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Chapter 40
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Marie felt her breath hitch as her eyes landed on Aiden, her usual composure faltering. She had heard of Aiden's cruelty but seeing him in person was an entirely different experience. All she could notice was his striking presence.
But it was his eyes that held Marie captive–icy blue and piercing, like the ocean under a winter sky. They were simultaneously cold and alluring, pulling her in despite the danger they seemed to promise.
Marie turned to compose herself, reminding herself that she was here to serve Isabella, not to get lost in the presence of a man who was far beyond her reach. But even as she attempted to focus, her gaze kept drifting back to Aiden.
He stood tall, exuding an effortless command that made everyone around him feel small. Marie had never seen anyone so perfectly put together, though she had always admired Leo but Aiden was entirely different. He was so naturally authoritative and she found herself caught between admiration and an unspoken yearning that she knew was foolish.
Beside her, Lucy was even more entranced. The moment her eyes landed on Aiden, everything else faded away. She barely registered Isabella's presence anymore, her entire attention consumed by the man who stood before them. Lucy's heart pounded in her chest, a wild, erratic beat that she couldn't control.
Lucy couldn't tear her gaze away from Aiden's figure. His posture was relaxed , yet there was a latent power in the way he held himself. She could see his chest, visible through the slight opening of his jacket.
Lucy was completely overwhelmed, feeling like she was no longer in control of her own senses. She wasn't sure if it was his looks, his aura or the quiet confidence he exuded, but she felt a pu towards him that shs couldn't explain.
Aiden on the other hand hadn't yet acknowledged the presence of anyone else around him except for Ethan and Isabella and his response was even casual as his focus was tightly bound on Leo. But as he stood there, his focus was shifted to the air, drawing his gaze to the side where Lucy was.
His gaze met Marie who immediately looked away and soon landed on Lucy, standing awkwardly next to Isabella. Lucy was dressed in a delicate pink gown. The dress was simple yet elegant, a soft, pale pink that contrasted beautifully with the small rich green of the surrounding field. It was sleeveless, leaving her arms bare and the fabric flowed gracefully to her ankles.
Aiden whose gaze was pressed on Lucy, noticed the innocence to her appearance, a softness that seemed almost out of place in the tense of the atmosphere. Her brown hair was loosely tied, framing her face in gentle waves that accentuated her nervous expression.
Aiden tilted his head slightly, studying Lucy with a detached curiosity. He hadn't noticed anyone that way; there was a naivety in the way she stood, a nervous energy that made her seem vulnerable, out of her depth.
She wasn't dressed in the same attire as Marie, and her pink gown made her stand out, drawing Aidens attention in a way that surprised even him. He noticed the soft trembling of her hands, the way her eyes darted around, avoiding his gaze as if afraid of what she might find or get herself into it she looked closely. She was clearly overwhelmed, her discomfort palpable, but there was something else there too—a quiet strength beneath her nervous appearance.
Isabella noticed Aiden's sudden shift in attention, her head sinking as she saw the way his gaze lingered on Lucy. Isabella's thought immediately races to the worst assumption—that Aiden was irritated, maybe even offended, by the intrusion of her maids.
She knew Aiden well enough to recognize the minute change in his bearing, and though his expression remained largely unreadable, she sensed a tension that made her uneasy.
The last thing Isabella wanted was for Aiden's temper to flare, especially not over something as trivial as her maids’ presence.
Without hesitation, she stepped forward, her movement graceful but urgent. She positioned herself between Aiden and her maids, bowing her head low in a gesture of apology. Her voice was soft yet firm, carrying a note of sincerity as she spoke. “Forgive us, Aiden.” She said, her tone respectful and tinged with concern. “Marie and Lucy did not mean to intrude. They were simply following my instructions.”
Aiden's expression didn't change. His face was still set in that calm, controlled mask that he wore so well. He hadn't been angered. Marie, caught in the middle of it all, felt her heart drop into her stomach.
