Chapter 32
The dance with Zenovia had driven Beast on the edge. He was getting harder to control and my restraint was slipping day by day as the innocent girl stayed just a few rooms away from me, right under my roof.
I had every right to touch her, to claim her, yet it felt awfully wrong. She definitely was not using her body or looks to woo me yet I was feeling attracted to her.
And Beast was making things hard for me with his constant bickering. That is also why I wanted to find a solution to his growing irritation.
Beast was a Lycan, a wild animal who had to mate, unlike humans, who could control their desires. And ever since noticing that she was affecting me, Beast made it a point to put scandalous thoughts in my brain involving her.
It was as if I was not only at war with the outside world but also with my Lycan. What Drusilla had been saying so far of my Lycan wanting to take control had seemed like an event that was decades away, but from the past few weeks, I began to notice that it was already unfolding.
Hence, I had reluctantly agreed to go to the ball, but Cynthia just did not make me feel the way Zenovia did. Just what was so special in her?
Maybe, I liked a challenge.
And Zenovia had looked absolutely gorgeous in that off shoulder dress of hers that I was itching to tear away off her body and take a look at the treasure hidden beneath it.
So, I was totally taken off guard when I found her lying on the ground, howling in pain. I did tear off her clothes, just like she asked, but she was in too much pain for me to even focus on her body.
She was frail and tiny, her long slender legs were covered in little scars that I wanted to kiss and take away all her pain. And those sweet little breasts were perfect for me to squeeze and play with.
“King Callahan, so do you agree to the deal?”
I heard a voice speaking to me, but I was too busy imagining how it would feel to kiss those perky little breasts of my little lamb.
“Huh? What?”
I asked, and Alpha West tried not to frown.
“The deal, King. I am supposed to have a meeting with the rogue leader and placate him.”
“Hmm, well, if you cannot put sense into him, I can simply put his head on a spike to show his minions what it means to go against us.”
Alpha West leaned forward, his brows furrowed.
“I understand, but that will only make another one take his place and start this all over again. It is not necessary for you to step in every little fight and take off those filthy rogues. They are beneath you, King.”
He said while looking around the table where the other alphas were seated. I stole a glance at my beta, who gave me a subtle nod, wanting to agree with Alpha West.
“Very well. Have your friendly conversation with this leader and ensure that he learns to watch his step because I am not. very lenient when it comes to giving out punishment.”
I warned him and gave me a short bow. “Very well, King”
The meeting had been dragging on for hours and I presented the few clauses I wanted changed between the treaty he was going to propose to the rogue leader.
I also had some amendments for pack leaders to renew and ensure nobody came bickering to me, arguing the other party stole their warriors or attacked unnecessarily.
By the time, the meeting was over and everything signed, my head felt on fire. The alphas left the meeting room, and I even asked Mateo and Elijah to leave me alone for a few minutes so that I could clear my head.
They left as I leaned back in my chair, my head thrown back as I heard the footsteps of people leaving.
However, when I opened my eyes, I saw Cynthia walk inside. She offered me a smile and was holding a tray in her hands.
“Why would you do that?”
I asked as she brought the tray inside with some cups and saucers.
Chapter 32
“I sensed that the meeting was tiring, and you needed something refreshing”
She said, and I smiled at her. Cynthia set the tray on the table and began preparing the coffee.
“Sugar?”
“Just one spoon”
“Milk?”
“A little”
She plucked a stirrer off the tray and stirred the coffee for a while before handing the cup over to me.
“Here”
I took a sip and had the coffee. It was not my usual drink, but the hot and slightly strong taste made me feel a bit refreshed.
“Thank you, but you really did not have to do this”
Cynthia replied. “I am just getting used to my future life with you”
She said with a smile and as much as I wanted to not crush her hopes, I could not help but blurt.
“You do understand that we are not mates. I am never going to find one while you can. Don’t sacrifice your life for a person who is not yours.”
Her bright smile disappeared as she pushed a lock of hair back. “I believe marriage is a powerful bond, much like the mate bond. And two people who might not be mates can still coexist and live happily together.”
Cynthia said with a tinge of hope, and I rubbed my temple. She had always been nice and sweet to me, even a little flirty, but that was the case for almost every girl who spoke to me.
“Yes, but you do not have to give up on your mate because of me, Cynthia. I can talk to your father and change his mind. If we both disagree to this union, you are free to wait for your mate.”
Cynthia bit her lower lip nervously. “Can I tell you something?”
I took another sip as she continued. “I…I will be honest with you that I have a crush on you. There is no use denying that. You might not feel the same for me right now, but trust me when I say this, my father is not really forcing me into this
union.”
She said, and I did not know how to make it less awkward. She was beautiful; she was intelligent, and she had alpha genes. in her body. She would definitely make a nice Luna and be a great addition to any pack.
But I did not feel a thing for her. And I did not want to be so cruel as to make someone leave their future for me.
“Listen Cynthia. You are a nice girl and now you might feel obligated to obey your father, but what will happen when your mate shows up? Will you really have the courage to reject him? For me? I am cursed, you know that.”
She went down to her knees and reached for my hands. I could not be rude to pull back, so I let her grab my hands as she cupped my hands with her own.
“Please, I might not be someone who you feel anything for right now, but I will work hard to receive your attention and your love. Please don’t take away that chance from me.”
Cynthia said as she began sobbing, her head resting on my hands. I felt her warm tears trickle down my knuckles and softly pulled my hands out of her embrace before holding her by the shoulders.
“Look up at me, please.” She was sobbing, but I reached for a tissue and held it in front of her. She dabbed her eyes as I replied,
“I am not sure why your father would want you to suffer. But know this, Cynthia- the marriage will only be on paper. Don’t expect me to touch you or even sleep in the same bed as you. We will be a union, but only for the outside world. Here, inside the mansion, you will live in a separate room.”
Her eyes
brimmed with fresh tears as she dissolved in another fit of sobs.
“Do you like someone else? Why would you agree to a union and not touch me? Is that how you would want to see me live the rest of my life with you?”
She was crying and hurting, and she had every right to do so. But I could not offer her much in that regard.
“I think you should go home and think about it carefully. If your father has some conditions, I have some of my own, too, The choice is yours.”
I said and got up from the seat. Cynthia, too, got up from the floor and walked out of the meeting room.
I expected her to be sad or even angry with me, but there was a hint of a smile on her face.
Chapter 32
“I will work hard to make you want me, King”
And with that, she stepped away, sashaying her hips as she sauntered towards the stairs. However, I suddenly heard a lot of howling and my ears perked..
Not even a second later. I was hit by a mouth watering scent.
