False Expectations - Chapter 54: Chapter 54

Maximus' pov:
When Adelina's voice reached me, urging me to be careful, I didn't even look at her. I simply pushed her aside, my focus fixed solely on Nicolas. Drako stirred beneath the surface, his anger palpable, and I knew that whatever happened next would not be kind. There was no room for mercy, not with someone like him. He was a beast, ruthless and relentless, and I was every bit the same in this moment.
I could feel the power surge through me as my claws emerged, sharp as daggers, ready to end this. Nicolas had caused too much pain, too much destruction. He didn't deserve to live.
In an instant, my nails raked across Nicolas's chest, my hand moving faster than even he could react. Before he had a chance to blink, I had torn into his flesh, my claws sinking deep into his chest. And there, in my palm, I felt it—the still, warm thud of his heart, beating its last. The life drained from him almost immediately, his body crumpling to the earth in an unceremonious heap.
I stood there, staring at the lifeless corpse for a moment longer than I cared to. It wasn't satisfaction that filled me, but cold resolution. This had to be done. He had to be stopped. No more lies, no more betrayals.
Without a second glance at Nicolas's fallen form, I turned to Adelina. My heart clenched as I saw her, unconscious, sprawled on the ground. She had been through enough—more than anyone should ever endure. With a sharp breath, I crouched beside her, lifting her into my arms with a tenderness that contrasted the brutal violence I had just unleashed.
I cradled her in my arms, her body limp against mine, and I could feel the weight of everything pressing on me. She was my everything, my reason for fighting. Nothing else mattered as much as her safety. My pulse quickened with urgency as I carried her to the SUV.
Gently, I placed her in the passenger seat, adjusting her so she was comfortable, before I slammed the door shut. The urgency inside me grew as I rushed to the driver's side, my hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. I took one last look at her, her features so peaceful in her unconscious state, before I revved the engine.
The tires screeched as I pressed the accelerator, the vehicle surging forward. The road ahead was a blur, but all I could think about was getting her to safety. I would keep her safe. Nothing else mattered.
Adelina's pov:
When I woke up, I was immediately aware of the sterile, quiet environment around me. My eyes fluttered open, and I found myself in a hospital room. The soft hum of machines and the faint scent of antiseptic filled the air. I glanced around, and there was no one in sight. The room was eerily empty, save for a vase of white roses on the table to my right. Their delicate fragrance helped soothe the dryness in my throat. I reached for the water jar beside them, but a sharp pain shot through my hand, stopping me in my tracks.
Looking down, I realized I was hooked up to an IV drip, and the sight of it made my efforts to move a little more futile. I tried again to reach the jar, but then the door opened with a soft creak. My gaze turned towards the sound, and my heart skipped a beat.
There he was.
Maximus stood in the doorway, his piercing gray eyes locking with mine. He looked worn, exhausted, and like he hadn't slept in days, but he was still the most striking man I had ever seen. He wore a simple T-shirt and jeans, but the fatigue etched on his face only made him more human, more real to me.
-"Finally, you're awake," he said, his voice a soothing balm, though it was laced with a hint of relief. As he approached, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. My heart swelled at the touch.
-"Yeah..." I cleared my throat, trying to ease the dryness, but my words still came out hoarse. "Could you give me a glass of water? I'm really thirsty."
-"Of course," he replied immediately, his voice soft yet filled with care. He poured the water, his hands steady and sure as he offered it to me. The cool liquid slid down my throat, soothing the parched dryness. I asked for more, and he gladly obliged, handing me glass after glass. Each time I drank, it felt like the thirst inside me would never be quenched, but I kept going, savoring the way he treated me with such tenderness.
After several glasses, I finally mustered the courage to ask the question that had been gnawing at me.
-"Thank you... What happened? I don't remember anything after Nicolas tried to kill us."
Maximus's expression darkened, and he exhaled slowly, as though recalling the events caused him a great deal of pain.
