Chapter 3: Exposing (2)

Goddess, I was utterly stunned to see Max completely naked. He was even wearing his underwear. Surrounding him were several he-wolves helping him relax for preparing battle.

The entire room’s occupants had been taken aback by the sound of the door being forcefully kicked open, and their astonishment only deepened upon setting their eyes on me.

My gaze inadvertently wandered over his body. It was as though he was sculpted, his muscles defined and pronounced against his tanned skin. My eyes traced across his broad shoulders and muscular chest. Lower down, the contours of his abdominal muscles were visible. Descending further, his v-line was distinct and captivating.

Hey, alright, that was enough.

But my mind was too slow to intercept the curiosity of my eyes, which descended to his masculine position. Oh, my Goddess! It was f***king big.

In that instant, a low, sardonic laugh reached my ears. My attention swiftly gravitated towards the origin of the sound, locking onto his arrogant amber eyes. I could see the judgment in those eyes, critiquing both me and my behavior.

Damn it!

I swear to the Moon Goddess; I didn’t mean it. That’s so guilty.

Time felt suspended, I didn’t even know how long I stood there, gawking at Max.

To divert the situation from becoming ever more awkward, the guy cleared his throat, “Guys, Lady Catriona has something to say to Max before the battle begins.”

The he-wolves in the room quickly left, I could see the confusion in their eyes.

Goddess, I had never experienced such profound humiliation.

Once the room was empty, I reopened the door with a polite attitude. I cautiously poked my head inside. It wasn’t until I confirmed that Max had worn his underwear. I came inside.

Without delay, I locked the door, making sure that no one would suddenly disrupt our conversation.

Leaning against the door, I heard his subdued laughter, “What wind carries you here, my lovely Lady Catriona?”

I frowned at him in response to his teasing, “This is an important matter.”

Max nonchalantly shrugged. Seated upon one of the chairs in the room, he brushed his raven hair back and crossed his legs, “Out with it!”

The alpha aura he gave off was so powerful that it terrified me, making my hands tremble. Trying to stay calm, I swallowed, sustaining an unflinching gaze.

“I know the truth!” I asserted, my voice carrying the weight of finality.

Max’s response was laced with sarcasm, “Oh- what is it? Can you tell me?”

“You are a spy for another pack,” I declared, regarding him with a gaze that conveyed my pronouncement as irrefutable. “You must depart from the pack prior to the battle. If not, I will reveal this verity to all pack members. Your final destination will be a prison cell.”

I couldn’t help but smirk, convinced that victory was within my grasp.

“Oh, my Goddess. You make me scared, my little Trina?” Max retorted. His laughter was full of sarcasm. It proved he was not frightened or panicked as I had expected.

I frowned, demanding, “Be polite.”

“I was,” he replied, a casual shrug accompanying his words.

“So,” he rose from his seat, walking leisurely toward me. Reflexively, I retreated, only to find a solid door right behind me. My arms looped behind my back, clutching the doorknob, ready to run away if it’s necessary.

Max approached me, and our bodies were almost connected. His face was just inches away from mine, and I could see his amber eyes even brighter when the sun shone in.

Abruptly, Max’s lips curved into a smile, his deep laugh reaching my ears, temporarily numbing them.

He whispered in my ear, “What is your proof?”

His voice and breath reached my ear every time he spoke, stimulating the nerves in my brain and making me feel like an electric current running through my body.

Damn it, I could smell the masculine cedar from his body. I frowned, trying to maintain a clear mind.

I couldn’t deny it because it was the truth. Max exuded a distinct allure that came from his strong masculinity. It was enough to make any she-wolves scream at the sight of him and the he-wolves had a special respect for him, almost reverence. Was it a reason that everyone had a positive impression of him, I wondered to myself.

“Catriona, answer my question, what is your proof?” Max almost ordered and his formidable aura immediately caused my heart to race with fear. “You can’t accuse someone without evidence, my future Alpha.”

I smirked, “Proof? If you don’t leave, I will unveil the truth to all members of the pack. I am giving you a chance. Be wise, Maximilian.”

Max stepped back. I breathed a sigh of relief. That damn aura! Max, just give me the answer I need.

However, Max just stood there, his gaze locked on my face. Damn it, don’t tell me he is observing me.

Silently, I prayed to the Moon Goddess, hoping he would believe my words and leave the pack at once.

That’s right! I had no proof. In my previous life, I was merely David’s pawn. He unearthed the truth about Max and reveal it to everyone. Until I died in the thick snow, I never had the chance to access those invaluable documents.

“You seem like a benevolent lady for giving me the opportunity to leave safely,” Max commented. “So, I am grateful and believe in you, my future Alpha.”

Max smirked, “However, I won’t leave unless you provide me with proof.”

Panic surged within me.

Hold on. He wasn’t scared, how did he know that I had no proof? Or did he not believe that I would have proof in the first place?

Max arched his eyebrow, “Feeling a bit trapped, are you? But don’t worry, I won’t make it difficult for you, my future Alpha.”

Damn, he kept mocking me with ‘My Future Alpha’, and it was getting on my nerves.

“Yeah, I belong to another pack,” I didn’t expect him admitting it so readily. He folded his arms, “Like I said, I won’t complicate matters for you. So, here’s the deal: just tell me the name of my pack, and I’ll leave this forest for good.”

“I…” my voice caught in my throat. I had no clue about the identity of his pack.

I heard his sarcastic laughter.

Max approached me again, his hand raised and pointed toward me, “Lady Catriona, think before you speak.”

A sense of danger enveloped me, making me to squeeze my eyes shut.

I thought he would punish me for making baseless allegations. Yet, to my astonishment, I felt the warmth of his large hand. He slipped it over the top of my head.

Was he patting my head?

He whispered in my ear, “Now, the battle is about to start. Return to your place. I’ll handle the rest and become your Beta, my future Alpha.”

Then he took my hand in his sizeable one, his calloused palm pressing against mine. Raising my hand close to his lips, he placed a kiss on its back, smile at me before push me out of the room.