False Expectations - Chapter 37: Chapter 37

Adelina's pov:
The next morning, I woke up feeling happy and excited. I couldn't wait for my trip to begin. The thought of returning home to see my family and friends filled me with anticipation. Since I had packed my luggage the night before, I had the whole morning free.
I decided to get out of bed, take a quick bath, and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Once ready, I went downstairs to the pack's restaurant. I ordered an omelet, croissants—some filled with chocolate, others with jam—a coffee, and some fresh fruit. My appetite was ravenous, and the meal was exactly what I needed.
Just as I was finishing my coffee, one of my guards approached to inform me that my entourage was ready and waiting by the SUVs. I stood abruptly, not wanting to keep anyone waiting, and headed for the stairs.
Outside the pack house, ten SUVs were lined up, engines already running. I climbed into the first one, and the convoy started moving. At first, I couldn't contain my excitement about the journey ahead. But as the hours passed and I was left alone with my thoughts, my mood began to shift.
Disappointment crept in as I reflected on Maximus' behavior. He hadn't even bothered to say goodbye or wish me a safe trip. After our conversation yesterday, I had thought we were finally making progress. But once again, I'd been wrong.
I hadn't seen him since then, despite trying. Last night, I went to his office at ten to invite him to dinner, but he wasn't there, and the guards had no idea where he was. Frustrated, I returned to my room and fell asleep without eating.
This morning, I'd held on to the faint hope that he might show up for breakfast or at least stop by to say goodbye. But, once again, he didn't.
I don't understand. Yesterday, I was certain I felt something between us. The sparks when he touched my cheek, the butterflies in my stomach—those feelings couldn't have been one-sided. So why is he acting like this today? Why does he disappear or grow distant just when things seem to be improving between us?
Maybe it was nothing more than a fleeting moment of weakness on his part. Maybe Maximus doesn't care about me at all. Perhaps it's the bond pushing him to act affectionately, nothing more.
Who knows? And truthfully, I'm not sure I could handle the answer if I ever found out.
One thing is certain: I will never figure out what's on Maximus' mind. Just as I was consumed by these thoughts, darkness overwhelmed me.
It was late in the afternoon when the guards woke me up—we had finally arrived at the Crescent Moon pack. The SUVs had crossed the borders an hour earlier, and we still had about thirty minutes to go.
As we drove through the familiar lands where I'd spent my entire life, memories came rushing back: playing with my siblings, riding bikes, running through the woods, laughing with friends, going to school, and experiencing my first kiss. The images of my past were vivid, and I felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia.
When we reached the pack house, Jake, Jacob, and my father stood at the front door, waiting for us. Excitedly, I got out of the SUV and ran to give them all a big hug. They embraced me tightly, kissing me on the cheeks.
-"Oh, Goddess, I've missed you all so much!" I exclaimed, my heart full of joy.
We broke the hug, and I looked around expectantly.
-"Where's Stella? Don't tell me I arrived too late!" I said, my voice tinged with disappointment.
-"No, no, she's upstairs resting," my father reassured me. "She hasn't been feeling well lately."
-"Is something wrong with her pregnancy?" I asked, suddenly worried.
-"Not at all, pumpkin. It's completely normal for her to feel tired in her condition," he replied. "The pack doctors say she'll give birth very soon."
-"Perfect! I'll be here to meet my new niece!" I said, excitement lighting up my face.
-"Let's go inside," my father suggested, ushering me toward the house. "You must be exhausted from the trip."
-"And hungry," I added with a grin.
-"What a surprise," Jake quipped sarcastically, and we all burst into laughter.
After dinner, I went to Stella's room to catch up. We had so much to share, and our conversation stretched into the night. Eventually, we fell asleep together in her bed.
The next morning, I spent the entire day with Jake, getting updates on the pack's affairs. After all, it was my financial plan that had rejuvenated the pack and made it stronger. I was pleased to see that both Jake and Jacob had made significant progress in several areas.
The days passed peacefully, filled with happiness and family moments that made me forget my personal problems. My personal guards were always by my side, ready for anything. I must admit, they were impressively diligent.
