Chapter 8~I'll Be Your Woman

~ARIELLA~

Each time I heard him murmur silently, my heart beat faster.

I knew I desired this man.

I wanted him.

He was alluring, enchanting, and captivating.

Even while lying next to him, I couldn't get enough of him.

I didn't know what had suddenly changed, but I could tell that I had never felt this way before.

Not with Dante.

For a man whose sole aim was to make me his breeder or contracted bride, I knew I shouldn't be feeling this way towards him when I knew what would happen in the end.

But I couldn't help it either.

I wished to avoid this, but my wolf and my body wanted something else.

Something I couldn't help but crave more than my wolf.

It suddenly dawned on me that my life right now was more messed up than I thought it was.

If not, why would I be craving the same man who had rejected me?

His aura always caused me to wobble in fear.

He was the most feared, ruthless king, and right now, I was at his mercy.

Although he acted differently, that didn't change who he was. Not even a single bit had it changed the fact that he was ruthless.

His cold demeanor still overshadowed the room.

And the thought of him lying next to me strangely crept into me.

In a way, it crept in affectionately, but when I realized he was the same King Arthur Jaden who sliced humans like they meant nothing, I was once again welcomed by the fear of what my life would be about if I chose to accept it.

He had already indirectly rejected me.

But could my heart stop beating for him while my wolf still wanted him regardless?

These thoughts kept running deep into my mind as I lay there on the bed with him sleeping next to me.

I constantly heard his heartbeat.

I constantly heard his whimpers.

It was as if he was trying to control his inner beast while lying close to me.

I should have known this was a bad idea, but I wouldn't just let him sleep peacefully on the couch while I took over his bed, could I?

"You shouldn't be thinking about this," my inner wolf muttered.

I guessed she was starting to get irritated.

"What then? Aren't you worried?" I asked her, and she rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Not even a single bit. I want him. He's ours, we should claim him," she suggested, smirking.

I scoffed. "As if! He doesn't want us, he just needed us for a contract relationship. He was blunt about what he needed," I told my wolf.

"Yeah! But still, his wolf wants otherwise. I can tell this because I know. He's not a jerk like that asshole," she said, her blood boiling when she remembered Alpha Dante.

She suddenly went silent.

Again, I was left to be consumed by my own thoughts, or so I thought, but I didn't know when I drifted back to sleep.

Not until I woke up the next morning to see he was staring at me. Our eyes met immediately I opened my eyes, and he smirked and looked away.

"You are awake. I wanted to see you for the last time before I leave," he said.

He was leaving?

So soon?

I thought he wanted me before?

Why was he suddenly not talking about it?

"You're leaving?" I found myself asking, while wishing I had heard "no" as an answer.

Instead, he nodded. "Yes, I am," he replied and stood to his feet.

He slowly dug his hands into his trouser pockets, and his caramel blue eyes darted to mine.

"Wanted to make sure you are fine," he added.

"Oh," I emitted.

My heart winced, but I didn't show it.

Shouldn't he be asking for my response?

Did he assume I didn't want this?

"Your bath is ready, likewise your food. You should have your bath, and here," he stretched his hands towards me.

I was amazed when I stretched mine and took whatever he was holding from him before he sighed.

"Got you a new dress. I realized I didn't order anyone last night, and you had to sleep in these uncomfortable ones." His eyes darted to what I was wearing last night, and my heart winced when I followed his eyes.

Silence soon welcomed the room.

"Thank you," I muttered, and he nodded.

"You should head in to take your shower," he said instead, and he started walking off to the other room.

I stood from the bed, examined what was in the bag, and couldn't help but smile.

They were so pretty, how could he select this beautifully?

The red gown was perfect. I was marveled by how he knew my size.

"Go shower already, stop making him wait in that room," my inner wolf grumbled.

I nodded and stood to my feet, then walked towards the bathroom without any hesitation.

I don't know, but somehow I felt safe around him. When he was close, I felt safe.

I hadn't felt safe around anyone since I was ten, but this one seemed unique and special, and maybe it was because he was my mate.

Five minutes later, I walked out of the bathroom and wore my dress, and as expected, it fitted me perfectly.

"I'm done, you can come out now," I announced, as I tried to pack my hair, although it was proving difficult.

I watched him from the mirror as he walked out of the inner room but paused when he saw me.

I could see his eyes devouring me through the mirror as my heart thudded in my chest.

How could a mere stranger make me feel so hot inside?

I was still struggling with packing my hair when I felt his cold hands on me, and my breath seized for a minute.

Slowly, he released my hands from my hair and worked his way into styling it.

I didn't think he would be good with these things.

"All done," he said, releasing my hair to fall freely on my shoulder. "You're gorgeous," he complimented, and my heart winced in excitement.

"I guess I should head out. I waited to see you in this dress, and it suits you perfectly," he complimented once again.

"Thank you," I muttered awkwardly.

I had desperately wanted him to ask, at least he should ask about my own decision.

But when he didn't, and he turned to leave...

"I'll be your woman," I couldn't help but yell out these words I had concluded in my heart.

He paused and turned towards me.

"What did you say?"

"I'll be your woman, the way you wanted it," I replied.