False Expectations - Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Adelina's pov:
The room felt warm and peaceful, the soft light of morning bathing everything in a gentle glow. Yet, despite the sense of serenity that lingered in the air, my mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. I lay there, staring at the ceiling, still feeling the faint traces of his touch on my skin. Maximus had been tender, something I hadn't expected after everything that had happened between us. But now, as the haze of passion faded, doubts crept in.
I tried to focus on the warmth and the happiness I had felt in his arms, but with each passing moment, the reality of our situation settled in. I couldn't ignore the red flags anymore.
Why did he treat me so terribly for so long? Why had he been so controlling, constantly testing my limits, trying to bend me to his will? Was it because of our bond, the pull of the mate bond that neither of us could escape? Or was it simply the power he wielded—his need to dominate and control every situation, every person? The contradiction in him was maddening.
In the quiet of the room, I allowed myself to confront the emotions I had been pushing aside. It wasn't just about the physical connection we shared. It wasn't just about the tenderness and passion of last night. It was about trust. Could I trust him? Could I allow myself to believe that the man who had been so cold, so distant, was truly the same person who had held me so gently just hours before?
I sat up in bed, rubbing my face in frustration. My thoughts were a tangled mess, and I didn't know how to untangle them. I wanted to be happy. I wanted to believe in what I had felt in his arms, to believe that what happened between us could be something real. But the doubts remained, and they were growing louder.
He had shown me a side of him that was unexpected, yes. But what if it was just a moment of weakness for him? What if he was just reacting to the pull of the bond, not out of any true affection for me? What if everything he had done up until now—the control, the cruelty, the power plays—was just his way of grappling with his own feelings and fears? What if I was just another thing for him to possess, another challenge to overcome?
I swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling the coolness of the floor against my feet. I needed to think. To process all of this. But I couldn't do it in a vacuum. I needed to talk to someone. But who? Who could I turn to when I couldn't even make sense of my own feelings?
The uncertainty gnawed at me, but the only thing I knew for sure was that nothing would be the same anymore. Whether I was ready for it or not, the course of my life had already changed, and I was caught up in something much bigger than myself.
Maybe Marisa was right when she told me that Maximus probably had feelings for me but wasn't able to express them. Who knows? The only truth is that no one makes love in such a caring way unless they feel something for their partner. He had treated me like a princess, and that spoke volumes about his feelings. He couldn't have been pretending... could he?
Still, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that he wasn't there when I woke up. But I knew being an Alpha was a demanding role that required constant attention, leaving little time for personal matters.
When I glanced at the clock, I quickly got up, completed my daily routine, and since I didn't have time for breakfast, I headed straight to the hospital. I hadn't seen Maximus since yesterday, and I had to admit, I missed him already. The day at work was exhausting, both mentally and physically.
By the time I returned to my room late that night, I was drained. I took a quick shower and started drying my hair when I heard a knock at the door. I glanced at my watch—10:30 p.m. Who could it be at this hour?
I stopped what I was doing and went to answer the door. To my surprise, one of Maximus' guards stood outside. He told me that Maximus was waiting for me in his office.
I quickly got dressed and followed the guard to Maximus' office. As I walked down the hallway, I crossed paths with Gina. She shot me a disapproving look, which I chose to ignore. There was something off about her; she didn't look well.
-"What is she doing here?" I wondered.
-"Maybe Maximus told her about us and divorced her," my wolf said, excitement bubbling inside me. "Oh my Goddess, finally, our dream is coming true! We'll be able to be with our partner without any obstacles in our way! I knew it! He couldn't deny the bond for long!" she exclaimed, filled with hope and happiness. However, I wasn't as optimistic as I let on. Despite the night filled with love we had shared, I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty. There was something about Maximus that still kept me on edge. His emotions were often a mystery to me, and although the night before had felt like a breakthrough, I wasn't so sure about where he stood.
I wanted to believe that what we shared meant something to him, that the bond had shifted something deep inside him. But the doubt lingered in the back of my mind. Maximus had never been one to easily show his feelings, and while last night had been intimate, I couldn't ignore the fact that he was still the Alpha. His decisions, his actions—they were always governed by authority, control, and duty. How could I know if I was just another fleeting moment in his world, or something real?
As I watched him glance up from his papers, I saw the familiar indifference in his eyes—nothing like the warmth I had seen when he kissed me last night. It was hard not to feel a pang of disappointment.
