False Expectations - Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Maximus' pov:
-"Chop chop. We have a lot to take care of. First of all, I want all the intel we've gathered on Nicolas, the Alpha of the Winter Woods pack. We had two of our warriors spying on him. Are they still keeping an eye on him?" I asked, my impatience clear.
-"No, Maximus," Chris replied.
-"No? Why the hell not?" I demanded, my anger rising.
-"He left our territory after the attacks, and we thought it wasn't necessary to follow him anymore, at least not while he's on his own turf," he explained, trying to stay calm.
-"You thought it wasn't necessary? Are you completely out of your minds?" I shouted, frustrated.
-"We had other priorities. I do believe he had something to do with the attacks, but I can't prove it. It's just a hunch," Chris admitted, his voice strained.
-"That's exactly why you should have been keeping an eye on him! But whatever. We can't change the past. I won't waste time on what's already done. We need to get our people on him right away. They can pose as traders or business entrepreneurs—whatever works. I'll call Nikolas to get the paperwork sorted," I said, my tone hardening.
-"Understood, Alpha," Chris replied, his tone resigned but obedient.
-"Now, about my personal guard—I want to double their numbers. Demetrio informed me the warriors' teams have been reformed and reinforced. I want some of them assigned to my guard. I have to be more cautious with my security. I believe the attacks on me aren't over—if anything, I think they'll intensify. I also want a team dedicated to guarding Adelina. Inform Demetrio to have the new teams ready by tonight."
-"Are you worried she'll be targeted too?" Chris asked, raising an eyebrow.
-"I don't know," I replied, my voice hardening. "But I'm not taking any chances. I need to be prepared for anything."
-"Understood."
-"And about the ceremony for the presentation of our Luna—"
-"Oh, not that. Please, anything but that," Chris groaned. "You know I'm not cut out for these kinds of things."
I shot him a sharp look. "It's part of your job Chris. Get it done."
-"Fine," he muttered, clearly displeased. "What exactly do you want me to do?"
-"I've asked Leopold and his mate Jana to help. It will take place at the sacred rock in the clearing. I've also invited the Council. Most of them have already accepted. I want the official invitations sent out by tomorrow morning. I expect perfection, Chris."
He frowned but nodded. "I'll handle it."
-"Good. Now, what's this about something more important?"
Chris hesitated before speaking. "What are you going to do with Adelina?"
-"I already answered that question. Why do you keep asking it?" I asked, my patience wearing thin.
-"It's not about the ceremony. It's about her as a person. Have you really changed your mind about her, or is she just a pawn in your plan to solidify your power?"
My eyes narrowed, anger rising. "Watch your words, Chris. We've been through a lot together, but you're pushing your limits. For the sake of our friendship, I'll let this slide. But why do you even care about her?"
-"Because I do care, Maximus," he said firmly, not backing down. "We've always been honest with each other, and I'm not going to stop now. You're my Alpha, but also my best friend. If that's the case, then you should honor the Goddess' choice. You have to truly accept your mate. Adelina is someone special—she has potential, and I believe she's good for you."
-"I see you care for her quite a bit. Do you have feelings for her?" I asked, irritation lacing my tone.
Chris' eyes widened, and he scoffed. "What are you talking about? I would never lay a finger on my best friend's woman. You know that. From the moment you found your mate, I told you to accept her, to love her, and to build something real with her. I still stand by that advice. Adelina is a treasure, and if you let her slip through your fingers, you'd be a damn fool."
-"I'm following your advice. So what's with the preaching?" I responded, my tone dry.
Chris met my gaze, unwavering. "Fair enough, but don't forget—you don't mess with the Goddess' will. No one plays with her and comes out unscathed. Trust me, you'll only understand her value when she's gone."
-"Enough with the lectures, Chris," I snapped, my patience thinning. "We have far more pressing matters to deal with. This isn't the time or place for these discussions. Get the papers on the spies. That's our top priority."
He gave a stiff nod, clearly irritated. "With your permission, Alpha".
