✿ Ulyana's POV

The hall was teeming with guests by the time I arrived. Eleanor Adler had really outdone herself with the decor.

And here I was thinking it'd be a small gathering.

My eyes roamed through the crowd.

“I'm gonna go get a drink” Mitchell sighed beside me. “Want anything?”

Another iced beer wouldn't hurt.

I looked at him.

“Err no. I'm fine.”

He nodded and walked away. A few people who'd spotted me smiled and waved my way. I smiled and waved back.

“Tate!”

I chuckled and turned towards Marioara.

“What have I told you about—”

“Yes, yes, I know” she laughed. “You look amazing!”

“I'm uncomfortable, Mara.”

“Oh stop it. You look wonderful.”

I smiled.

“Have you seen my grandfather?”

“Yes, he's talking to the ginger-haired woman over there.”

“Geneva?” I asked, facing the direction she'd gestured to.

“I suppose.”

I shook my head.

“No, that's her mother, Mrs. Wasserman,” I said.

“Shouldn't you be looking for your mafia man? Your grandfather is fine.”

I could care less about him.

“I'm sure Zoltan's fine too,” I said.

Mara chuckled. Then she gasped.

“Tate! Look! You're both matching outfit colors!”

I followed her gaze and there he was, perfectly dressed like the devil he is. I groaned silently. Why was he wearing the same color I had on?

“Ohh I have to get a picture!” Mara chirped.

“Mara please—”

“Shush!” she cut me off. “Now stay still. I'm going to get my camera.

“Mara don't—”

But she was gone. I sighed.

“Excuse me” a voice called out behind me.

I turned and it was an elderly man.

“Are you the bride?”

“Not yet” I replied with a small smile.

The uncertain look on his face instantly turned terrified.

“I'm sorry... can I help you with something?” I asked, confused.

He sighed and took off his hat.

“Yes. And it would mean the world to me” he replied.

I watched him look around the room and then he suddenly paled when his eyes landed on Zoltan.

“Could we err... c-could we talk in private, please, Miss?”

“Err yes, yes of course. Please come with me” I nodded and led him out of the hall to one of the rooms nearby.

I closed the door behind us and turned to him. His hands were trembling.

“Sir? Can I get you anything for your nerves?” I asked worriedly.

He shook his head.

“Nothing can take away my nerves Miss,” he said.

“Well, what can I help you with?”

His hands trembled even more.

“Are you sure you don't want anything? Water? Tea?”

He shook his head.

“Okay,” I let it go. “What do you need my help with?”

“To talk to Alpha Zoltan, your husband.”

Not yet.

I furrowed my brows.

“To talk to him?” I asked. “What about?”

The man sighed.

“My name is Alan Kruger. I'm a member of Alpha Zoltan's pack and a regular at Oasis... his casino.”

I resisted the urge to arch my brows. He owned a casino?

Does this get any more devilish or mafiaish?

“I owe Alpha Zoltan some money. I've been trying my best to pay back but I lost my job. He's threatened to go to my family after tonight and tell them that I owe him. I begged him but once he makes up his mind, no one can change it.”

I crossed my arms.

“Can you talk to him?”

“Me?” I asked. “What makes you think he's going to listen to me?”

“Because he went back on his word for you. And that's something he's never done before.”

“I don't know sir.”

“Please, Miss. Just ask him to give me more time to pay. I'm trying my best, I swear. I lost my job... it's hard to feed my family as it is already. I don't want them to know I owe the Alpha money. It'll break their hearts.”

My heart tugged.

“Please. All I ask is a little more time. That's all. A little more time.”

I sighed softly and nodded.

“Okay I'll... I'll see what I can do.”

He smiled gently up at me.

“Really?”

“Yes. I'll go talk to him right now.”

“Thank you so much, Miss.”

I nodded.

“Excuse me” he bowed and moved back towards the door before turning his back to me to open the door.

“Sir?” I called out.

He turned.

“How much do you owe him?” I asked.

He fidgeted uncomfortably with the doorknob.

“A couple of thousands” he answered.

I narrowed my eyes.

“Like two thousand dollars?” I asked.

He gave me a small smile and bowed again before finally walking away. I scoffed as the door closed.

“Two thousand dollars,” I said.

He couldn't let two thousand dollars go?

“Unbelievable” I muttered and walked out of the room and back into the hall.

He had no heart. He couldn't pity an old man owing him two thousand dollars? Did he have to involve the man's family when he was clearly trying so hard?

I spotted him talking to some people and I made a beeline towards him. He spotted me before I got there and shoved his hands into his pockets.

“I need to talk to you,” I said.

“Is that an order?” he asked.

“Look, I am not in the mood for whatever this is, okay?”

He scoffed.

“That makes two of us” he nodded at me. “Walk away.”