What she was trying to avoid eventually caught up with her. Isabella apologizing to Aiden on their behalf was a bad sign. Lucy had the same thought, her mid a whirl of panic as Isabella ushered the both of them to greet Aiden.
They both, though nervous and knowing that their only option was to obey, bowed deeply, their movement rushed and awkward. “My Lord,” They both stammered, their voice barely audible as they tried to keep their eyes downcast. Marie could feel the weight of Aiden's presence, a force that seemed to press down on her, making her feel small.
To Lucy, every second felt like an eternity, and all she wanted was to disappear, to escape. Isabella watched the scene unfold, her own unease hidden behind a composed appearance.
She knew that Aiden’s moods could be unpredictable, and she could only prevent any further disruption. She leaned closer to Marie and Lucy, her voice barely a whisper but laced with urgency. “Just go, leave this place and see to your tasks.”
Marie and Lucy nodded hastily, and retreated, their movement stiff with fear and embarrassment. They kept their eyes trained in the ground, not daring to look back as they hurried away, their footsteps quick and unsteady.
Isabella took a glance at Aiden as his eyes were still fixed on the retreating maids. Ethan was glad that the ladies came as it softened the tension between Aiden and Leo. Leo was silent all through as his thoughts towards Aiden had a hold on him.
Aiden, in no time, directed his eyes back to Leo and at that moment, Leo tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing. His jaw tightened and his clenched fist twitched at his side, betraying the anger he was trying to keep in check. Aiden noticed the movement without shifting his head, his eyes keen and calculating.
Leo's clenched fist was a familiar sight–it was a silent threat, a constant reminder of the unresolved conflict between them.
Aiden soon tilted his head on either side and took a step forward.
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Ethan wagged his head slowly hoping that Leo would notice him with the side view of his eyes in an attempt to caution him not to flair up. But neither Leo nor Aiden moved an inch, not any part of their bodies.Isabella also silently wished that no fight would start between the both of them. Aiden, whose eyes were locked with Leo soon curled his lips into a faint smile, a gesture that was less friendly and more taunting as if to say. “I see you.”Leo's blood boiled at the sight of that smile. It was the same smile that had haunted him ever since that fateful day–the day of their fight, the day everything changed. The memory flashed in Leo's mind like lightning: the heated words, the exchange of blows, the sting of betrayal that stoll burned as fresh as the moment it happened. Aiden's voice soon broke the silence, cutting through Leo's like a knife.“Leo.” Aiden's voice was calm, almost casual, but there was an edge to it, a sharpness that Leo could not ignore.Leo’s throat tightened a
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Marie, whose mind was still caught in the chilling grip of what had just transpired, could feel her heart pounded relentlessly in her chest, each beat echoing with a mixture of fear and embarrassment. The image of Aiden's piercing blue eyes lingered, seared into her memory and no matter how much she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling of being completely exposed under his gaze.Marie finally took a seat in the room, resting her hands on her knees as she caught her breath. She glanced at Lucy, who was still visibly shaken, her face pale and her eyes distant. Marie's own nerves were frayed, and she desperately needed to make sense of what had happened. “Lucy…what just happened back there?” Marie asked, her voice unsteady. “I—I froze. It's like… I don't even remember what I was supposed to say. Did I do something wrong?”Lucy, too, was struggling to regain her composure. She clutched her arms around herself, as if trying to hold her own trembling in check. She wanted to respond, to fi
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The grand hall was filled with the low hum of murmurs and the gentle clinking of silverware as everyone settled around the round table. The room was dimly lit by the warm glow of chandeliers, casting flickering shadows against the stone walls. At the distinguished table in the center sat Alpha Eric, with his commanding presence, exuding an aura of authority that was impossible to ignore. Beside him but distant away by the right, Aiden sat with his usual composed manner, his piercing blue eyes surveying the hall with a cold, calculating gaze. Leo sat on the other side of his father, on the left, tense but outwardly calm, his posture rigid as if bracing himself for what the evening might bring. Next to Leo was Ethan, who had been granted the rare privilege of sitting at the Alpha's table, a proof of his loyalty and status as Leo's most trusted guard.Isabella, sat across from Leo and Ethan as she was beside Aiden, her eyes darting anxiously around the hall. She was doing her best to ma
