False Expectations - Chapter 27: Chapter 27

Adelina's pov:
Maximus's eyes never left mine, his intense gaze making the air between us feel thick with tension. I could feel his anger rising, though his expression remained cool and controlled. There was something in his eyes—something unspoken—that made my heart race. It wasn't just about what Nicolas had said; it was as if he was looking right through me, trying to read the truth in my expression.
-"I'm waiting, Adelina," Maximus said again, his voice firm, but there was an undercurrent of something else—something almost accusatory. "Where were you going?"
-"Maximus Draco! Nice to meet you again," Nicolas said haughtily, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You never cease to amaze me! But I must admit, this time you've got me."
Maximus didn't seem to react to the theatrics. He raised a brow, his expression indifferent. "How so?" he asked, the words flat and casual, as if he didn't care in the slightest.
Nicolas continued, clearly enjoying himself. "You always manage to make a difference, even tonight at the Luna's Ceremony. The choice of your Luna was like a bolt from the blue!" he remarked, a sardonic edge creeping into his voice.
Maximus let out a breath, his posture stiff but controlled. "It wasn't in my plans to surprise you, believe me," he said coolly, the politeness in his tone almost suffocating. "Although, I don't think the other Alphas are as interested in my personal life as you are."
Nicolas, however, wasn't easily rattled. He shrugged off the indirect jab, undeterred. "I thought the redhead following you everywhere, like a puppy, would be your Luna. To be honest, I'm not the only one who believes that," he added, his words laced with a hint of mockery.
Maximus's gaze hardened slightly, though his outward calmness remained unshaken. "I never said or gave the impression that Gina was my mate, or that she would become my Luna. After all, my personal life is none of your concern," he said coldly, his voice laced with an icy detachment that seemed to make the air around us tense. "I don't owe you, or anyone else, an explanation. It is my abilities that made me a candidate for claiming the throne, not my sexual performance, Nicolas. Not that I'm lagging behind in that area," he added with a sharp, almost condescending smile, an unspoken challenge lingering in his words.
Nicolas, however, didn't flinch or show any sign of being intimidated. He merely chuckled, as if the words bounced off him like water off a duck's back. "Relax, Maximus. Don't get upset," he said with a teasing edge, his voice smooth and casual, but the smirk on his lips suggested he was enjoying this little verbal duel far too much. "No one is here to question your abilities," he added, the words almost dripping with sarcasm. "I'm just telling you what's being whispered at nearly every table tonight."
His tone was deliberately provocative, and he seemed to take pleasure in pushing Maximus's buttons, testing his patience and sense of control. It was almost like a game to Nicolas, one where he knew how far he could go before Maximus's composure would crack.
The words hung in the air, thick with tension. Maximus's jaw clenched slightly, but he didn't allow the provocation to break his icy exterior. Instead, his expression remained unreadable, his stoic demeanor only adding to the sense that the interaction was far from over. Nicolas, on the other hand, appeared unbothered, relishing the moment.
For some reason, Nicolas's manner, despite being just a simple observation of the gossip, felt ominous. There was a subtle threat hidden in his words, though it wasn't immediately clear why. Perhaps it was the way he said it, like he was playing some dangerous game.
Maximus ignored Nicolas's final comment, his attention snapping back to me. His voice hardened, his tone commanding as he addressed me, the change in his demeanor palpable. "I'm waiting for an answer, Adelina. Where were you going?"
Before I could answer, Nicolas stepped in again, his voice smooth but carrying an undertone of challenge. "I was simply taking her to Jake, her brother. That's all. Nothing suspicious happening here. She is your mate after all," he added, his eyes glinting with mischief, "No one is going to steal her from you, as long as you love her and take care of her."
His smirk was sharp, almost predatory, and it didn't sit right with me. It was as if he was enjoying this interaction a little too much, playing with fire just to see what might burn.
Maximus's eyes narrowed at Nicolas's words, and he shot me a piercing look. His gaze felt accusatory, as if he were silently blaming me for saying too much to Nicolas—revealing the cracks in our relationship, or the way he had been treating me all along.
-"What are you implying?" Maximus asked, his voice low, dangerous, and filled with an intensity that made the air between us feel thick with tension. His stare was unwavering, focused entirely on Nicolas.
Before I could speak, the sound of my brother's excited voice rang out from across the room. "Adelina!" Jake shouted, waving his arms in the air as he made his way toward us.
The abrupt interruption felt like a lifeline, and I quickly turned my attention toward him, grateful for the escape. I turned instinctively toward the sound, relief flooding through me. Jake. At least he was someone I could rely on. A familiar face, a familiar presence in this sea of uncertainty.
Maximus seemed to bristle at Jake's shout, though, his gaze snapping toward the source of the sound. There was something possessive in the way he looked at me—something that made me wonder just how far he would go to keep me close. How far would he push me, pull me, to make sure I stayed in line with whatever plans he had for us?
