Moon Lovers: Bound by Blood and Revenge

[ Golden City: Crystal Crescent Manor Hotel…]

Tonight was the banquet for the celebration of the 65th Birthday of Zhou Patriarch, Grandpa Roland. It was a Masquerade Ball Party with a white, red and black theme.

They invited prominent and influential people in both politics and the business world. Every guest was wearing a masquerade mask matched with their elegant gowns and tuxedos.

The hall was decorated by dangle twinkling lights from crystal chandeliers that hung on the ceiling. Classical music was being played by the famous orchestra group called White Symphony of the Golden City.

The important guests started to arrive at the venue. Ronan Zhou and his wife, Evelyn Zhou were busy entertaining the guests. Natasha and Enrique were also helping their parents in welcoming the VIPs.

Evelyn noticed that Marceline was not yet in the venue so she asked her husband about her whereabouts.

"Honey, your niece looks like she will come late. She should have been here by now, entertaining her grandfather's guests. But there is still no sign of her." She looked around, searching for Marceline.

"Don't look for her. She always does what she wants. We are the hosts of this party but she seems not to care as if she is not part of the Zhou Family. I don't know why my father is still pampering that granddaughter of his!" Ronan crumpled his face, feeling displeased by the fact Grandpa Roland was spoiling Marceline to his heart's content.

Evelyn just smiled faintly, rubbing her husband's back to console him. "Don't get upset, Honey. Dad pampers her because she lost her parents at an early age. This is the only way he can fill the missing gaps left by Marceline's parents."

A melancholic frown flitted across Ronan's features when Marceline's parents were mentioned. He just pressed his lips in silence, not wanting to comment further.

The husband and wife were still talking when his assistant approached Ronan, informing him that Cedric Morgan, the CEO of Triple W, had already arrived.

"Sir, Mr. Morgan and his team are now at the entrance."

Ronan just nodded his head, turning to his wife. "Please entertain the other guests. I will just welcome Cedric."

"Why don't you bring Natasha with you. She can escort him here." Evelyn suggested, looking in her daughter's direction.

Ronan felt conflicted for a moment. If he were to decide, he didn't want his daughter to be associated with Cedric Morgan. He was dangerous and sly. At the same time, Cedric Morgan was the kind of guy who would not take his daughter seriously.

But he still needed to curry favor with Cedric for him to gain more benefits out of their alliance. Who knows, Cedric might become the next Werewolf King once his plan would succeed.

In the end, Ronan still asked his daughter, Natasha, to accompany him in the lobby, escorting Cedric to the main hall.

Cedric was wearing a white tux matched with his golden masquerade mask. Natasha couldn't help but admire his exquisite look. He stood there with his dominant alpha's aura, smiling at the ladies in his suave manners.

His charming smile made Natasha's heart beat faster with excitement. His irresistible looks totally captured her.

"Cedric," she called his name softly, flashing her seductive smile. She slightly bowed in front of him, making sure he would get a glimpse of her cleavage.

Cedric stared back at her, his gaze traveling from her face down to her body. The message in his eyes was starkly sexual as he smirked at her.

He reached out for her hand, bringing it to his face. He planted a soft kiss on her knuckles. Her heart pounded even faster when his lips touched the back of her palm.

"Lady Natasha, you look stunning tonight," Cedric said, complimenting her.

"Thank you. But I can't compare to your charm, Cedric." Her voice was as sweet as honey when she spoke to him. She was really hoping that Cedric would take notice of her beauty.

Meanwhile, Ronan cleared his throat to let them know about his presence. He didn't know if he should be happy seeing the two together or not.

"Let's go to the main hall. The program is about to start," Ronan said, catching their attention.

"Alright. I have to greet your father," Cedric responded before offering his hand to Natasha. She smiled inwardly, hooking her hand around his.

The three of them proceeded to the venue while Cedric's adviser, Vladimir, and his Beta, Cleo were following them from behind.

When he entered the main hall, Cedric's eyes reflexively scanned the venue with eagerness to find Marceline. He already imagined how beautiful she would look in her ball gown.

