False Expectations - Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Maximus' pov:
We arrived at the pack house, the sound of the car engine fading as we pulled into the driveway. I watched Adelina quietly exit the vehicle and head towards her room, her silence still weighing heavily in the air. It had been a long ride back, and her quiet demeanor made my stomach twist with unease. I knew something was bothering her, something I couldn't quite grasp. The question of whether she would ever truly accept us was something that gnawed at me. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more behind her reluctance than she was letting on.
As I walked to my office, my thoughts kept circling back to her. I had tried, in my own way, to get through to her today, to offer her a different perspective. But it hadn't been enough. She was still distant, still guarded, and that hurt more than I cared to admit. But the real question was: what was holding her back? I couldn't help but wonder if Nicolas had something to do with it. Their connection, however fleeting it might have been, seemed to have left an imprint. I didn't understand why, but I couldn't deny that it seemed to haunt her.
I pushed those thoughts aside as I entered my office, determined to focus on the task at hand. The sorceress was on her way, and Chris had already informed me that she'd be here any minute. I knew better than to let my personal frustrations cloud my judgment. As always, I would deal with the problem when it presented itself. It was a tactic that had served me well throughout the years. I wasn't about to change that now.
Minutes later, a soft knock echoed through the door, followed by Chris entering with Sonia. She was a striking woman, tall and slender, with long black hair that framed her face like an obsidian waterfall. Her turquoise eyes were piercing, their unnatural color giving her an almost ethereal quality. Despite her beauty, there was no mistaking her for anything other than what she was—a powerful sorceress capable of extraordinary things. I had seen firsthand the depths of her abilities and the ruthlessness with which she wielded them. Betrayal was not something Sonia took lightly. She didn't forgive, and she certainly didn't forget.
As she entered, an almost tangible wave of energy radiated from her, filling the room with an oppressive weight. It was as if the very air had changed, thickened, in response to her presence. Her gaze locked with mine, unblinking, and she gave a curt nod to Chris, dismissing him without so much as a word. He obeyed immediately, not even waiting for my approval. That spoke volumes about her influence, but also about the type of woman she was. Sonia was not one to be underestimated. If anything, she could take over the world if she wished. And she knew it.
She moved towards me slowly, deliberately, her every step exuding a quiet menace. She was like a predator, her eyes never leaving mine as she closed the distance between us. I felt the tension in the air, a silent challenge. Normally, I was the one in control, the one who commanded the room. But Sonia was different. She didn't fear me, and that was something few could claim. She was not intimidated, not even by me.
When she finally stopped in front of my desk, I stood my ground. I had seen her methods before—slow, calculated, designed to put you on edge. She was a master at this, a tactician. But I wasn't easily swayed. Not by her, not by anyone. I met her gaze, unwavering. There was no need to play her games. I wasn't here to be intimidated.
-"Alpha Maximus," she said with a small bow, her tone carrying both respect and a hint of amusement.
I motioned for her to sit, and she gracefully settled into one of the chairs across from me, her every move measured and deliberate. Sonia had always been like this—calm, poised, and unreadable. I had known her since the days my father was relentlessly searching for my mother. Despite his efforts, he never succeeded in finding her, and deep down, I believed Sonia had a hand in that. Whether she was protecting my mother or playing her own mysterious game, I could never be sure.
Still, Sonia had proven her value in ways I could not ignore. When I took over as Alpha, it was she who warned me of my uncle's treachery and his plot to take my life. Her information had saved me, and from that moment on, I had kept her close. Whenever I faced a challenge or sought to accomplish the impossible, Sonia was the one I turned to. She was as dangerous as she was brilliant, and her counsel had been indispensable time and again.
Now, she was studying me with those unnerving turquoise eyes, the kind that seemed to see straight into a person's soul. It wasn't just a look—it was as if she was measuring me, weighing my intentions and my resolve. I knew she had already guessed why I summoned her. Sonia always had a way of knowing things before anyone else did. But she wasn't one to act until she heard the request spoken aloud.
