Esme's heart skipped a beat when she met his eyes, but it was a jolt of wariness, not affection. Her reaction to his presence was different from that of Vivienne, who regarded him with a nervous glint in her eyes, as if wanting to make him aware that his presence was not welcomed here at all.
When it finally dawned on her that she wasn't hallucinating his presence, Esme's gaze returned to the opened book in front of her, her expression distant. "You're not often seen in the library, Alpha Rhyne. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" she asked, her tone stiff and polite, which only seemed to grate on his nerves.
The familiar sparkle that once danced in her eyes had vanished, and Alpha Rhyne was only now realizing, with a pang of regret, that it was his rejection that had snuffed it out. He recalled the radiant glow he had seen on that night, the change of his heartbeat, and his wolf's excited howl. That's when the bitter truth hit him; it was because she believed he was her mate. It was ironic — the moon goddess was really punishing him for his actions, for only after he had callously rejected her did he come to understand that she was, in fact, his true mate.
There was no way he could tell Alpha Dahmer that Esme was his destined mate, because if he did, Alpha Dahmer would never consider giving her to him. That was also the reason why he approached with an intent to buy her from him, but Dahmer refused his request nonetheless.
Not only did he deny his destined partner in front of everyone, but he also robbed her of the happiness she deserved. If he hadn't agreed to Dahmer's stupid deal in the first place, maybe he would have been able to hold Esme in his arms.
Just maybe.
He hid his remorse and managed a steady, controlled voice as he replied, "I want to speak with you, alone." he added, his gaze flicking towards Vivienne with a look of dismissal.
Vivienne's eyes flashed with indignation at his attempt to get rid of her, and she hoped her lady would not listen to a word from the man. How dare he? After shattering her lady's hopes and dreams, now stands here to demand privacy with her? First, it was Alpha Dahmer's arrogance, now it's Alpha Rhyne. All Alpha's of today's generation are the same.
Knowing how considerate her lady can be, Vivienne knew she would accept out of the goodness of her heart, so she made attempts to rise and leave them be. To her surprise, Esme equally stood up and packed the books she would be needing, and she politely declined Alpha Rhyne's request to see her.
"Forgive me, Alpha Rhyne, but I must retire to my chambers," she said. "I'm a bit occupied at the moment, and not to mention but Finnian has a swollen hand. I need to prepare his medicine before it worsens. I hope you understand." she lowered her head in a curt bow, and Vivienne did the same before happily following her lady out.
Along the way, Esme's arm was snatched before she could exit the library, and a stunned gasp escaped her lips when Alpha Rhyne gently pulled her against him. His green eyes were heavily locked on her pretty blue ones, boring into her soul, and she felt his grip around her arm tighten, almost possessively.
"Alpha Rhyne, what is the meaning of this…!!" Esme's eyes widened, and she forgot the rest of her sentences when Alpha Rhyne hugged her without warning. The books in her hands dropped to the floor, and she only recovered from the shock when she heard him apologize.
"I'm sorry." He buried his face into the curve of her neck as he uttered, "I need you, Esme. My wolf needs you."
"Milady is not feeling well!" Vivienne said, feeling worried for Esme's back that hadn't healed completely yet. Despite her attempt to remind the Alpha of Esme's current state, his hold on her did not loosen.
"Please, Esme." He whispered, sounding desperate.
Esme didn't know what to say as she hadn't expected this. Rather than feeling relieved, she felt bothered by the sudden turn of events. He wasn't disgusted at the sight of her cropped hair, and he wasn't looking at her with the disdain she recalled all too well. In fact, his attitude right now was different from the man who rejected her a week ago.
What changed?
Her hands balled into fist at her side, and she replied calmly.
"What's the point, anyway?" Esme's words were laced with resignation. She waited for him to release her, which he eventually did after listening to her response. "It's too late now, you've already rejected me, and as much as I want to hate you right now for it, your reasons were… valid. I'm not strong, I'm inexperienced, and you have a mate who would bear you your child. Don't dishonor her by pursuing someone as weak and wolf-less as me."
"Esme…"
"I'll take my leave now. Please don't try to stop me." And with that, she left. Vivienne helped her with the books and followed.
When evening finally arrived, Finnian had climbed the highest tower of the building, despite having a bandaged hand. He didn't mind the sting and was more fascinated with the thrill of climbing till he made it to the top. He howled impressively, feeling energized, but then he stopped when something up ahead caught his attention.
His pupils dilated when he noticed the carriages with the royal insignia flag approaching, and he started climbing back down.
His mother, Luna Percy, was busy giving out instructions to the servants in the open courtyard, but stopped mid-sentence when she noticed Finnian's hurried descent. Her eyes dilated in shock before narrowing in disapproval at her son's display, and as Finnan's feet met the ground, she approached him.
"What did I say about climbing that tower?" His mother chided in worry, and she crouched down to inspect his bandaged hand. "You could get seriously hurt, Finnian. Your hand is still healing, and yet you're scaling the tower. What if you fall?"
"I saw the royal crest." Finnian said to his mother, pulling his hand away from her grasp. "The King is nearby, so you should attend to him, Mother. I don't need you to worry about me anymore, I'm big enough to manage on my own."
"Finnian, what are you—" Luna Percy wasn't given the chance to complete what she had to say before Finnian dashed in the opposite direction. His attitude towards her lately has been unlike him, and Luna Percy wondered what kind of spell Esme had placed on her youngest son for him to favor her more than his own mother.
In annoyance, she dismissed the servants and went to inform Alpha Dahmer of the king's impending arrival.
Twenty minutes later, the gates to the therondia's main pack house swung open, and the royal carriage made its way in. It was accompanied by royal guards and beast wolves, and the air around them grew thick with the aura of their King.
Alpha Dahmer and his mother stood in the main yard leading to the entrance, with Finnian by her side. They observed as the carriage came to a stop, and when it opened, a man resplendent in royal attire, stepped down from the carriage.
He was handsome enough to leave the maidens swooning, with his golden curly locks, piercing amber eyes, and a face carved by the gods itself. A warm smile graced his lips upon sighting Alpha Dahmer, who returned the gesture, and they all bowed respectfully to their King.
"Your Majesty."
Granting them permission to rise, he reached Finnian's side and gave the young lord a warm pat on his head. "Aren't you growing a little too fast for your age? The last time I saw you, you were still a toddler."
"Come inside, your Majesty." Alpha Dahmer led the King indoors, and he followed. The whole building had been decorated to welcome the King, and he smiled as they led him towards the main hall, exchanging words with Alpha Dahmer.
Alpha Rhyne approached the king with a polite bow, and he greeted. "Your Majesty."
"Ah," the young King, whose name was Lennox, looked at the figure who bowed as a sign of his respect. "Have we perhaps met before?"
"I'm afraid not, your Majesty." Alpha Rhyne proceeded to introduce himself. "I'm Rhyne Winter, Alpha of the Greenwood pack."
"I've heard about your pack." Lennox's gaze was warm as he regarded his subjects with consideration.
It was an honor to hear such words from the Alpha King himself, but, however, the king's gaze seemed to be searching for someone else entirely.
He turned to Alpha Dahmer and asked, "where is Esmeray?"