widens, seeming to enjoy my tenacity. "Why you little minx! You drive a hard bargain! But fine! I agree to your terms. Meet me on the thirtieth-floor tomorrow morning at seven and we'll figure out the best place to do this." "Fine. I'll see you then," I answer as a line of servers come out with silver platters adorned with delicious looking entrees. I walk away from him, finding Daniel and linking my arm through his as he leads me over to the head of a long table. I'm excited at the idea of being able to more effectively help the packless, but I sure hope that I don't regret agreeing to help Sanchez.