-"When I finished with Nicolas," he began, his voice low and steady, "I found you unconscious on the ground. I tried to wake you up, but you didn't respond. So I brought you here. You've been asleep for three days. The doctors found traces of drugs in your blood."
-"The coffee..." I whispered, the realization hitting me like a blow.
Maximus nodded. "I'm sure it was. That bastard must've put sleeping pills in it."
I felt a wave of nausea rise in my chest, a sickening sense of betrayal. But Maximus's reassuring hand on mine immediately grounded me.
-"Don't worry," he said, his voice firm and soothing. "He can't hurt you anymore."
-"But what about the other attacks? Did you stop them? Did you find any of his accomplices?"
Maximus hesitated for a moment before answering, his jaw tight with the weight of his words. "When Nicolas's death was announced, most of his accomplices surrendered to the Council's guards. They know they're finished."
-"Thank Goddess," I breathed, feeling a flicker of relief. "Are you sure they're not hiding somewhere?"
Maximus leaned closer, his gaze unwavering. "Even if they are, my love... don't worry. We will catch them all."
Before I could respond, a knock sounded at the door, followed by it creaking open. Dr. Sullivan, the hospital's physician, entered with a professional air, though his eyes softened when he saw me awake.
-"Good morning, Your Highness. Alpha," he greeted, bowing slightly. "How do you feel today?"
-"Good morning, Doctor Sullivan," I answered with a faint smile. "I feel... tired."
"That's normal, considering everything your body's been through. It needs time to recover." He gave a reassuring nod. "We'll run a few more tests today, and by tomorrow, we should have the results. If all goes well, you'll be free to leave by noon."
-"Thank you, Doctor Sullivan," I said, grateful for his professionalism.
He gave me a small smile, then bowed to Maximus before exiting the room, leaving us in a quiet lull.
Maximus, who had been by my side without leaving for even a moment, finally spoke, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Adelina, we need to discuss something."
-"Yes, Max, tell me," I said, my curiosity piqued.
-"I've been thinking a lot," he began, his eyes intense, his jaw tight. "And I've come to a conclusion. I can't leave you alone again."
I frowned, not sure what he meant. "What do you mean?"
-"Every time I've let you out of my sight, your life's been in danger," he said, frustration creeping into his voice. "I can't allow that anymore. I'm proposing something for your safety."
-"But how could you prevent this? We're Alphas. Our position comes with risks. You can't watch me every second of the day."
His eyes softened, but his tone remained resolute. "That's just it. You need to stop being an Alpha."
I blinked, stunned by his words. "What did you just say?" My voice cracked with the rising irritation in my chest.
-"All of this—the danger, the attacks—it happened because you took on the title of Alpha for the Crescent Moon pack," he continued, his words cutting through the air. "I can't protect you if you're constantly exposed like this."
-"That's not entirely true!" I shot back. "I was kidnapped when I was Luna of your pack."
He clenched his fists, frustration flickering in his eyes. "Yes, but you were far from me then. Too far for me to protect you. The best thing for you is to return to my pack and take on your role as Luna. I spoke with your father. He agrees. In fact, he's even willing to take on the role of Alpha again until we find a replacement."
I felt my blood boil. "You did what? How could you make such a decision without consulting me first?"
Maximus stood firm, his gaze unwavering. "I'm your King. I don't need anyone's approval when it comes to decisions that affect your safety."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "This is outrageous! You can't control my life like that. King or not, I will decide what I want to do!"
His face softened, but only slightly. "Please understand, Adelina. I'm not just your King. I'm your mate. I care for you more than you realize. Please, listen to me. The solution I'm offering is the only way forward—it's for your own safety."
I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "How modest of you," I said, sarcasm dripping from my words.
Maximus's expression hardened. "Are you mocking me?"
I shook my head, frustration mounting. "I know what I want, Maximus. I don't need you to decide that for me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm exhausted. Please, just let me rest."
