Alpha's Twins Chapter 96

Since I wasn't afraid to make eye contact with anyone, I kept my gaze fixed on the hall's entrance. That's when I saw the most anticipated Alpha walk in, radiating that commanding presence he was known for. He wore a sharp gray suit, his hair slicked back perfectly, giving him that polished, untouchable look.

"I gotta hand it to him," another Alpha commented nearby. "Adrian's not just powerful when it comes to running his pack—the guy's got serious good looks too."

I looked away from Adrian and rolled my eyes hard.

*He's got nothing but those damn good looks that made me fall for him years ago. Everything else? Absolutely worthless. Thank God I figured that out and got the hell away from that monster,* I thought, letting out a frustrated sigh.

I noticed Eric watching me. "What?"

He shook his head and looked away.

What was his deal all of a sudden? He'd been fine just a minute ago.

I figured he probably hated Adrian too, which would explain the mood shift. I mean, who didn't hate that bastard?

When I turned back to the Alphas I'd been talking with, I could see the fear creeping into their eyes. All because of Adrian's presence.

Sure, they all wanted an alliance with the Crystal Blood Pack, but they were too scared shitless to actually approach the head Alpha. And honestly, who could blame them? The guy was dangerous as hell—no question about it.

But Adrian couldn't hide his failures. I'd stolen so many projects right out from under him, and it had really rattled both him and his company.

A few minutes later, Damia hurried over to me. She'd been standing in the corner with her drink, but after Alpha Wade spoke to her, she came straight to me.

"Boss, Alpha Wade wants to talk to you."

"Where is he?" I asked.

She pointed across the room where Alpha Wade was deep in conversation with several other Alphas. Everyone was trying to kiss his ass, hoping he'd throw their companies a bone.

"Let's go," Eric said.

We made our way over to Alpha Wade in another corner of the hall. As we got closer, a familiar scent hit my nostrils. I closed my eyes, trying to keep my wolf calm, and kept walking toward it.

The smell made it crystal clear—my so-called mate was here. I made a mental note to visit Qadir when I got back to my pack. If I told him everything about this mate bond, maybe he could find another way to break it.

"Alpha Wade."

I stopped right in front of him. I didn't give a damn who else was standing there—I completely ignored Adrian.

I couldn't help but remember how he'd tested his DNA against my daughter. Thank God fate was on my side and Harold had worked some kind of miracle to keep the truth hidden.

"CEO Natalia, I was just looking for you," Alpha Wade said.

I gave him a polite smile as I greeted him. "Have you met Alpha Adrian yet?"

"No," I said coldly, not even glancing in Adrian's direction.

My response clearly shocked the other Alphas around us. They'd seen Adrian at my brother Jason's party. Some had even seen me standing with my family when Adrian was talking to them. So my reaction probably seemed pretty rude to them.

Eric stayed quiet—there wasn't really anything for him to say.

Alpha Wade chuckled, though I had no idea what he found so funny.

"Well, let me introduce you then. This is Alpha Adrian, and Alpha, she is—"

"The lost princess of the Blue Blood Pack? Yeah, I know who she is," Adrian cut him off.

I turned to look at him after hearing those words. Our eyes met, and I expected to see hostility there because of how he'd talked to me on the phone a few weeks ago.

But to my complete shock, I didn't see what I was expecting at all. Instead, he actually extended his hand toward me and said, "Nice to see you again, Natalia Hansley."

I looked down at his hand, then back up at him. I didn't trust his polite act for a second. But since we were surrounded by other Alphas, I had no choice but to shake his hand.

The moment our skin made contact, I felt this jolt of electricity shoot through me. I tried to pull my hand back, but his grip was firm.

I attempted to break free, but he held on tight—something the other people around us didn't seem to notice.

"I've heard quite a lot about you. Over the past few months, you've snatched up every project I had my eye on. I thought I'd be pissed as hell when I finally saw you face to face. But honestly, just looking at you now, I realize it's totally fine to lose a few projects to someone like you."

I was completely stunned by his words. What the hell was wrong with this guy? What kind of game was he trying to play?

But I wasn't about to let him get the upper hand.

"Alpha Adrian, nice to meet you too. But I think you're admiring me a little too much—that's why you won't let go of my hand."

He finally released my hand and replied, "Of course I am. You're definitely an admirable woman."

I rolled my eyes. He wasn't going to make a fool out of me. His expression stayed completely neutral, like he didn't have any hatred toward me at all—like he was just talking to some random stranger.

*Has he lost his damn memory? That would be the best thing that could happen,* I thought.

I heard Eric's voice from beside me. "Has Alpha Adrian suddenly learned how to be polite, or does he have some other agenda?"

I turned to Eric. His eyes were blazing with hatred—the same feeling I had for Adrian.

I grabbed Eric's hand to stop him from starting an argument with Adrian. What if this was all part of Adrian's plan to cause drama at the conference?

Adrian's gaze dropped to where I was holding Eric's hand, then moved up to Eric's face.

"If I want something, I don't hide it. But I think you're smart enough, Beta, to understand the difference between helping someone and owning them. You shouldn't want what belongs to someone else."