Leaning back in her chair, she arched an elegant brow, her lips curving into the faintest of smirks. "Well, Alpha," she said smoothly, breaking the silence. "We both know I don't make house calls without good reason. So, why don't you tell me what it is you want from me this time?" Her voice was calm, but there was a sharpness to it, a subtle reminder that her help always came at a price. I met her gaze evenly, refusing to let her see even the smallest crack in my resolve. I knew how Sonia operated, and I wasn't about to show weakness.
-"I need your insight," I began, my tone firm and unwavering. "There's a situation developing that requires... delicate handling. I want your help ensuring it turns in my favor."
Her smirk deepened, but she didn't interrupt, waiting for me to elaborate. She was always like this, making you lay your cards on the table before she revealed her own.
-"It concerns Adelina," I continued, my voice steady, though I felt a flicker of tension as I spoke her name. "She's conflicted about our bond, hesitant about giving us a second chance. I need to understand what's holding her back—and if there's something or someone influencing her decision."
Sonia tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. "Ah, the mate bond," she said, her tone tinged with curiosity. "Such a fascinating and complex thing. And you believe something—or someone—is clouding her judgment?"
-"I'm not ruling out the possibility," I admitted. "Her hesitation runs deeper than I anticipated. She's wary of my intentions, and I can't blame her for that. But I need clarity. I need to know what's truly at the root of her reluctance."
Sonia leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the arms of the chair. Her expression grew more serious, and for a moment, I could see the full weight of her power behind those turquoise eyes.
-"You're asking me to delve into her mind, her emotions," she said quietly. "To uncover truths she may not even be aware of herself."
I nodded. "Exactly."
She studied me for a long moment, her gaze never wavering. Finally, she spoke. "You understand the risks of what you're asking, don't you? The bond is delicate, and tampering with it could have consequences—for both of you."
-"I do," I replied firmly. "But this isn't just about me. It's about the future of this pack and what we can achieve together. I need her by my side, and I need to know if that's possible."
Sonia's lips curled into a sly smile. "Ah, the Luna with her controversial nature... Such an intriguing choice." She leaned back slightly, her sharp eyes boring into me. "Your priest may have seen good omens during the Luna Ceremony, but I know you too well. You always want more certainty, don't you?"
I didn't respond, knowing she wasn't wrong. She continued, "Here's how we'll proceed. I want you to focus on the questions weighing on your mind while I shuffle the cards. When I tell you to stop, you will clear your thoughts completely—make your mind a blank slate—and I will deal the cards. Are you ready?"
-"Yes," I said curtly, motioning for her to begin.
Sonia started shuffling the cards, her movements quick and precise, each shuffle producing a rhythmic sound that filled the room. Her hands moved with practiced ease, and as she worked, I focused my thoughts on Adelina and what lay ahead. After a few moments, she paused, still shuffling, and locked her gaze with mine.
-"Stop," she commanded, her voice firm.
I cleared my mind as instructed, watching as she dealt most of the cards onto the desk, leaving a smaller stack in her left hand. The atmosphere grew heavier with each passing moment, the silence thick and unnerving. I waited, but my patience was thinning.
-"So?" I finally asked, my impatience breaking through.
Her eyes flicked up to mine, sharp and unyielding. "Don't rush me," she snapped.
Sonia resumed dealing the cards, her movements slower now, more deliberate. Then she stopped again, fixing me with an intense stare. Her turquoise eyes darkened, turning to a stormy gray—a clear sign that the Goddess had descended, taking possession of her.
When she spoke, her voice was not entirely her own; it was layered with a deep, otherworldly resonance. "You will get what your heart desires, Drako, but the path will not be easy. Prepare yourself. The battle ahead will be hard and painful. Wounds you thought long healed will be reopened. Enemies surround you—many in number and closer than you realize."
