Chapter 150

Taking a measured step back, I fixed my gaze on him and asked, “Mind telling me what you’re doing in my room?”

Kenzo’s eyes flicked toward my phone resting on the bedside table, his expression sharp. “You didn’t answer my question,” he hissed.

My fingers curled into fists. “I don’t owe you an explanation for my private conversations. So, I’ll ask again—what are you doing here?”

He let out a slow, irritated breath. “Your door wasn’t locked.”

“It wasn’t open either,” I shot back, my glare unwavering.

I watched as he took a deep breath, the fire in his eyes dimming slightly. When he spoke again, his voice was softer, more controlled. “I wanted to check on you… to make sure you were okay after everything that happened today.”

“You should have knocked first,” I stated firmly.

“I did. But you were too busy flirting with that vampire over the phone,” he countered, a smug smirk tugging at his lips.

My patience snapped. “I wasn’t flirting with him! And why the hell do I need to explain myself to you?” My voice rose in frustration. “You know we were in a relationship, and—”

“Exactly! You were in a relationship, and you left him!” he thundered, cutting me off.

His words struck a nerve, stirring emotions I wasn’t ready to face. Was it wrong that I wanted to believe Hadrian? That despite everything, a part of me still loved him and longed for the bond we once shared? I dropped my gaze, biting my lip. Torn. I knew my choices had hurt Kenzo, but I also knew the truth—I had never loved him the way I once loved Hadrian.

The weight of Kenzo’s sigh filled the room before his boots scuffed softly against the floor, moving closer. Hesitantly, I lifted my head, my eyes meeting his.

“I’m your mate,” he murmured. “I’m crazy about you. You said you’d give us a chance.” His voice was low, coaxing.

I inhaled deeply, my chest tightening. “What if I don’t feel it? What if I never do, no matter how hard you try? What if I was meant to be with—”

“I’m the one destined for you,” he cut in sharply, stepping closer. His hands found my waist, pulling me flush against him.

I scoffed, arching a brow. “Are you seriously expecting me to fall in love with you just because we spend a night together?”

His smirk deepened, his eyes glinting with something undeniably seductive.

“That’s a possibility,” he teased, “but I meant something else. Mating between those who are destined—it’s a sacred bond. It ties us together, emotionally and permanently.”

I crossed my arms. “And I’m supposed to believe that? That I’ll suddenly feel this so-called bond after sleeping with you?” The idea sounded like a weak attempt to lure me into bed.

Kenzo chuckled, unshaken. “Listen, Thalassa… I know what I’m doing. I promise, the night I claim you will be unforgettable—you won’t be thinking about that vampire king ever again. But the mating ritual is something different. It changes everything. You’ll feel it, even if you’re human.”

His confidence was infuriating. Yet, his words burrowed into my thoughts, stirring doubts. I hated that I was wavering, that a part of me longed to believe in this destined, unbreakable love he kept dangling in front of me. Was it real, or was he just trying to claim me for himself?

I clenched my jaw, frustration tightening my chest. I couldn’t make this decision based on fear or longing. No matter how persuasive Kenzo was, I wasn’t going to give in unless I was absolutely certain.

Kenzo’s gaze never left me as his fingers trailed along my back, pulling me closer. “I know you want me, Thalassa,” he murmured, his voice dipping lower. “You don’t have to fight this.”

A shiver ran through me, my body betraying me—but the sensation left a bitter aftertaste.

“This isn’t right.” I pressed my hands against his chest, pushing him back.

His expression darkened with a frown. I stepped away, forcing a deep breath, trying to collect my thoughts.

“Hadrian wants me back,” I admitted quietly, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “And I thought I owed you enough to tell you.”

His jaw clenched. “I knew it.” His voice was tight, controlled. “So, are you seriously considering running back to him after everything he did to you?”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” I confessed. “But I want to meet him. I need to talk to him.”

Kenzo’s temper snapped. “Do you enjoy being his damn doormat? He used you, Thalassa!”

The words stung, even though I couldn’t deny the truth in them. Hadrian had used me. And I couldn’t pretend I was certain he wouldn’t do it again.

“I know this isn’t fair to you,” I said, voice strained. “But I asked you for time, and now Hadrian is asking me for the same. I need to be honest with myself while making this decision, and that means being honest with you too.”

Kenzo’s fingers curled into fists. “I’m trying to stop you from making the wrong choice,” he seethed.

I exhaled, steadying myself. “Kenzo… this is my decision to make. So please, let’s end this conversation. I’ll see you at the party, okay?” I gestured toward the door.

He let out a sharp sigh, gave a small nod, and stepped out, closing the door behind him. The moment he was gone, I collapsed onto the bed. The day had been nothing short of an emotional storm, leaving me drained and restless. I needed something to take the edge off, to quiet the turmoil in my mind. A drink—specifically, wine—seemed like the perfect antidote.