Natasha, who was standing next to him, also noticed that Cedric was looking for someone. She just assumed that it was her grandfather whom Cedric was looking for at that moment.

If she only knew that Cedric was searching for Marceline, then Natasha would get mad and jealous of her. She would hate her cousin more for stealing the attention of the man she liked.

All her life, Natasha considered Marceline as her greatest competitor. She always wanted to compete against her, proving she was better than her. She was jealous of how Marceline got all the men's attention during their school days. She's smart and beautiful so Marceline had lots of admirers. 

Fortunately, her cousin had a nasty temper and a cold attitude towards others, scaring them away. So Natasha became more popular with her angelic vibe. She's the campus' angel while Marceline was the campus' demoness.

After a few seconds, Cedric, Natasha, and Ronan reached Grandpa Roland's spot. He was talking to other guests when they approached him.

"Patriarch Zhou, may you have a long and healthy life." Cedric greeted him.

Grandpa Roland exchanged glances with Cedric. His eyes were strangely blank, not showing even the slightest bit of expression.

Grandpa Roland was aware of Cedric's identity as a werewolf. Just like Marceline, he detested Cedric's kind as werewolves were the ones responsible for killing his eldest son and his daughter-in-law.

"Thank you," Grandpa Roland plainly responded. Cedric was still an Alpha so he couldn't afford to offend him or humiliate him in front of other people.

Aside from that, being the CEO of Triple W, Cedric had enough influence and power in the human world. Grandpa Roland was also aware of his short temper and low tolerance with others. Cedric was the kind of person who would not spare people who would insult him or go against him.

Cedric Morgan was known as the most favorite werewolf general of Dominique Silvano, the Werewolf King. Offending him was like insulting the Werewolf King, that's why Grandpa Roland was very cautious when dealing with this alpha.

Cedric was about to say another word when he heard other guests talking about Marceline. It turned out Marceline had already arrived together with Kira and Lyca, entering the banquet hall.

The three of them caught the attention of everyone who was looking at the entrance door. Lyca was wearing a white ball gown while Kira was wearing a black tux. In the middle of them was a lady in red who was oozing with hotness and sex appeal.

The guests couldn't help but glance in their direction, admiring each one of them. They were a perfect Trio tonight, mesmerizing everyone with their dazzling, head-turning,  heavenly beauty!

Cedric bore his eyes into Marceline, roaming over her figure. He was staring at her in lustful amazement that seemed to undress her.

As Marceline was walking towards them, a certain someone popped up in his mind– the lady in red!

Cedric frowned as he eyed Marceline with his penetrating gaze, assessing her from top to bottom. With her red gown and her mask, Marceline reminded him of the lady in red whom he met in the S-Club.

It did not take long when Cedric's lips curled up into a sly smirk, his eyes gleaming in delight.

'Finally, I found you! Marceline Celeste Zhou! You are the lady in red whom I am searching for!'

Cedric finally recognized Marceline. He couldn't be wrong! She was the woman he saw in the S-Club. No wonder they had the same scent!

'Hmm, you never fail to amaze me, Marceline Celeste. This time I will not let you escape from my grasp. I will make sure that you will become mine tonight!' Cedric thought to himself as he continued watching her with his lecherous eyes.

Cedric had made up his mind. He would get what he wanted from Marceline tonight. He was so determined to have a taste of her. His expression couldn't hide his burning desire for her.

He was already thinking of so many ways how he would have her tonight.

'I will claim you, making you my woman tonight. I can't wait to touch you.'

Cedric simply called his Beta, whispering something to him. A sly smile played across his lips the moment he was done instructing his Beta, his eyes not leaving Marceline.

After talking to his Beta, he turned to Ronan, motioning him to follow him. Without waiting for Marceline to reach their spot, Cedric and Ronan left, finding a private place where they could talk privately.

"Ronan, give me your niece tonight! I will fulfill your request. She will become my woman and I will make sure to take her away and control her as you like."

Ronan felt delighted upon hearing that. "Sure, what do you want me to do?"

Cedric told Ronan his plan. Marceline's Uncle didn't hesitate and he agreed with him almost instantly.

"Okay, Cedric.. I will help you."