"B– Beta Negan?" I stuttered, my face heating up with a shy blush.
What was HE doing here?
He stared at me with a smile on his face, stretching his neck forward, trying to peep into my suite.
It was then that I realized that I stood before him with nothing more than a towel around my body.
Oh shit...
"Why, hello to you too, Phoebe." He finally waved at me, snapping me back to reality. "Is this a bad time? Or...?"
I panicked, raising my hand in front of his face. "It's not!" I blinked awkwardly, staring at him as he arched his eyebrows curiously.
Gosh, what was wrong with me?
"So, you wouldn't mind if I come in, right?" He asked in a low tone, his voice barely above a whisper.
I gulped, scanning my gaze around the hallway. Luckily, there weren't any maids walking around yet.
Hastily, I grabbed his arm and pulled him into the suite, shutting the door behind me.
"Beta Negan, what are you doing here?" I heaved heavily, trying to catch my breath. I felt like I was about to have a panic attack.
Meanwhile, he tilted his head, squinting his eyes. "I came to check on you, of course. Also, I heard what happened between you and Elsa Thatcher." He revealed.
Oh... That.
I groaned, rubbing my forehead. "It's... Nothing I can't handle, Beta Negan. I'll be fine."
He nodded, but then a smirk curled up his lips. "I thought we agreed you wouldn't refer to me by my title anymore?"
He took a step forward, but I quickly moved backward, causing him to pause with a frown on his face.
Oh, moon goddess have mercy.
"Listen, Beta Negan. You do realize that night was a one-time thing, right?" I asked, placing my hand in front of me in case he stepped forward again.
But he didn't do that, instead responding calmly. "Of course, I realize that, Phoebe. And I respect that about you... Your loyalty to Kaene and all."
I folded my arms in front of my chest, tapping my foot impatiently.
Where was he going with this?
"We can't be seen together, Negan." I blurted, but then covered my mouth, realizing I'd slipped up and called him informally.
Damn it!
"You see? Doesn't that sound a lot better now?" He teased, stepping forward again.
But I shook my head, reluctantly waving my hand in front of me. "I'm serious, Negan! You're Kaene's best friend and the Beta for that matter. Do you know the rumors that could fly about concerning us if we're hanging out too much?"
Negan rubbed his chin thoughtfully but shrugged soon after. "Well, there are already rumors flying around about us anyway, so–"
"What?!" I screeched in horror, my heart flying into my throat.
This couldn't be. This had to be a joke!
I couldn't have such a rumor circulating about me when I hadn't even been in this mansion for more than a few hours.
Luckily, however, Negan began chuckling, holding on to his belly. "Oh, dear moon goddess, you should've seen the look on your face."
I clenched my hands in anger, realizing that he'd just been messing around. But then I soon relaxed, sighing to myself.
That was close...
'Oh, we'll definitely have rumors circulating about us if we continue meeting secretly like this.' I thought to myself.
"Seriously though." Negan coughed, his expression becoming a little more serious. "I have a piece of advice for you. Whatever you do... Be careful of former Luna Catherine and Elsa. They're cooking up something devious that might sabotage your relationship with Kaene."
What?
Could they really go that far? I mean, that didn't seem beneath Elsa, but Kaene's mother?
"What sort of... 'plans' do they have for me?" I asked with squinted eyes.
How did Negan know so much about their plans? Was he perhaps working for the two of them and was just here to have me worked up?
I mean, he didn't even bother defending me much from Elsa's insults last night.
Just then, Beta Negan shook his head. "I'm not sure. Just watch your back, that's what I'm saying. And maybe avoid taking any food sent from either of them."
A cold shiver ran down my spine.
"Wait... Are you insinuating that they don't just want to ruin my relationship with Kaene but also want to poison me?" I shuddered, but it was more out of disgust than fear.
Gosh, how could these people be so cruel and power-hungry?
"Just follow my advice, Phoebe." Beta Negan stepped forward, but this time, I didn't resist.
There was something about him that made me wary but also drew me to him.
At first, I thought it was just mere lust but now...
"... I promise, I wouldn't let any harm befall you." He assured me with a smile, his hazel eyes gleaming with a myriad of emotions as he stared into my eyes.
What was wrong with me?
I had a mate for crying out loud!
Suddenly, just when I thought the Beta was going to lean in and kiss me, he pulled away from me, stepping back.
I coughed awkwardly, my face flushing with embarrassment. "T– Thank you, Beta Negan. I really appreciate it."
He smiled with a nod before turning around and heading for the door.
However, when he got there, he paused, turning back to stare at me. "I hope you're getting ready for the Luna ball coming up next week?"
Luna ball?
My eyes widened when I remembered what that was. It was an event where the Alphas and Luna of other packs gathered to celebrate a new Luna of a neighboring pack.
AKA... ME.
"Oh my gosh, I completely forgot about that." I slapped my forehead with an annoyed groan. "And Kaene didn't even tell me anything about it!"
That arrogant prick! Why would he remember to tell me about such a special event when he'd been busy fucking me senseless?
The thought of meeting Lunas of other packs was nauseating. I'd definitely be judged harshly by all of them.
"Ah, relax, Phoebe." Beta Negan's reassuring voice sounded just then. "I'm sure you'll do just fine."
Yeah... I hope so.