False Expectations - Chapter 36: Chapter 36

Maximus' pov:
-"Sorry to interrupt, Alpha, but Luna is outside and wants to talk to you. Shall I let her in?" one of my guards said, breaking the silence. I was so absorbed in the file I was reading that I hadn't even noticed him enter.
-"Yes, send her in—and make sure we're not disturbed," I instructed, my tone firm but distracted.
-"Yes, Sir," the guard replied before leaving the room.
A few moments later, Adelina entered. She wore a beautiful white dress, her soft brown hair cascading over her shoulders. She looked ethereal—like a vision from another world. Stunning didn't even begin to describe her.
-"Good evening, Maximus. I'm sorry to interrupt. I have something important to discuss with you. It'll only take a few minutes," she said softly, her voice light yet full of purpose.
How could I have been so blind all this time? Why hadn't I noticed how utterly breathtaking she is? Every movement she made was graceful, every word she spoke intoxicating. But it wasn't just her beauty—she had a heart of gold, a sharp mind, and a spirit so fierce it commanded respect.
And yet, I'd hurt her.
Is that why she seemed happier with others? Why she smiled so effortlessly when she was around Nicolas? The thought of her being in love with someone else, of leaving me, clawed at my chest. No. I couldn't let that happen. I wouldn't let that happen.
-"Of course, Adelina. I could use a break anyway. Please, sit," I said, gesturing to one of the armchairs across from me, keeping my voice steady and calm.
She sat gracefully, offering me a small, tentative smile. For a moment, silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken words. Finally, she broke it, her voice hesitant and uncertain.
-"It's... a little hard for me to start. What I have to say is very important to me," she began, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
-"What's on your mind? Does this have to do with your Luna duties? Did someone—an Elder or another pack member—give you trouble? You can tell me anything," I assured her, leaning forward slightly.
She shook her head, her expression softening. "No, it's not about that." She paused, taking a deep, steadying breath. "Maximus... I came here, first and foremost, to thank you."
-"Thank me?" I asked, surprised. "For what?"
-"You know," she began, her voice faltering slightly, "I've told you before that you don't have to pretend we're mates. We both understand the arrangement between us, and I accepted that a long time ago. But yesterday..." Her voice softened, her gaze dropping for a brief moment. "Your support was... unexpected. It felt real."
She hesitated before continuing, her tone more vulnerable. "If you hadn't said what you did, I don't think I would have had the strength to defend my work in front of the Elders and everyone else. You gave me the push I needed to move forward. You showed me you could be supportive, that... maybe you care about me. That means more to me than I can put into words."
-"You know it wasn't my intention to prove anything," I said sincerely, choosing my words carefully. "You presented a strong project, and I supported it because it deserved to be heard. You're my Luna—it's my duty to protect you. Any attack on you is a direct attack on me." I paused briefly before continuing. "As for the true mate you mentioned... I don't know if I can be that for you. But I am trying my best."
-"I know," she said softly, her eyes meeting mine. "I know you're responsible and take your role seriously. But I also know you didn't have to do what you did. You confronted your most loyal members for me, and for that, I'm deeply grateful."
Her words warmed something deep within me, yet doubt still lingered in the back of my mind. Were her feelings genuine? Was she truly grateful for my support yesterday? Or was this another manipulation—hers or Nicolas'? My thoughts tangled, flooding my mind before I could respond.
-"I think you're exaggerating," I finally said, keeping my tone neutral, even though my heart betrayed me with how much I cared. "Like I said, I did nothing more or less than any other Alpha would have done in my position."
She looked slightly disappointed but nodded. "Still... I want to thank you in some way," she said softly.
-"There's really no need," I replied, gently discouraging her.
-"No, no, Mr.... You can't get away with it this time," she said, smiling mischievously.
I smiled back and stood up, approaching her slowly. "What exactly do you have in mind?" I asked, my voice dipping into a seductive tone.
The tension between us was palpable, the air thick with unspoken desires. Lately, I'd caught myself smiling whenever I saw her, finding excuses to be near her. I couldn't help but stare at her, breathe in her sweet perfume, or long to feel the softness of her touch.
She hesitated for a moment, her gaze locking with mine. Her eyes held questions, uncertainty, and something unspoken, as if she couldn't believe what she was feeling—or what she was seeing.
I gave her a wide, reassuring smile and gently reached out, letting my hand caress her cheek. She tilted her head into my touch, welcoming it. The sensation was electric, sending sparks through my entire body. Butterflies erupted in my stomach, and for the first time in years, I felt whole—calm, even happy.
Happiness.
That word hadn't belonged in my world for a long time, and yet here it was, flooding my chest with warmth. How could a single touch from her make me feel so alive? It was insane, overwhelming, and completely undeniable. My heart beat louder and louder, as if demanding more. I wanted to hold her tightly, kiss her until the world faded away—but she pulled back abruptly.
Adelina stepped away, her composure returning in seconds. Her expression turned serious. "There's something else I need to talk to you about," she said.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I hated when she distanced herself like this, but I knew I had to be patient. If I wanted to build something real with her, I needed to earn her trust. I had to fight for her, to keep idiots like Nicolas—or any other would-be suitor—far away.
-"I want to visit my family," she said suddenly.
Her words caught me off guard. "What?" I managed to say after a pause.
-"It's been so long since I've seen them. I want to spend some time with my sister, Stella. She's pregnant, and the baby could arrive any day now. I need to be there for her," she explained, her voice laced with longing.
-"You know I can't leave the pack right now," I said, my tone firmer than I intended.
-"I know," she replied softly. "And I would never ask that of you. But... I was wondering if I could go alone."
-"Alone?" I repeated, frowning.
-"Yes, alone. Why not? Does it bother you?"
I hesitated, hating the idea of her being away from me. "I just don't like the thought of you being unprotected," I admitted. "But... I suppose your request is fair."
-"Thank you! Thank you so much!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up.
-"It will only be accepted under two conditions," I added firmly.
Her excitement dimmed slightly as she asked, "What are they?"
-"First, wherever you go, you'll be accompanied by your personal guard. I'll be doubling their numbers and assigning high-ranking members I trust to join them. Chris can't go, but Demetrios or Leopold will. Second, you can only stay for two weeks. No more. You have responsibilities here, and I need you back."
She beamed, her joy returning. "I agree to your conditions. Thank you, truly."
-"When do you want to leave?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even.
-"As soon as possible," she said eagerly.
Her answer stung. She was so eager to leave, but I swallowed my emotions. If I wanted her to trust me, I had to let her go. Love wasn't about control—it was about giving her freedom.
-"How about tomorrow morning?" I suggested, even though the thought of her leaving so soon felt like a knife to my chest.
-"That's perfect. Thank you! Thank you so much!" she exclaimed, standing up and closing the distance between us. Before I could react, she leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek.
It was brief, unexpected, and completely wonderful. That kiss sent my heart soaring, leaving me frozen in place.
-"Go pack your things. I'll take care of the rest," I told her, my voice barely steady.
She gave me the brightest smile before leaving the room, and even after she was gone, I couldn't stop staring at the door.
A whirlwind of emotions churned within me. I hated the thought of her leaving, yet her happiness was all that mattered. I realized then that this wasn't just the bond. This was something deeper, more profound.
I wasn't just in love with Adelina. I loved her—deeply, completely, and without reservation.