Chapter 14 The Pull To Her
{Warren’s POV}
I scribbled my signature on the paper and flipped to the next page, but the strange feeling in my chest wouldn’t go away. Diana’s words kept echoing in my head, the look on her face when she said she wouldn’t be able to attend the Luna Ball felt off.
It was obvious she was lying.
I dropped the pen and leaned back in my chair. How could she refuse my request because of her mate? The thought burned through my chest, stirring feelings I didn’t even understand.
A knock pulled me out of my thoughts. The door creaked open and Mathias stepped in, his eyes moving around my office before they landed on me.
“This place has improved over the years,” he muttered. “You’re really doing a good job here, brother.”
“What brings you here?” I smirked. “It’s not like you to come to my office. Don’t tell me Mother sent you.”
He chuckled and sat opposite me. “Don’t jump to conclusions. I just came to see my brother’s company. Since you're not at the pack, it get bored you know. I came here to spend time with you," he rested his hand against the armrest of the chair. "And also I can’t be doing all your duties at the pack while you're here.”
I scoffed, closing the file. “You don’t have to. That's Jane's job.”
Mathias shrugged and crossed his legs, a teasing smile pulling at his lips. “So… the Luna Ball. Big night coming. You ready? I’m sure half the she-wolves are already practicing their smiles for you.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not interested in anyone throwing themselves at me.”
“Except Layla,” he said dramatically. “The future Luna. The jewel of the pack. The one everyone claims you adore.”
“Don’t start.”
He laughed. “Relax. I’m only teasing. Though I have to say… something’s off about that girl. You should talk to her.” His tone shifted into something serious. “She’s kind of rude to the pack members. And she’s not even Luna yet. When I walked in yesterday, she suddenly pretended to be nice. It was strange.”
I wasn’t surprised. Not even a little. I rubbed my temple. “I don’t know why my mind isn’t with her.”
Mathias scoffed. “That’s a lie. At dinner yesterday, you were all over her. Acting like the sweetest romantic fool. I even started wondering if I wasn’t romantic enough to my mate.”
I gave him a sharp look. “You’re being sarcastic. Stop it.”
“Don’t tell me you were pretending.” He grinned.
“Stop trying to get on my nerves.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Alright, alright. But if you’re not excited about your mate, then you need help. Or…” He leaned forward. “Maybe your wolf is bonding with someone else.”
A long breath escaped me before I could hold it in.
Mathias’s smirk faded. “Wait… seriously?”
I looked away. “Is it possible to feel a mate bond with another person? Like… can someone have two mates?”
He stared at me for a second before bursting into laughter. “What, did you fall for someone else?”
I didn’t answer. “I just asked a question.”
Mathias leaned forward again, eyes narrowing like he was studying me. “The stories say it’s possible. It happened in the old days. Rare, but it exists. And yes, if you don’t want Layla, you can reject her.” He shrugged casually. “And claim the girl you’re drawn to. But you better be sure, because it comes with consequences.”
“I don’t know what to think,” I muttered. “I’m confused.”
Mathias moved his chair closer, excitement dancing in his eyes. “So who is she? The girl you’re having feelings for? Come on. Tell me. Is she one of your staff? Someone you met at a club? Don’t tell me she’s a human—”
I glared at him. “Stop joking with serious things.”
“I’m not joking. I’m curious,” he insisted.
“Forget about it,” I snapped. “I only asked a question. It doesn’t mean I’m in love with someone.”
Mathias muttered under his breath, “That’s a lie,” just loud enough for me to hear.
Before I could respond, there was another knock on the door.
“Enter,” I said.
The door opened, and Diana walked in.
She kept her eyes low, like she was avoiding mine on purpose, and clasped her hands in front of her. “Alpha Warren… the client for the apartment is here. They need you to check it out with them before they make payment."
My wolf shifted inside me the moment she spoke, restless, alert, drawn to her scent. I forced myself to stay still.
I looked at her briefly. “I’ll be there soon.”
She nodded, still avoiding my gaze, and quietly walked out.
The door closed behind her, and my thoughts scattered. For a moment, it felt like the air left the room.
Then Mathias burst out laughing.
“Ohhh,” he dragged out, grinning like an idiot. “Is she the one you’re in love with?”
I ignored him completely.
“Warren,” he teased, “your wolf practically jumped up when she walked in. I’m not blind.”
“Mind your business,” I muttered, standing up and straightening my suit. “Stop disturbing me.”
Mathias raised both hands in surrender. “Fine, fine. Your secret is safe with me.”
I didn’t answer him. I just walked toward the door, and out of the office.
The lobby was quiet when I stepped out. Diana glanced up the moment she saw me, her posture straightening.
“We’re leaving,” I said.
She grabbed the file in front of her and quickly followed.
But as I walked down the hall, my wolf pushed against my skin, restless again.
She lied about the Luna Ball, my wolf growled faintly. She’s hiding something.
Why does it matter? I pushed back.
But my wolf only growled louder, a deep warning rumble in my chest.
I swallowed hard. I didn’t know what was happening to me.
I didn’t know why every thought kept pulling back to her. All I knew was that Layla wasn’t the one making my heartbeat shift.
She wasn’t the one twisting my chest like this.