But I refused to let him see it. I'd been hurt enough already, and if I wanted to stay strong, I couldn't allow myself to be vulnerable with him just yet.
I reached his office, knocking on the door with a heart full of anticipation. Maximus' hoarse voice called from inside, telling me to come in. I opened the door, and as I stepped inside, I saw him sitting behind his desk, reviewing some documents. When he noticed me, his gaze lifted, locking onto mine. His eyes—those beautiful gray eyes—scanned me, sending a wave of warmth through my body, but also making me feel self-conscious and shy. Those same eyes that had been filled with care and love just the night before.
I smiled widely, unable to hide my happiness. Maximus motioned for me to come closer. I took a few steps into his office and sat in one of the armchairs, greeting him warmly.
-"Good evening, Maximus! How was your day?" I asked, smiling. I was genuinely happy to see him. I had missed him all day—how strange how the bond worked. After our night together, the connection between us had only intensified.
-"Good evening, Adelina. It was alright," he replied curtly, not looking up from his files. "And yours?"
-"Very tiring, but now it's getting better," I said honestly. It was true. Probably the bond made everything feel so much more intense.
He said nothing in response. Without taking his eyes off me, he stood up from his chair and moved closer. He offered me his hand, a silent invitation for me to rise, and I took it, letting him help me to my feet. His hands gently rested on my arms, and then, unexpectedly, he leaned in and kissed me on the forehead. The touch was soft, almost reverent, and we stood there for a moment, our breaths mingling, sharing the space in comfortable silence.
-"Adelina," he finally spoke, his voice more serious now. "I need to talk to you about something very important."
Curiosity flickered in my chest. "What is it?" I asked, my smile still lingering despite the sudden change in his tone. There was something comforting about being with him in this moment, something that filled me with warmth.
I don't know why, but looking at him made me genuinely happy. It was insane, really. A few days ago, I could barely stand to be around him, but since that night—since we'd made love—something had shifted between us. I'd seen a side of him I hadn't known existed: caring, sensitive, tender, and sweet. I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness whenever I was near him. I couldn't deny it anymore. It was like a veil had lifted, and I could finally see things clearly. Maximus' behavior last night had given me hope. I truly believed that we could make things work between us. I knew in my heart that he felt something for me too. He had changed his mind, I was sure of it. The mate bond was undeniable. We were meant to be together, not apart.
--"Adelina," he interrupted my thoughts, drawing my full attention to him. "Last night was truly magnificent for me... You made me feel emotions I didn't even know existed. Unprecedented feelings."
-"For me, too," I admitted, a smile still playing on my lips.
-"Please, let me finish without interrupting," he said, his tone unexpectedly humble.
I was taken aback. Was this the same man who had been so arrogant and dismissive just days ago? Had the bond affected him so profoundly that it changed his entire demeanor? Was it possible that he was finally realizing the errors of his past behavior? I nodded, silently urging him to continue.
He ran his hand through his hair, letting out a sigh before speaking again, as though gathering the courage to share his heart. "You know," he began, his voice softer now, "you're the first woman who's ever made me feel this way. I've never felt anything like this before. I swear it."
I blinked, confused. "I don't understand... Can you please explain it to me?"
He gave me a timid smile, the kind that was so unlike the Maximus I had known. "For the first time in my life, I felt... happy. Complete. I was overwhelmed by positive emotions. It's like I saw my life from a new perspective—a more... peaceful one."
I couldn't help but feel elated hearing him speak so openly. "I'm really glad to hear that," I said excitedly. "You know what? I felt the same way. I feel more optimistic than I did yesterday."
His expression shifted to one of sternness, and I felt my own smile falter, unsure of what was coming next. But then, just as quickly, his attitude softened, and a huge smile spread across his face.
Oh my Goddess, I thought. His moods are like a roller coaster! It's difficult to keep up with him, but when he smiles—when he smiles—it's like everything makes sense again. His smile had the power to warm my heart, to light up my world in a way I couldn't describe.
I couldn't deny it anymore—Maximus had a way of getting under my skin, a way of making everything feel... right, even when everything around us was chaotic.
-"As I said," he continued, his voice heavy with something I couldn't quite place. "You are the only woman who has made me feel so... different. So human. But I can't be like that. I'm the Alpha of one of the largest and most powerful packs in the world, and I intend to become the King of all Wolves. And that comes with a price."
