Mated to My Intended's Enemy-Chapter 194 The Gathering Hall

Freya’s POV

When we arrived at the gathering hall, most of the guests had already assembled. The venue was impressive—high ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers that cast a warm glow over the assembled werewolves from various packs across the region. The air buzzed with power and status, the distinct scents of different pack territories mingling in the atmosphere.

I felt Selene stir within me as we entered. My wolf was alert, sensing the presence of so many dominant wolves in one space. *Be careful*, she seemed to warn, her protective instinct flaring. Johnny placed his hand lightly on the small of my back in a reassuring gesture as we made our way through the crowd.

The host of the gathering, Beta Richardson from the Silver Creek Pack, immediately recognized Johnny and approached us with the deference typically shown to respected pack members.

"Johnny, what a pleasure to see you tonight," he said warmly, then turned to me with genuine appreciation in his eyes. "And this must be—"

He never finished his sentence. A sudden shift in energy rippled through the room, causing every wolf present to tense instinctively. The crowd near the entrance parted, and Beta Richardson’s expression transformed from welcoming to stunned reverence.

"Excuse me for just a moment," he murmured, already turning away from us.

Johnny and I exchanged glances before turning to see what—or rather who—had commanded such an immediate reaction.

My heart nearly stopped. Selene whined inside me, a mixture of longing and anger surging through our bond.

"Alpha Moretti, Alpha Blackwood,Beta Adrian, —what an unexpected honor," Richardson was saying, his posture subtly showing submission to the powerful wolves who had just entered.

But it wasn’t just the three powerful males that caught my attention. Standing among them, radiating confidence and wearing that exquisite purple gown I had admired just yesterday, was Aurora.

The three million dollar creation looked even more spectacular on her than it had on the mannequin. The semi-sheer fabric seemed to float around her tall, curvaceous figure, capturing the light in a way that made her appear almost otherworldly.

And beside her, his hand possessively resting on the small of her back—just as Johnny’s was on mine—stood Silvano.

"Those are some of the most powerful Alphas in the Northern territory," a nearby wolf whispered urgently to his companion. "They rarely attend these mixed gatherings. Something significant must be happening."

"And who is she?" another guest murmured. "The woman with Alpha Moretti looks like she could be Luna material. Her aura is incredible."

"If I could have a mate with that presence, I’d willingly challenge an Alpha for her," a younger wolf said with admiration in his voice.

"Oh my God," a female voice gasped nearby. "That gown! I was at Celestial Boutique yesterday—the owner said it was custom-made for some powerful Alpha’s special guest. Three million dollars! That’s the price of a luxury den in the city center!"

"Three million?!" another repeated in shock.

I swallowed hard, fighting to maintain my composure. When I had first spotted Aurora wearing the gown, a searing pain shot through my chest. Despite the Howlthorne family’s considerable wealth, spending millions on a single garment would be excessive even for them. But for Silvano, that amount was inconsequential when it came to making a statement.

The fact that the gown had been custom-designed weeks in advance suggested that Silvano had been planning to bring Aurora to this gathering all along. This wasn’t a spontaneous appearance—this was a calculated statement.

*He’s parading her around like she’s already his Luna*, Selene growled inside me, her anger vibrating through my bones.

My fingers trembled slightly as I watched Aurora lean in to whisper something in Silvano’s ear. His response was a rare smile—the kind I hadn’t seen directed at me in years.

"Freya," Johnny whispered, concern evident in his voice. His hand moved closer to mine, ready to offer support if needed.

I straightened my spine and offered him a small but genuine smile. "I’m fine," I assured him, though the words felt hollow even to my own ears. Selene rumbled her disagreement within me—we were far from fine.

The crowd had thickened around Silvano’s group, creating a natural barrier between us. I was grateful for this momentary shield; it allowed me to compose myself before any inevitable confrontation.

"Should we move to another area?" Johnny suggested quietly, his wolf’s protective instincts clearly engaged.

"You know what?" I said, straightening my shoulders. "I think it’s time we circulate. After all, this is a networking event."

Johnny’s eyes widened slightly at my unexpected response, then crinkled with approval. "Lead the way."

As we moved through the crowd, I could feel the exact moment when Silvano’s attention finally registered my presence. His wolf’s focus hit me like a physical force—that primal connection that had once been our greatest strength, now barely maintained.

I refused to turn and meet his gaze. Let him come to me if he wanted to talk. I wouldn’t chase after scraps of his attention anymore.

*He thinks she’s better than us*, Selene growled, still bristling with indignation.

*Then we’ll just have to prove him wrong*, I answered silently.

We moved against the flow of the crowd toward the refreshments area, away from the spectacle that was Silvano and Aurora. A few wolves turned to glance our way—but their attention wasn’t on me. It was on Johnny. His presence always drew attention, not just for his reputation as a sharp investor but because of his lineage. The Nakamura name carried weight in both business and blood.

"Do you want some wine?" he asked, already selecting a glass of dark red merlot for himself.

"Just a little," I said, accepting the glass he poured for me, only half-filled.

The aroma was full-bodied, but I barely tasted it. My nerves hadn’t entirely settled.

"John, you’re here too?" came a voice from the left, deep and familiar.