I sat frozen, her words striking me like a thunderclap, reverberating through my mind. But Sonia wasn't finished.
-"To achieve what your soul longs for, you must overcome the darkness within you," she said, her voice steady yet weighted with meaning. "Walk the path that fate lays before you with pure intentions. The weapon I sent you will be your key to success, but beware—only if your heart remains pure will you emerge victorious. Should you stray, the price you will pay will be unbearable."
Her piercing gaze felt as though it was dissecting every corner of my soul. Then, her tone softened but retained its gravitas. "Much is at stake, Drako—far more than your ambitions. Tread carefully."
The room fell into a suffocating silence, the air heavy with her words. They weren't just a reading—they were a warning, a prophecy, and a challenge all at once.
For a moment, I couldn't move, couldn't speak. My thoughts raced, trying to parse the full weight of her message. I understood one thing with absolute clarity—there was no turning back from this path, no room for error.
Suddenly, Sonia's body sagged slightly, her head bowing forward as if drained. She closed her eyes, her once powerful demeanor giving way to a fleeting vulnerability. A long breath escaped her lips.
When she lifted her head again, her eyes were no longer stormy gray but their usual vibrant turquoise, signaling the departure of the Goddess.
-"I hope I was helpful to you, Alpha," she whispered, her voice barely audible but tinged with exhaustion.
I nodded slowly, still grappling with everything she had said. "You were," I replied, though the words felt hollow, my mind too consumed to express more.
Sonia rose gracefully, her movements deliberate yet tired. She gave me a final, knowing look before leaving the room. And as the door clicked shut behind her, the silence enveloped me once again, but this time it felt far heavier.
For a moment, I stood there, staring at the closed door. The room felt oddly empty without her presence, the weight of her words still lingering in the air. The clock on the wall read two in the morning, and exhaustion began to settle over me like a heavy blanket.
I sighed, pushing the thoughts crowding my mind to the side. Turning off the office lamp, I left the room and made my way to my bedroom.
Once inside, I turned on the lights and instinctively approached the internal door that connected my room to Adelina's. Pressing my ear against it, I listened. Silence. She was fast asleep.
Relieved, I stepped back, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I stripped off my clothes, climbed into bed, and let the day's events wash over me one last time before closing my eyes.
Darkness quickly claimed me, pulling me into a deep and dreamless sleep.
Third's person pov:
It is three in the morning, and I am in the dungeon cleaning, as always. Silence hangs heavily in the air, broken only by the faint, distant creaks of the old stone walls. The tortures ended hours ago, leaving a grim stillness behind. The high-ranked wolves have long retreated to their chambers, the guards remain stationed at their posts, and the detainees are locked away in their cells.
I am an omega, the lowest of the low, and my job is to clean up the aftermath of the interrogations—or, more accurately, the torture sessions. When they offered me this position three years ago, I accepted without hesitation. I had no choice. I have three pups to raise, and this was the only way to provide for them. But after three long years in this hellish place, I can say without doubt that I despise my job.
The blood, the screams, the heartless brutality of it all—it's unbearable. That's why I deliberately wait until the interrogations are over before I venture down here to clean. I can't face the prisoners' suffering directly, so I come only when the chambers are empty, when the pain has subsided into silence.
Tonight is no different. I'm scrubbing the bloodstained floor of one of the torture rooms, the metallic smell of blood thick in the air, when something unusual catches my attention. Whispers.
My ears prick up, and I freeze mid-scrub. Despite being a weak omega, my hearing is sharper than most, and I can hear faint voices through the thick stone walls. My heart starts to race. Whispers in the dungeon at this hour? It's unusual—no, it's suspicious.
I cautiously approach the wall where the whispers seem to be coming from. The closer I get, the clearer the voices become. Two men, speaking in low, urgent tones.
I know I shouldn't be doing this. Eavesdropping is dangerous, especially for someone like me. If I'm caught, it won't just cost me my job—it could cost me my life. But curiosity has always been my greatest weakness, and tonight, it wins again.
