Chapter 13

"I don't appreciate your accusations. I'm not playing with him, and it's none of your business," I retorted with a hint of annoyance.

"You're just jealous because you know you can never have him. Your insecurities are showing," I added with a smirk.

Her hand flew towards my face, but I was quick to block it. I could feel the wolf inside her, but I wasn't afraid.

"Go ahead, try it. See what happens when you mess with an Alpha," I taunted her with a smile.

She pulled her arm away, and just in time, Alpha Henrick arrived. I felt a sense of relief wash over me as he approached.

"What's going on here?" he asked, looking between the two of us.

"Jemma was just being jealous and starting trouble," I explained calmly.

"Is that true, Jemma?" he asked, turning to her.

She quickly came up with a lie, and I rolled my eyes. I knew she was just trying to save face.

Alpha Henrick seemed satisfied with her answer, and she left in a huff. I turned to him, ready to move on from the drama.

"I should be going too," I said, trying to hide my disappointment.

"I'll walk you out," he offered with a smile.

As we walked, I couldn't help but think about how much I wanted to be alone with him in the forest. But when I suggested it, he declined and invited me to the Tower instead.

I agreed, and we spent the rest of the night talking and drinking wine. The cold air outside was forgotten as we enjoyed each other's company in the warmth of the Tower.

"Dylan is incredibly fortunate. The moment he laid eyes on Romania, he knew deep down that she was the one for him. And luck was on his side because Romania felt the same way and accepted him as her mate instantly," he exclaimed.

"Are you insinuating something?" I asked, my voice firm and direct.

"No, I just wanted to express how lucky he was. Their love is pure and genuine, and I yearn for that kind of love too. I believe I can only experience it with you. All I have to do is wait," he replied, a smile gracing his face.

"Not everything is as it seems. You can't trust someone at first glance. There are many deceivers and pretenders out there," I stated emphatically.

"You're right, but I believe what they share is true, especially now that they can read each other's minds. The way Dylan looks at her is the same way I look at you. And everything they show each other speaks the truth," he said seriously, a smile lingering on his lips.

"Can you tell if someone is true to you?" he inquired.

"Yes, but wait, why do you ask,Clara?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

In that moment, I realized my mistake. The words had slipped out without thinking. I quickly searched for an excuse to divert the conversation.

"Oh, nothing. I just thought that maybe you haven't realized that there are enemies among us. Pretenders who disguise themselves as guards, just like what happened last week," I responded.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that. I have a keen sense for detecting rogues. They won't be able to fool me," he said confidently.

"That's reassuring. I was just concerned," I replied.

He smiled at me, taking hold of my hand. He kissed it gently, and I felt a warmth spread through me that words couldn't describe. Our eyes locked, and I seized the opportunity to kiss him.

As our lips met, he kissed me tenderly. But it was fleeting, as he abruptly pulled away and walked off. He apologized, and I couldn't help but feel disgusted by his words.

"Sorry, Clara. I didn't mean it," he apologized.

Feeling frustrated, I pulled him towards me and kissed him passionately without saying a word. The wine had gotten to me and I couldn't resist the urge. But after a few minutes, he gently stopped me and held both my hands, kissing them instead.

"Why don't you just agree to be my Luna first, Clara? Then we can do this freely," he said softly.

I couldn't control my anger and suddenly slapped him. He was taken aback and I slapped him again. It wasn't because he rejected me, but because everything he showed was the opposite of what I wanted.

As I walked away, he stopped me and spoke behind me. "What do you want? Isn't this what you want?" I asked him firmly.

"I don't want you to think that I don't respect you, Clara. Until you accept me as your mate, I won't do this," he answered seriously.

Despite my reservations, he was slowly making me believe that he was different from what I expected. But I couldn't let myself be deceived or give in to his words.

"You want us to do this, but you won't agree to be my Luna? What do you really want, Clara?" he asked with a frown.

I felt nervous, but I refused to show it. "How can I be sure that you'll satisfy me in bed? I don't want to be disappointed," I retorted sarcastically.

"Do you really think that?" he asked, surprised.

"Come on!" I smirked.