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The air in the grand hall grew tense as Aiden swiftly rose from his seat, his movements deliberate and hurried, drawing eye to him. He looked down at the dark red stain that marred his perfectly tailored black slacks. His expression remained inscrutable, a mask of calm that concealed whatever thoughts were brewing behind those piercing blue eyes. Aiden's silence was more fearsome than any outburst could have been, and his gaze remained fixed on Lucy, who stood trembling inside before him.Alpha Eric, seated at the head of the round table and conversing with a guard, soon noticed Aiden’s sudden movement and the way eyes seemed to be drawn toward him. He looked from Aiden to Lucy, seeing that Lucy was standing before him with her head bowed, his brow furrowing in confusion.“What's going on here?” Eric asked, his voice cutting through the silence. He scanned the faces around the table, seeking an answer, but none was forthcoming. Isabella, seeing what had happened, stiffened, her eyes
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The round table of Eric was filled with an unsettling silence, heavy and tense as Alpha Eric's question hung in the air. All eyes were on Aiden, waiting for his response. He remained quiet, his face composed and unreadable, as if carefully weighing his answer.Slowly, Aiden leaned back in his chair, the faintest smile playing on his lips, a gesture that seemed to speak of amusement rather than anger. His relaxed demeanor only heightened the tension around the table, making everyone's nerves tightened just a little more.Leo's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Aiden closely, every muscle in his body taut with anticipation. He knew Aiden's reputation all too well, the stories of his ruthlessness and the way he dealt with anyone who dared to cross him.And now, Leo's thoughts were consumed with worry for Lucy. He couldn't bear the idea of her suffering because of a simple mistake, not after all that she had gone through. And the thought of Aiden deciding her fate filled him with a
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All eyes were on him. The round table of Eric had grown silent and the silence persisted for a moment. Eric looked at him, surprisingly but that didn't stop him from taking a sip from his cup.“Yeah, I've changed my mind,” he said again, his voice firm. “She needs to be punished for her carelessness.” Leo's heart sank at his decision. His hands curled into fists beneath the tables, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He wanted to speak, to defend her but there was no way he could do that, not when his father was around.But the rage inside him was unmistakable. Ethan, sensing his frustration, discreetly reached under the table and placed a steadying hand on Leo's clenched fist. He turned his head to notice Ethan and Ethan made a gesture in which he understood too well.Leo but his lip, his eyes flickered and landed on Aiden. They were locked on him. Inside he was boiling but he forced himself to stay composed.Isabella, seated next to Aiden, could barely hide her satisfacti
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The hall was empty now, the echoes of footsteps fading into the distance as everyone filed out, leaving only Aiden and Leo at the round table. There was silence between them and it was heavy. Aiden remained relaxed while Leo sat rigid, his hands still clenched beneath the table. For a few moments, neither of them spoke. It was a standoff, both aware of the situation at hand but neither of them was willing to break the silence—not until Aiden did as he noticed the gesture Leo made to get Isabella out of the hall, including Ethan.“You've been dying to say something, Leo.” Aiden said, his voice low but sharp. His eyes flickered with amusement as he leaned back slightly in his chair. “So, go ahead. Say what you've got to say.” He raised his head to notice him. “Don't think I didn't see what you did back there.” Leo raised an eyebrow at his words but didn't respond immediately as he waited for him to explain better about what he had done as he had no idea what he was talking about.“I