At least the party gave me something to look forward to.

The grand celebration was set to take place on the outskirts of Wineville, an area mostly inhabited by the slaves who had been forced to scrape by in makeshift homes—tiny shacks or rusting trailers. But that was about to change. Kenzo had vowed to build a proper district for them, using the wealth seized from those who once ruled the pack. It was only fair that, since the former slaves made up over eighty percent of the population, they should be the ones to host this celebration.

A rustic, country-style fest wasn’t exactly my scene, but for some reason, I didn’t mind.

Since I hadn’t packed anything remotely suitable for a party, I settled on black jeans, a fitted black tank top, and a sports jacket to complete the look. My hair fell loose around my shoulders, and I kept my makeup minimal—just a touch of BB cream, mascara, and a hint of lip shimmer. Hopefully, it was enough to make me look presentable for the occasion.

As I made my way outside, I spotted Ian standing alone by the van.

“Hi, beautiful,” he greeted with a grin.

“Hi, yourself. You seem… unusually cheerful.”

“Hell yeah,” he chuckled, rubbing his hands together. “Switched shifts with Soren, so I’m not driving tonight. That means I finally get to enjoy a drink… or six.” He let out a dreamy sigh, making me laugh.

My amusement faded the second Bopha approached. She avoided my gaze like the plague, as if someone had warned her to keep her distance. Whoever it was, I owed them my gratitude—or maybe she should be the one grateful. Given my current state of mind, I was like a grenade with a fragile pin, and she was dangerously close to pulling it.

A minute later, Kenzo emerged. Dressed in all black, just like me, his hair perfectly styled, he looked more irresistible than ever. Was he doing it on purpose? Trying to get my attention? If so, it was working. It was nearly impossible not to stare. But he played it cool, barely sparing me a glance.

For a fleeting moment, I considered confronting him, telling him outright that whatever game he was playing, it wouldn’t work on me—I despised games. But I let the thought pass. Instead, I resolved to enjoy the party without his company.

The moment we arrived, the entire area radiated the energy of an old-fashioned country festival. Strings of paper lanterns cast a warm glow above us, while hay bales bordered a wooden dance floor, separating it from the long tables and benches lined up for the guests. If it weren’t for the modern country rock music blasting from the speakers, I would have sworn we had traveled back in time.

By the seating area, rows of tables overflowed with food and alcohol. People lined up eagerly, plates and drinks in hand, their laughter filling the air. The transformation was remarkable. Just hours ago, these same faces had been shadowed with hardship and exhaustion. Now, they brimmed with life, with hope.

I wanted to feel that too. To let go, to blend in. But I knew that was wishful thinking. Our group arrived looking more like a military unit than partygoers, and the wary stares that followed us made it clear—I wasn’t going to just disappear into the crowd.

But that wasn’t even the worst part.

“Princess! Our little Princess has arrived!”

The sudden cry silenced the music. A hush fell over the crowd as heads turned toward me.

I stiffened. It had been a long time since anyone had called me “Princess” without mockery dripping from their tone. My body tensed as people gathered around, their intent unreadable.

An older woman emerged from the crowd, her short gray hair framing a face lined with wisdom and strength. Her piercing blue eyes studied me closely. Leif made a move to intervene, but Kenzo held up a hand, signaling everyone to stand down.

The woman stepped closer. She was small, barely reaching my shoulder, yet something about her presence demanded attention. Overwhelmed by her gaze, I instinctively lowered my head, leaning in slightly.

Then, her expression softened, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“You have Calliope’s eyes,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

I inhaled sharply. My eyes—green, like my father’s, like the man I despised. My black hair only cemented the resemblance. I had spent my life hating my reflection because it reminded me of him. But my mother… she had been different. An extraordinary white wolf, her human form crowned with nearly white hair.

“I always thought I looked like my father…” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

The woman chuckled warmly, cupping my face with gentle hands. “No, dear. Your father’s eyes are a cold, deep green. Narrow and sharp. But yours… yours are round, bright—like emeralds. Like Calliope’s.”

My throat tightened. “Did you… did you know my mother well?”

A smile spread across her face, full of nostalgia. “Of course, little Princess. I was there the day she was born. I was her nanny in the House of Drayton. I loved her as if she were my own.”

My heart pounded erratically. “Did we… did we ever meet?”

Her smile grew wistful. “Most of us here have met you, little Princess.” She stepped back, her gaze sweeping over me with a quiet reverence. “And now that we know your heart beats as fiercely as your mother’s once did, we will follow you. Wherever you go.”

The moment the words left her lips, the entire pack knelt, pressing a hand to their chests in unison.

I froze.

Leif stepped closer, nudging my elbow with a smirk. “Well, looks like you just became their Alpha.”