Claiming Emerald: Four Alphas At Her Feet
Chapter 99: Welcome to the Crimson Howl Pack...

Chapter 99: Welcome to the Crimson Howl Pack...

Emerald didn’t expect the place to feel like this.

As soon as she set foot on Adrien’s land, everything felt different. The air was lighter and softer, wildflowers lined the stone paths, and laughter floated in from afar.

The guards greeted her with true respect instead of stiff formality, and the household staff seemed lively, which is a contrast to the tired, hollow-eyed figures she was used to seeing.

The estate felt warm and inviting. It had ivory walls covered in climbing ivy, sunlight streaming into the garden courtyard, and you could hear actual laughter echoing through the halls.

It was the polar opposite of Lucian’s home, which was all shadows, cool tones, and strategic silence. This... this place welcomed her.

"Feels different, doesn’t it?" Adrien said from beside her.

Emerald blinked and glanced up at him. "It does."

"Good different?"

She smiled faintly. "Very."

"Welcome to the Crimson Howl Pack."

Servants took her suitcase, nodding politely as they made their way down a corridor of golden chandeliers and faint floral scent.

"Your room’s just across from mine," Adrien said with a smile. "You’ll have full privacy, of course. Unless you decide to wander."

Emerald raised a brow. "And if I do?"

He grinned. "I won’t complain."

She shook her head with a soft chuckle.

"Now," Adrien said, halting as they reached the hallway junction, "I know you’ve had a long trip, and I’m not trying to overload you, but I did plan a small feast for tonight. Nothing wild, just something to show how much I appreciate you coming."

"That wasn’t necessary," Emerald replied.

"I know," he said smoothly. "But I’ve already done it, so if you don’t show, I’ll just be a tragic Alpha abandoned at his own party."

She snorted. "Dramatic much?"

"I thrive on it."

Emerald bit her lip, about to ask if she had anything decent to wear, when Adrien beat her to it.

"Oh, and don’t worry about what to wear," he said with a wink. "I already picked a dress for you. The maids will help with everything."

Emerald stared. "You... picked out a dress?"

He looked shameless. "You’ll look stunning in it. I guarantee it."

Emerald blinked, feeling oddly speechless. Nessa would love this.

"Well," she said after a pause, "I guess I’ll see if I survive the dress."

Adrien laughed. "You’ll survive it. Whether I survive you in it, though? That’s another story."

They soon got to a cream-coloured hallway and stopped before a door, facing another.

He stepped up beside her, opening the door for her. "I hope you like it. That room gets the best view at sunrise."

"It’s beautiful," she admitted, stepping inside. It was warm, with soft blue accents, a canopy bed, velvet curtains, and an adjoining balcony.

After the tour of her room, Emerald decided she needed a short rest.

But before she could flop on the bed, Adrien gestured toward the hallway. "Would you mind a quick walk before that?"

She hesitated, then nodded. "Lead the way. But no funny business."

"Me? Never."

He offered his arm, and she took it.

The estate was even more impressive than she had imagined.

He took her on a tour of the private gardens, the central courtyard where children played under watchful supervision, the library filled with history books, war records, and surprisingly, romance novels, and his personal greenhouse.

"You garden?" she asked, eyebrow raised.

Adrien chuckled. "No. But my mother did. I keep it alive in her honour."

Emerald found herself smiling. "That’s sweet."

He shrugged. "It’s nothing. Just trying to keep the past from slipping."

"I can tell that you’re well-liked by your people," she said after a while.

"I’m irresistible."

"I meant respected."

"Oh. That too."

She laughed. "You don’t really strike me as the Alpha type."

"Ouch."

"No offence. You just seem... laid back. Not like someone who holds that much power."

Adrien smiled at her, a little more genuinely this time. "I got the title by chance. My brother was the original heir. But after he passed, someone had to step up. I couldn’t let everything they’ve built crumble. Not when our bloodline has led for centuries."

"I’m sorry, I didn’t know."

