CHAPTER 27: SWEETEST REWARD

Ayla's POV.

My head was pounding, and every part of my body hurt while I was standing in front of Alpha Liam.

I wanted to panic, I almost did, but his deep glare wouldn't allow me to do that. The anticipation coming from him was giving me goosebumps, and it was not giving me a chance to escape his plan.

"Thank you, Dara."

Finally, I was able to relax for a bit as I realized that the weird feeling had something to do with the book in front of me. Like it was extracting something inside me, maybe magic or something else.

"By the way, can you control your magical powers while I do that?"

My thoughts were interrupted by Dara.

"Why?" I asked her while looking down.

She took over me swiftly, like usual, but this was the first time Dara requested that I conceal my mana. Maybe my guess was right—that this isn't only about my wolf but also about my own abilities.

"You said it wasn't time to show off your power, right?"

I nodded in response. Secretly reminding myself that it was me who requested it in the first place. I always thanked the moon goddess for giving me magic, but I haven't tried using it, not even once.

Why?

There is a huge possibility that I might not be able to control it, or maybe the past version of me fears that it would ruin the peaceful life I have in the Beta's mansion.

Later on, Alpha Liam frowned as he checked the book and saw the result.

"The gems lit up, Ayla. All five attributes, but the light was so dim," he said with a pint of disappointment in his voice. "You're right about calling yourself a failure. I think you may also call yourself a defective bearer of a powerful white wolf. She's all that you've got."

I smiled at him for a moment, but there was nothing charming about my smile. All I want is to lessen the tension between us while letting his thoughts run through.

"What do you want me to do next, Alpha?" I asked, leveling his reaction.

The Alpha shifted his gaze to the right. "Do what you want," he muttered bitterly.

My lips almost curled up while staring at his disappointed face, but I did my best to hold on to my emotions.

"What about my wolf?"

His cold expression returned. "I am allowing you to show her to the Alphas during the assessment."

I breathe out while carefully removing my hand. "Will the assessment function similarly to the book?"

Alpha Liam stared at me like I was a rooting apple. He placed the book on his desk and sat up.

"I don't know. You might be able to ask your wolf to take control during physicals and then revert to your useless self afterward."

I took a deep breath and gave in to his insults.

I least expected that this would be Alpha Liam's reaction, and hopefully, all the Alphas would also do the same. Being useless wasn't something he could forgive, and showing my true nature wasn't something nice to be revealed either.

As I left Alpha Liam's office, sweat began to form on my hands.

"Thanks for saving me, Dara. I'm glad things worked out!" I said while staring up at the white-snowy ceiling.

Dara let out a sigh of relief. "I am your wolf and your best friend. Of course, I’ll save you."

Given the circumstances, being useless and weak has gotten me out of bad situations, but there were times when I couldn't handle things and allowed my wolf to take over and help me.

"I don't want anyone to take advantage of you. No, not now that you haven't figured out how to wield that power," she added.

I was about to thank my wolf for being protective and strong-willed when I felt an unexplainable heaviness from her.

"What's wrong, Dara?"

Sighing, she still chose to answer me, "I think his wolf felt my presence."

My eyes widened. "But you've been doing your best to avoid him, right?" I said with frustration building up inside me. "If only not for that book, Azael wouldn't find you—"

Dara nodded and decided to cut me off.

"I don't want to feel the same level of pain that I did that night, Ayla. I still haven't figured out the reason behind it."

I draw a deep breath.

Listening to how my wolf was struggling to hide herself from the Alpha's wolf was heartbreaking.

"Do you recall what happened at the Mate's Pick event? You didn't stop pestering and whining at me. I don't know why you're so restless that time."

"That wasn't painful at all, Ayla. Because of the mate pull you felt with Alpha Liam, it was easy for me to detect his scent."

"Why did it change?"

"I don't know," she answered in a low and upset voice. "But believe me, I won't give up until I find out why."

I was still speaking with my wolf when I felt a pair of cold eyes staring at me. I immediately lowered my head and dared not to look in his direction.

"Are you done talking with your wolf?" His deep voice echoed through the walls.

Once again, I faced him with a calm expression on my face. "Alpha, you should've called by the phone if you need something in your office."

"No need…I just wanted to make sure you were in my room."

I swallowed deeply, trying to hide my anxiousness as Alpha Liam walked closer.

"The assessment will begin tomorrow and it will last for three days. Be ready."

My lips pursed on their own.

So the Alphas scheduled it earlier than expected?

"You have nothing to worry about, Ayla. Just show them how weak you are. You know how agitated they are because of the misunderstanding you created, right? I know the result of this assessment will threaten the hell out of them big time."

"I guess I don't have any other choice but to face them again, Alpha?"

"Yes," he answered with a smile that was more like a grin.

A moment of silence enveloped us which was also broken him.

"Do you want me to give you a reward for a job well done?" Alpha Liam asked all of a sudden while crossing his arms over his chest.

My eyes nearly popped out when I heard the word reward.

"Tell me...Girls love material things, right?" he added with a deceiving smile on his face.

I couldn't find myself believing him, but I still took advantage of his kindness.

"I am not one of those girls, Alpha."

"Then what do you want?"

A wave of happiness embraced my heart as I told Alpha Liam the reward I wanted to receive from him.