I frowned as he attempted to turn away but I slipped in front of him and he stopped and glared down at me.

“I need to talk to you because it's important, Zoltan. So you will give me that audience. And I walk away on my own terms, do you understand that?”

He arched a brow at me.

“Do I need to remind you every time that I'm not a pet but an Alpha?”

“You're no Alpha, Zoltan” I scoffed.

He frowned.

“An Alpha wouldn't threaten to ruin an old man because of a couple of thousands of dollars.”

“What the heck are you talking about?” he asked. “Thirty million dollars is a couple of thousands of dollars.”

I groaned.

“Of course. You can't even tell between the old men you threaten daily.”

He scoffed.

“Listen to me, Ulyana Barlowe—”

“No you listen to me, Zoltan James MacQuoid” I interrupted. “You should feel ashamed of yourself for being so greedy you can't let two thousand dollars go.”

He made an annoyed yet confused face.

Oh, he's clueless.

“I'm talking about Alan Kruger. The man who owes you money.”

Realization dawned on him and he chuckled. I looked at him quietly.

“Why is so hard for you to forgive, huh?”

He took his hands out of his pockets and crossed them over his chest.

“And what exactly am I supposed to forgive?”

“The two thousand dollars he owes you from your casino.”

He arched a brow.

“Two thousand dollars?”

“Yes Zoltan” I huffed. “He lost his job, he can barely feed his family. He's trying so hard to pay you back and yet you threaten to tell his family he owes you two thousand dollars?”

He calmly watched me.

“He came to me and asked me to speak to you to give him more time to pay. But I'm asking you to let the two thousand dollars go.”

“I should let it go?” he asked.

“Yes. Tell him it's okay. That you don't need the money. Because you don't.”

“I don't?”

“No Zoltan” I frowned. “You wear a Rolex, for crying out loud. You don't need a poor man's two thousand dollars” I sighed.

He slowly nodded.

“So I should ignore the debt?” he asked calmly.

“Yes, you should.”

He nodded.

“Anything else?”

I scanned his face. Was this a test? Or was he being genuine because I'd called him out for his greediness?

“Actually yes,” I said. “You should sell the Rolex and give him the money... and a job.”

He chuckled.

“I should sell my watch and give him a job?”

“Yes. And maybe... just maybe... you'll be a better person in that poor man's eyes.”

His expression changed into a terrifying scowl.

“Now you listen to me, Ulyana. That poor man owes me sixty thousand dollars.”

What?!

“But even he could tell how naive you are and so he very easily played you into appealing for him. Alan Kruger has a problem. He's been borrowing from co-workers and his friends to gamble. He's been lying about the money he's lost and the amount of time spent on gambling. He got fired for embezzlement and he's been secretly selling his possessions... all to finance his gambling habit.”

Oh...

“Kruger chases his losses. He bets more money trying to get back his losses but just ends up losing even more. So please, just please, go ahead and be the righteous advocate okay?” he stated and walked away.

I bit my lip, feeling stupid that I'd lost this one to him because Alan Kruger lied to me. Was I really naive? I bit my lip in annoyance.

But why would he lie to me?

I sighed.

“Ulyana?”

I gasped when someone touched my shoulder. I spun around and Geneva was smiling at me. I touched my chest.

“You scared me” I chuckled.

She gave me a confused look.

“I scared you?”

“Yes,” I smiled.

She chuckled and then shrugged.

“I am naturally terrifying.”

I laughed.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“Nothing you just seem a bit... worried?”

I shook my head.

“No, I'm fine.”

“You're sure the pressure of marriage isn't getting to you?”

I scoffed.

“I'm fine.”

She nodded.

“So, are you enjoying the party?”

She sighed.

“Not when my mother is making me find a husband.”

I made a face.

“A husband?”

She bobbed her head.

“Something about me being single doesn't sit right with her.”

I arched a brow.

“You're single?”

She looked at me.

“Oh, and the expectations keep growing.”

I scoffed.

“But you're so pretty... and funny. How on earth are you single?”

She shrugged and I shook my head.

“That just won't do,” I said and gave a gentle shove to walk.

“Where are we going?” she chuckled as I led her through the crowd.

“To find you a husband” I replied cooly. “Mara! Over here” I waved at her.

“Wait what's happening?” Geneva asked with a smile.

“If anyone can find a husband, it's her.”

“But—”

“Trust me, I've seen her pair tons of people. Don't worry.”

Mara got to our side and I explained the situation.

“Oh I got you girl” Mara assured her and led the two of us to one side of the room.

“Hey, what are you ladies up to?” the blonde from the other day chipped in as she joined us.

“Go away, Claire. We're doing just fine without you” Geneva replied.

Claire laughed.

“Oh Eve. So funny and full of life.”

Geneva rolled her eyes and I leaned into her.

“I get the feeling that you don't like her very much” I whispered.

