Free Web NovelChapter 76: Chapter 76 Helena
Sylvia’s POV
"Ms. Frost? Are you alright?" Noah Smith’s concerned voice barely registered through the roaring in my ears.
I tore my gaze away from Caesar and forced myself to focus on my client. "I’m fine," I lied smoothly, decades of political training allowing me to mask the turmoil raging inside. "Just thought I recognized someone. Shall we get your luggage?"
As we walked toward the baggage claim, I felt Noah Smith studying me with unexpected intensity.
"You seem distracted," he observed casually. "Family troubles?"
The perceptiveness of his question startled me. "Nothing that would interfere with business," I assured him with a practiced smile.
His eyes—amber with flecks of gold—held mine for a beat too long. "I certainly hope not. I’ve heard remarkable things about the Frostfang heir."
The specific reference to my lineage rather than my professional position made me stiffen slightly.
Before I could respond, a deep voice cut through the airport noise—one that had whispered heated promises against my skin just hours ago.
"Sylvia."
Caesar’s commanding presence filled the space beside us, his expression unreadable as his gaze moved from me to Noah Smith and back again. The woman I’d seen with him stood slightly behind him, watching our interaction with obvious curiosity.
My heart hammered traitorously in my chest, but I kept my expression neutral. "Caesar. What a surprise seeing you here."
"I mentioned I had a pickup this morning," he said, his tone carefully controlled. "This is Helena Blackwood, her brother is the Alpha of the Northwestern territories. Helena, this is Sylvia Frost."
Helena extended her hand with a smile that seemed genuinely warm. "So you’re the famous Sylvia. Cae has told me so much about you."
I shook her hand automatically, "All good things, I hope," I managed to reply, hating how stiff my voice sounded.
Helena’s laugh was musical. "Only the highest praise. In fact—"
"And who is this?" Caesar interrupted, his attention now fully on Noah Smith, who had been observing our interaction with undisguised interest.
Noah Smith extended his hand with that same easy smile, though his eyes remained sharp and assessing. "Noah Smith, visiting from the Eastern territories. You must be the infamous Wolf King I’ve heard so much about."
"Caesar Conrad," he confirmed, his grip visibly firmer than necessary. "What brings you to our territory, Mr. Smith?"
The tension between the two men crackled like electricity, making my skin prickle with awareness.
"Business with the Frostfang Pack," Noah Smith replied smoothly, moving slightly closer to my side in a gesture that, while subtle, did not go unnoticed by Caesar. "Ms. Frost has graciously agreed to be my guide during my stay."
Caesar’s gaze shifted to me, something dark and possessive flashing in his eyes. "Has she now?"
The quiet intensity in those two words sent a shiver down my spine. After last night, I knew exactly what that look meant—it was the same expression he’d worn before marking me as his own.
"I’m representing my mother’s interests," I clarified, my voice steadier than I felt. "Alpha Astra considers Mr. Smith an important contact." ƒгeewebnovёl.com
Helena glanced between us all, her expression thoughtful. "Perhaps we should all have dinner together tonight," she suggested diplomatically.
The restaurant Caesar chose was predictably exclusive, with private rooms and discrete staff. But even the elegant surroundings couldn’t mask the tension crackling between our small group.
Helena had positioned herself next to Caesar, her perfectly manicured hand resting casually on his arm as she regaled us with stories of their "wonderful times" together in the Western territories. Each touch, each familiar laugh made my wolf bristle, though I maintained my composed facade.
"Remember that winter hunting trip, Cae?" she purred, using the intimate nickname that made my stomach turn. "You were absolutely magnificent."
I took a long sip of wine, grateful when Noah leaned closer to murmur, "Are you sure you’re alright? Your knuckles are white around that glass."
His concern, though genuine, only seemed to aggravate the situation. Caesar’s eyes flashed gold as he watched our interaction.
"Mr. Smith," he interrupted sharply, "I understand you’re interested in expanding territory. Rather bold, considering your pack’s... recent difficulties."
Noah’s smile remained pleasant, but his eyes hardened. "All resolved now, thankfully. Though I’m surprised the Supreme Alpha keeps such close tabs on minor pack politics."
"I make it my business to know everything that happens in my territory," Caesar’s voice carried a clear warning. "Especially when it involves my m—"
"The wine is excellent," I cut in quickly, before he could reveal our mate bond. "Noah, your sister even drink something like this? French reds might be a bit strong for her.”
Noah gave a small, almost sheepish smile and shook his head. “Oh, no. Melody’s far too young for anything like that—and honestly, she’s... really shy around strangers. ”
He hesitated, then leaned in a little, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “If anything, I was hoping you might recommend a few dessert cafés or pastry shops she’d enjoy. Something... sweeter. Places where she might feel safe enough to relax.”
A low growl rumbled from Caesar’s direction, barely audible but unmistakable to werewolf hearing.
Helena seized the opportunity to press closer to him. "You always did have excellent taste in wines, Cae. Remember that vintage we shared in Paris?" freeweɓnovel.cѳm
I stood abruptly, my chair scraping against the floor. "Excuse me, I need some air."
Noah rose immediately. "Let me accompany you—"
"She doesn’t need an escort," Caesar’s voice was pure Alpha command.
"I think Ms. Frost can decide that for herself," Noah countered, his own Alpha presence rising to meet the challenge.
"Gentlemen," I said coldly, "I am perfectly capable of walking to the terrace alone. Please don’t let me interrupt your... territorial display."
I caught Helena’s satisfied smirk as I turned away, and something inside me snapped. Before I could stop myself, I added, "Though Helena, darling, you might want to ease up on the reminiscing. Desperation isn’t an attractive scent on anyone."
Her gasp of outrage was almost worth the thunderous expression on Caesar’s face. Almost.
The cool night air hit my face as I stepped onto the terrace, but it did little to calm the storm of emotions inside me. I heard the door open behind me and tensed, recognizing Caesar’s scent.
"Don’t," I said without turning around. "Just don’t."
"Sivi—"
"No. You don’t get to ’Sivi’ me right now. "
"Because Helena?" His voice held genuine confusion. "She’s my best friend’s sis—"
"Who clearly wants to be much more," I spun to face him. "And you’re letting her hang all over you while growling at Noah for basic courtesy!"
"Basic courtesy?" Now anger colored his tone. "He’s been practically marking his territory around you all night!"
"Oh, like Helena hasn’t been doing the same to you? At least Noah has legitimate business reasons to be here. What’s her excuse?"
Before he could answer, the door opened again and Helena emerged, her expression triumphant. "Cae, they’re serving dessert. You promised to share that chocolate soufflé with me, remember?"
I saw red. "You know what? Enjoy your soufflé. I have early meetings tomorrow anyway."
Brushing past them both, I returned to the dining room where Noah was already standing, ready to leave. His understanding smile only fueled Caesar’s visible rage.
"Sylvia," Caesar’s voice held a warning, but I was beyond caring.
"Goodnight, Supreme Alpha," I said formally. "Ms. Blackwood. Thank you for a... memorable evening."
As Noah and I left the restaurant, I could feel Caesar’s eyes burning into my back. My wolf whined at leaving our mate in such anger, but my pride wouldn’t let me turn around.
