Chapter 17
Rebecca’s POV
The next morning, the question nagged at me, gnawing like a wolf at a fresh bone: Why had I been barred from Maximus’s room after- midnight? Surely, there must be a reason. Maybe an injured wolf? Or some ritual I wasn’t privy to? I pressed the omegas gently, but they were elusive–eyes flickering away, words clipped and guarded like they were protecting some dark secret.
“Is everything alright with the alpha?” I asked one timid omega while passing through the hall.}
She glanced around nervously before whispering, “It’s better you don’t ask too many questions, Miss Rebecca.”
That only made me more curious. More determined.
That night, my curiosity pushed me past caution. As the clock hands converged on midnight, I slipped from my chambers, careful to avoid the patrols. The corridors were quiet, save for the faint hum of the wind outside, carrying with it the scent of pine and something I couldn’t quite place–something sharp, like danger.
I crept toward the alpha’s room. The grand oak door stood silent and still, I slid the latch open slowly and stepped inside.
Darkness swallowed the room whole, save for the silvery moonlight spilling through the window. The beam of light touched Maximus s bed like a spotlight on a stage. I could see his outline perfectly. His broad chest rose and fell in even, rhythmic breaths. The stillness was almost sacred.2
My footsteps echoed softly on the stone floor as moved closer. I pulled a small stool from the corner and sat beside his bed. The aim smelled faintly of lavender and wood smoke.!
Maximus lay there, just as peaceful as before. The veins on his hand were visible beneath the pale skin. His fingers were long, brittle almost.
I reached out, hesitating only a moment before placing my hand over his. The warmth of his skin sent a shiver up my spine, but I stayed rooted to the spot.
This man, I thought, is supposed to be my mate.
A bitter sigh escaped me as the weight of the reality pressed down. How could I be married to someone who might never wake? The elders‘ wamings echoed in my mind–why the strict rule about midnight? Why the secrecy?
I sat there, watching, waiting, trying to hear some sign of life beyond the shallow breaths.
Time ticked on, slow and steady
I almost stood to leave, defeated by the silence and the eerie calm, when a sudden pressure stopped me.
Someone or something–gripped my wrist.
My breath caught, and I turned sharply.
Two glowing red eyes pierced through the darkness, locking onto mine with a terrifying intensity.
The room feit suddenly colder, the moonlight flickering as if disturbed.
My heart thundered in my chest. A primal instinct surged up–the wolf inside me snarled, ready to defend, ready to run.
“WWhat? I thought…” My voice was a whisper, but firm.
The red eyes blinked once, then spoke, voice low and rough like gravel scraping over stone.
“Curious little wolf, aren’t you?”