She shook her head.

“It's not a feeling” she replied.

I chuckled.

“Okay, what are you looking for in a man?” Mara asked.

Geneva looked at me.

“She reads people too?”

I smiled.

“Just go with it. Good omen.”

She laughed and shook her head.

“Someone who's funny I guess.”

“Sense of humor... very important” Claire nodded. “You know, my husband is very funny. He makes this face when he's trying to have a serious conversation with me but I don't wanna talk.”

Geneva rolled her eyes again.

“Wow, there's actually a lot of nice-looking men around here,” Claire commented and smiled appreciatively at an attractive man that passed by us. “If I wasn't already happily married, I would have actually taken someone home tonight.”

I chuckled.

“Love him,” Mara said and nodded her head to a tall buff-looking guy in khaki pants and a button-up shirt. “I wouldn't mind spending some time with him.”

Geneva shook her head.

“No” she stated. “I'm getting the, 'I go to the gym and lift very heavy things' vibe. I don't want that.”

“Yeah you're right” Claire agreed. “Not my type either.”

“Ouu, what about him?” Mara asked and grabbed onto Claire's arm while waving her other one towards a group in the back of the room.

“Which one?” I asked because there were three men there.

“Pink shirt” she replied.

“Hmm,” Claire hummed. “What'd you think, Eve?”

I watched Geneva cock her head. The guy was tall with an athletic build and short, wavy, blonde hair. But he had his back to us.

“If his butt is any indication of what he looks like from the front, then he's worth it” she finally said.

I chuckled.

“Hello there,” I heard Mara say to someone.

I reluctantly glanced at her to see her greet a couple of women who were passing by.

“Hi,” one responded, while the other one just gave us a courteous smile.

I nodded my head with a small smile.

“I'm telling you,” Mara continued, “I'll find you a husband before you leave.”

“I'm not that desperate” Geneva chuckled.

Claire turned back to us and grinned.

“Why don't we try the bar? Maybe some of the hotties from here will join us.”

“Aren't you happily married, Claire?” Geneva shook her head at her.

“I'm doing this for you, Eve. Don't worry.”

I half listened to Claire as she babbled on about how happy Geneva was going to be after we found her someone. Geneva didn't even look old. So why the rush?

And so what if she was old?

“Remember how much fun Meghalaya was?” Claire asked with a smile.

“You've been to India?” Marioara gasped.

Claire nodded.

“It was just for business but my husband took me along anyway. He just loves to take me everywhere.”

“Aww” Marioara cooed with a smile.

I made a face and so did Geneva.

“It was so fun” Claire smiled at Geneva.

“I wouldn't know because I wasn't at that one,” Geneva answered her.

“Oh,” Claire's perfectly styled eyebrows furrowed for a second. “I could have sworn you were. Zoltan never goes anywhere without you.”

“He had to start from somewhere. And now that he's marrying Ulyana here, he can take her everywhere too.”

I grimaced a little. I didn't wanna go everywhere with him.

“But I'm glad I didn't go. Too much rain and stuffy people.”

I chuckled.

“Oh, Warren!” Claire called out to Zoltan's beta.

His head snapped toward our direction and he smiled.

“Hello ladies,” he greeted when he got to our side.

Claire grinned and moved closer to him for a kiss but he stopped her.

“This is Zoltan and Ulyana's day. Let them be the center of attention” he whispered.

“Oh no, no. Go on. It's not a problem” Marioara chuckled.

I smiled at Warren.

“Don't pry, Mara” Geneva said, playfully hitting her hand.

Did she have that much of a problem with Claire?

“Warren” I heard Zoltan call out to him.

I looked over my shoulder and he was moving toward us.

God.

“Why isn't Garrard here yet?” he asked as he stopped beside me.

“Oh he said he was taking care of something for you” Warren answered.

“Do you have to bring work here, Zoltan?” Geneva asked.

He looked at her.

“This is important.”

“So is your engagement party... which is still this party.”

He shook his head at her. I made a face at Mara who was grinning at him.

“Hi Alpha Zoltan” she giggled.

He nodded at her.

“Mara.”

“How's it going?” she asked.

“Good.”

“What are you ladies up to anyway?” Warren asked.

“Oh we're just finding a husband for Gene here” Claire answered.

Zoltan arched a brow and Warren frowned.

“What?!” he cried sharply, earning an amused look from Geneva.

Did she find everything funny?

“A husband?” Zoltan asked.

“Why?” Warren asked, clearing his throat.

“My mother wants me to get married,” Geneva said.

“And you will because your husband is right here in this room and I'm going to find him for you” Mara assured.

“Good” Geneva smiled. Now who wants to grab a couple of cold beers with me while I'm still single?”

“Wine sounds good” Claire smiled. “You want some wine babe?” she asked Warren.

“No.”

