Chapter 11

"Clara, you're different from the other women here. You caught the attention and heart of Alpha Henrick," Martha said.

"Well, I gave him a chance to change my mind," I replied with a smile.

"You're amazing, Clara. Just imagine an Alpha chasing after you," she praised.

"I don't believe in women chasing after men. Don't surround yourself with sadness because of a man," I advised her.

"You're right, but when will you accept him as your mate?" she asked.

"That depends, Martha. But why are we talking about me? Are we discussing your problem?" I changed the topic.

As we continued talking, I realized that I didn't want to talk about Alpha Henrick. I was annoyed by the women lusting after him. I invited Martha back inside the castle and we became close friends. But I still didn't fully trust her, following Elvis' advice. I just needed someone to talk to and comfort.

After our conversation, I went to my room and planned my next move. I came here for justice, to avenge my parents' murder by the Merciless Alpha. I can't stay here any longer.

"You surprised me, Alpha," I exclaimed as I came face to face with Alpha Henrick.

"I apologize, Clara," he responded gently.

"Have you been waiting here for long?" I inquired.

"I believe so, but let's not dwell on that. Is your wound still bothering you?" he asked with concern.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just a minor sting, like an ant bite," I reassured him with a smile.

"Are you sure?" he persisted.

"You're quite protective, Alpha," I teased playfully.

"Perhaps that's what will keep you safe," my mind chimed in.

I smiled sweetly and moved closer, contemplating teasing him in a flirtatious manner.

"You're so overly protective of me. I might just change my mind," I said, giving him a mischievous smile.

I could hear his deep breaths as we drew nearer. I reveled in the plan forming in my mind. If he was so protective, I could make him follow me wherever I went.

"How far can you go to protect me, Alpha?" I whispered seductively.

"You already know the answer to that, Clara," he replied in his cold yet gentle voice.

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach once again. I quickly stepped back and averted my gaze.

"I feel like taking a walk in the forest. Will you accompany me?" I asked, hoping he would agree.

"Have you forgotten what happened yesterday?" he frowned.

"You're always there, and I know you can keep me safe," I insisted.

"But I can't be by your side all the time. My pack needs my protection here in the Wound woods," he explained, standing his ground.

"Why are you bothering to explain to me? I'm not pressuring you, Alpha," I responded firmly.

"I'm just stating my opinion," he clarified.

"I'm not pressuring you to join me. But you also have no authority to stop me," I asserted firmly.

"Clara!" he exclaimed with a frown, clearly angered by my words.

I leaned in closer to him and slapped him. I challenged him in the way I knew best, and he struggled to contain his anger.

"Are you insane?! Go ahead, hurt me, hurt your beloved mate!," I taunted him.

"Clara, please listen to me. Why are you so stubborn?!" he asked firmly.

"Did you listen to my parents when they pleaded with you? Did you listen to them when you heartlessly killed them?!" my mind screamed.

Elijah suddenly appeared and called out to him, interrupting our conversation. He sighed and approached Elijah. Elias handed him a golden paper. He quickly unfolded it, and although I couldn't understand its contents, I couldn't resist sneaking a peek. He swiftly folded the paper back up and bid me farewell. My curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to follow them.

As we walked down the corridor, I bumped into Martha, and we exchanged smiles. She excitedly informed me that there would be a gathering tonight for the Mating ritual of two destined werewolves, where they would officially accept each other as mates.

While Martha narrated the story, envy was evident in her eyes. As for me, I was intrigued by what would unfold and how the two mates would bond with each other. Elvis had already explained it, but I wanted to witness it firsthand with my own eyes.

After a few hours, preparations for the gathering were in full swing. My eyes scanned the crowd, but Alpha Henrick was nowhere to be found. But why was I even searching for him?

Moments later, the werewolves gathered together. I looked around, still unable to spot him. Until a man stepped forward, and it was none other than him. He looked incredibly handsome in his attire, especially with the contours of his muscular body on display.

"We have all gathered here to witness the union of two mates. Gamma Dylan and his mate, Romania," he announced before us.

As I took a deep breath, I made a conscious effort to push aside my nagging thoughts. Instead, I directed my attention towards the enchanting sight of two wolves, bound together like any other couple taking their vows. Yet, there was an air of uniqueness surrounding them, and I yearned to witness it unfold.

Within moments, the ceremony commenced, and the crowd fell into a hushed silence, eagerly anticipating the spectacle. My gaze remained fixed on the pair before me, waiting with bated breath to see what the male wolf had in store for his beloved mate. To my astonishment, his actions surpassed all expectations...

Dylan sank his teeth into the flesh of Romania's arm and neck, a display of their newfound unity. The bond between them was palpable, evident in the way Dylan gazed at his mate with the same intensity as Alpha Henrick's looks towards me. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, celebrating their union.

Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, I anxiously awaited Alpha Henrick's acknowledgment. Surely, he couldn't ignore me just because of our earlier argument. Deep down, I knew he still harbored resentment towards me.

As the festivities continued, laughter and music filling the air, Martha and I found ourselves seated at the same table, sipping our drinks. Unable to resist, my eyes wandered towards Alpha Henrick, engrossed in conversation with Dylan. Why hadn't he made an effort to approach me?