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Lucy stood in the doorway, she looked smaller somehow, shoulders set as if bracing herself against the weight of all those gazes that followed her every movement. Isabella, standing at her side, held her firmly, almost like someone who was to be condemned.Leo's gaze was fixed on her, his posture rigid, thoughts stirring like a tempest in his mind. She doesn't deserve this. The words rattled through him like a drumbeat. He'd once cast her aside, let her drift from his life as if she meant nothing. She's my mate, he thought, feeling the weight of that reality hit him with a familiar, unwanted pain. And now I can't even shield her from what's coming.The memory of his father's words flashed through his mind. Alpha Eric's cold decree: Lucy would be disciplined. Her status as a mere servant made it difficult to stand up for her in front of his father. Leo found himself helpless, his own standing stripped away, his fists clenched to hide the tremor in his hands.Why did I let it come to t
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The tension in the air was fierce even after the fight had come to an abrupt halt. Dust from the scuffle lingered in the breeze and the faint murmur of the dispersing crowd hummed in the air. Leo's hand was still stiffened in the air as he looked up. All focus shifted to the one who had stopped the fight. Alpha Eric stepped in the training ground, his presence commanding immediate attention. Eric strode forward with long, purposeful steps, his silver edge clock billowing slightly behind him. His guards flanked him, their expressions stoic and beside him walked Ethan. Ethan has been the one to deliver the news of the escalating fight. Ethan's eyes scanned the ground, his sharp gaW noting every detail, from the guards to the pack members.Leo straightened the moment he saw his father approach, wiping the sweat from his brow as he quickly stood to his full height. Aiden, however, didn't move right away. Sitting on the dusty ground, he tilted his head slightly, spitting blood to the sid
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The training ground buzzed with tension, the air thick with anticipation as Lucy hurried down the dusty path, Marie trailing close behind her. The sun hung high, casting sharp shadows over the guards and the few pack members who had gathered to witness the spectacle. Lucy's heart pounded in her chest, her feet barely touching the ground as she weaved her way through the throne of armored figures.“Excuse us,” Marie muttered, pushing past a particularly burly guard.Lucy didn't stop, her eyes scanning the clearing until she caught sight of the center. A small crowd encircled the two figures at the heart of the commotion, the tension radiating off them like waves. She stepped forward, ignoring the murmurs around her, and found a spot just close enough to get a clear view.She barely noticed the guards muttering about their presence or Marie's standing slightly behind her. Her attention was fixed entirely on the two figures in the center.Aiden stood in a composed stance, his hands clas
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The question struck Lucy like a blow and she stumbled under the weight of it—not physically but emotionally. Her breath hit her and she blinked rapidly, trying to compare herself. Love Leo? The words echoed in her mind, unwelcome and painful.Lucy stared at the ground, her grip tightening on her clothes on either side. She didn't answer immediately. Her thoughts were a mess, tumbling over each other in disarray. Why is she asking me this? Why now? And what am I supposed to say?After a long, tense silence, Lucy finally spoke, her voice measured but laced with bitterness. “Leo rejected me with his own mouth,” she said, each word carefully enunciated, “and he told me to forget about him… and that's what I did exactly. Or, how can you expect me to love someone that doesn't love me, huh?”Isabella raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of skepticism and disbelief. She gestured with one hand, a small, sharp flick of her wrist, as if physically brushing aside Lucy's words. “You didn't answ
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The sudden impact threw her off balance, causing a few clumps of dung to fall from the bowl. The heavy bowl wobbled precariously and she scrambled to steady it.“Oh no!” she gasped, her heart pounding. She set the bowl down hastily, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Her gaze darted up, her breath catching in her throat as she took in the person she had bumped into.It was Aiden.He stood there, his piercing gaze fixed on her. His swift reflexes had saved him from most of the mess, but a smear of dung stained the sleeve of his dark shirt. He looked at it briefly, his expression unreadable, before his eyes shifted back to her.Lucy's fear spiked instantly, her pulse thundering in her ears. Her thoughts raced, chaotic and panicked. Why him? Of all people, why him?Aiden's eyes flicked to the bowl on the ground and back to her. His tone was calm, yet there was an undercurrent of authority. “Why are you carrying that by yourself?”His question was simple but it felt like a challenge.