Maximus called me almost twice a day to check on me and ask how I was doing. But in the last two days, there had been no word from him, and to say I missed him would be an understatement.
He had gone to the Council headquarters to present my new project for the pack and manage some inter-pack affairs. I had wanted to present the project myself, but Maximus insisted it was better for him to handle it. After all, Alphas were responsible for such matters before the Council—not Lunas.
Finally, the day Stella gave birth arrived. Her mate, unfortunately, couldn't be with her as he was away in Canada for business. I accompanied her to the hospital and insisted on being in the birthing room with her.
The experience was terrifying, painful, and nerve-wracking, but the result was worth it. The baby was perfect. When I saw my little niece and held her in my arms for the first time, my joy was indescribable. She was so tiny and fragile, but her cries were anything but small!
After spending almost the entire day at the hospital, I received a message from Jake asking me to meet him in his office as soon as possible. Despite feeling utterly drained, I couldn't let him down.
When I reached the door to his office, I was about to knock when I overheard him speaking angrily. Curiosity got the better of me, and I paused to listen.
-"You know this isn't what we agreed on," he said, his voice tense. "How am I supposed to manage this? What you're asking is impossible."
Unable to contain myself, I knocked and entered without waiting for permission. Jake quickly hung up the phone, looking startled. His face was pale, and he seemed shaken, as though he'd just seen a ghost.
-"Am I interrupting something?" I asked, trying to read his expression.
-"No, of course not. Come in, sis!" he said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
-"What's wrong?" I asked, my concern deepening.
-"Nothing to worry about, sis. Just the usual pack matters," he replied, though the fear in his eyes told a different story.
-"You know you can count on me for anything," I said gently, hoping to reassure him.
He looked down and whispered "I know".
-"So, why did you want to meet me so urgently? What's wrong?" I asked again, narrowing my eyes at Jake.
-"I need your help with the interrogation of a rogue," he replied.
-"A rogue?" I repeated, surprised. "I thought we were safe from rogue attacks all these years. When did they start again? I've been here for days, and I haven't heard a word about this."
-"We had a small attack yesterday, but I kept it under wraps. I didn't want to worry anyone," he said, avoiding my gaze.
His answer didn't sit well with me. Something about his tone felt off, and an uneasy feeling settled in my chest. Was he hiding something? Or was I just overthinking it?
-"Will you come with me to the dungeons?" Jake asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
-"What? Now?" I asked, my exhaustion evident.
-"The sooner, the better," he said firmly.
I sighed. "Jake, I've just come back from the hospital. I'd rather get some rest and eat something first."
-"It won't take long," he insisted. "Don't worry."
I hesitated but eventually gave in. "Fine. Let's go."
Jake stood and motioned for me to follow. We descended to the basement of the pack house, where the dungeons were located. Although the location was familiar, much had changed since the last time I'd been here.
The dungeons were larger now—and far fuller. The air was thick with an unbearable stench, and the conditions were appalling. Filth covered the floors, and the hygiene was nonexistent.
-"Jake," I said, wrinkling my nose, "why is this place in such terrible condition? Why are there so many prisoners? Are all of them rogues?"
-"Things have changed since you left. We're dealing with a lot of problems," he replied curtly.
-"Problems? What kind of problems?" I pressed, suspicion creeping into my voice. "Why didn't you tell me about this? And these conditions are completely inhumane. You have to do something about it, Jake!"
My disgust was evident, and I couldn't understand how Jake had let things get so bad.
-"It's easy for you to criticize," he snapped, his tone suddenly venomous. "You're going to be a Queen—the Luna of the most powerful pack in the world. It's convenient for you to sit on your high throne and pass judgment. Have you forgotten where you came from?"
I froze, stunned by his outburst. "What? What are you talking about? Why are you speaking to me like this?"
Realizing his mistake, Jake's expression softened. "I'm sorry," he said quickly, his voice quieter. "I'm just tired and stressed. I didn't mean to snap at you."
-"You should be sorry," I said firmly, though my voice softened slightly. "You know that what you said isn't true. You, of all people, should know me better than that."
