CHAPTER 4

SAY MY NAME

I WASN'T ABLE to take well what I have learned from the night before. I quickly left the place right before they noticed me. But I do hope that they have found a solution to their problems.

Since it's Sunday today, most normal beings are off to leave the mansion to visit their families in town. Ayla and I are also all set to leave for Ashwood but before leaving, we went first to the kitchen to fetch her mother.

"Are you done, mother?" Ayla asked as soon as she saw her mother.

Mama Melly turns her head to us. "Yes. But first, let's go see Nana Selma, she might have something she wants us to buy." She then proceeded on wiping her hands and looked at me. "Bella, will you be kind enough to deliver the box of herbs to Doc Morgan?"

I gave her a nod and a gentle smile. "Of course, Mama Melly."

"Sissy, let's meet in the East gate later, okay? And please do hurry," Ayla said as she taps my shoulder.

I was on my way to the infirmary when I bump into Logan. I can tell he was glad to see me because of the wide grin plastered on his lips. But I, on the other hand, feel uncomfortable.

After listening to them last night, I don't think I can look him in the eyes without feeling guilty.

"Good morning, ma chérie!" Logan greeted cheerfully.

"A fine morning to you as well, Logan," I greeted, smiling, trying to mask the uneasiness I felt.

His eyes then darted to the box I am holding. "You're heading to the infirmary?"

"Uh, yes. Do you want to come?"

He gently shook his head. "I have tons of work to do today. Lucien tasked me to do Lorkan's work since he's not feeling well."

I smiled and nodded my head before we parted ways.

So Lorkan didn't leave the house. I'm glad. But I felt sorry for him and his mate. What they have is complicated.

Then I suddenly recall what Lorkan said about Alpha Lucien's mate. Did the Alpha hurt his mate? But it's impossible. I may not know him that much but I don't think he is capable of hurting his future Luna.

A bitter smile suddenly formed on my lips. Even werewolves have a complicated romance.

*****

"GOOD MORNING, DOC Morgan," I greeted her as soon as I entered the room. "I brought you the herbs," I said while showing her the box.

"Oh, Bella! Perfect timing," she said then she took the box of herbs from me. "I am almost out of stock."

Doc Morgan is in her late thirties and she was the healer who took care of me when I was brought here. Her mate is also a healer but he is currently in the city right now.

"Thank you, Bella," she said after checking the herbs.

"You're welcome, Doc Morgan." I smiled at her.

We didn't talk long because Ayla and Mama Melly might be waiting for me at the East gate. I bid goodbye to Doc Morgan. As soon as I stepped outside my eyes widened in surprise when I saw Markus leaning on the wall with his arms crossed.

"Come with me," he said with a cold voice.

It took me a couple of seconds to process what he just said. I gulped and followed him despite the perplexity I felt.

After collecting my thoughts, I finally had the guts to talk to him. "Uh, where are we going, Markus?" I asked, trying to sound normal.

"The Alpha wants to see you," he said.

I froze for a moment. Crap! This is what I have been talking about! He must have seen me last.

I almost forgot that werewolves' senses are sharp. I bit my lower lip and bowed my head. My feet suddenly feel heavy but I know that I need to follow Markus.

You should have ignored them last night, Ysobella!

"We're here."

I snapped when I heard Markus' voice. My brows then furrowed when I realized we are outside an unfamiliar door.

"Wait inside," he ordered as he opens the door.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and slowly walked inside the room. I jumped to my feet when I heard the door close. I nervously looked around the room and I sighed in relief when I realized I was alone.

Well, this is better. Now I'll have time to practice my speech because I don't think I can talk properly when I see the Alpha later.

I secretly smiled after I have finally come out with a better explanation. I think I am ready.

While waiting for Alpha Lucien, I amused myself by looking around the room. This must be Alpha Lucien's art room. There are finished and some unfinished sculptures and there are also paintings hanging on the wall. But among the artworks in the room, what caught my attention was the painting on the easel place near the window.

I went closer to it and I was stunned by the beauty of the painting. It is still unfinished but I can clearly see how magnificent it is.

Did the Alpha paint it?

I continue to watch the painting in awe. It's a painting of a gray wolf with familiar blue eyes. It looks so alive and vibrant.

"Luna Azalea Salvatorri."

I jerked when I heard a familiar voice from behind. I was too lost with the painting and I didn't even notice Alpha Lucien's arrival.

I wanted to turn around to face him but my body won't cooperate. My nervousness doubled when I felt him move closer to me. I can almost hear his breathing!

I tried to act normal until I heard him speak once more.

"She was the former Luna of this pack," he whispered. "My mother--- she died a year after my father passed away. She couldn't contain the pain of losing her mate," he added.

I can't see his reaction right now but I felt the pain in his voice as I listen to him. I never really heard anything about the former Luna. I only heard about the former Alpha, who died after his encounter with rogues.

"She looks majestic," I mumbled softly. I only received a hummed from him as a response.

Seconds later, I felt him move even closer. My face heated when I felt his breath on my right cheek.

He's too close!

I closed my eyes tightly and hold my breath when I felt him bend his body. What is he doing?!

"You can breathe now," he mumbled gently.

I can feel my face burning once more. Then I realized that he had just taken something from the chair beside the easel.

"Face me, Ysobella," he ordered coldly.

I bowed my head before facing him because I feel like my face is still flushing. My eyes were still glued to the floor but I noticed him wiping his hands with the towel he took earlier. I unwanted to lift my head but I am afraid.

"How far have heard last night?" he asked.

