False Expectations - Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Maximus' pov:
-"I am very glad that the future King will attend my son's coronation! It's truly an honor, Alpha Maximus. Your reputation precedes you. You are one of the most remarkable and promising Alphas of your generation! Your father was incredibly powerful, but I truly believe you surpass him!"
-"Thank you," I replied in a flat tone. Everywhere I go, I hear the same compliments. I'm sick of it.
-"Taking advantage of your presence here, I'd also like to discuss a very important matter with you—if you have the time, Your Majesty," the Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack continued, his tone careful yet eager.
I'm so tired of this ex-Alpha attitude. Why can't they just say what's on their mind without all the flowery praise and formality? Little does he know that flattery gains nothing from me. My wolf, Drako, is restless—an ominous sign. He shifts uneasily, his unease making my skin prickle. Something about this pack doesn't sit right with him. If they've done anything foolish, I'll make them pay dearly for it.
As the Alpha rambled on, a delightful scent hit me. Jasmine and gardenia. The most captivating aroma my senses have ever encountered. My wolf surged forward, taking control as my eyes scanned the room. And then I saw her.
She stood at the door, petite and poised, about to enter. Long brown hair, hazel almond eyes, and a lean, curvaceous figure. She was the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen. She wore a long black pencil skirt and a crisp white shirt, complemented by black patent leather high heels.
-"Magnificent," Drako purred, his voice filled with longing. At first glance, her petite frame and delicate features made me think she might be a low-ranking wolf. But the way she carried herself, with confidence and poise, contradicted that assumption. Her attire was far too polished for an omega. Perhaps they dressed her up for my visit, or worse, she might be someone's mistress, meant to curry favor. The thought alone made Drako growl in disapproval.
-"She is my mate. No one can lay a hand on her. Don't even think about calling her someone's mistress!"
-"Calm down, Drako," I snapped, trying to suppress his excitement. "You can't seriously believe a low-ranking omega could be my mate."
-"Watch your words!" Drako growled furiously. "She's mine. I want to mark her here and now!"
-"Hold your horses," I countered. "You're jumping to conclusions. Besides, I already have a Luna—Gina."
-"Gina?" Drako scoffed. "She's not our Luna. She's just a random fling. And frankly, she's too fake—and far too ugly—for our taste."
-"Speak for yourself," I muttered, irritated.
The Alpha's voice dragged me back into the conversation. "So, Alpha Maximus, what do you think of our proposal? Do you see its potential?"
-"Huh?" I blinked, realizing I'd missed everything. "Apologies, but this trip has exhausted me. I suggest we take a thirty-minute break if there are no objections."
-"Of course, Your Majesty! Please forgive us for not allowing you sufficient rest. I'll have the omegas bring refreshments immediately," the Alpha responded obsequiously.
-"Go talk to her," Drako urged. "I want to know her name."
-"I'll talk to her—but not for your reasons," I said firmly.
-"Oh, the infamous Alpha Maximus doesn't admit to sharing anything—not even curiosity—with his wolf," Drako teased.
-"Cut it out, Drako. I'm already fed up with this sycophant calling me 'Majesty' every two minutes. Don't add to it."
-"Okay, okay, I'll stop," Drako said, his tone laced with mischief. "But you still haven't told me why you want to talk to her."
-"Just curious, that's all," I replied, keeping my tone measured and indifferent. But it wasn't entirely true. There was something about her presence that unsettled me in ways I didn't want to acknowledge—not even to myself.
-"You? Curious?" Drako's voice dripped with skepticism. "You're never curious, Maximus."
I turned my attention back to the girl. Drako was right about one thing—she was stunning. She stood by the buffet, directing the omegas, completely ignoring my presence. I cleared my throat, expecting her attention, but she didn't even glance my way.
-"Excuse me... Miss!" I called, my tone sharper now.
Drako chuckled. "She's confident! I like that."
-"Or arrogant," I retorted. "Probably because she's sleeping with someone like Jake or Richard. That would explain her inflated ego."
-"My mate would never!" Drako snapped, furious.
-"She's not your mate yet, Drako. And what do you expect? For her to wait for us, untouched, all this time?"
-"Another word, and I'll mark her right now!" Drako threatened.
-"You'll do nothing," I said coldly. "Sit down like a good puppy, and wait."
-"I am NOT a puppy!"
-"You are whatever I say you are. Now, do we have a deal?"
-"...Fine," Drako grumbled reluctantly. He could be infuriatingly stubborn, but he knew better than to challenge me outright.
The girl finally turned to face me, her head held high. "Alpha Maximus, how can I help you?" she asked, not avoiding eye contact. Not something an omega would do. Now I was genuinely curious.
-"I wonder if I could have a fresh drink," I said.
-"I'll send an omega right away," she replied briskly, turning to leave.
I grabbed her arm, forcing her to face me. "Is it so offensive to serve me yourself?"
-"Of course not, Alpha. It's simply not my responsibility," she said calmly.
-"And what, exactly, are your responsibilities?"
-"Many," she replied curtly.
-"Who are you, anyway?"
-"Adelina," she said, her voice steady. "Alpha Richard's daughter and this pack's Financial Advisor."
-I blinked, taken aback. "Financial Advisor? A woman? Is this a joke?"
-"No joke, Alpha. And with your permission, I'll see to your drink."
She turned and walked away.
-"She's got guts," Drako commented, amused.
-"She's insufferable," I muttered. But as I watched her leave, I couldn't deny the truth. She was different. And that was unsettling.
-"Why didn't she recognize us?" Drako interjected, his usual impatience clear.
-"Because you always forget," I replied, my tone clipped, "when we're outside the pack, my scent is masked by the magic potion that witch Sonia concocted for me."