He hesitated, his eyes searching mine for any sign of agreement, but I stood firm. "Please, if you don't mind..."
He sighed, his shoulders slumping in disappointment. "I'll let you rest. But please, think about what I've said."
-"Okay, okay," I said, almost too quickly, eager to end the conversation. "I will."
Maximus nodded, his expression tight, and with one final, lingering look, he turned and left the room, the door clicking softly behind him.
I woke up early the next morning, my body feeling more rested than I'd expected after everything that had happened. The first thing I noticed was that the IV serum had been removed, and I was no longer tethered to any machines. It felt like a small victory—another step towards normalcy. With renewed energy, I slipped out of bed and went about my morning routine, though it felt strange to have resumed it after the chaos of the past few days.
An hour later, there was a knock at the door. My heart leaped into my chest, and my thoughts immediately raced to Maximus. He's here. It has to be him. Despite the anticipation, I knew that the conversation I was about to have with him wouldn't be easy. I wasn't going to back down this time. I would make him understand that I could make my own decisions—about my life, my future, and my role. I wasn't going to let him take control of everything anymore.
Taking a deep breath, I ran my hands through my hair and checked my reflection in the mirror. I still looked awful, but at least I looked a little better than I had the past few days. I squared my shoulders, determined to stand my ground, and headed for the door.
When I opened it, my stomach sank. Instead of Maximus, I was greeted by Jacob.
-"Oh, it's you..." My voice trailed off, disappointment washing over me, but there was also a sense of relief. As much as I longed to see Maximus, I wasn't sure I was ready for that confrontation just yet.
-"Good morning!" Jacob said, his tone laced with sarcasm. "I'm very happy to see you too, Ad."
I tried to mask my confusion. "Good morning, Jacob. What brings you here so early?"
Jacob raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Starting to feel unwanted here... Do you want me to leave?"
I quickly shook my head, realizing how I must have sounded. "No, no, I'm sorry. It's just... I was expecting someone else."
Jacob's smirk widened. "I understand... You were expecting Maximus, weren't you?"
I blinked in surprise. "How did you know?"
He leaned against the doorframe with a shrug. "Maximus left last night. He didn't say a word to anyone. The guards at the airport told me."
My stomach dropped. "But... why?"
-"Did you fight last night?" Jacob asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
I hesitated. "Yes... I mean, no. We did argue, but I didn't think it would lead to this. He didn't even tell me he was leaving."
Jacob sighed, his expression softening with sympathy. "Anyway, I'm here to pick you up. The doctors cleared you. You're good as new."
It took me a moment to process what he was saying, but I nodded and quickly packed up my things. As we headed to the car, I felt a mix of emotions—anger, confusion, and an overwhelming need to understand what had just happened.
Once we were in the car, Jacob tried to steer me toward rest. "You should take it easy, Ad. Get some rest. You've been through a lot."
But I couldn't. I couldn't sit in a room and stew over everything. I wasn't tired—if anything, I felt more alive than ever. The past few days had taken their toll on me physically, but mentally, I was sharper and more determined. The energy coursing through me felt almost foreign, but in a good way.
I couldn't go to my room. Not when my mind was racing with questions about Maximus. Why had he left so suddenly without saying a word? Was it because of what I said yesterday? Was he angry with me for telling him to leave?
I replayed our conversation in my head. His words had come from a place of care, I knew that much, but his decisions—his need to control everything about my life—had felt suffocating. He acted as though I couldn't think for myself, as if I were incapable of making my own choices. How could he not see that?
But even so, there was a part of me that wondered—was I being too harsh? Did he leave because of my anger, or was there something more to it? It didn't make sense, and I didn't know how to make sense of it. Maximus had always been the man who'd come through for me in times of need, yet now, he was gone.
My thoughts swirled, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something important was missing—something I had to understand before I could move forward. Why had he left without a word? And why did I feel like part of me was missing now that he was gone?