His question struck me. He knew I was there! I nibbled my lower lip because of nervousness. What happened to the speech you practiced earlier, Ysobella? I inwardly castigated myslef. I don't know what to say.

But should I defend myself? Because I know that I was wrong and I should have not listened to their private conversation.

"Forgive me, Alpha Lucien. I know what I did was wrong. I was on my way to the quarters when I heard you arguing so I... I stopped and..." I couldn't finish my sentence because I'm too ashamed to confess.

"Raise your head. Look at me in the eye when you talk," he commanded firmly.

I slowly raised my head. My eyes finally found his. His stare was intense but I didn't falter, instead, I fight his gaze without even blinking.

Later on, satisfaction is seen on his face. "Better. Now tell me what you heard."

I snapped and averted my eyes. "Uh... It's just about L-Lorkan and his--- his mate. I don't understand the rest."

I looked him in the eyes then averted my eyes once more. He looks doubtful and I understand. But what I said was true, I didn't understand the rest of their topic.

"Tsk. Tsk. You shouldn't stick your nose to someone else's business, Ysobella," he warned after throwing the towel on the couch.

"I'm s-sorry. I won't tell a single word to anyone. I p-promise."

"Are you afraid of me? Why do you always stutter?" he asked. I lifted my head to see his reaction and I saw how his forehead formed a knot.

"I'm sorry again Alpha L-Lucien," I said instead.

My heart leap when I noticed something flash in his eyes after I uttered his name. What was that?

"Say it again," he demanded.

"What?" I can't help but asked him. I don't quite understand what he means.

"My name, Ysobella. Without stuttering," he said firmly.

My mouth parted. I tried to speak but I was out of words. He must have felt insulted when I stuttered upon saying his name. But how can I not? His presence alone weakens me. His thick brows, curly eyelashes, and his deep set of blue orbs screams power and perfection.

And from his eyes, my gaze slowly traveled to his perfectly sculpted nose and prominent jaw. Lastly, my eyes landed on his plump lips which looks softer than mine. Wait! That seemed unfair. I unconsciously licked my lips to check how soft mine is.

"F*ck! I said say my name. Not lick your lips! D*mn it!" Alpha Lucien blurted.

I jumped to my feet when I heard how angry he is. My face heated when I realized what I had just done. How stupid of you, Ysobella!

I noticed how his ears and face turned red. His chest keeps rising and falling showing his anger and frustration. I feel like any minute now he will

snapped at me.

My legs are shaking because of fear. "A-Alpha Lucien?"

I bit my lower lip because I shuttered again. Little by little, the fear I felt inside is drowning me.

His eyes glowed when he heard me speak and for split second, I saw something flash in his eyes---  something dangerous and foreign.

"Don't say it that way," he said darkly. I apologetically looked at him but then his eyes turned sharp. He looks like he has finally lost his patience.

My lips quivered so I bit them once more.

"Stop biting your damn lips, woman!" he spats.

I clutched my dress and lowered my gaze. I heard him sigh and I caught him massaging his temple through my peripheral vision.

"Leave this room."

I uttered my apologies before I took a step forward but as soon as I did so, he quickly step backward like I have some kind of disease. Then I noticed how his expression changes. He looks in... distress.

The fear I felt is suddenly replaced with concern. "Are you okay, Alpha Lucien?"

But instead of answering me, he gave me a sharp look. A soft gasp escaped my mouth because he must have thought that I am intruding again. I wanted to apologize but I stopped when I noticed that his cold demeanor is slowly replaced with tenderness.

"Did I scare you?!" he asked panicking. "SH*T! You look pale. Are you okay, Ysobella?" he asked once more.

I look pale? Did he scare me that much?

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before speaking to him. "I am okay, Alpha Lucien. Pardon me for causing you trouble."

He doesn't look convinced so I quickly think of another excuse. "And... uh, I'm not really used to the cold. Liar! How about you Alpha Lucien? Are you okay?

He sighed and lick his lips. "So innocent..." he mumbled gently. "I'm good. You can leave now." This time his voice is calm.

I nodded my head like an obedient child. I turned my heels but then I was stopped by his sudden grip on my wrist.

I turned to face him with my widened eyes. I began to panic and I can almost hear my heart beating. Alpha Lucien just touched me! But I got to admit that his hands feel so warm. Then I noticed how small my wrist is against his hand.

"Are you still cold?" he asked.

"Huh?" I absent-mindedly uttered.

"I'm asking you if you are still cold," he said, repeating the question.

I blink my eyes when the realization struck me. He thinks I am cold that's why he is holding me to give me heat. Werewolves can warm your body using the heat inside them.

"I feel warm."

"Good," he uttered hoarsely. I flinched when I felt his thumb caressing my wrist.

I can't deny the joy I feel while looking at him. But as much as I wanted to enjoy his warmth, I can't. I need to leave because the emotion I felt inside is starting to escalate and it's not good.

"I-I think I'm warm enough, Alpha Lucien."

"Not for me."

What he said took me by surprise. What does he mean by that? I tried to retrieve my hand from his but his grip suddenly tightened. Crap!

"Alpha, Lucien? This is Markus. The carriage is ready for your departure."

I secretly sighed in relief when I heard Markus. Now I can finally leave. I really don't know what's going to happen to me if he didn't come.

"Go," he said.

I quickly left without bidding goodbye. Markus eyed me seriously as soon as I step foot outside.

What happened just now made me realize something. I come to realize what I truly feel for the Alpha. But I know it needs to be stopped because these feelings are forbidden.

*****

Ed_Dianthe | Ms. Ed