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The early days of the sun were faintly breaking through the cracks of the heavy curtains in Leo's room when he pushed open the door. The air inside was still, carrying the faint scent of cedarwood and smoke from the fireplace he hadn't lit in days. He exhaled heavily, shutting the door behind him and moved to the center of the room. He shrugged off his jacket, hanging it on the peg by the wall, before tugging his shirt over his head.The cool air kissed his bare skin, drawing out a soft sigh as he stretched his shoulders. His muscles ached from the night's relentless training—he’d spent hours in wolf form, rubbing and fighting to exhaust the emotions that had been clawing at him since yesterday. But the ache was nothing compared to the battle in his mind.Turning to grab a clean shirt, his eyes caught the faint rise and fall of a figure on his bed. He stilled, narrowing his eyes, his wolf instantly alert. It took only a moment for him to recognize the brown hair spilling over his pil
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The words struck her like a blow. She felt her knees weaken momentarily, but she quickly steadied herself, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. How dare he? she thought, fury and disbelief tangling in her mind. He even has the audacity to call Lucy his mate right in front of me. Her composure wavered for only a moment before she regained her footing, glaring at Leo with newfound resolve. “And exactly are you planning to do that?” she shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “She's a maid, Leo. She has no standing here. Why make you think you can claim her? Not when your father is here.”Leo didn't back down. If anything, her defiance only seemed to stoke the fire within him. He took another step forward, closing the distance between them. “Because I'm going to be Alpha soon,” he said, his voice low and commanding. “And when that happens, you'll see. I don't need your permission.”The determination in his voice sent a chill down Isabella's spine. She narrowed her eyes, stud
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The heavy wooden door closed behind them with a low cream and Isabella found herself standing in the dim warmth of Leo's room. The space was simple yet deeply personal, an extension of its owner.The air was scented faintly with pine and leather, and the faint bluish light of the moon filtered in through the narrow window. Her eyes immediately fell on the intricate carvings etched into the walls—images of wolves mid-run, trees swaying and the crescent moon. Each one was unique, bearing the unmistakable mark of Leo's careful hand.She stepped closer to one of the larger drawings, tracing the grooves with her fingers. “You carved these yourself,” she murmured, her voice reverent.Leo, standing a few places behind her, crossed his arms over his chest and kept mute, his eyes following her movements closely.Isabella inhaled deeply, her eyes roaming the room. It had been so long since she'd last stood here. She took in the sturdy wooden bed, its frame hand-carved to match the alls, the sta
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The hallways were long and the stone floors echoed with the sound of Lucy's soft footsteps as she wandered aimlessly, her mind lost in a haze of confusion and turmoil. Her thoughts kept circling back to the words Isabella had said, echoing in her head like a constant drumbeat.“Aiden's ruthless, cruel… he won't care about you. He's never cared about anyone…”Lucy's head throbbed with the weight of those words, the uncertainty about what lay ahead heavy in her chest. She could barely hold onto the fragments of her thoughts, let alone understand the difficulties that surrounded her.Her temperature had spiked again, and she felt dizzy but that was the least of her worries.She had to focus. I have to get a grip, she thought. I can't let this affect me…But before she could lose herself again, she heard her name—soft, yet urgent—calling out from behind her.“Lucy,” Marie's voice broke through the fog.Lucy didn't respond at first. She kept walking, one foot in front of the other, her min
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Lucy blinked, looking up into Leo's familiar face. His eyes were sharp, but there was a flicker of concern beneath his furrowed brow.“Lucy,” he said, his tone softening. “Are you alright?”Her lips parted but no words came out. She felt his hands tightened slightly on her shoulders, anchoring her as she swayed, her gaze fixed on the ground.Her silence gnawed at him, but before he could press further, Ethan, who had been following closely behind, cleared his throat.“Leo,” he began, his voice low but insistent. “You can't be seen like this with her. Especially not by your father.”Leo tensed, nodding his head. “I know,” he replied curtly, glancing at Ethan.“Do you?” Ethan pressed, stepping closer. “Because if your father sees you—”“I said I know!” Leo snapped, his voice echoing down the corridor. He took a breath, his frustration barely contained.Ethan fell silent, his gaze flicking to Lucy, who was only staring but seemed oblivious to their exchange. He sighed. “I'm just trying t
