False Expectations - Chapter 47: Chapter 47

Maximus' pov:
I woke up slowly, my senses returning one by one. At first, everything felt blurry, disorienting—like I was waking from a deep, heavy sleep. I blinked a few times, trying to focus, and then the familiar scent of antiseptic hit my nose. A hospital room. I was in a hospital room.
As I became more aware, I realized I was lying in a bed, the soft blankets wrapped around me, and the steady beeping of medical equipment filling the air. A nurse entered the room, her face softening when she saw me awake.
-"You're finally awake," she said, her voice gentle but filled with concern. "You've been out for three days."
I blinked, trying to grasp the weight of her words. Three days. I had no recollection of the time.
-" Beta Chris brought you here after finding you in the forest," she continued. "You were unconscious, and it was touch and go for a while. The poison was severe, but we had the antidote. You're lucky he found you when he did."
It was then that a surge of gratitude washed over me. Chris. He hadn't listened to me. He hadn't followed my orders. And for once, I was glad. I was glad he followed his heart, that he made the decision to save me, even when I had been too stubborn to do what was necessary.
I was exhausted—my body felt like it had been through a war, and in many ways, it had. The poison, the fighting, the struggle—it had all taken its toll. But I needed the sleep. It had been one of the side effects of the poison, a deep sleep that had taken me into an almost unconscious state. My body had been shutting down, but the antidote had reversed much of the damage, and now, I was here.
As my mind started to clear, another thought surfaced, bringing with it a surge of hope and excitement. Adelina. I mind linked Chris asking for her. Chris told me that she was safe. She was found. That was all he'd said. He had been careful with his words, leaving out the details. And that left a flicker of doubt in my mind. But still, the fact that she was alive, that she was safe—that was all that mattered. She would be here tomorrow.
And with that, Drako and I both felt a rush of anticipation. We could feel her presence already, even from afar. We could almost smell her intoxicating scent, hear her soft voice. I wanted to pull her into my arms, hold her, and never let go. I wanted to tell her everything I hadn't been able to before—everything I should've said.
I would show her how much I missed her, how deeply I cared for her. There would be no more mistakes. No more hesitation. I would prove to her that I was worthy of her love, that I was ready to accept her into my life, wholeheartedly.
In the quiet of the room, I finally allowed myself to admit something I had been holding back for so long. I love her.
It wasn't just about the bond, or the mate connection—it was so much deeper than that. I had spent so many years telling myself that love was a weakness, that a mate was something to fear, something that would always let me down. My father had ingrained those beliefs in me, telling me that a mate would eventually betray me. He had made me believe that love would make me vulnerable, make me weak.
But Adelina had shown me something entirely different.
She had shown me what it meant to truly love and be loved. She had proven to me that a mate wasn't something to fear, but something to cherish. Even after everything I had done, all the mistakes I had made, she still cared. She still believed in me. She never gave up on me. And now, I knew the truth—I couldn't live without her.
She was my other half, the missing piece of my soul. And I couldn't wait to share the rest of my life with her.
Once she was here, we would complete the bond. We would mark each other, and the world would know that we were meant to be.
And I could already see it in my mind—our future together. A home filled with laughter and love. A life of happiness and joy. Puppies running around, filling the house with energy and light. We would have it all.
The past no longer had a hold on me. The mistakes, the doubts, the painful memories—they couldn't control me anymore. It was time to move forward, to embrace the future with her. It was time to love her fully, without hesitation or fear.
And this time, nothing, and no one, would tear us apart.
The hope of seeing her again, of making things right between us, filled me with a sense of peace I hadn't known in a long time. I had been given a second chance, and this time, I wouldn't waste it. I would be the mate she deserved. I would be the man who would cherish her for the rest of our lives.
I was lost in these thoughts when I heard a soft clearing of the throat from the doorway. I looked up to see Doctor Suarez standing there, clipboard in hand, a look of mild surprise on his face.
-"Good morning, Alpha," he greeted me respectfully, though his voice held an undertone of something else—something like uncertainty.
-"Good morning, Doctor Suarez," I responded with a polite nod. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"
He blinked at me, clearly taken aback by my courteous tone. It was rare for anyone to speak to him with such respect, but I wasn't in the mood to ignore the good news that was about to come. After a brief moment of hesitation, he composed himself and continued.
-"Well, Alpha, I just wanted to inform you that the results of the tests we ran over the past few days are encouraging. You're recovering well, and barring any unforeseen complications, you should be discharged by tomorrow morning."
A wave of relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile.
-"At last, some good news," I said, feeling the weight of everything that had happened finally begin to lift. Doctor Suarez scribbled something in my chart before leaving, his face still a bit stunned by my uncharacteristic response.
The next morning, I woke with a sense of anticipation bubbling in my chest, though it was tinged with an underlying anxiety. Drako felt it too. The night had been restless. I'd tossed and turned, unable to shake the memories of everything I had done wrong with Adelina. The hurt I had caused, the mistakes that had pushed her away—regret gnawed at me.
