False Expectations - Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Adelina's pov:
I couldn't believe what had just happened a few minutes ago. Maximus was furious over my imminent rejection and had the audacity to lock me in my own room—like some damn criminal! He treats me like he owns me, like I'm nothing more than an object to him. The way he acts, as if I have no say in my own life, is infuriating.
Everything became painfully clear to me tonight. He was nothing more than an arrogant, selfish man, indifferent to others—especially to me. He hadn't brought me here to build a genuine relationship, to be true mates. No. He'd brought me here because it was convenient for him. He wanted me close, so his wolf could wield ultimate power, solidifying his claim to the throne and defeating any enemies in the way.
How could I have been so blind, believing he would act differently? I had heard the rumors about him. I knew deep down who he really was, yet I had followed him like a naive schoolgirl. I shouldn't have ever held any hope for him. For me, he was done. Tonight, I realized I needed to move on with my life. Waiting for him was pointless. All it did was keep me stagnant, with no future to look forward to.
Alex had called me several times that evening, but I tried to avoid him. What could I possibly tell him? That I was locked in my own room, punished like a schoolgirl? But he insisted so much that I finally answered. When he heard my sobs, he immediately got angry and wanted to come comfort me. I told him I was fine, that I needed to be alone. He respected my wishes, but made me promise to meet him early the next morning before work at the usual cafe. Thank the Goddess for sending me such a good friend. His care for me melted my heart and gave me the strength I needed to face this difficult situation.
All night, I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned in bed, trying to accept the situation I was in and thinking of ways to escape it. I finally managed to drift off just before morning, only to be awoken by the blaring sound of the alarm clock. Reluctantly, I got out of bed and went through my usual routine. When I was finally ready, I headed to Taza, a small café near the hospital. I avoided the pack's restaurant, not wanting to run into Maximus, and also because I figured Alex would probably be waiting for me at the café.
As I waited for my order, I felt a light touch on my back. Turning around in surprise, I found Mario Lupo, the Hospital Manager, smiling at me. I froze. This was the first time Mario had ever been so discreet and friendly with me. He had always been polite and professional, but today was different. After a brief exchange, he paid for my coffee and suggested we sit at one of the tables. Since Alex was running late, I agreed to join him.
We sat in silence for a few minutes before Mario broke it.
-"So, Adelina, how are you? How are things going here? Are you satisfied with your work?"
-"I am very satisfied, Sir," I replied, genuinely excited. "I think this new administration model will be a success." I wasn't just flattering him; I honestly believed in his approach and supported his vision.
-"Please, Adelina, do me a favor."
-"If I can, Sir."
-"Stop calling me Sir. It's Mario when we're alone. I want my partners to speak to me freely, without all the formalities."
-"I promise I'll try," I said, smiling awkwardly.
-"So, you're satisfied? I'm glad to hear that. Your opinion means a lot to me. I really hope to make this hospital a model for functionality and impeccable service," he said. I nodded in agreement; we shared the same vision.
-"How about your life in the pack? Have you managed to blend in?" he asked after a few minutes of silence.
-"I'm doing okay. I've made some progress, I think. Of course, I still miss my old pack, my home, my family, and friends, but I've managed. These past few months, I've met some new people. As for you, though, how are you handling everything? I heard you're from Italy."
-"It really doesn't matter to me anymore," he replied. "I've been through so many packs in my career that I've lost count. I'm familiar with the culture of most packs around the world—every Alpha, every law, every tradition. It's fascinating, but also tiresome and, at times, frustrating."
-"Honestly, I'm a bit jealous of you," I admitted with a sigh. "You've traveled to so many places. Meanwhile, I'm 22 and have never left my pack, except for the two months I've spent here. I've always wanted to see the world, meet new people, experience different cultures."
-"There's plenty of time for that," he said with a reassuring smile. "Nothing's stopping you."
I nodded slowly, but there was a hint of sadness in my voice as I murmured, "Yeah... I guess."
-"Why the long face?" Mario asked, his tone softening. "Is something holding you back? It's never too late for anything."
