Chapter 47

ISABELLE’S POV

My breath caught in my throat, but I quickly masked my reaction. “I am doing nothing of the sort, Rowan. I’m simply acting with what I see and observe. Perhaps you should do the same.”

His eyes darkened, and his expression tightened. “Do you actually believe that I have any intentions towards her?” He growled, his frustration evident in his clenched jaw.

Swallowing my unease for his closeness, I squared my shoulders. “Yes, Rowan. I do. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like some time alone without you following me around.”

My heart was pounding from the tension between us, heavy and charged, but I refused to look down and walk away.

His words hung in the air, heavy and dark. I stared at him, my mind racing. Why had he been waiting for me? What did he mean by what he was saying?

Gathering my composure, my gaze flickered over him cautiously, “Tell me exactly why you were waiting for me?”

His piercing gaze met mine and he stepped even closer, till there was only a single inch separating us.

“Because I wanted to make something clear. I don’t want you to think of me and Matilda as a couple anymore. That... misunderstanding should end here, right now.” He replied, his voice low and sharp.

My heart skipped a beat, as I processed his words. I clenched my hands tight till my fingers dug into my palms, trying to suppress the fluttering sensation in my chest.

“Why are you telling me this? What is between both of you is absolutely none of my business, Rowan” I replied curtly, turning away. “Who you marry, or don’t marry, is all your concern and not mine.”

His voice softened “I only see Matilda as a sister.” He growled.

I was caught off guard by the sudden sincerity in his tone, and for a moment, I felt the tiniest inexplicable pull toward him.

I suddenly felt embarrassed by my body's reaction to him. I had promised myself I was totally over Beta Rowan but here I was, still getting flutters from his closeness.

Why does he keep doing this? Why does his presence still affect me even now?

Determined to leave before I lost control, I shook my head and stepped away. “I should go.”

Rowan didn’t move. “It’s dark, Isabelle. Let me escort you home.”

“I’m not a child, I can manage to return back to villa all by myself,” I retorted quickly, quickening my steps to get away from him,my voice sharper than intended. I just couldn't afford to spend another second in his presence.

But Rowan remained persistent just as I expected, his expression unwavering. “I must insist. It’s not safe to walk around this late at night all alone.”

I hesitated. Feeling the weight of his concern that seemed genuine

I had very little choice with Rowan, I could see the determination in his eyes, he wasn't going to let me go.

“Fine,” I muttered reluctantly, brushing past him with a huff.

The walk back to my villa was tense and silent, the only sound around us was the rustle of the dried leaves from the night breeze in the air and the sounds of our footsteps.

Rowan kept a respectful distance, but yes I could feel the warmth of his presence, his steady and watchful gaze trained on me.

When we finally arrived, I wasted no time slipping through the door, refusing to look back. “Thank you for your escort,” I said curtly, my voice muffled by the closing door.

I didn't even turn back to look at him and when I was finally inside, I leaned my back against the door frame and let out a huge exhale, my heart pounding.

I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to calm myself. Why does he still have this effect on me? Is it lingering feelings, or... could he be one of my mates?

Her wolf chuckled softly, but she didn't give me a reply and that infuriated me even more.

‘Enough,’ I whispered to myself, shaking off the thought. Once I was calm, I pushed against the door and walked through the hallway.

I climbed the stairs to my room slowly, my footsteps heavy and deliberate. When I walked in, one of my maids was still tidying up from our preparation for the ball.

My attention was immediately drawn to something unusual on my vanity amongst my perfumes and powders. A note lay atop it, accompanied by a delicate sketch.

I eyed the note for a few seconds, my heart pounding before I finally gave in and rushed towards it.

My steps were quick across the room and my breath caught as I picked it up slowly, recognizing my own portrait drawn with such remarkable detail.

My face twisted into a confused scowl as I ran the pad of my fingers slowly over the portrait. The pencil work was perfect, intricate and beautiful. My hair was portrayed so beautifully it looked like a fiery knot over my head and my eyes looked bright and alive.

Then I finally opened the note beneath, and it read: “Wait for me tonight.”

The handwriting was unmistakable, it was General Kael’s.

My heart leapt in my chest, so many questions swirling in my mind. Was he already back to the pack? I wondered, feeling a sudden surge of anticipation washing over me.

My maid noticed me staring down at the paper and asked, “Is something wrong, Your Highness?”

I broke out of my revier, looking up, shaking my head quickly and immediately tucking the note subtly into my pocket. “No, nothing at all,” I replied sharply.

The maid gestured toward the window. “I’m done Princess, Shall I close it for the night?”

I hesitated, glancing outside the open window and staring at the moon in the distance. My instincts told me Kael might arrive that way since this was our little secret.

“Leave it open,” I said casually, plopping down on my bed.

My maid's face twisted with a frown, her eyes darting to the open window and then back to me. “But Princess, the wind is too cold for you, you could catch a chill overnight” She said with worry.

I brushed off her questioning look. “It’s just... a secret.”

The maid nodded, though her expression was still a little sceptical. After finishing her duties, she excused herself, leaving me alone with raging thoughts.

I stood by the window, the cool night air brushing against my skin. As I glanced at the stars, my mind raced, I looked down at his message and the portrait of me.

Was Kael really coming?