But amidst the doubts, there was hope. The hope that she would come back to me. That I could make things right. I would apologize for my actions, for the times I had hurt her, and I would ask for her forgiveness. It was all I wanted—to show her how much I loved her, how deeply I had changed.
Still, there was that strange feeling in my gut, a sensation that something was amiss. As if some shadow loomed just out of reach. I quickly pushed the thought away, not allowing it to cloud my mind.
I took a quick shower, shaved, and dressed in clean clothes, focusing on the task at hand. Today was about Adelina, about setting things right.
After gathering my things, I thanked the medical staff for their care and made my way out to the parking lot. Chris had left the jeep for me the night before, and as I slid into the driver's seat, a sense of urgency pushed me forward. I needed to see her. I needed to make sure she was alright, that she was truly coming back to me.
The drive to the pack house was a blur of thoughts, but nothing could distract me from the hope that burned brightly in my chest.
Upon arrival, I stepped out of the jeep and made my way toward my office, but before I could reach the door, Demetrio appeared, blocking my path.
-"Alpha, the trials are scheduled to begin tomorrow," he said, his tone respectful but carrying the weight of responsibility. "The two Council members arrived yesterday and have requested to see you. Would you like me to inform them of your arrival?"
I paused for a moment, considering. "No, not yet. I need some time alone to gather my thoughts and sort out the matters at hand. I'll see them later."
-"Understood, Alpha. Is there anything else?"
-"Are the warriors continuing their training?"
-"Twice a day, Sir."
I nodded. "Good. I want you to form another team. This team will consist of only our top warriors. They will patrol the borders alongside the regular border guards from now on."
Demetrio gave me a curious look, but his respect for me kept his question polite. "Yes, Alpha. But why so much control at the borders? Is there something we should be concerned about?"
-"I'm not concerned about anything," I said, my voice steady but firm. "I'm being cautious. Better safe than sorry. If there's nothing else, you're dismissed."
He nodded quickly and left, but his puzzled look lingered in my mind for a moment longer.
Everything was falling into place. The trials were set to begin, but my focus was elsewhere. It was all leading to one moment: when I would see Adelina again. I had no time to waste. Nothing would distract me from that.
I was ready to face whatever came next, whether it was the trials or the return of the woman I loved. Nothing would stop me now.
I had been holed up in my office for about three hours when one of the guards entered, informing me that Adelina had already returned and was in her room. He asked if I would grant her permission to speak with me. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest at the news, and I immediately told him to let her know she was welcome to come to see me anytime she wanted. But my relief was quickly replaced by irritation when I realized how long it had taken for him to deliver this news.
-"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" I barked at him, my voice carrying the full weight of my Alpha authority.
-"It was... Luna's wish," he stammered, bowing his head low in submission.
His response tempered my anger, though only barely. If Adelina had requested it, I couldn't fault him. With a growl, I waved him off, muttering about his luck this time. He quickly left, sparing himself the brunt of my frustration.
Now, I was left to wait. And waiting was torture. The thought of seeing her again, of being near her, consumed me. Drako, my wolf, was even more impatient than I was. His constant urging to go to her room and claim her was nearly impossible to resist. I had to use all my strength to hold him back. The image of marking her, of making love to her, was vivid in my mind, but I couldn't let myself act on it. Not yet. This had to be done right.
Then, at last, I heard it—a soft knock on the door. My heart slammed against my ribcage, and my breath hitched as her intoxicating scent seeped through the door. She was here. The joy that surged through me was indescribable. My heart raced as though I were a teenager about to meet his first love, and for a moment, I couldn't even speak. I had to clear my throat before I could whisper, "Come in."
The door creaked open, and there she was. Timidly, she stepped into the room, wearing a long, light pink dress patterned with delicate white flowers. Her hair was tied back in a simple ponytail, but she looked breathtaking. When her deep brown eyes met mine, I felt like the ground beneath me had turned to liquid. My legs threatened to give out, and my guilt washed over me in waves. How could I have been so blind? How could I have treated her so poorly?
-"How can you be so stupid?" Drako snarled in my head, his disapproval biting. I ignored him, too focused on the woman standing before me.
-"Hello, Maximus," she greeted softly, her voice like a balm to my weary soul.
-"Welcome back, Adelina," I managed, rising to my feet and gesturing for her to sit. I accompanied her to the armchairs near my desk, and she hesitantly took a seat in one while I settled into the opposite chair. But as I sat, I noticed something that made my chest tighten—she was uncomfortable. Her body language was stiff, her posture guarded. She was uneasy being near me, and it tore me apart inside. Drako growled restlessly, his frustration mirroring mine, but I forced myself to remain composed.
The silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. It was unbearable. Finally, I cleared my throat to break the tension.
-"Would you like some coffee?" I asked, desperate for something—anything—to make this less awkward.
-"Yes, I would," she replied softly, giving me a faint smile.
That small smile was like a lifeline, and I latched onto it. I mind-linked the omegas to bring us coffee and some croissants, then turned my attention back to her.
-"I can't tell you how happy I am that you've returned," I said earnestly, leaning forward. "You can't imagine how much I've missed you."
Her response was like a slap to the face. "No, I can't," she said indifferently, her tone void of any warmth.
