Forbidden Temptation My Mafia Fiance's Alpha Father (Brooklyn and Aden) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26
Brooklyn

The party is, above all, impressive. Drinks of all kinds are flowing, and a twelve-piece band is at the back of the room. Everyone is having a good time and, thank the goddess, mostly ignoring me.

Even though it’s technically my party, everyone’s too caught up in their own business to do much more than send me a curious glance.

To them, I’m not the one who’s important—they’re here for the Wolf King, for the mafia god.

I’m grateful for Hudson, who sticks close by my side. Even though he was raised in this environment, I can tell he’s more comfortable sticking by my side, sneaking sips of his champagne and making wry comments that only I can hear.

I can’t help but laugh at the things he says. He’s right—we always did get along.

Jayde sweeps around the room, almost indecently sexy in her black Versace gown. Looking around, though, I can see that she has competition for her daring choice of clothes. This group of mob bosses and wives, wolves and their mates do tend towards the sexy.

There are lot of women’s bodies on display around me, many of the human bodies enhanced with plumped lips, breasts, asses. Whatever they felt was lacking.

Even without my wolf’s heightened senses, I’d be able to easily pick out the humans versus the wolves, since we wolves can’t really partake in plastic surgery. If we could, Hudson’s bodyguard wouldn’t have such a nasty scar on his face.

In comparison to the overly showy women, I look demure in my sweeping blue gown. But Jayde picked well—if she had put me in something that showed a lot of skin, she knew I’d feel shy. As it is, the blue velvet gown makes me feel regal.

“You do look amazing,” Hudson says, smiling down at me. “I mean, you were always pretty, Brooklyn. But wow.”

I smile up at him, pleased by his compliment. I knew he wouldn’t say it unless he meant it. I just wish it meant something more…

We both watch as Jayde greets new guests, directing servants to take their coats and ensuring that they have drinks in their hands within half a minute.

How she manages to hold back her disdain when some of the human women arrive wearing fur, I’ll never know. I’m not sure I could be so gracious.

“She’s really the hostess here,” I say, fascinated. “What would your dad do without her?”

“Yeah,” Hudson says, studying Jayde. “She’s definitely taken up that wifey sort of role.” He shrugs. “But who knows, my dad is fickle. One wrong move and she could be out the door.”

I look up at him, wondering if that’s why he keeps his distance from her, emotionally. How many mother figures has Hudson had in his life who have disappeared in the night, never to be seen again?

Beyond that, where is his real mom? I frown, making a mental note to ask some other time.

Hudson gives me a smile and then clinks my empty champagne glass with his. “Refill?”

I give him a nod, and he heads off to the bar. I tap my foot to the music, enjoying it while I look around at all of the guests.

Is my “father” here yet?