THE CEO S PAWN

DESPITE the subdued light in the gardens, Riley can still see the woman standing near the bushes.

She has been watching the same woman since she caught sight of her. That was when she entered the hall where the festivity was in full swing.

She embodied the statement ‘fashionably late.’

Not only Riley was enticed by the woman’s champagne-colored bodycon long-sleeved gown but also her beautiful face. It was clear that she attended the event to be noticed.

Although the woman was not blessed with an ample amount of breasts but her small waist and flaring hips were enough to show off her curvy figure. Her face was almost void of makeup except for the red lipstick painted on her thin lips. It contrasted her pale skin and equally pail dress.

Her dark hair was in a tight bun atop her head. It gave way to the creamy skin of her neck.

In her feet was a pair of four-inched nude stilettos. It made her almost in the same height with Riley’s five feet seven inches.

“I’m leaving! I am in no mood to entertain these people, Father.”

These words were uttered in annoyance and it can be seen on the pretty face of the woman. Her chinky eyes went smaller than they already were. Her thin lips tightened as she listened to the person on the other line.

“Dammit!”

A smile appeared on Riley’s lips when the woman that she has been watching stomped her feet on the solid ground. She placed the slick phone back inside the purse.

She chuckled inwardly when the woman groaned and then muttered a couple of words in Chinese. Although she did not understand it, it was easy to say that they were explicit.

Riley looked down as she shook her head. She scratched the end of her left brow.

“It’s rude, you know.”

She straightened. Her head lifted.

The woman she was watching a while ago is looking back at her. She was unsmiling. Her red lips were in a straight line.

“You have been tailing me since I came. I never expect you to eavesdrop on a private conversation.”

“My bad.”

There was no use denying it. She has been busted from the very start, anyway. And she did not do it discreetly.

The woman rolled her eyes and huffed.

Riley stood frozen when the unknown woman marched in her direction. She swallowed in nervousness only to realize that the woman walked past her.

“Kids these days are ill-mannered.” She said under her breath. “My goodness, this child could be a future alpha.”

The retort that was about to exit her mouth went out the window when the sweet scent of the woman slapped Riley. Her wolf yelped in her head.

Without meaning to, Riley lifted her nose and sniffed. Her eyes were closing when they opened immediately at what the chinky woman said.

“Stop sniffing like a damn dog.”

A frown marred Riley’s face. She was surprised and insulted at the same time. When she turned to the woman, Riley only had the sight of the voluptuous woman’s retreating back.

Gently, she moved between the throng of guests as she tried to follow the woman. If she was not a werewolf, she would have lost her. It was fortunate that her scent was engrained into her brain.

Eyebrows puckered Riley stopped walking. She was standing beside a wall that had a large painting. It showed off an image of a burning village. The fire was so vivid that she could almost imagine the heat in her skin.

She lost her!

Riley released a disappointed sigh as she watched the busy guests of the gala.

“Stop following me, dammit.”

Startled, Riley glanced at the person standing two meters away from her. It was the woman she was looking for. She was hidden behind a huge pot of plant.

Although the woman was looking the other way, Riley knew that her attention was on her.

“But---”

“No buts.”

Disappointed, Riley watched her leave. With a deep sigh, she glanced at the painting behind her.

It was painted well. The fire seemed real.

“I knew that you don’t want to be here but you don’t have to look like a lost kid wanting to leave the place while the parents are busy kissing ass with their acquaintances.”

She rolled her eyes when she heard the familiar voice of her friend.

Kenzo’s grinning face greeted her. They embraced.

“How are you, Alpha Shebala?”

Riley made a face.

Just like her, Kenzo Takahashi was an alpha of their pack. They were both invited to this event.

It was a ball for the supernatural beings. The leaders of the packs and covens were invited to attend.

For most of the supernatural, it was a well-awaited event since it was being held every five years. It was an opportunity to expand the allies as well as to meet their mates and beloved.