Chapter 13

ISABELLE’S POV

Something about his presence stirred me. My wolf already intrigued.

He looked like he'd been plucked right out of a painting, his features refined and simply perfection.

“Are you alright?” I asked, my voice calm even as my heart skipped a beat.

My body flushed with the same sensation I felt when I first laid eyes on Kael, a natural physical attraction I couldn't deny.

Alan straightened, his pride untouched despite the humiliation. “Thank you, Miss. I’m fine.” He replied smoothly, with a graceful bow.

I narrowed my eyes at the wealthy man, who seemed to take pleasure in tormenting him.

Hiding a secret smirk, as I decided to put on a whole performance.

With theatrical flair, I suddenly collapsed to the ground with a loud thud, gasping for air and clutching my chest like I was going to faint.

l cried out, my voice trembling with false distress "The owner’s cruel words have caused my heart to falter,"

The crowd gasped in shock as they watched me. Alan rushed over to help me, his face tight with concern but I gently waved him off.

As he stepped aside the wealthy man was back in my sight, his face was flushed red with anger. “What are you doing?” He growled, his expression darkening. “ Are you trying to scam me? You are messing with the wrong person.” He sneered.

His chest heaved faster at his words and in a split second, his hands curled into fists and he moved forward, ready to strike me.

I winced, bracing myself but before he could land his blow, he froze mid step and let out a loud cry. His hands were cradling his jaw, his face twisted with pain.

I narrowed my eyes at him in confusion as he staggered back, blood dripping from his mouth and staining the marble floors.

He keeled over with violent coughs and a white small object fell out of his mouth. My gaze scanned the tiny object on the floor, my breath hitching as I realised what it was. A single tooth.

My gaze shifted upwards to the second floor, and my suspicions were immediately confirmed– Kael had somehow intervened from way up there, his expression smug as his eyes met mine, the faintest smirk on his face.

The wealthy man looked around, his eyes wide with surprise as he tried to piece together what happened.

Humiliated and enraged, he growled, “Who did that?!” His gaze swept the crowd, but the room remained dead silent.

When he found no clear explanation, his eyes landed back on me now red with pure rage.

“Youuu…!” He growled, his voice dripping with venom, his face turning a deeper shade of red

Feigning fear from his rage, I shrank back. “Who are you to act so arrogantly?” I questioned, tilting my head.

One of his servants stepped forward, puffing up his chest. "He’s the eldest son of the Royal Academy's headmaster, and he's here to personally oversee the art competition.” He announced smugly.

I raised my brows, completely unfazed. "Oh, just a headmaster’s son?" I echoed letting out a harsh chuckle. "What’s so special about that?”

He snarled, his lips curled away from his teeth. “Teach this bitch a lesson!” He boomed.

His servants didn't hesitate, charging towards me with full force.

Before they could reach me, Alan stepped in front of me, “Stop!” He shouted.

The servants kept advancing, lunging hard at him, but as if by some unseen force, they stumbled and fell to the floor, landing in a heap.

The crowd gasped, murmurs echoing through the room.

The man was now livid, and without thinking he charged toward me. Just as before, Alan moved to block him, taking the brunt of the attack.

The impact sent him staggering backwards, but I was quick to move, catching him, my arms wrapping around his waist to steady him.

We both stood close, our body flushed together.

The sudden closeness sent a jolt through me. I could feel the warmth of his lean body against mine, his rapid heartbeat echoing in my ears. For a moment, time seemed to slow, the chaos around us fading into the background.

A warm feeling rushed through me, my body brimming with anticipation and I knew for sure, Alan was my next target.

ALAN’S POV

I froze as the strange woman tried hard to steady me, my gaze locking onto hers.

Her eyes, like striking clear blue lakes, seemed to draw me in, leaving me speechless.

I stood frozen for a moment, time stilling around us, the intensity of her gaze sending a jolt through me, leaving me stunned and transfixed by her.

I felt a hard tug in my insides toward her, like a magnetic pull, something strange and hard to ignore.

But the moment was shattered as Cain lunged towards us again. This time, a powerful, unseen force sent him flying into the nearest wall. He crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain.

His head was limp as he wheezed, clearly bewildered. “It’s got to be them!” He spat out.

The café staff rushed to Cain's side, but the woman stepped in front of me acting like a shield.

She strode forward with an air of authority, her voice sharp and firm. “ You would have to compensate me for my injuries and the distress you’ve caused.”

Cain glared at her. “You think you are in the position to make demands of me?” He sneered, letting out a small laugh.

She smirked, her tone turning icy. “I think the Royal Academy would be very interested to hear how its headmaster’s son discriminates against artists in the competition.”

His eyes snapped to her, “You wouldn't dare!” He growled.

She gave him a sly smile, tilting her head. “ You clearly discriminate against the less fortunate and since you run this cafe yourself, it would raise so many questions about possible favoritism. Who knows, maybe past competitions were just about giving benefits to certain contestants.”

His confidence faltered and you could see he was taken aback by her audacity, and the murmurs of the crowd only added to his humiliation.

Gritting his teeth hard, he pulled out a pouch of coins and threw it at her feet.

It landed with a jingle and she picked it up without a word and turned to me, giving me a small nod to follow as she walked out of the cafe, confident and composed.