I felt like the air had been knocked out of me, but I didn't let it show. Years of being an Alpha had taught me to mask my emotions, to never let anyone see my vulnerability. But her words cut deeper than I cared to admit. Why did she say that? Did she truly believe I didn't miss her?
I pressed on, determined to make things right. "Now that you're back, I want you to know that I've decided to do things differently this time," I began, my voice filled with conviction. "Everything will change. In fact, I'll change. I'll spend more time with you. I'll take care of you. I'll be the perfect companion. We'll do everything together—spend time, create memories, and—"
-"Maximus," she interrupted sharply, her voice cutting through my rambling. "Before you say anything else, I need to tell you something."
The determination in her eyes froze me in place. Her tone was firm, her expression serious. Whatever she was about to say wasn't going to be easy, and it took all my strength not to interrupt. I opened my mouth to speak, but she silenced me with a stern look. For the first time in years, someone had rendered me completely speechless, and I obeyed her unspoken command.
I leaned back in my chair, my heart pounding in my chest, and waited for her to speak. Whatever she had to say, I could feel it was going to change everything.
-"Maximus, I'm here only to inform you about my plans," she said, her voice steady and formal, as if addressing a council meeting rather than her mate.
-"Wonderful! We want the same thing," I replied eagerly, leaning forward in anticipation. "I'm listening..."
Her gaze didn't waver. "As you know, my brother is imprisoned and will likely remain so for years—if he isn't sentenced to death. My father and I can't leave our pack leaderless. There's no one else left to take the role."
-"Don't worry about that," I reassured her. "I'll handle it. I'll appoint a new Alpha for your old pack."
Her expression didn't change. "There's no need for that," she replied coolly.
-"Oh... so Richard will take over again?" I asked, puzzled.
-"No," she said, her tone unwavering. "I will."
-"You what?" I blinked, taken aback.
-"I will take over," she repeated firmly. "I've been leading the Crescent Moon pack as its Alpha for the past three days, and I intend to continue doing so for as many years as necessary."
The shock hit me like a punch to the gut. "You? An Alpha? What nonsense is this?" I scoffed before I could stop myself.
Her lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. "Your reaction doesn't surprise me. I didn't expect anything better from you," she said, her confidence cutting like a blade.
-"You misunderstood," I said quickly, realizing my mistake. "It's not that I doubt your ability. I know you're capable. But you have responsibilities here—responsibilities as my Luna and the future Queen of all wolves. You won't have the time or energy to handle both. You know that."
-"That's exactly why I'm here," she said, her eyes locking with mine. "I'm resigning from the title of Luna and the responsibilities that come with it. I want my freedom back, Maximus."
Her words hit me like a thunderclap. "You want... what? What are you talking about? You can't be serious!" I exclaimed, my frustration boiling over.
-"I'm very serious," she replied, her voice as firm as stone.
-"But... we had an agreement," I protested, the words spilling out before I could think. My chest tightened painfully.
-"That agreement is no longer valid," she said bluntly. "You've defeated all your enemies. It's clear that you'll be the next King. You don't need me anymore."
Her words felt like a dagger twisting in my heart. "But I do need you," I said, my voice breaking. "You can't leave me, Adelina. Not now. You have no idea how much I want—how much I need—you by my side."
-"Maximus, you don't need me," she said, her tone colder than ice. "In fact, you never did. We were never meant to be together. Nothing between us was ever as it should have been. Stop pretending to care—it won't change anything."
-"I'm not pretending," I said desperately. "I'm pouring my heart out to you. I meant every word I said. Yes, I was wrong before. I made mistakes—terrible mistakes. But I've changed, Adelina. I want you by my side, as my mate. I want to love you, adore you, make you happy. I want us to have a life together, to raise pups together, to face everything as one."
-"I'm sorry," she said, her voice devoid of emotion. "But our priorities don't align."
-"Just give me a chance," I pleaded. "One chance is all I ask."
-"You'll have your chance," she said, her tone softening slightly but still distant. "But understand this—you no longer have an advantage over anyone else. From this moment forward, I am a free woman. If you want me, you'll have to earn me. And be warned—I can flirt with any man I choose."
Her declaration ignited a firestorm in my chest. "That's ridiculous!" I roared. "I'll never allow such a thing!"
Her gaze sharpened, her eyes like daggers. "I'm not here to ask for your permission, Maximus," she said coolly. "I'm simply informing you."
She stood abruptly, her posture rigid and commanding, as though she had already assumed her Alpha title in every way.
As she turned to leave, I sprang to my feet and grabbed her arm, stopping her. The intensity of her glare could have felled weaker men, but I refused to let go.
-"Listen to me," I growled, leaning close enough that my breath tickled her ear. "I won't let you go so easily, Adelina. You're mine, and I'll have you in my arms again. Sooner or later, you'll come back to me."
She yanked her arm free with a strength that startled me and left without another glance.
As the door slammed shut behind her, I stood frozen, her scent lingering in the air like a bittersweet reminder of what I'd just lost.
I may have lost the battle, but I would not lose the war. Not when it came to her.