"Do you always doubt yourself when it comes to a mate?" he asked, his tone cold. "I think you forgot to introduce yourself.
Tell me why those wolves attacked you." His body language suggested he would get the answer he needed, one way or another.
"My name is Alia Silverheart of the Thunderman pack, and I don't think you understand. I—I can't be your mate. It has nothing to do with you, trust me. It has everything to do with me because I…" I froze, unable to finish.
"I'm wolfless."
Alderus's expression shifted from confusion to anger, though his striking eyes searched mine, looking for an answer.
Finally, I spoke. "The reason my pack attacked me was because of my ex-mate, Mark, and my twin sister, Lila.
My ex-mate planned to attack me because I'm wolfless. He wanted nothing to do with me, yet he slept with my sister."
He was still holding my hand, his other arm wrapped around my waist as he pulled me closer, making it seem like we were about to kiss. Then, he gently lifted me and placed me back on the hospital bed.
Instead of pulling away, however, he laid his head on my chest. This made me panic a little, yet I also felt strangely calm and relaxed.
He then lifted his head off my chest and said, "You aren't wolfless my dear, you just need your wolf to be awakened and even if you were I still want you."
I blushed deeply and asked, 'How do you know I'm not wolfless, Alderus?"
My curiosity grew, and I couldn't help but wonder what he meant by 'my wolf needs to be awakened.
I had always been told by the elders that I was wolfless.
He then stood up, walked to the door, and locked it, his movements deliberate. He walked back toward me, but this time, he climbed onto the bed and slowly crawled closer.
My heart raced as he drew near, his presence overwhelming. When he finally reached me, he leaned in, his nose brushing against my neck as he inhaled deeply, taking in my scent.
A shiver ran down my spine, and I couldn't tell if it was from fear or something else entirely—an electric tension seemed to hang in the air between us, making it hard to breathe as his lips hovered just inches away from my skin.
"You smell like roses and honey, my dear," he murmured, his voice rich with amusement. He sat up on top of me, his smirk widening as he added, "So, what kind of scent do you think you get from me, my dear?"
He leaned closer, and my heart hammered in my chest. Overwhelmed, I instinctively reached for his hair, but before I could react, his lips pressed against mine.
My mind went blank, my eyes widening in shock. To my surprise, my hand slapped his face by accident.
"I'm so sorry," I stammered, "that was an accident. You just... took me by surprise.
"A low growl rumbled from him, and in a swift motion, he seized my hands and pressed them above my head.
He kissed me again, this time with an intensity that left no room for hesitation. This time, I didn't pull away—I kissed him back.
After a few minutes of passionate kissing, Alderus pulled away, smirking. "For someone who doesn't want to be mates, that was some intense kissing," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"By the way, you're healed, dear." He got off the bed, smirking again, and added, "I don't mind you wearing that hospital gown, but I think it's best to get you some clean clothes.
"Stay here, and I'll make sure you've brought something."
He unlocked the door and was about to walk out when he turned back, saying, "Oh, and you're not going back to your pack.
They've violated the laws of this territory, which means they shouldn't have tried to kill you. It also depends on your rank and title, and that's another big no-go. So, what was your rank dear?"
His voice was steady, but there was a hint of something more beneath it—curiosity, perhaps, or something far deeper.
I smiled faintly and said, "My rank was Gold-Silver. I was the only female in my pack to achieve that high rank.
In the Thunderman pack, my position carried unique weight, but it also made me a target for those who felt threatened by my presence.
The elders never knew how to handle me, and my status only seemed to complicate things further. Leader Omega Janet saw what was happening with the male advisers, and though we had technically sworn to protect each other, she kept me by her side as her only female adviser.
Despite her protection, there were still whispers behind closed doors, and I often wondered if my role would ever be accepted—or if I would always be seen as a threat."
He shook his head at my statement and said, "We have that rank here as well. If you want, I can talk to the female council and get you in that way since you've already qualified."
I paused, considering his offer, before replying, "I understand, but no. I want to earn my way onto the council, Alderus.
Besides, wouldn't it be unfair to the others if I didn't?" I met his gaze, my voice steady but filled with conviction.
"I don't want to take shortcuts or owe anyone favors. If I'm going to be on that council, I want it to be because I've earned it, not because of my rank or connections.
I have to prove that I'm worthy of the position, not just for myself, but for those who might doubt me."
He nodded in agreement and left the room. A few minutes later, he returned with a set of clean clothes in hand.
"Do you have any female clothes ready?" I asked with a playful grin.
He raised an eyebrow, smirking, and I couldn't help but giggle at my joke.
"Well, unless you plan to start a new fashion trend with hospital gowns," he teased, glancing at the gown I was still wearing.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "I'll take the clean clothes, but no promises on fashion." He gave a mock sigh of relief.
"Good choice," he said, setting the clothes down on the bed. "I was beginning to think you had a thing for the 'worn-out hospital chic."
I laughed at his joke and said, "Yeah, you told me that you liked the hospital gown look on me and that you didn't mind me in it."
He started to laugh, but his laughter was cut short when the door suddenly opened with a slight bang.
An elderly man in a doctor's coat stepped into the room, followed by several women who appeared to be my age.
One of the women stepped forward, bowing slightly, and said, "Your Highness, Alderus, you know you're supposed to meet with the High Council today.
You told me a week ago that you would find someone to take as a wife and Queen. So, where is she?"
Alderus simply pointed toward me. The woman's eyes shifted to me, and she smiled warmly.
She walked over, her presence calm but commanding, and said, "I see you're going to be the next Queen.
That's promising, but tell me—what is your rank? And has your future husband explained how things work here?
Do you understand the responsibilities you're about to undertake?"
'