-"You're right," he admitted, looking away. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Let's not waste any more time arguing over trivial things. Follow me."
I let out a small sigh but nodded. "Where are we going? I don't think I've seen this side of the dungeons before."
-"It's a new section," he replied cryptically. "You'll see."
We walked in silence until we reached a steel door. Jake placed his finger on the fingerprint scanner, and the door clicked open with a heavy mechanical sound.
Before stepping through, Jake turned to face me, his expression uncharacteristically tense. He studied me for a moment, his brows furrowed. Something was clearly troubling him, though he didn't say a word.
-"Jake," I said cautiously, "what's going on? Why do you look like that?"
He hesitated before answering. "You'll understand soon," he said quietly. Then, without another word, he stepped through the doorway, leaving me to follow.
-"Come on," Jake said, motioning me forward into a dimly lit corridor lined with cells on both sides. The stench of sweat, blood, and decay hung heavy in the air, making me gag. I followed him hesitantly, my footsteps echoing against the cold stone floor. Most of the cells held at least one or two prisoners, their hollow eyes watching me as I passed.
We stopped in front of an empty cell, and Jake turned to me with a strange look in his eyes.
-"After you," he said, gesturing for me to step inside.
I hesitated, glancing into the cell. It was dark, damp, and suffocating. The walls were stained with grime, and the putrid smell of blood mixed with mold made my stomach churn.
-"Why are we here? Where's the rogue?" I asked, turning back to him with a mixture of confusion and disgust.
-"Don't rush yourself," Jake said vaguely, his tone unsettling. "Everything in its time."
A sense of unease rippled through me. My wolf stirred within, restless and wary. Something wasn't right—none of this was right.
-"Jake," I said sharply, trying to mask the growing fear in my voice, "what is this place? Why are you acting like this?"
-"This," he said, smirking darkly, "is your new home."
Before I could process his words, he stepped back and slammed the cell door shut with a deafening clang.
-"What?" I gasped, running to the bars. "Jake! Jake, this isn't funny! Is this some kind of sick joke? Open the door right now!"
His laughter echoed down the corridor, cold and sardonic. "I'm sorry, sis. There's too much at stake. I can't let you go."
-"Too much at stake? What are you talking about? Why are you doing this to me? I've never done anything to hurt you!" I shouted, desperation creeping into my voice.
His smirk faded, replaced by a grim expression. "You mated with that moron Maximus and sided with him. Isn't that enough?"
-"He's my mate!" I exclaimed, gripping the bars tightly. "What did you expect me to do? Jake, please, let me go!"
-"I can't," he said simply, his tone void of any remorse. "It's not up to me anymore."
My heart dropped. "What do you mean it's not up to you? Who's behind this? What's going on?"
Jake hesitated for a moment before responding. "There are a lot of people who want to destroy you," he said quietly. "Believe me, this is better for you."
-"Destroy me?" I echoed, my voice trembling. "Who are these people? What do they want from me?"
-"They want you dead," he said bluntly, his eyes hard.
I stumbled back, feeling the blood drain from my face. "And you think locking me up here will save me? Why won't you let me fight for myself?"
-"Because you can't," he snapped, his voice cold and final. "You're better off here, away from it all. Besides," he added, his lips curling into a twisted smile, "once I become King, I'll let you go. I promise."
I stared at him in disbelief. "King? What are you talking about? Have you completely lost your mind? How could the Alpha of the smallest pack become the King of all werewolves? You can't even touch Maximus—he's stronger than you!"
His face darkened, and his tone turned venomous. "I'm not crazy—I'm ambitious. And I have powerful people behind me who believe in my potential, unlike you. They see what I'm capable of and support me. Soon, I won't be the Alpha of the smallest pack anymore."
My stomach churned as he continued, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Soon, I'll be the ruler of the entire werewolf world. Everyone will bow to me, and my authority will be absolute. And as for your sad excuse of a mate? Maximus will be gone forever." He leaned closer, his eyes gleaming with malice. "I'll make sure of that."
I stared at him in horror, my mind reeling. "Oh my Goddess," I whispered, shaking my head. "You've completely lost it, Jake."