The Betrayed Luna's Three Alpha Mates

10. MYSTERY MAN

DENISE

It's been a few days since I arrived at the Silver Moon Pack, and since my arrival, I’ve been dutifully playing the role of Brandon's personal assistant.

The pretense was necessary for my safety, according to Brandon, but it left me feeling confined and restless. I knew it was all for the best, but deep down, it felt more like a glorified prison, and I didn’t exactly like the feeling.

Regardless, I had decided to go along with it, even if it meant feeling uncomfortable. It wasn’t like I had a choice anyway.

One sunny afternoon, I found myself in the garden, strolling around aimlessly. I needed some time alone with my thoughts, but mostly, I needed time away from the pretense that had now become my daily life.

It’s not like there was anything difficult about being an assistant, and I also barely did anything. But for some reason, I just couldn’t help my restlessness, and I only wanted to get away from the house and get some alone time to myself for a while.

The garden was peaceful, a haven of blooming flowers and a soothing breeze that made me want to sleep the whole day without anyone calling for me. I tried to clear my mind and make peace with the situation, telling myself that I should consider myself lucky that I had a place to stay instead of wandering about like a rogue.

But then, as I was busy getting my thoughts together, a faint scent reached me, tugging at my senses and pulling me out of my thoughts.

It was elusive, like a delicate whisper in the air that disappeared almost as soon as it appeared, and to make things worse, I couldn't pinpoint the source. I turned this way and that, searching for any sign of someone nearby, but there was no one to be seen.

It was as if the scent never existed in the first place.

At first, I thought I might be losing my mind, imagining scents that didn't exist since there wasn’t anyone else around me. I shook my head, dismissing the idea, and continued my stroll, determined to put the strange scent out of my mind.

I was way too young to start having issues with my sense of smell, and not wanting to dwell on it any further, I made up my mind that it wasn’t anything or anyone relevant.

As I ventured further away from the garden, I approached a building that I still hadn't had the chance to explore. I already knew a room or two, but the rest of the rooms were still a mystery to me.

When I walked closer to the place, the scent, that mysterious scent—returned. This time, it was stronger, and it was as if it had a mind of its own, drawing me closer.

I hesitated at the entrance of the building, and my curiosity piqued. There was something about this scent—something that intrigued and captivated me. I couldn't explain it, but it was as if it held a secret—a puzzle I needed to solve.

I followed it with cautious steps, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and fascination. I was nervous for some reason, and I couldn’t help it.

It was only when I looked around, now wondering who or what it was that kept drawing me, that I saw a man in the distance. He had his back to me, and I carefully watched him as he entered the building.

I couldn't see his face, but there was an air of power about him, an aura that commanded respect that was very similar to the aura that Brandon had.

But how was that even possible? Brandon’s aura wasn’t the type of aura that could be duplicated, except, of course, if he had a twin or a brother.

My heart raced, and I felt an unexplainable attraction to his scent—a magnetic pull that I couldn't resist.

Ignoring Brandon's warnings about not interacting with anyone, I decided to follow him, keeping a safe distance. I wanted to know more about the man who had intrigued me, even though I had no idea what kind of power he held within the pack.

I knew I could get in trouble if he caught me following him, but I couldn’t help myself.

As I followed the mystery man, my curiosity growing with each step, he led me to a room that I assumed was a study. I hesitated outside the door, questioning my actions.

Was I doing the right thing by following a stranger? Brandon had been clear about avoiding interactions, and I knew he would be upset if he found out.

I stood there, torn between my curiosity and my desire to obey Brandon's orders. But the allure of the mysterious man and his captivating scent were too strong to resist. I took a deep breath, gathered my courage, and decided to peek inside the room, just enough to see what was happening.

My heart pounded in my chest as I pushed the door open slightly, my eyes fixed on what lay beyond.

*****

THIRD-PERSON POV

Kayden sat alone in the study room, engrossed in an old book that could serve as the key to his current predicament. His eyes scanned the pages, searching for any clue that could help him solve the security breach that recently affected the pack.

He knew that he didn’t have much time, but he was determined to outwit his elder brother, Brandon, by being the first to offer a solution to their father.

Driven and focused, Kayden thought the study room provided him with a haven where his thoughts could run freely. There were a variety of books on the shelves, and he intended to read each one that might lead him to what he was looking for.

Kayden was completely focused on the text as he continued to read it, paying no attention to his surroundings. His fingers scanned the words, taking in their meaning and determining whether they could be of any assistance to him.

Meanwhile, Denise, who had followed the mysterious scent into the room, stood a few feet away and observed the man in front of her.

She had been surprised by her ability to go unnoticed, a skill she didn’t realize she had until today. Her keen eyes studied the man before her.

For a moment, Denise found herself captivated by his features, her curiosity getting the best of her. But she quickly shook off her distraction and cleared her throat to get his attention.

Startled, Kayden looked up from his book, his gaze locking onto Denise. His expression was a mix of confusion and slight irritation as he spoke. "Who are you?" he questioned sharply.

"I don't recall ever seeing you before, so who are you, and what are you doing here?" he asked, taking Denise aback with how stern and authoritative he sounded.

Denise could now see the face of the man she had followed clearly, and she couldn’t help her amazement. He was a striking figure, with his dark brown hair and the brightest green eyes she had ever seen.

His resemblance to Brandon was undeniable, which surprised her, and she wondered if he was related to Brabdon, even though there were a few differences that set them apart. She also took note of his strong, commanding presence, and an air of confidence surrounded him, just like Brandon’s.

Denise took a moment to size him up before introducing herself. "I'm Denise," she said. "And you most likely haven’t seen me around like you just said because I'm new to the pack. I recently started working as Prince Brandon's assistant."

Kayden's brows furrowed as he processed this information. "I wasn't aware that Brandon had an assistant," he mused, intentionally omitting the fact that he was Brandon's brother. He didn't want to reveal his identity to Denise just yet, not wanting to make her wary of him.

"Since I’ve told you who I am, don’t you think it’s right you do the same?" she asked, wanting to know his name at least.

A soft chuckle escaped Kayden's lips as he introduced himself. "I'm Kayden," he said, a genuine smile forming on his face. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Denise."

Denise returned his politeness with a polite smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you too," she replied, finding herself drawn to Kayden's bright green eyes. There was something about him that intrigued her—something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

Unknown to either of them, the soothsayer's spell that had hidden Denise's scent had also concealed their true connection, and although Kayden couldn't recognize Denise as his mate, he felt an inexplicable desire that compelled him to continue their conversation instead of dismissing her like he would have usually done.

Denise, aware of the unexplained attraction she felt toward Kayden, decided to start a conversation in order to distract herself. "I noticed you were reading something," she said, her voice friendly. "May I ask what it is?"

Kayden closed the book he had been immersed in and set it aside, dismissing its importance. "Oh, it's nothing important," he replied casually, his curiosity about Denise growing. "Just some research."

Then, surprising both Denise and himself, he extended an invitation. "Would you like to join me?" he asked.

Denise hesitated, her sense of caution urging her to decline. She knew she shouldn't be spending time alone with a man she barely knew, especially behind Brandon's back.

But there was something about Kayden's inviting demeanor and those captivating green eyes that made it difficult for her to resist.

Unable to deny her attraction, she nodded, her lips curving into a hesitant smile. "Yes," she said softly, "I'd like that."