THE UNEXPECTED

CAMILLA’S P.O.V

“The Manos will be present. Are you aware of that?” I asked, keeping my voice as calm as possible while studying Romano’s face for any hint of deceit.

“And so?” he replied, avoiding my gaze as he rummaged through his clothes.

I had walked into his room earlier when he unexpectedly announced we’d be attending an event together. I didn’t argue mainly because I wasn’t in the mood but I overheard his Beta, Antonio, reading out the guest list.

It was typical of Romano to have the list recited to him before any gathering he planned to attend. He always claimed it was a necessary safety measure.

“What do you mean?” I pressed, folding my arms as I fixed him with a hard stare. “If Dad were alive, he wouldn’t even consider attending this party, and you know it,” I added, glaring at the side of his head.

Romano snapped his head toward me, his piercing gaze cutting through me like he was digging a hole with his eyes. “Dad is dead and gone,” he said bluntly, and the sharpness of his words sent a painful ache to my heart. “And who says I’m going anywhere near the Manos? We’re attending because the four regional Alpha Kings need to meet in the presence of all the packs.”

His tone softened, and his eyes briefly held a glimmer of understanding. “You know I’m the Alpha King of the Southern Region. Just stay close to Anna and don’t wander off, okay?” he said, stepping toward me and tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.

I wrinkled my nose in distaste at the mention of Anna. She was his mate, and I couldn’t stand her company. Snobbish didn’t even begin to describe her. She walked around with her nose so high in the air that she seemed perpetually irritated by everyone’s presence. And now, I had to endure her yet again.

As Romano gently caressed my hair, I momentarily melted into his brotherly warmth. We weren’t exactly close, but moments like these were what I held on to.

The door burst open, breaking the fragile connection. Anna strode in, her presence commanding the room as Romano immediately stiffened and stepped away from me. My eyes darted between the two of them, surprised by his sudden reaction.

“I’d like a word with my mate,” Anna said curtly, her arms folded as if she were preparing for battle. Her tone was clipped, and I didn’t miss the deliberate emphasis on the word mate. It was her way of reminding me of my shortcomings.

Reluctantly, I stepped back, sparing Romano one last glance. His eyes avoided mine, and I turned toward the door. Just as my hand reached for the handle, his voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Camilla,” he called, and I froze, slowly turning to face him.

“Make sure you look regal,” he added, his tone laced with a subtle warning.

I knew exactly what he meant. It was his way of forbidding me from wearing one of my usual skimpy dresses.

*****

And regal I appeared.I admired myself in the mirror, turning slightly to take in the full effect of the dress. The fabric shimmered under the light, hugging my curves and accentuating every detail of my figure.

The neckline dipped tastefully, showing just enough skin to balance allure with sophistication. My hair was swept up into an elegant bun, with loose strands framing my face, and my makeup was subtle yet striking, highlighting my dark eyes and full lips. For once, I felt the kind of regal that Romano always demanded.

With a satisfied smile, I slipped into my heels, their click-clack echoing softly as I made my way downstairs. The grand staircase was lined with dimly lit lanterns, casting a golden glow on the polished wood, and I descended slowly, my confidence growing with each step.

Romano and Anna were already at the bottom, waiting near the foyer. Romano looked dashing in a tailored suit, his posture as imposing as ever, but it was Anna’s expression that caught my attention. Her face was twisted into a scowl, her lips pressed into a thin line as she openly glared at me.

“Nice of you to join us,” Anna said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, her eyes flicking to my dress. I noticed the slight narrowing of her gaze, the subtle way her fingers tightened around the clutch she held.

Romano, on the other hand, gave me a once-over, his sharp eyes showing approval despite the neutral expression he wore. “You look… acceptable,” he said gruffly, though I caught the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Thank you, brother,” I replied, flashing a sweet smile as I swept past Anna, ignoring the daggers she was glaring my way.

The night was just beginning, and I had no intention of letting her ruin it.

*****

A strong musky smell sifted into my nose the instance my leg touched the floor, I felt Rora,my wolf stir inside me. She had been usually quiet lately, only bugging me with questions when I ask but today, she stirred on her own.

I ignored the delicious warmth that clouded me as I stared at the party hall before us,the smell of the wolves in the distant was obvious. But one stood out, I had to sniff continuously to enjoy the musky smell that seemed to override my senses.

“Camilla,” I felt a light nudge, that jolted me out of my reverie. I glanced up at my brother who looked at with worry “Are you okay?” He asked and I nodded.

Swallowing the unease in my chest, I followed behind him and Anna.

Rora stirred wildly inside me, as we walked into the hall. The smell was stronger now and it was like it was coming in stronger wave that ever. I unconsciously sniff the air yet again, savoring the sweetness.

“Rora what's wrong,” I asked, wondering why she was getting wild. Romano threw a weird glance my way and I straightened up,as the ushers led us to the seat.

“Welcome Alpha, the Southern region seat is over there,” a smallish looking man directed.

I managed to hold my breath,till we were already sat in the corner, I ignored the lustful look I got from the men in the room. My unease growing, I could feel myself sweating despite the air conditioner in the room.

I sniffed the air again, my eyes tearing up at the force I was using to control myself and Rora wasn't helping at all. Her aggressive wagging was causing me distress.

I couldn't take it anymore. “I want to make use of the restroom,” I said casually to Romano who dismissed me with a nod.

As I walked towards the room,I rubbed my sweaty palm against my dress, taking in deep breath repeatedly, I finally got to the restroom,it took a whole amount of self control,to stop me from pouring water on my face. I couldn't afford to ruin the makeup.

“What's wrong,” I asked again, this time desperately, she was making me weak, and my eyes were getting blurry from her wild pacing.

“Mate, I want mate,”

My breath hitched at her words, surprise gnawing at my spirit at what she just said. Mates were ruled out for me. I can't have a mate.

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest as the door slammed against the wall. Standing there was the source of the musky scent that had driven Rora wild. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with piercing silver eyes that seemed to burn right through me.

His chiseled jawline and the sharp angles of his face gave him an air of danger, but it was the intensity in his gaze that made it hard for me to breathe.

“Mate,” he growled, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.

Rora immediately purred, her excitement spilling into my chest. “There he is,”she crooned, wagging her tail like an overjoyed pup.

I swallowed hard, stepping back instinctively, my back pressing against the cool tiles of the wall. “What…?” I stammered, unable to look away from him. The air between us was charged, a pull so powerful it felt as though the world had narrowed to just the two of us.

“My mate,” he repeated, his tone firm but with a softness that made my knees weak.

The booming music in the background could no longer be heard and almost immediately, I heard footsteps approaching the restroom. Romano appeared, his face contorted into one of relief as he saw me.

“Adriano,get away from my sister,” Romano said, shoving the man who said he was my mate. But he didn't budge.

“Let's go,” Romano said, grabbing my hand.

“She goes nowhere,” the deep hoarse voice sliced through the tensioned air.

“Why?” Romano asked, squaring his shoulder in a challenge.

“Because she's my mate,” Romano's hand slipped off my hand as his head snapped towards me in shock.