Adrien shrugged. "He was a good man who took things seriously and led with discipline. Our father was like that too. As for me, I lead with charm."

"And it worked?"

"I’m still here, aren’t I?"

She smiled faintly. "That’s... admirable. I wish things had come that easily for me."

Adrien looked at her, eyes gleaming. "There are ways for you to have some of me in you."

Adrien tilted his head, stepping a little closer. "If you want a piece of me for inspiration, I could always offer."

She blinked. "What?"

He smirked. "There are ways to have some of me in you."

Emerald choked on her own breath. "Excuse me?"

He smirked. "Power. Respect. What else did you think I meant?"

She gaped at him. "You—!"

"I’m joking," he said with a wink. "Mostly."

"You’re ridiculous," she muttered as heat crept up to her cheeks.

"But charming."

"Debatable."

Laughing, Adrien bowed. "I’ll let you rest, my lady."

Emerald returned to her room and collapsed onto the bed, a faint smile still tugging at her lips. It was the first time in weeks she’d felt even slightly at ease.

She didn’t remember when she drifted off. But when she woke, the room was already shifting with late-afternoon golden light.

There was a gentle knock at her door before three maids walked in. They were all polite and quiet as they came in, carrying a garment bag and a few small boxes.

"The Alpha prepared this for you," one of them said.

Another added, "He insisted we help you get ready."

Emerald sat up, blinking. "He really thought this through, huh?"

They giggled but said nothing.

The next hour passed in a blur of brushes, soft perfumes, and gentle laughter. The maids chatted freely, giggling and gossiping, clearly fond of their Alpha.

When they unzipped the garment bag, the dress that was revealed made her catch her breath.

It was silver, shimmering, and looked like it was made for a goddess. The mermaid-style fitted her curves perfectly, with a daring plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit that made her wonder if Adrien was looking for a showstopper or something more daring, like a heart attack.

The maids helped her into it, humming and fussing over her hair. They curled it gently, letting it fall over one shoulder in loose, wavy strands.

Her makeup was subtle, elegant, but with a sultry undertone: dark lashes, nude lips, a glow that made her cheekbones stand out like moonlight

"You look divine," one of them whispered.

"Like a vision," another added.

Another fastened her earrings. "He’ll be speechless."

A few minutes later, they were all done. The trio gave a polite bow, thanking her for the opportunity to dress her up, before they all chattered away.

Emerald thanked them too, as she stood up to stare at her reflection.

The dress was more revealing than anything she’d normally wear, but it wasn’t cheap or crude. It was elegance wrapped in sin. A warrior’s temptation.

She stepped closer, observing the way it dipped at the waist, the soft exposure of her collarbone, the subtle slit that hinted at power in restraint.

She felt her heart hammer against her ribs.

She stared at the mirror long after the maids had left. And it was only when the thought came that she realised she was waiting for him.

Ares.

As if he would show up now. As if he would step through that balcony and press himself against her, whispering all the things she wasn’t supposed to want to hear.

Her eyes lowered.

He wouldn’t come.

She breathed in sharply and shook her head. "Not tonight."

Not here.

She composed herself, pushing every thought out of her mind except the one that mattered: she was here to give Adrien a chance.

A guard knocked once and waited politely. "Alpha Emerald? The feast has begun. We are to escort you."

She took a deep breath and stepped outside. Nodding, she followed him through the halls, her silver heels clicking on the polished floor. Two other guards walked behind them, keeping a respectful distance.

The scent of roasted meats and honeyed fruits reached her before they arrived.

But when the doors opened...

It wasn’t just a feast... it was more like a party.

The grand hall buzzed with music, laughter, and beautiful decorations. Candles flickered from large chandeliers, and golden threads sparkled in the fabrics around the room. Tables were filled with delicious food, people were dancing, and light conversations filled the air.

But the moment she stepped inside, the room fell silent. Gasps sounded audibly, heads turned, and all conversations came to a sudden halt.

All eyes were on her.