-"What exactly are you saying, Maximus? It's difficult for me to keep up..." I told him, feeling a wave of confusion and a sense of dread wash over me.
I couldn't fully comprehend what he was telling me, but one thing was certain—I was filled with anxiety, and my mind was swirling with bad thoughts.
-"What I'm trying to say is that, although we are mates, we can't continue like this..." he said, his voice cold and firm.
-"With what?" I asked, my heart pounding.
-"We can't continue this relationship. We can't act like true mates, and we can't even announce that we are mates, or that we nearly fulfilled the bond," he said seriously.
My breath caught in my throat. "What? Why?" I asked, my voice shaky. His words hit me like a bolt from the blue. I hadn't expected this. It felt like everything had come crashing down in an instant.
-"The only thing I can tell you," he said, his eyes hardening, "is that there is too much at stake. I'm an Alpha and a future King of all werewolves. I have to act according to my position, not my feelings."
-"Please explain how our bond stops you from being an Alpha—or becoming King," I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, the confusion and hurt growing.
-"You are weak, Adelina," he said, his words cutting deep. "You can't be my Luna, let alone the future Queen of all werewolves. Don't you see?"
I took a step back, shocked by his words. "Where is this coming from?" I asked, my voice colder now, trying to hold on to some sense of control. But he remained silent, offering no explanation.
-"So... you're telling me that you're willing to ignore your feelings in order to be King? Is that it?" My voice cracked as the words left my mouth, but I held back the tears. My heart felt as though it had been shattered into a thousand pieces. I felt devastated, betrayed, wounded—but I wouldn't let him see it. My pride wouldn't let me break down in front of him.
-"Then what do you want from me?" I asked, my frustration bubbling over, my voice filled with a mixture of pain and anger.
-"I can't ask anything from you, although I want to," Maximus said, his voice strained. "I'm just stating the facts for now. I need you to understand that I'm in a very difficult situation."
-"How thoughtful of you!" I replied sarcastically, my frustration rising.
-"There's no need for sarcasm. I've just opened my heart to you," he said, his tone sharp. "I need you to understand that what I do isn't always what I want."
-"Understand what?" I scoffed, the words leaving my lips with more bitterness than I intended. "That you think I'm weak and unworthy to be your mate? That becoming King is so important to you that you're willing to sacrifice our relationship?"
-"It's not that," he insisted, his voice quieter now. "Believe me, it's not what I want, but there are... too many factors forcing me into this decision."
-"Factors?" I repeated, my mind racing. "What factors?"
-"I'm sorry, I can't reveal them to you," he said, avoiding my gaze. "You'll have to be content with what you know."
I could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating. My heart felt heavy, as if it were being squeezed. "Yeah, okay..." I muttered, turning to leave, my steps slow and deliberate.
-"Adelina..." His voice softened, and I stopped, frozen in place. "You have to understand, I still want you in my life, but I can't be with you... officially."
I turned slowly, the confusion and pain clear on my face. "What does that mean?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady.
-"It means I want you," he said, taking a step closer. "And we can be together... in a way."
-"In what way?" I asked, my voice rising, almost pleading. "Since you refuse to acknowledge us as mates, since you refuse to reveal us to your pack, I don't see how we can be together at all."
-"We can see each other in secret," Maximus suggested, his voice low but filled with urgency. "If you're willing to accept it, you'll make me a very happy man."
My chest tightened in disbelief. "How dare you suggest such a thing to me?" I shot back, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt.
-"We are mates, Adelina," he insisted, stepping closer. "We can't stay away from each other for long, especially since we've already begun the bond. It's not something we can ignore."
-"Then accept me officially as your mate!" I demanded, my voice rising in frustration. "Give me a reason to believe this is real. Don't ask me to settle for something hidden."
-"I've explained why I can't," he said, his tone resigned.
-"Can't or won't?" I pressed, desperate for an answer that made sense.
Maximus looked away, his jaw tightening, but he said nothing. I could feel the weight of his silence like a heavy curtain falling between us.
-"Then, I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I can't either."
I pulled away from his grasp and turned, my heart sinking with each step I took toward the door. The pain in my chest was unbearable, a sharp contrast to the hope I had felt just moments before. I never expected this.
