False Expectations - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Maximus' pov:
It's been three hours since Adelina went out with that moron, and she still hasn't arrived. Where the hell is she? What is she doing? The anticipation is driving me crazy. I don't understand why Adelina even spends time with Alex. At least, I know they're just friends, and nothing more. Despite Alex's well-known taste in beautiful women, I made sure he knew the consequences he'd face if he ever jeopardized his relationship with me. I'm confident he understands what I share with Adelina; I saw it in his eyes when I visited him at the hospital.
A few hours ago, when I saw her waiting for that idiot to pick her up, I couldn't take my eyes off her. She looked mesmerizing—so beautiful, so sexy. She wore a black, tight dress with a denim jacket, and her black hair fell loose around her shoulders. She was stunning—absolutely irresistible. Any sane man would want her by his side. And yet, instead of being with me, she was with that asshole.
Since then, I've locked myself in my office, trying to calm down the fury swirling in my chest. I'm not mad at her or at him—I'm furious with myself and my own feelings. I pushed her away when all I want is to kiss her, to love her. I want her like the earth needs water to thrive, like the fish need the sea. She's the air I breathe—she's everything to me. And yet, I'm the one keeping my distance, doing it for her own sake... at least that's what I tell myself.
-"Why do I desire her so much? Why can't I get her out of my mind? Why does she affect me this way? I removed her from my life. I made it clear that she's nothing to me. She's not good enough for me. She isn't worthy of being my Queen. Yet, here I am, obsessing over her. What kind of magic did she cast on me?" I thought to myself, frustration bubbling inside me.
-"You can tell yourself that every day to convince yourself, but deep down, you know it's not the truth. Adelina is the ideal Queen. You need her. Don't be a fool. Don't keep denying the bond." Drako's voice broke through my thoughts, but I quickly severed the link. I wasn't in the mood for one of his lectures. I had enough of them already.
While I tried to regain control of my emotions, my warriors kept feeding me updates through our mind link. I had sent two of my men to keep an eye on her since she left. I knew it was desperate, even pathetic, but I wasn't about to leave it to chance. Adelina was out there, surrounded by other males. I wasn't willing to risk it.
Every half hour, my men reported in, detailing her movements. I needed to know exactly where she went, who she was with. So far, all I knew was that, to my frustration, she had a great time at the restaurant and that she left just a few minutes ago. I couldn't figure out what bothered me more... the fact that she was out there alone or the fact that she was having fun with other people. Why did I even care?
-"Alpha, they are heading towards the city center," one of my men mind-linked me again.
-"Where are they going now?" I wondered aloud, tension rising in my chest. I knew the city center had several nightclubs, and I hoped Alex wouldn't take her there. I couldn't shake the image of her dancing, drinking, surrounded by unmated males.
Minutes later, my men confirmed that Adelina and her friends had arrived at one of the most popular clubs in town. The thought of her in that tiny black dress, vulnerable to the advances of other men, especially with Alex nearby, made my blood boil. I couldn't leave her there. She was exposed. This fool would flirt, and she'd be a magnet for anyone looking for trouble. I had to act fast.
I grabbed my car keys and phone and headed straight for the garage. As I descended the stairs, I heard a very familiar voice behind me.
-"Maximus, my love, where are you going?" Gina asked, her voice dripping with an allure I used to find appealing but now only found annoying and repulsive.
-"I have work to do," I said coldly, not even turning to look at her.
I couldn't stand her presence anymore. Something about her felt desperate—her fake expressions, her constant advances. She clung to me like a vine, and I was suffocating. I had no patience for it.
I got into the car and slammed the door shut, starting the engine. My mind raced as I gripped the steering wheel. A few moments later, one of my men mind-linked me again.
-"Alpha, miss Adelina is dancing with a high-ranked werewolf. He's either an Alpha or a Beta from another pack."
-"Don't lose her from your sight," I ordered, my tone sharp as I pushed the accelerator.
-"How could she?" I thought, frustration boiling inside me. "She's my mate."
-"A mate you hurt at every opportunity and treat disparagingly," Drako's voice cut through my thoughts, scolding me in that familiar, relentless way.
-"Shut up. You don't know anything," I snapped back.
-"I don't know what? Am I lying, Maximus? You were the one who pushed her away, who played with her emotions and deceived her. You're the first one who cheated on her. What did you really expect her to do?" Drako continued, his words piercing through the haze of anger in my mind.
I shoved him back, forcing him to retreat to the deepest corner of my thoughts. I didn't have the patience for his lectures right now, even though I knew, deep down, he had a point.
The minutes dragged on as I sped toward the club, my heart pounding in my chest. When I finally arrived, I was ready to get out of the car and confront her. But then, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw Chris' name flash across it. I didn't pick it up; I couldn't afford to be distracted now.
I left the car and made my way into the club. There was a long line outside, but I was the Alpha. Surely I didn't have to wait. I walked past the bouncers with a single nod and entered, the overwhelming scent of her instantly filling my nostrils. My senses sharpened, and I scanned the crowd until I found her.
She was talking to a well- built man, probably an Alpha. He was good - looking I couldn't deny it and it seemed that she was attractive by him. Just seeing them together made my blood boil. They were laughing, speaking casually, and it made something dark twist inside me. I took a step forward, ready to interrupt their conversation, when my phone rang again. I hesitated, but I couldn't ignore it anymore.
I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the anger that had been building up inside me since I entered the club. I had to focus now. There were more pressing matters at hand.
-"Yes," I answered, my voice laced with annoyance.
-"Max, I've been trying to contact you for at least an hour. Where are you?" Chris' voice crackled through the phone, his concern evident.
A few hours ago, I'd turned off the mind link for every member of the pack except for the few men tailing Adelina. I didn't want to be disturbed, but now, Chris' voice was the last thing I needed to deal with.
-"What do you want?" I replied, irritation clear in my tone.
-"A rogue attack took place on our northern border an hour ago. I've already sent warriors there. Another group of rogues is attacking us from the south right now. Open your mind link, for goodness' sake! Our warriors are handling it, but we need to be there to investigate. These attacks are coordinated, Max. They happened almost simultaneously. I'm heading south as we speak."
I clenched my jaw, the frustration bubbling up again, but I had to focus. "You know I don't believe in coincidences," I muttered under my breath. "I've already opened my mind link, and I'm heading toward the northern borders. Who's in charge there?"
-"Demetrio is in charge at the North, and at the South, it's Leopold," Chris replied, his voice calm but authoritative.
I couldn't help but feel a spark of pride. "You always guess my next question, and what's more, you manage to answer it," I said, impressed.
Chris's tone turned cocky. "That's why I'm your Beta, man."
-"Well, Beta, let's kick some asses," I said firmly, the urgency returning. "Keep me informed, as I will keep you informed." With that, I severed the mind link, my focus now entirely on the pack's security.
Adelina would have to wait. My pack's safety was paramount, and these rogue attacks were far too concerning to ignore. On top of that, with the Alpha of Winter Woods Pack being in town, something felt off. My gut told me he was involved. For years, he had harbored ambitions of becoming the ruler of the werewolves. His pack was second only to mine in strength, but his desire for power was a constant threat. It wouldn't be wise to underestimate him. I needed to put spies on him—keep a close watch.I got out of the club and quickly made my way to my car. Once inside, I slammed the door shut and started the engine. Without hesitation, I shifted the car into reverse, then floored the gas and headed toward the forest. My mind raced with the looming dangers. Tonight would be anything but ordinary. My pack was at risk, and there was no room for distractions. The rogue attacks were escalating, and I needed to act fast. The safety of my pack came first, and there was no time to waste.