-"Doesn't matter. I want her," Drako growled. "You have to reveal yourself and take her with us. She's the Alpha's daughter—not an omega like you thought."
-"A daughter of a small, financially ruined pack," I countered coldly. "What benefit is there in that for me? Her attitude alone should disqualify her. Have you completely lost your mind, Drako? If you ever had one, that is. And let me remind you—we already have Jina."
-"Gina?" Drako's disdain was palpable. "That bimbo is not good enough to be Luna. She's a pathetic excuse for a mate, and you know it. Our mate—our true mate—is right here. If you refuse to reveal yourself to her, don't expect me to help you in battles or skirmishes anymore."
And with that, Drako severed our connection, leaving me in silence. He didn't bluff—ever. Truth to be told, if I wanted to claim the throne and secure my position, I needed Drako on my side. Without him, I wouldn't stand a chance against my enemies. Damn it! Why does he have to be so stubborn? Why must he complicate everything?
My gaze swept the room until I spotted Alpha Richard and his son, Jake, talking and drinking in the corner. With deliberate steps, I approached them. The moment they saw me, they stopped mid-conversation, their faces instantly paling as they bowed low, clutching their glasses. I let my eyes settle on them, cold and calculating, before I began:
-"Alpha Richard, Jake, I need to speak with you immediately," I said, my tone curt.
-"Of course, Alpha! We're at your service," Richard replied, his voice dripping with false deference.
-"Not here. Somewhere private. This matter requires discretion," I commanded.
-"Private? You worry us, Alpha. What has happened?" Richard asked nervously.
-"Call your daughter. She needs to be part of this conversation," I said firmly.
-"Which one?" he wondered.
-"I think her name is Adelina" I said indifferently.
-"My daughter Adelina?" Richard stammered.
-"Yes. Is that a problem?" I asked sharply.
-"N-No, not at all! Of course, Alpha. I'll have her brought immediately," he said, bowing awkwardly.
Within ten minutes, we were all gathered in Richard's office. The room was small and suffocating, but the intoxicating scent of jasmine and gardenia filled the space, making it oddly bearable. Adelina stood in the corner, her head lowered, avoiding my gaze.
She was far more tolerable like this—quiet and unassuming. The arrogance she'd shown earlier seemed to vanish in this confined space. Good.
-"Alpha Maximus," Richard began cautiously, "may I ask why we've gathered here?"
I met his gaze with cold authority. "As you all know, I've spent nearly two decades searching for my mate without success. Today, that search ends."
Richard's face lit up with disbelief and delight. "Truly? Congratulations, Alpha! This is incredible news! What an honor that your mate is from our pack—"
-"Enough," I interrupted. His sycophantic rambling grated on my nerves.
Richard froze, his mouth half-open.
-"My mate," I said, turning my gaze toward Adelina, "is none other than your daughter, Adelina."
The room fell silent. Richard's face drained of color. Jake looked as though he'd been struck dumb. The others gawked at me like I'd just sprouted a second head.
But Adelina's reaction was the most intriguing. Her face went pale, her body rigid. And then, she broke the silence.
-"No!" she cried, her voice trembling with frustration. "This can't be!"
I narrowed my eyes. "What did you just say?"
She lifted her gaze to mine, her hazel eyes blazing with defiance. "I don't feel anything when I'm near you! Your scent is... indifferent to me. My wolf doesn't recognize you as my mate!"
Her words stung more than they should have.
-"You'll understand everything when you come closer," I said, masking my irritation with calm authority.
-"What for?" she asked, her voice tinged with fear.
-"Be careful, Adelina," I warned. "This is the second time you've questioned me. I won't be so forgiving the next time."
-"Please, Alpha, forgive my daughter," Richard interjected hastily. "She's confused and overwhelmed. None of us expected such news."
-"Confused? Overwhelmed?" I repeated, my voice a low growl. "She should be honored. You all should. Instead, she acts like I've sentenced her to death."
-"Of course, Alpha! We are honored!" Richard exclaimed. "A misunderstanding, I assure you."
-"Enough." I turned my attention back to Adelina. "Come here and take my hand. I won't repeat myself."
She hesitated, her steps slow and uncertain as she approached me. When I grabbed her hand, the moment our skin touched, sparks ignited across my body. The sensation was electric, undeniable. Her scent consumed me, filling every corner of my mind.
Drako surged forward, seizing control. He pulled her into a fierce embrace and kissed her deeply, a possessive claim.
-"You are my mate," he said, his voice filled with raw emotion. "I've finally found you. Tomorrow morning, you're leaving with me. Prepare yourself, my little dove."
Adelina's POV:
- "Oh, Goddess. What am I going to do? Alpha Maximus is my mate".
The sparks when he touched me, the overwhelming pull of his scent, and the way my wolf purred with joy confirmed what I'd been so desperate to deny. My heart fluttered against my will, and butterflies erupted in my stomach.
But the man himself... No. His arrogance and cruelty were unbearable. How could I spend the rest of my life with someone like him? A man who clearly couldn't love anyone but himself?
I had to think beyond myself. Rejecting him would devastate my pack. Alpha Maximus wasn't just a powerful Alpha; he was the future King. A rejection would bring ruin to Crescent Moon Pack, and I couldn't let that happen.
But how could I promise myself to him? How could I tie my life to someone I couldn't stand to be near for more than a moment?
Tears blurred my vision as I fled the office. I didn't stop running until I was deep in the woods, far from his sufocating and arrogant behavior.
I collapsed against a tree, my breath hitching. My wolf whimpered in my mind, conflicted. She adored him, but I... I couldn't.
-"Why, Goddess?" I whispered, my voice breaking. "Why him?"
The forest was silent, offering no answers.