Once Chris left my room, I decided to head to my office to take care of a few minor tasks. The doctors had informed me earlier that my health had improved and there was no longer any need for me to stay in the hospital. I was officially discharged. I made my way down the stairs, greeted several people, then got into my car and drove to the pack house.
Half an hour later, I arrived at the pack house. I parked in the lot and headed toward my office. On my way there, many pack members greeted me, wishing me well. Their warm reception filled me with pride—it was clear that my pack truly cared about me.
As soon as I entered my office, the scent of Gina hit my nose. It was unmistakable, lingering in the air. I really wasn't in the mood to deal with her, but there was no avoiding it—she was already here, waiting for me.
When I walked in, I saw her, as usual, lying on the sofa wearing nothing but her underwear and high heels. I couldn't help but wonder who had informed her of my early return to the pack. I walked past my desk and sat in my chair without acknowledging her presence. Gina, clearly irritated, continued to stare at me. When she realized I wasn't paying attention, she stood up and approached me with a deliberate, seductive stride. She came close, tilted her head, and leaned in so that her mouth was near my ear. In a low, almost teasing voice, she spoke:
-"I missed you so much, Maximus."
-"Yeah..." I replied coldly.
That didn't deter her in the slightest. She moved closer, stroking me and rubbing against me. It was when she tried to kiss me that I stopped her by grabbing her arm. She looked at me, confused.
-"What's wrong, babe?" she asked.
-"Sit there," I told her, pointing to one of the two armchairs.
She gave me a surprised look but followed my order without hesitation. I knew she hadn't meant to follow my command, but I didn't care. She sat and waited for me to speak.
-"Gina, our relationship is over," I said bluntly. I don't waste words or explanations. I prefer to be direct and concise.
-"Wh... what? Wh... why? My love, why are you playing games with me?" she pouted, clearly thinking I was somehow mocking her.
-"I'm not playing anything. It's over," I said firmly.
-"B-but... but... why?" she asked, her frustration mounting.
-"I've found my mate."
-"I already know that. What a lame excuse! So far, it hasn't stopped you from being with me," Gina hissed, her tone venomous.
-"Things have changed. I intend to officially accept her and present her as my Luna."
-"What nonsense is this? Are you completely out of your mind? I'm your Luna!" she snapped as she stood up, anger evident on her face.
-"You're aware that you're not my Luna and never will be. You were only here to entertain me, nothing more. Your services are no longer needed," I told her coldly.
-"Is this some kind of cruel joke? My love, why are you teasing me?" she asked, trying to sound seductive. But her tricks no longer had an effect on me. I wasn't sure why, but everything had changed since Adelina stayed with me at the hospital.
-"I am not your love, and this is not some cruel joke. I do not want you in my life anymore, Jina. You can remain at the pack, but only if you follow my rules and respect me as your Alpha. From now on, you will address me with the proper respect. Now go."
Her face twisted in disbelief, but I held my ground, unwavering.
-"But I love you," she pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation. "This woman... she's not good enough for you. Please, my love, listen to me. Why are you doing this to me?" Her words were laced with a kind of frantic, painful longing. She collapsed to her knees, tears welling in her eyes as she reached for me.
I stood motionless, my eyes icy.
-"Enough, Gina! Don't degrade yourself like this." My voice was cold, final. "Go now, before I change my mind."
I turned my gaze to the papers on my desk, deliberately ignoring her.
But instead of leaving, she stood up, her steps slow, hesitant. With tears now streaming down her face, she approached me again. Her hands trembled as she threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around me, pressing her lips desperately against my skin. She kissed my neck, my jawline, trying to force something between us that no longer existed.
I recoiled, pushing her away with more force than I intended. But before I could regain control of the situation, the door to my office swung open with a loud bang, and there, standing in the doorway, was Adelina. She stood frozen, her body rigid, her eyes flashing with fury. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her jaw clenched in disbelief. The tension in the air was thick, and I could feel every second stretching out in slow motion.
This... was the last thing I needed right now.