His reply was short and very firm. Spending all that time around Zoltan must have been affecting his emotions.

“Oh I want wine” Mara grinned.

“So no one wants to get a cold beer with me?” Geneva asked in an offended tone.

Marioara chuckled.

“Ulyana will go with you. She loves beer.”

I gave her a 'why would you say that' look. Everyone, including Zoltan, turned to me.

“You do?” Geneva grinned.

I shook my head.

“Not really.”

“What?” Marioara furrowed her brows. “Of course you love beer. You're the undefeated beer chugger.”

“Undefeated beer chugger?” Warren asked.

I shook my head.

“Don't listen to her. That's not even a thing.”

“Yes, it is” Marioara defended. “No one can come close to defeating you at beer chug and you know it. We made a living off of it.”

“We?” Zoltan asked this time.

I looked at him and he had a smirk on his face. I frowned.

“No it was mostly her,” Mara said. “I made people bet on her and when she won, we kept the money and gave it to the homeless shelter at the end of the day.”

“You did?” Geneva smiled.

I exhaled.

“I was her manager” Marioara smiled proudly. “She's good. One time, she chugged six—”

“Oh look! He's a husband material!” I exclaimed, cutting her off.

She stopped talking and turned to the person I had gestured at. Everyone else turned and Geneva chuckled.

“Nice save” she grinned and nudged my arm with hers.

“Oh my goodness! He's perfect! Geneva look!” Mara exclaimed in agreement.

“Is she always like this?” Warren asked me.

“As far as I know, yes” I replied.

He nodded slowly.

“Oh, Zoltan?” Claire called out to him. “There's Garrard.”

I watched Zoltan look up from his phone and I followed his gaze which was on an elderly man.

Wasn't he a friend of Bubba's?

But I didn't have time to refresh my memory as a man stepped out from behind him and stood very close to him. The blue shirt he wore under the jacket covered a broad chest, and it was tucked into dark pants with a belt around his narrow waist. There was something about him that held my attention and made it difficult to look away. He reminded me of someone.

Wait.

Then he turned, so he faced my way, and I almost stumbled. Marioara and Claire said something, but I had no idea what it was. His dark, wavy hair was brushed away from a very masculine face. A square jaw, straight Roman nose, and high cheekbones with a broad forehead and perfectly arched eyebrows... just perfect. But that wasn't what drained the blood from my face.

I knew those eyes. Yes, he was older. We both were. His hair was darker and his face sharper. There was no longer anything boyish or round about his expression. His nose appeared slightly different too, straighter maybe... but it was those eyes, wide and brooding and dark... so dark, but with the same soft caramel color bordering on yellow around the irises.

I had drowned in those eyes... so many times.

A second later, he looked up, and our eyes met. It was like an electric current struck me right in the heart. My breath caught in my throat and I stopped breathing. I'm not sure whether or not I made a sound, but I must have because someone grabbed a hold of my arm and asked what was wrong. I don't even think I could answer.

Anger pulsed through my veins and I could feel a scowl coming, only for shock to cross my face and fear as his eyes directly met mine. The shock run through my body as he moved closer to me, his eyes ranking my body.

No, no, no, no, no!

My heart began to thud furiously and I stepped closer to Zoltan, something I would've never done in a different situation. My heartbeat increased as his eyes met mine, putting me on a spell. I couldn't let him see he affected me. I couldn't let Zoltan see I was terrified either. I couldn't risk showing any emotions.

Zoltan moved forward and I pressed myself to his back, terrified of the person he was standing in front of. He looked behind him at me but didn't look surprised by my reaction.

Did he have something to do with this?!

I quickly moved away from him and stood closely beside Marioara who was staring at me in confusion.

“Alpha Zoltan” he spoke up, his voice silkier than ever. “I must say I didn't believe it when I heard. But when I received your invitation, I just couldn't resist. I had to come to see for myself.”

Zoltan smiled.

“I'm glad you made it, Alpha Anton.”

His name made me shiver and Mara's eyes widened in realization. She clutched my hand and I clutched hers back. Anton looked over at me and smiled.

“Ulyana” he called.

The way my name rolled off his tongue stirred up memories that angered and frightened me both at once. He moved closer to me and took my hand in his. I gasped loudly and suddenly everyone's eyes were on me. I was visibly trembling and my eyes and nose were beginning to burn.

But that's not the only thing that was killing me now. It was Zoltan. The way he just stood there and watched Anton torture me. Nonchalant... without a heart. He invited him, to come here, when he knew what Anton had done to me eight years ago. How he'd ruined my life. He knew. Yet he invited him to come here, today. Somewhere I'd also be.

I don't know why I was still stunned by His actions. After all, he was the devil.

Thank you for reading!
Vote and comment if you enjoyed the chapter and recommend!
See ya.
~the_atticwriter