There's a small hole in the wall, barely noticeable, but large enough to peer through. I hesitate for only a second before lowering myself to look.
Through the hole, I see them. Two men, standing in the shadows. One is tall with dark hair and piercing forest-green eyes, his demeanor commanding. The other is shorter, with equally dark hair and sharp, calculating brown eyes. Their posture and confidence mark them as high-ranked wolves, but it's their scent that gives them away. They don't belong to this pack.
I swallow hard, my pulse quickening. Foreign wolves in the dungeon at this hour? It's not just suspicious—it's alarming. What could they be doing here, and why are they whispering in secret?
I press my ear closer, straining to make out their words. Whatever they're discussing, it's clear they don't want anyone to hear it. My instincts scream at me to back away, to leave before I get caught in something far beyond my station.
But I can't. Something tells me this isn't just a chance encounter. Whatever's happening here, it's important—and dangerous. And now, I'm right in the middle of it.
The tall man's voice echoed faintly through the stone walls, his anger palpable. "I have been waiting for you for nearly two hours. Where the hell have you been?" His frustration burned in his tone, sharp and demanding.
The shorter man shifted uncomfortably, his reply defensive. "I couldn't come earlier—there was a lot of traffic outside Maximus' office."
-"Really? Why so?" the tall man pressed, his tone icy.
-"My people told me that a woman visited him this evening. She stayed for a few hours," the shorter one explained cautiously.
The tall man scoffed, irritation flaring. "That's the big secret? Everyone knows Maximus is a Don Juan."
-"She wasn't like the others," the shorter man insisted. "She was strangely dressed and seemed foreign."
The tall man raised an eyebrow, sarcasm dripping from his words. "Maybe it's one of Maximus' sexual roleplays. Who cares? You made me lose two hours waiting because of Maximus' foreplay? Are you completely an idiot?"
The shorter man bristled at the insult but kept his tone steady. "I couldn't pass the guards. There were too many stationed outside his door and all along the hallway. Maybe he had them there to make sure he wasn't caught in the act by Adelina."
The tall man growled under his breath. "This is the last time. I don't tolerate being made to wait. Don't you dare let this happen again, for your sake." His tone shifted, becoming sharp and focused. "Now tell me, what did you find out about Maximus' ex-lover, Jina?"
-"She's completely enraged by Maximus' behavior," the shorter man reported. "She can't accept that Adelina is the new Luna. She feels cheated, abandoned. She had pinned all her hopes on her love with Maximus."
-"Do you think we can trust her?" the tall man asked, his green eyes narrowing.
-"Yes, Alpha," the shorter man confirmed with conviction. "I think so, especially if we offer her the Luna's position in exchange for her help."
The tall man smirked. "Great. You'll make the approach. I'm counting on you—don't screw it up. Now, what about our spies? Are they in position? I want Maximus and Adelina's every move tracked. Have they discovered anything yet?"
-"They're already in place, as you ordered," the shorter man assured him. "But so far, everything seems normal. The relationship between Maximus and Adelina appears to be genuine. Maybe he's had a change of heart and decided to accept her."
The tall man sneered, his voice dripping with skepticism. "I don't believe it. Maximus is far too selfish and calculative for such altruistic nonsense. There has to be a serious reason behind this sudden change, and I want you to find out what it is—quickly. Is that clear?"
-"Yes, sir!" the shorter man replied with urgency.
-"If you uncover anything else, send me a message on the number I gave you," the tall man ordered, his voice low but commanding. "Now go—and don't get caught by the guards."
-"Yes, Alpha," the shorter man said, his tone obedient but hurried.
The tall man watched him leave before muttering to himself with a wicked grin, his voice laced with dark ambition. "I may not be Alpha of the world yet... but I'm so close."
He threw his head back and laughed, a devilish, chilling sound that echoed through the dungeon's dark corridors.