Crossed Swords And Crossed Hearts

CHAPTER THREE : Displeased Alpha

Melissa’s Pov

"Who could've imagined that Eduardo, my next target, would turn out to be my destined mate—the one I've long awaited? It feels surreal; how could I possibly behead my mate, the sole possibility of attaining the love I've always dreamed of?

My gaze remained fixed on him, his pheromones overwhelming me just like the night before, urging me to rush into his arms and plead for his affection. Yet, his reaction wasn't the ideal response I envisioned from my destined mate upon meeting. He appeared... repulsed. Impossible. He couldn't possibly feel repulsion for the one meant for him, divinely paired.

"Mate," I uttered inadvertently, despite my uncertainty about his acceptance of our bond. My wolf instincts pushed me forward. A sudden slam on the dinner table snapped me out of my trance, making me finally notice the others around me.

"Did you just claim my son, Eduardo, as your mate?" A woman's surprised inquiry, hands firmly planted on the desk, widened her eyes in disbelief.

"Mother," his voice, authoritative yet oddly pleasing like the night before, commanded attention. I found it enchanting, yet dreaded what he might say. His displeasure was evident, and with every passing moment, the prospect of getting hurt today loomed larger.

"Indeed, they are mates. Didn't we all witness the change in their pupils? What else could explain it at such a time?" His mother interjected, as always, standing in the way of what I truly desired. Desired? I almost scoffed, biting my lip, observing the elders begin to align with her words.

A flicker of joy surged within me upon seeing his mother crossing her arms in excitement. She seemed grateful that her son had finally found his destined partner. Amidst the jubilant atmosphere of the dining hall filled with laughter and murmurs of congratulations, two figures stood out: Eduardo and the man seated at the highest desk, presumably the Alpha of the pack.

“If you all would excuse me” Eduardo excused. Even though it was for a few seconds, the flash of a smile he had put on his face to be excused had caused my heart to flutter. And before I knew it, he was walking past me, his pheromones engulfing me as I held back the urge to follow behind him.

made my heart flutter.

As I watched him stride past me, his pheromones wrapping around me like a cloak, an irresistible urge to follow surged within. But then, Mother's discreet nudge brought me back to reality. I hesitated; he was on my elimination list. Yet, her stern gaze left me no choice but to comply. I bowed to the elders, excused myself, and traversed the corridors.

My mind buzzed with questions about Eduardo. Where was he? What was going through his mind? Did he truly hold no attraction for me? Or perhaps, did he reject the concept of having a mate altogether?

Lost in thought, I reached a staircase. The idea of returning to Mother flitted across my mind, but her reaction wouldn't bode well. I took a risk, exploring the expansive territory of a pack foreign to me—a vast house lay ahead.

With cautious steps, I ascended, fingers tracing the ornate golden railing. However, upon reaching the top, my expectations of various rooms were met with rows upon rows of books. No hidden chambers, no secret passages—just an extensive library.

I roamed, marveling at the sight. Mother should consider such a haven for our pack. My hands skimmed the books, astonished at their pristine condition, devoid of any dust, emanating the fragrance of fresh print.

Then, I noticed it—an inconspicuous wooden door, nearly camouflaged against the wall. Could this be Eduardo's destination? The door appeared locked, a definite barrier. But curiosity gripped me—I had to see if he was inside. With a hairpin from my bun, I deftly turned the knob, triumphant as it clicked open.

Quiet as a whisper, I stepped inside, determined not to be caught trespassing in unfamiliar territory. This wasn't a room; it was an office—possibly the ruler's. My quest should end here; I ought to descend and search outside, where Eduardo might be.

Yet, the turning of a key shattered my thoughts, my heart pounding at the noise.

I knew the stakes were high; getting caught here would unravel everything. My mate's pack shouldn't suspect me, and Mother's reputation hung in the balance. Yet, before I could act, the door swung open, leaving me with only the curtain to mask my presence.

"We can't do this, not when I'm carrying his child," a woman's voice rang out, jolting me to attention. The words gripped me; I strained to hear more.

What followed was a sound like a slap, a collision of skin on skin. Unable to resist, I shifted the curtain slightly, catching a glimpse of the scene. Before me stood a pregnant woman, hand on her cheek, staring incredulously at the man who had unwittingly trapped me. A cruel man indeed.

"Let me remind you, I have the power to eliminate that pup. I permitted you to keep it under my his care. I control that pup's life," the voice declared with authority.

That voice... it tugged at my memory, so familiar yet elusive. It felt like someone close, but try as I might, I couldn't place it, even as the conversation continued.

Just when I had taken a second to think, something unbelievable had began to happen in front of me. My eyes widened as I watched the pregnant woman bent over. Her hands firmly gripped the desk as the man began to assault her. The moans from the woman sounded painful, she clearly wasn’t gaining any sort of pleasure.

The overwhelming blend of their conflicting pheromones unsettled me; both were Alphas, creating a discord that I struggled to bear. A tumult brewed within as I desperately yearned to escape. Being exposed in this situation was unbearable, especially without any pheromone inhibitors. Without them, my scent would soon saturate the room, leading to certain discovery. The urgency to leave intensified as I grappled with the imminent risk of being found out.

The conflicting pheromones had me on edge, my hands instinctively shielding my nose from their overpowering scents. Holding my breath was futile—I couldn't endure for long without air. Summoning courage, I lunged forward, spying another door that might lead to safety, a chance to escape. Despite the caution in my steps, I couldn't evade notice by those clamoring at the entrance.

Glancing back, I could only discern the man's back. Fingers finally gripping the doorknob, I made a quick retreat to the library, yet curiosity drew me to peek into the office, hoping to catch a glimpse of his face. A book tumbled, shattering the silence, drawing the unwanted attention of those outside. Swiftly, I slammed the door shut, racing down the stairs.

Panic gripped me; my body heating up was a nightmare. Not now, not in this situation. Avoiding the dining hall, I fled, racing until the pounding of my footsteps echoed my impending scent. The forest offered refuge, but my body betrayed me, succumbing to the onset of heat.

Collapsed on the grass, I struggled to calm my burning body, desperation mounting. Agony surged through me; my toes curled in anguish as I arched backward, overwhelmed by the intense pain. I f*****g hate this feeling. Feeling needy, vulnerable.

who wouldn’t when there’s an omega in heat.

The situation escalated predictably, attracting an unwanted stranger, who wouldn’t when there’s an omega in heat.

“Guess I would be having a good meal today”

The stranger's repulsive comment disgusted me. When was the last time I heard this? 18?

Despite the haze clouding my vision and consciousness, I managed a chuckle that startled the stranger. My senses fading, I struggled to focus, barely discerning a figure reaching out to me, and a wolf lunging at the newcomer.

My strength depleted rapidly; I couldn't muster the energy to identify the person before me. However, amidst the fog, the familiar scent lingered, unmistakable.

Eduardo.