-"I'm going to go see him," I said, the words finally slipping from my lips, though I didn't know how convincing I sounded. I felt Maximus's eyes on me, but I couldn't meet his gaze. Not right now.
Jake was already heading toward us, his face lighting up when he saw me. The tension in the air seemed to ease just a little as he reached us, giving me a quick hug and then turning his attention to Maximus.
-"Alpha Maximus," Jake said, his voice friendly, but with an undertone of caution. "How's everything going?"
Maximus gave a tight nod, but his gaze never left me. "We'll see," he muttered, before turning away and walking off, leaving a cloud of tension in his wake.
Jake and I watched him go, and for a moment, there was silence between us. I could feel Jake's concerned gaze on me, but I didn't know how to explain what had just happened. How could I tell him about the growing storm inside me—about how I felt torn between my own desires, my loyalty to my father and my pack, and the overwhelming pressure that Maximus seemed to exert without even trying?
-"Are you okay, princess?" Jake asked, his voice low and filled with genuine concern, his eyes searching mine as if trying to gauge whether I was truly alright.
-"I'm fine, Jake. And you? How are you coping as the Alpha of the pack?" I asked, trying to divert the conversation to something less personal, though I appreciated his worry.
-"Very good. Your financial plan is already in implementation, and it's going really well," he said, winking at me with that trademark, playful grin that always seemed to make everything feel lighter.
-"Wait a minute. Are you telling me that the financial plan you presented to me... was Adelina's?" Nicolas asked Jake, his voice rising in surprise, clearly thrilled by the revelation. His eyes sparkled with genuine admiration as he turned toward me. "Wow! Now I'm really surprised! You're a genius, Adelina. Did you know that?"
Maximus rolled his eyes at Nicolas's enthusiasm, his posture stiffening ever so slightly. I could feel his annoyance seeping into the atmosphere, but I also knew he wasn't about to lose his composure over something as trivial as Nicolas's praise.
-"I think you're over-exaggerating, Nicolas," I replied timidly, a slight blush creeping up my cheeks. I wasn't used to this kind of attention.
-"No, I'm not," Nicolas insisted, still grinning widely. "If you consider that my profits more than doubled after its implementation! You should be proud of that, Adelina."
He continued, his voice animated as he turned to Jake. "And all this time, I thought you were the genius behind this. What a scam, Jake," Nicolas said jokingly, clearly enjoying himself, while Maximus's patience was clearly wearing thin.
Jake raised his hands in mock surrender, looking flustered. "I never said the plan was mine, dude!" he protested, clearly trying to deflect the attention away from him.
Nicolas just smirked, clearly having fun with the exchange. But before the conversation could go further, he turned his attention back to me, his tone shifting slightly. "Adelina, I'd really appreciate your advice on some financial moves I'm planning to make. Of course, I'll pay you handsomely for your services."
The air between us seemed to grow tense in an instant. Maximus's presence beside me suddenly became suffocating, and I could feel his body stiffen as he stood tall, glaring at Nicolas.
-"That's enough!" Maximus snapped, his voice commanding and strict, carrying the weight of authority. "Adelina is the Luna of my pack. She doesn't need to work for other Alphas. She has a pack to take care of." His gaze was hard, his protective nature evident in the sharpness of his words.
Nicolas blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the intensity of Maximus's response. "Forgive me, Maximus. I had no bad intentions," he said quickly, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I didn't know that she works exclusively for you."
Maximus's jaw tightened, his eyes darkening with unspoken frustration. It was clear he wasn't thrilled by the idea of me doing anything for anyone other than his pack. His possessiveness was evident, and even though he was trying to maintain control, the situation was still thick with tension. I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, like he was silently reminding me of where I belonged.
-"Well said, Nicolas. Let me add that Adelina belongs exclusively to me, and I'm not used to sharing, if you know what I mean," Maximus said with a cocky grin, his voice oozing authority as he casually placed his hand on my waist, subtly urging me to leave.
I could feel the weight of his words and his touch, and my frustration bubbled up inside me like a brewing storm.
As we walked away, far enough to avoid being overheard, I couldn't hold back any longer. My voice was sharp and firm as I confronted him.
-"I do not belong exclusively to you, or to anyone else, Maximus. I'm my own woman. Is that clear to you?" I shot back, my eyes locking with his.
His expression remained as cold as ever, his gaze unwavering. "I don't remember asking for your opinion on the matter," he said, his tone flat and detached.
The coolness in his voice only fueled the fire inside me. His calm, calculated demeanor always made me lose my temper. I clenched my jaw and pressed on, unwilling to let it go.
"-I don't share the same opinion, Maximus. From now on, you're not allowed to decide my professional moves," I declared firmly, my voice cutting through the tension like a knife.
Maximus's gaze hardened, his lips curling into a displeased frown. "The hell I'm not. You can do whatever you want in your professional life—as long as you stay the hell away from this ass," he said, his tone laced with a dangerous possessiveness that sent a shiver down my spine.