I had been so naïve to believe that Maximus would choose me—that he would put our bond, our connection, above everything else. How could I have been so blind? How could I have thought that someone who had fought so hard to deny our bond would suddenly embrace it? He had done everything in his power to keep us apart from the very beginning.
I reached for the door, the finality of the moment crushing me. I had trusted him, believed in what we could have, and now I felt nothing but devastation.
I hurried out of his office, my heart aching, and burst into tears as I made my way to my room. I locked the door behind me and collapsed onto my bed, sobbing uncontrollably. I cried and cried until exhaustion took over, and I fell into a restless sleep.
Two days had passed since my conversation with Maximus, and during that time, I had avoided him at all costs. He tried to speak to me several times, but I refused to give him the chance. It was clear that he wanted something more, but in the current situation, I was unwilling to make any concessions—not now, not ever. I wouldn't be the third person in someone's twisted relationship. I never had been, and I wasn't about to start now—especially when it involved my mate, the very same person who was asking me to accept such a thing.
Today had been another grueling day at work. We'd finished the hospital's annual budget—a task that demanded countless hours of concentration. As it was Friday, Marisa and I decided to go out and unwind. When Alex found out about our plans, he insisted on joining us. After a little back and forth, we finally agreed to let him come along. We arranged for him to pick us up at 9:00 p.m. in his luxury car.
Once I arrived back at the pack, I rushed to my room, took a quick shower, and began my preparations. I applied my cat eyeliner and bold red lipstick, straightened my hair, and slipped into a form-fitting black dress with no back. I grabbed my jean jacket, put on my black stilettos, and grabbed my purse before heading out.
As I descended the stairs, I felt the eyes of several males in the pack house follow me. Their gazes were filled with obvious lust, but I chose to ignore them, walking past without a glance. I made my way to the main hall, where Marisa was waiting.
-"Oh my Goddess! You look amazing! You look like a supermodel!" Marisa exclaimed enthusiastically.
-"I think you're exaggerating a bit... but thank you anyway! You look wonderful too," I replied, flashing her a toothy smile.
We were chatting outside the pack house, waiting for Alex to arrive, when a black SUV pulled up in front of the entrance. Maximus and his Beta stepped out, looking tired but carrying a serious, almost ominous, demeanor. They climbed the stairs and quickly approached us.
-"Good evening, Alpha, Beta," Marisa greeted them with respect, bowing her head. I followed suit, bowing but remaining silent.
Maximus gave us a brief but approving nod, while Christopher—who I've met only a few times—greeted us warmly. It was strange, especially considering his usual quiet and reserved nature. Why was he so kind to me? He must know Marisa very well, I thought. I made a mental note to ask her about him later.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Maximus staring at me intently. He looked stiff, exhausted, and distant. His gaze met mine for a brief moment, but I quickly turned my head away, avoiding any eye contact. Pretending to be engrossed in my phone seemed like the safest option.
They stood by the door, conversing about something while we continued to wait for Alex, who finally arrived with a loud screech of tires. His expensive black car with tinted windows and blaring music was just what I expected from him.
-"That's his car? It's absolutely amazing!" Marisa shouted, clapping her hands and jumping up and down. I tried to calm her down, but her excitement was contagious. Soon, everyone was looking in our direction.
Alex stepped out of the car in his signature arrogant style. Dressed in a dark blue suit, he looked absolutely stunning. With a confident stride, he made his way up the stairs and dramatically offered us his elbows.
-"Are you ready, my beautiful ladies?" he asked with a cocky grin. We both nodded, grinning in return.
-"Let's roll!" he declared.
We linked our arms with his and walked down the stairs together. When we reached the car, Alex opened the door for us, but we quickly realized there was only one passenger seat.
-"Wait, how are we supposed to fit? There's only one seat!" Marisa pouted, looking disappointed.
-"Please don't malign my car," Alex said, raising an eyebrow. "Isn't it enough that I'm taking you for a ride in a supercar? You're both tiny. You'll fit." He winked at us, and we reluctantly squeezed in.
Once inside, Alex turned on the radio, and house music blared through the speakers. I glanced over my shoulder, hoping to get one last look at Maximus. But to my disappointment, he was already gone.
-"Come on, girls! Tonight we're staying out until morning," Alex said, his excitement palpable. "We're going to drink, dance, and have a blast!"
-"It's going to be an amazing night!" Marisa shouted, clearly thrilled.