Chapter 33
Lucia Lorenzo's POV
Manhattan is a unique entity. I've visited this place a few times on business with my father, but this is something else. Observing the Dickson Estate, the chilly air makes my face comfortable.
Wolves rarely reside in cities since there is never enough space to allow them to roam free. But looking around, I can see that there's plenty of room for wolves to roam. This area might even be considered its state.
As we approach the estate, I watch Blaine take it all in, but there's no expression on his face.
We are a contented pair. You get it?" Blaine murmurs in my ear.
"Got it."
I am aware of the Dickson's cunning. They belonged to the Moonlight Pack, which covered the states of New Jersey and New York City. A few hundred years ago, the Dickson family left Mexico to immigrate. They have since ascended to the top and are now among the wealthiest families in the United States of America. Forbes Magazine frequently features Dicksons because of their glittering lifestyle and success in business.
They were revered by humans and seen with a combination of wonder and perplexity by the paranormal community.
How on earth could werewolves desire to interact with people? I saw why when I took in the vast acreage.
If you give it some thought, it was incredible. The Dicksons lost themselves in a world of expensive vehicles and homes. Although they weren't the richest family, their accumulation of wealth over time made them valuable members of the group.
However, nobody could have predicted the extent to which this opulent way of life would spread. So big that they eventually overtook the Alpha Family in terms of power and riches.
I'm not sure if they realized it, but the Dicksons were entangling us wolves in the same way that they had encircled the human world. The Dickson sisters, a well-known philanthropist and model, are the object of the males' obsession, while the ever-werewolf female swoons over the Dickson brothers. Werewolves watch wolf news networks to watch the Lunar Glow each year.
I said to myself, "Wow, I can't believe I'm here."
Blaine laughed.
"Don't tell me you're one of those girls who is obsessed with the Dicksons."
"Sorry to tell you, but every girl is obsessed with the Dicksons, werewolves and humans alike."
"Why? Simply put, they are an affluent family with excess money."
I stare at him in shock.
"You are so ignorant, wow. Awarded director Celine Dickson is also a fashion icon. Kyle, her spouse, is among the wealthiest businessmen in history. Their children are also remarkable. Model Fiona Dickson participates in numerous charitable endeavors. And the brothers Dickson? Whoa, Alex Dickson and Austin Dickson are the best! They provided funding for the search for the females who were trafficked all those years ago. Did you know that? They are also really dreamy."
I don't care that Blaine hasn't been impressed by my speech the entire time. I'm fangirling inside. The Dicksons are very extraordinary, and I will not pass up the opportunity to get to know them.
Quit worrying; the Lunar Glow is the real reason you're here. "We intend to remain at the Dicksons Estate until the morning after tomorrow, at which point we will depart," says Blaine.
"I know; all attendants of the Glow get to stay with the Dicksons," I responded. Their estate is supposedly better than most five-star hotels. When I replied, Blaine laughed, as though it was humorous that I already knew everything there was to know about the event.
Our chauffeur continues to drive towards the mansion until we are parked right outside the door. Blaine gets out first and reaches out his hand for me. My initial response was to slap it away, but starting now, we are the perfect couple. I lay my hand in his and stepped down from the automobile. A spark zings through me, and I wince, removing my hand from his.
Andrew places our stuff in front of us.
"This is as far as I can go into the estate; I will retrieve you both soon," he said.
"Thank you; you are excused," Blaine says. Andrew places his palm on his heart and bows for a short period.
"Alpha," he adds as a goodbye before driving away in the black town sedan.
A man in a suit comes racing out as Andrew departs.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I should have gotten out here sooner," he says.
"It's alright, sir," I say.
He smiles brilliantly before offering us his hand.
"I'm Peterson, the butler, and you two must be the De Lombardi."
I freeze, and Blaine senses it. It never occurred to me that I was now a part of the De Lombardi family. Blaine wraps his arm around me to draw me out of my moment of disbelief.
"Yes, that is us," I answered before grasping his hand to shake it. He turns to Blaine and shakes his hand as well.