His words stung, but I didn't have the energy for another argument. It was always the same with him: dictating, controlling, never listening. I knew it would lead nowhere productive, and truth be told, I didn't have the courage to keep fighting him.
Silently, I turned away from him, my eyes scanning the room as we continued to make our rounds, greeting guests with a forced politeness. I spoke only when spoken to, offering empty pleasantries to everyone around us, my mind racing with thoughts I couldn't voice. Maximus's grip on me—both metaphorical and literal—was suffocating, and I was trapped in a game I hadn't chosen to play.
The night was finally over, the few remaining guests had trickled out, and I felt the weight of exhaustion settle heavily on my shoulders. I could barely keep my eyes open as we made our way back to Maximus's house. Each step up the stairs felt like a struggle, my body aching for the comfort of my bed.
But just as I was about to reach my room, Maximus's hand shot out, gripping mine with surprising force. I halted, blinking sleepily.
-"What?" I mumbled, trying to suppress a yawn.
-"Where do you think you're going?" His voice was tinged with irritation.
-"To my room, where else?" I replied, my tone casual despite the exhaustion settling in my bones.
Maximus's grip tightened, pulling me to a stop. "I think I made it clear earlier that from now on, we'll be sleeping in the same room. My bedroom."
-"Why?" I asked, my voice laced with boredom. I wasn't in the mood to argue, especially not now.
-"Because we're mates, Adelina. That's why." He smirked, his expression bordering on smug. "But don't worry, tonight we'll just sleep in each other's arms. I'm too tired for anything else."
I stared at him incredulously. "What? You must be out of your mind if you think I'm going to sleep in your bed."
Maximus's smirk only deepened, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Why not? We had such a great time last time," he said arrogantly, making my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I was fuming. His impudence was infuriating—how could he be so shameless?
-"Who do you think you are, Maximus?" I demanded, my voice trembling with a mixture of frustration and anger.
-"Relax, I'm just teasing you," he said with a playful glint in his eyes. "My room connects to an adjoining bedroom through an internal door. You'll sleep there from now on. Come on, I'll show you."
I hesitated, reluctant to follow him. Something about the way he said it felt like one of his games. When he noticed I wasn't moving, he turned back toward me with a teasing smile.
-"What's the matter? Afraid?" he mocked, a glint of challenge in his eyes.
-"Of what?" I retorted, trying to sound confident and unaffected by him, but I knew my voice betrayed me.
He closed the distance between us, leaning in just close enough that I could feel the heat of his breath on my ear. "Afraid of being alone with me in a room?" he whispered, his voice low and impossibly alluring.
A sweet shiver ran down my spine as his breath tickled my ear, and butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Every time he came near me and whispered like that, I couldn't help but react, despite my better judgment. My body craved his presence, his scent, the warmth of his touch, the tenderness of his kisses. It was like my mind was fighting a battle against my own instincts, and I was losing.
I couldn't deny it any longer. I had to get away from him, I thought. I can't let myself succumb to his charm again.
But standing there, so close to him, his voice so soft and captivating, I wasn't sure how long I could hold out.
I quickly turned and walked away from him, heading toward the door, my heart racing in defiance. I threw open the door and stepped inside, turning around to face him, my arms crossed tightly in front of my chest. I was doing my best to project confidence, to let him know that I wasn't swayed by his teasing.
Maximus stood in the doorway, watching me with an amused expression. His lips curved into a playful smile, his gray eyes twinkling with something I couldn't quite decipher—amusement, challenge, or maybe both. I could feel his gaze on me, and despite my best efforts, it sent a rush of warmth to my cheeks.
Those eyes. Those damned eyes of his. They were like a magnet, pulling me in no matter how hard I tried to resist. And his smile... When he smiled from the heart, it was like the entire room came alive, and my chest would swell with something close to longing. It was maddening, this effect he had on me. I couldn't allow myself to get lost in it, though.
"No," I muttered to myself under my breath. Stop thinking about him, Adelina. Don't let him get to you. I forced myself to look away, focusing on the space behind him, anything but him. But in the back of my mind, those two piercing eyes and that devilish smile were still etched in my thoughts, playing over and over again.
After a few seconds of trying to gather my composure, I finally spoke, my voice a little firmer than before, though I wasn't sure if I truly believed the words myself.
-"No, I'm not afraid at all," I said, holding his gaze with as much determination as I could muster.
Maximus raised an eyebrow and smirked knowingly, clearly not convinced. It was obvious he saw right through me, recognizing the subtle shifts in my expression, the way my voice faltered ever so slightly. He was clever enough to know that his charm was working—working far better than I cared to admit.
He was right. There was a pull, an undeniable attraction between us, something I couldn't escape, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise. The warmth that spread through me whenever he looked at me, the way his smile made my heart race—it was all too much to ignore. Those eyes, that smile, would be my undoing. I could already feel it.
This... this will be the death of me.