The Alpha King's Mistress Chapter 95: Trap, Trap

We danced slowly, our movements synchronized with the beat of the song. His strong hands rested on my waist while mine found their place on his shoulder. He was so tall that I could only reach his chest.

As we swayed to the slow music, Nicholas broke the silence with a question, "Is there anything you want, Florence? Perhaps a gift?"

I looked up at him, surprised to find him already watching me. Holding his gaze, I smirked.

"A gift for what?"

He shrugged. "Um... for earlier."

I nodded, holding back my smile, "Anything?"

"Yeah, anything."

"Alright..." I pondered for a moment, recalling past extravagant gifts that had remained unused. Wanting something different, I suggested, "How about a simple date? Just one day where we can enjoy each other's company."

Nicholas appeared momentarily taken aback, his eyes reflecting surprise as he processed my request.

Before he could respond, Samantha appeared out of nowhere, interrupting our dance. We both stopped, looking at her.

She asked, with feigned sweetness, "Mind if I steal the Alpha away for a dance... Florence?"

“Samantha,” Nicholas replied in a measured tone, which made me raise a curious brow.

Samantha forced a smile, her clenched fist indicating they must have had a serious talk. She spoke through a fake smile and replied in a clipped tone, “Just today,” before facing me expectantly.

I felt a surge of annoyance. I wanted to decline, heck I really did, but the nearby people around us, some Moonstone pack members, were looking at us. I managed a polite smile. "Sure, go ahead."

Nicholas looked at me for a moment, and I just shrugged, stepping aside.

"Thanks," Samantha discreetly smirked.

My annoyance hit a top-notch, so I smiled sweetly at her. "You're welcome. I got the first dance, so I'm good."

I side-eyed Nicholas, biting his lip to stop himself from smiling while looking at me intensely.

Samantha just glared at me and gave Nicholas, who cleared his throat, a cold expression in a snap. He reluctantly began dancing with Samantha. As I moved away from the dance floor and disappeared into the crowd, I couldn't shake the feeling of his eyes following me.

The lively celebration continued around me as I navigated through the crowd and went to the empty table we sat at earlier.

Seated alone at the table with gold-clothed chairs, I found it oddly positioned a bit farther away from the others. I sighed, taking a sip of my wine, trying to divert my attention from the view of Nicholas and Samantha dancing.

Soon after, Isaac approached my table, "Mind if I join you?"

I gestured to the empty chair. "Of course."

He settled into the seat, his voice low as if whispering, "You handled the council's questions remarkably well."

I blinked, surprised by the unexpected praise. "Thank you. I appreciate that. Gotta do what I need to do, right?"

We exchanged glances, and he understood the unspoken agreement between us. He must help me so Nicholas chooses me as his Luna over Ms. Fake Sunshine.

"Anyways, where's Gayle? I haven't seen her around," I added.

Isaac glanced at me and smirked, "Oh, just watching," his eyes gesturing toward the ceiling. I nodded, understanding that Gayle must be in some surveillance room, keeping an eye on us.

"Gotta go for a sec," Isaac said, standing up.

I nodded and watched him walk away, disappearing into the comfort room.

Feeling a little bored, I slipped away to the balcony for a breath of fresh air. I took a deep breath, relishing the cool night air as it kissed my skin. The balcony was breathtaking, with the soft glow of the moonlight and the gentle rustle of leaves providing a soothing ambiance.

Leaning against the balcony railing, I glanced at my almost empty glass.

"Ugh. I should've gotten another," I grumbled, turning around to head back inside.

But I halted in my tracks when someone appeared at the door—a woman in a pink gown—Samantha. I rolled my eyes, already weary of her presence today. I intended to ignore her, but it seemed she had other plans for me tonight.

Samantha's eyes glinted with hatred as she spoke, crossing her arms. "Well, well, if it isn't the newfound star of the show. Did you enjoy your little dance with Nicholas?"

I nodded casually. "Yeah, I really enjoyed it."

Samantha's face turned serious as she untangled her crossed arms. "You think Nicholas would ever want someone like you? Please, Florence, you're just a passing fancy. He's used to much more sophisticated company."

"And do you believe you're more sophisticated than me?"

"Yes. I am not someone who sleeps around and acts promiscuously with any man who buys me. I am not as low as you."

I wanted to correct her, to tell her the truth that I never put myself up for sale. This was the first time.

"You can think whatever you want. You can believe and convince yourself that you are greater and more sophisticated than me. But take a look at whose company Nicholas preferred just now."

She gritted through clenched teeth, "You are just a fleeting distraction. He won't choose you when he can have someone like me."

“You know what, Samantha? You're threats and insults are always the same” I took a step closer, meeting Samantha's challenging gaze. "But today, you sounded desperate more than ever which made me wonder if Nicholas had already made his choice"

Her laughter turned scornful. "We'll see about that. Enjoy the party while it lasts, Florence. Your time in the spotlight won't be for long."

As Samantha left, disappearing behind the door, I shook my head, finding her audacity rather remarkable. However, her insecurity and fear were glaringly obvious. I was about to make my way outside when another figure appeared once again. My brows furrowed as I realized it was the old maid from yesterday, named Olga, standing in front of me.

Her aura felt off, and her stone-hearted expression made her black eyes seem lifeless.

"Ms. Layla wants you to join her in one of the guest rooms, number 25," she stated so unemotionally that it felt like she was reading from a report.

“Layla?” I raised a brow. "Why?"

"I don't know. She asked me as a favor to tell you," she shot back before marching away.

As the old maid sauntered away, leaving me alone on the balcony, I weighed my options. Layla wouldn't ask someone to approach me. I knew that much. The sudden request for me to go somewhere was suspicious enough.

I looked at the door where the old maid had left. There was only one way to find out. I knew it was likely a trap, but perhaps this trap was the only card I could play to make Nicholas dislike Samantha. Since the old maid was clearly Samantha’s minion, there was a high chance she was involved in this.

After all, I am Nicholas's mate. No matter how much he dislikes me, he would greatly dislike me being hurt by someone else.

So, I decided to play this game on my terms.