I took a deep breath, one I didn't even realize I was holding. Gathering all the courage I could muster, I looked him in the eye and said:
-"I don't think it's that simple. There are... things holding me back. People, responsibilities, expectations... especially back home. And there's the pack, too. My role in it, my obligations." I hesitated for a moment, then added, "It's not as easy as just leaving."
He looked at me thoughtfully for a moment, his expression softening. "I understand. But you deserve to live your own life, Adelina. Don't let anyone or anything hold you back from what you truly want." He smiled, reassuringly, but there was something in his eyes that I couldn't quite place.
I forced a smile in return, but inside, I couldn't help but wonder if I was truly ready to leave it all behind. The pack, Maximus... everything. Could I really start fresh, or was I too tied to the life I'd known?
Just as we were about to leave, Mario suddenly grabbed my arm, gently but firmly, and turned me to face him.
-"I want you to know that I am here whenever you need someone to talk to. Don't hesitate at all," he said, his voice sincere and compassionate.
-"Thank you," I replied, completely taken by surprise by his words.
After nine hours of work in the hospital I finally called it a day and headed to the gym. I wanted to decompress from the stress and anxiety of work. Marisa could not come with me today because she had a romantic appointment. I hope it goes well for her. At least one of us is lucky in her love affairs.
I did not get my car; I preferred to walk as I managed to clear my head of the thoughts that haunted me. When I entered the gym, I went straight to the locker room and put on my black leggings and my black sports bra that I had in my bag. In the gym, there were a lot of people training, including the warriors'. I started with a few stretching exercises and continued with a little cardio and a little running. Then I headed to the boxing bag to throw some punches. This is my favorite part of the exercise. I love to give a few punches, it always helps me decompress.
With my perimeter vision, I saw someone shouting at my side. A man in his mid-forties was approaching me. He was very tall and his body was well built. He had brown hair with a little gray on his temples, black eyes and some wrinkles on his face. I looked around and realized I was there alone. He came closer to me.
-"Hey, you there, what's your name?" he asked, his voice rough and commanding.
-"Are you talking to me?" I asked, somewhat taken aback.
-"Yes, you! Do you see anyone else around?" he replied sarcastically.
-"I guess not," I answered, trying to keep my composure. "My name is Adelina. How can I help you, Sir?"
-"Oh! You're the girl that the Alpha brought a few months ago. I'm Demetrio, the Gamma of this pack. I've been watching you, and I gotta say, you're pretty good. Have you had any training before?"
-"Thank you," I replied, a bit uncomfortable with the attention. "Of course, I've trained. I was working out every day in my old pack. I still do"
-"I see. Would you like to do some training here as well? As you probably know, I'm responsible for training the warriors. I also help anyone in the pack who wants to learn how to defend themselves. You interested in that?"
-"That would be interesting! When can I join?" I asked, feeling intrigued.
Demetrio's expression softened slightly as he observed me, seeming to weigh my response. "Well, we usually have a group training session every Monday and Wednesday evening. But if you're eager to get started sooner, I can arrange a one-on-one session for tomorrow. We can get right into some basic moves and I'll see what you've got."
I nodded, feeling a flicker of excitement. It had been a while since I'd trained in a proper setting. The few sessions I'd done here and there hadn't quite been enough to keep my skills sharp. This could be a good opportunity to get back into form, and maybe even prove Demetrio wrong about my fighting abilities.
-"I'd appreciate that," I said, meeting his eyes. "Tomorrow it is."
His lips twitched, as if he was pleased by my eagerness. "Good. I'll meet you here tomorrow at 6 p.m. in the training room. Be prepared to sweat."
I gave him a small grin. "I'm always prepared for that."
Demetrio chuckled, a sound that echoed in the open space of the gym. "I like your attitude. See you then, Adelina."
As he turned to walk away, I felt a surge of energy. Training was exactly what I needed right now, a way to channel the frustration and confusion from the past days into something productive. And perhaps, if I trained hard enough, I could prove to myself—if not to Demetrio—that I was capable of defending what mattered to me.