"It's a pleasure to meet the alphas of Blood Moon. I hope you enjoy the Lunar Glow and do not hesitate to ask for anything you might need," Peterson says.
"The pleasure is ours," Blaine adds with little emotion.
He could at least act like he wants to be here.
Peterson gets our bags and walks up the steps to the huge doors. Blaine is a tall man, but the door is easily four of him. Peterson nods at the guards, who have been following our every move since we came, and they activate a button that opens the doors.
Walking into the mansion is like walking into a storybook. A big chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The crystals in it glitter as the light hits them. On both sides of me are staircases that spiral around and meet at the top. While the chandelier initially drew my eye, I took in the mural on the ceiling that would give the Cordelia Chapel a run for its money.
I don't see anyone moving about, but I can hear that they are in a separate section of the house.
"If you follow these stairs, you will find your rooms. Luna De Lombardi is staying in the west wing, while Alpha De Lombardi will stay in the east wing," Peterson told us.
"What? Separate rooms?" Blaine wonders. He didn't know about this custom.
"Yes, mates must stay apart until tomorrow night," Peterson informs him.
"But-" I know he must be thinking about my heat, but I feel fine, and I doubt it will start very soon.
"That's ok," I reassure Peterson before offering him a friendly smile.
"I'll be okay," I said to Blaine. He doesn't look convinced, but he drops it.
"Some of the alphas have already come, so feel free to mingle. I'll bring your stuff up to you," Peterson adds before vanishing.
I attempted to go, but Blaine grabbed my hand.
"If anything happens, you text me immediately, ok?"
I nodded and went up the marble stairs while Blaine took the opposite stairs. I stroll down the corridor that appears to go on and on. All of the doors had a nameplate with the name of the Luna on it. I eventually spot mine at the end of the hall.
"Lucia de Lombardi Blood Moon"
The bold text stares at me. It's a strange thing to feel. I'll always be a Lorenzo, but I guess when titles are involved, I'm a De Lombardi. The biggest adjustment of all is that I'm an alpha now. My wolf will suddenly have the power to order everyone in my pack, and I'm not sure how to manage it.
I think there's only one way to handle it. Headfirst, like a Lorenzo.
I twist the silver handle and enter. It's a gorgeous room with an en-suite and a wide stained glass window that overlooks the gardens.
A rush of excitement rushed me as I went to open the closet. The nicest aspect of the Lunar Glow is the outfit. Nobody gets to choose their clothing. It's handpicked by the Dicksons' designers, who analyze who the alphas are before they get here. The idea is to provide the guests with a dress that is perfect for them.
I breathe in and walk away from the closet, but the temptation has me nearly gnawing my nails.
I stroll over to the wide window that leads to a balcony. I imagine this is what it would have been like to live in Versailles. There's beauty everywhere.
"Run."
Seriously? Right now?
Yes, right now, I can control it!
I left my gorgeous chamber behind and walked towards the doors that led to the gardens. I know if I continue the route someday, I will find the woods and let my wolf go.
I'm about to signal for the guards to open the door when a hand attaches itself to my wrist. My reflexes kick in, and I grasp the wrist that gripped mine and drag the person in front of me.
"Woah there, miss; I just wanted to know the name of such a beautiful lady," the man added.
I stare into their eyes, and a realization dawns on me.
Oh my gosh, it's Alex Dickson.
Compose yourself, Lucia. You're a Luna now; no time to fangirl. I put my hand forward.
"Lucia Lorenzo, Luna of the Blood Moon Pack," I state. I was very pleased with myself until I opened his mouth.
"Lorenzo? I don't recall an Alpha with that surname," Alex adds in a smug voice like he knows something I don't.
"De Lombardi, it's De Lombardi. I'm freshly mated." I trail off, thinking he will catch the gist.
"Ah yes, it must be perplexing. Such a shame, though; I would have wanted to get to know you," he says. His words seem nice, but the expression in his eyes suggests the contrary.
"Till we meet again," he adds before dropping a sweet kiss on my hand. I offer a smile in response.
I make my way outside and transform into my wolf form. As I read around the grounds, I believe I saw familiar gold eyes observing me.