Chapter 4. His citrus scent

"Are you attracted to him, Gwen?" Matt questioned as he spun around, a severe expression that could be viewed in his dark orb, which baffled me.

"Wait, is that even necessary?"

"I just wanna know. So, please be honest with your feelings."

One of my brows furrowed upon hearing his utterances. How dare he ask me like that? "He's handsome, yet annoying. But if I'm being honest, I hate this place. I don't want to be with him, Matt. Why are you asking me such a ridiculous question when you were the one who urged me to deal with him."

Rolling my eyes in exasperation, I shook my head and then diverted it again to his face, which seemed lost in his senses.

"You're acting weird. What's wrong?" I asked with curiosity as I bestowed him a concerned look.

I anticipated him to convey his reason, but it was contrary to what happened next. He denied it. "Nothing. Just worried."

He swiveled around only to find himself looking at nothing in particular.

"No worries. You'll see me often enough here," he stated, then he turned around again and wandered his gaze to me. "Just keep me informed if you can't stay with him; I'll find a way for you," he added protectively. Matt has always been protective over me, even though we were only friends. He used to tease me and knew how to annoy me, yet he never failed to show his respect, concern, and pure sincerity. That is why I'm grateful for our friendship.

I smiled and quipped, "I'll be fine, don't cry."

An unbelievable expression arose on his face as if he was disgusted by what I said.

"Why would I?" he chortled, which made me smile.

Afterward, we went back inside and spent more minutes before conveying our farewells and leaving.

AGITATION coalesced with trepidation as I woke up because I hated this evening. Still, I had no choice but to obey my parents' and the Alpha's command because that's an order I must abide by, or we would both suffer. And I will not let that happen because I don't want to die.

"Hey, did you pack all your things?" my sister interrupted me from mulling.

I nodded.

When she noticed my aura, she halted and sat beside me on my bed.

"What if he finds out I was a silver wolf?" a sudden question escaped my mouth.

A deep sigh fled her lips as she gazed at me with worry. "That's alarming, and I know you disagree with this setup. But I'm sure he had zero ideas about the silver wolf's sign unless you divulge your identity. You just have to be vigilant."

"Well, you're right." I smiled. Her words are somehow convincing. "But, is it possible to get close to him? To someone I don't wish to be part of my life?"

"Come one, my sister, don't overthink about that. You'll figure it out sooner. Just focus on taking care of yourself; that's paramount, okay?"

I nodded. "I will."

We spent more hours packing my things. Then my sister fixed my hair and wore me a red dress, which I refused at first, but she eventually persuaded me. She kept apprising me that taking care of myself must be included in my priority because that makes me look presentable in front of Alpha Ace and his family despite being all werewolves living in human form.

After a while, we agreed to proceed to Alpha's house until they left me with Alpha's parents and formally accepted me as their real daughter.

"Welcome to our home, Gwen!" Mrs. Athena welcomed in her sweet voice with excitement. "I'll show you your room. Come, follow me."

We strode together upstairs until we stopped in our tracks in front of the door made of oakwood. Mrs. Athena opened the door and gestured for us to come inside. The room was spacious and decorated with luxurious furniture and beautiful paintings.

"This is your room. You like it?" she asked.

I smiled. "Yes, Mrs. Athena."

"No, no, that's too formal. Just call me mom or mom Athena." she laughed.

"Sure, mom Athena."

My wolf side kept shrieking inside me due to the excitement of being here with the Alpha.

"Don't hesitate to tell Ace whatever you want, okay?" she hurriedly ran downstairs after bidding goodbye.

I slowly walked toward the bed and put down my bags before throwing myself into it and groaning loudly.

'Why does it have to be so hard? Do I need to be here?' I muttered with my mind filled with unanswerable grudges.

'I'm excited, you know! Finally, my mate!' Violet shrieked in merry inside me.

'Chill out, Violet, if you don't want me to run back home,' I warned her.

Suddenly I smelled something— a citrus scent permeated the air. I know it's Alpha Ace. Since yesterday, I don't understand why his scent has become stronger and clearer than others' scents. It was enticing, and I couldn't help but inhale deeply.

"Stop resisting," a voice called out. "Or else, you may end up regretting it later."

His voice sounded seductive, and it sent shivers down my spine.

I sat immediately and scanned the entire room until my gaze wandered to the corner, and I saw this handsome man, Alpha Ace.

He walked nearer to me, but his movements seemed slower. As soon as he reached me, I quickly stood up and crossed my arms.

"How can you be this so conceited, Alpha Ace? Do you think I like your scent?"

He chuckled upon hearing my words. "I didn't say that."

I narrowed my eyes. "Then?"

Ace smirked. "Your heartbeat increased; I heard the rapid beating of it."

My brows crumpled as the annoyance inside me grew more prominent. With that, I grabbed the pillow from behind me, held it above my shoulders, and launched it toward his face. However, it didn't hit its target and instead fell onto its bare feet, which aggravated me.

"Damn! You're so annoying, Alpha Ace!"

"You're saying that every time we meet."

"Because you are honestly annoying! Tsk!" I closed my fist tightly as I endeavored to restrain my sentiments and stop being too harsh. If only I could get out of here without bringing my life in misery, I won't hesitate to attempt. Unfortunately, I can't.

"What can I do to lessen your outburst? Tell me." his tone was firmly serious, but there was sincerity, which made me soften a little.

I averted my sight to the other side and sat on the bed, remaining hushed.

The following thing he said rendered me to look up at him, and those dark orbs gazing at me made me guilty.