All Chapters of Haunted by the Mysterious Alpha: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Emily’s POV. More than anything, I wanted to remain in the solarium and enjoy the view of the lights—how they bounced off the glasses and shimmered across the room. But Calix had other places he wanted to show me. He offered me his hand and I took it, and he led me to another sight. A tiltyard. The expanse stretched to infinity, its sandy area flanked by rows of wooden stands. Spears and shields hung on display, their metals catching the afternoon sun. There were also embalmed heads and furs of wolves. “We hold tournaments here. Mostly ceremonial now, but in the past, there were several public competitions,” Calix explained. I tried to picture the auditorium filled with spectators, the clash of weapons echoing through the air. “Do you compete?” I asked, glancing at him. “The last time I was here and there was a competition, I was barely five. So, no–” he shook his head and smiled at me. “I didn't compete.” The last time he was here. Does this mean he had

Emily’s POV. I didn't realize how exhausted I was until my back hit the bed. The next thing I knew, it was morning. “Good morning,” a voice said. Startled, I sat up on the bed and saw him sitting on the couch, casually reading a newspaper. A gasp escaped my lips as I glanced around, disoriented. “It’s morning?!” I murmured, mostly to myself than to him. “I didn’t know you were such a deep sleeper,” he said, his eyes fixated on the paper. “For a moment, I thought you’d slipped into a coma,” he added, not looking up. “I was exhausted,” I defended and slugged my feet out of bed. “You have no idea.” “Clearly. That explains why you snored all night, chasing sleep from my eyes.” “What?!” I gasped and lurched to my feet. “I? Snore?!” “Yes.” “I do not snore!” “Yes, you do. Or rather, you did,” he said, folding the newspaper and placing it on the couch beside him, and then he looked at me, holding back a smile. “But don’t worry. I’m still very much attracted to you,” he

Emily’s POV.In the moments following, I walked to the bed and threw myself in. I tried not to overthink it but recalling how I’ve been bullied by almost everyone lately—from Madame Severine to the handmaids, brought tears to my eyes.All of a sudden, the bedroom door came open and my mate walked into the room.“Bella?”I tried to wipe the tears but too late, he saw them. I sat up on the bed and a reticent smile played on my lips.“Hi... You’re back!” I stuttered.“Yes.” He shut the door behind him and stepped toward the bed. “I’m so sorry I had to leave without telling you. Something urgent came up and required my attention.”He covered the distance between us and cupped my face. His fingers brushed against my skin, sending warmth to my body. Closing my eyes, I reveled in the awe of his presence; letting his intoxicating scent soothe me.“Did anything happen while I was away?” he asked and I reopened my eyes.‘And who do you think he’d believe? A mad maiden or three loyal subjects?’

Emily’s POV. Each step cued me into further anxiety as we headed to the tiltyard; a sickening knot tying in my stomach. It felt like the night of my eighteenth birthday ball when I was first introduced to the public. Calix’s hand holding mine was the only thing steadying me now, giving me the strength I needed. “Are you sure you can do this?” Calix asked, his voice soft. “I can.” I nodded. He glanced at me, his eyes searching mine for any hint of indecision, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. The air shifted as we approached the tiltyard. I could almost hear the low hums of the people gathered inside. Instead of the usual entrance of the tiltyard, Han, Calix, and I walked down a corridor, and then a grand staircase appeared ahead shielded by a canopy. Somehow, this tiltyard was familiar with the one in Azalea, with a special entrance to royalties. I caught a glimpse of the guards flanking the area and the entrance of the gallery. Clim

Calix’s POV. The sight of her was a perfection. My mate stood in the soft glow of the candlelight, her silk nightdress clinging to her curves in ways that left my breath hitching in my throat. Her black hair spilled loosely past her shoulders, the strands catching the warm light and framing her delicate face, highlighting her blue eyes. My gaze involuntarily dipped lower, tracing the curve of her collarbone and lingering on the swell of her cleavage visible above the delicate neckline of the gown. The contrast between the silk dress and her soft skin was maddening. A growl rumbled low in my chest, willing me to close the distance, but I fought against it. If I go to her now, I wouldn’t hesitate to take right there which might be frightening for her. The fire she was unknowingly eliciting in me, was so wild and raw I was afraid if I ravaged her right now, I might leave her with bruises—like the handmaidens. I dragged my gaze back up to her face, willing myself to focus on