Chapter 34

Aina The next morning, all of my belongings were being moved into Osborne’s room—the one that was now supposed to be ours. I wasn’t sure yet since the Alpha hadn’t said anything about the mating ceremony, but deep down, I knew it would happen soon. And honestly, I couldn’t wait. “We’re done now,” the maids announced once everything was in place. I gave them a grateful smile. Osborne had left early this morning, saying he had work to handle. He mentioned something about how things would’ve been easier if Alex was here but he'll be on his honeymoon for a week. I laughed when he said it, because he sounded pissed. With Osborne gone, I figured the day would be boring. But I wasn’t about to let it drag on like that. “Who amongst you would like to show me around?” I asked. To my surprise, the maids immediately lit up, voices overlapping as they rushed to volunteer. “Me!” “No, choose me!” I blinked, startled, and instinctively took a step back. “Whoa, okay… uh…” I stammered, not knowing how to handle their excitement. They all looked so eager it was overwhelming. “Please, just one,” I finally pleaded with a nervous laugh. That made them laugh too, before they huddled together in a small circle, whispering quickly among themselves. A minute later, one of them stepped forward. “We’ve decided Jules will go with you today,” she said brightly, “but next time, it’ll be someone else’s turn.” I exhaled in relief and nodded with a smile. At least I wouldn’t be bored today. And honestly, I felt lucky. The fact that they liked me enough to fight over showing me around made me quietly grateful. Jules showed me around, and honestly, the mansion was enormous. Everywhere I went, eyes followed me. I figured they were curious to get a closer look at their future Luna. I returned polite smiles, but some of them scurried off quickly, just to come back with others. For a while, I almost felt like a celebrity, I don't think it's bad if I feel that way, is it? Then, just as we continued walking, several sleek cars rolled into the compound. My heart leapt—I thought Osborne had returned but I froze the moment I saw the flag. That wasn’t Silver Crest’s emblem. It was Waterford’s, I blinked twice. My chest tightened in shock just as my phone buzzed. Osborne’s name flashed across the screen. “Aina, where are you?” his voice came hurriedly, laced with urgency. “Taking a stroll,” I answered, still staring at the cars as the Luna stepped forward to greet the arrivals. “Go to the room and don’t come out until I’m back,” he ordered firmly. “I just heard Bella is here.” Bella. Of course. But why would he want me to hide away in our bedroom instead of letting me face her directly? Still, not wanting to trouble him further, I forced myself to comply. “Alright, I’ll head inside now,” I said softly before the call ended. I turned back toward the mansion, but before I could move out of sight, the Luna’s voice rang out. “Aina, you’re here.” I stopped, my breath catching as I looked over my shoulder. The Luna stood there, flanked by suited men. But they weren’t protecting her—their attention was fixed on the woman beside her. Blonde, slender, tall, and breathtakingly beautiful. Bella. I called back, “Good morning, Luna,” and she smiled warmly as I gave her a small wave. I knew I should return to the room quickly—I didn’t want to cause any unnecessary trouble. “Do you have some time for us?” the Luna called out. Osborne’s instructions echoed in my mind, and I knew I had to obey. “In due time,” I replied politely. “I’ll send someone to let you know when I do.” Even though the distance between us was a bit wide, our werewolf hearing made every word clear. She winked at me, but I didn’t let my eyes wander toward Bella. As I didn't want any trouble. Instead, I turned to leave. That’s when I caught Bella’s voice dripping with disdain. “It seems she has no manners—she couldn’t even greet me.” I pretended I hadn’t heard her and simply kept walking. Osborne wouldn’t like it if I started any unnecessary conversations with Bella, not after he had clearly told me to wait for him. I stayed in the room, standing by the window and staring out when the door suddenly burst open. Startled, I spun around to see Osborne striding in, his steps quick and urgent. “Did you encounter Bella?” he asked, his voice sharp as he crossed the room in long strides. He seemed worked up, more than I expected. Is she so deeply in love with him? I swallowed and nodded. “Yeah… but I didn’t exchange words with her. Your mother only said that if I had time, I should come see her. I believe Bella will be there too.” Osborne exhaled and gave a short nod. “Yeah, she texted me about it.” He rubbed his forehead in frustration before adding, “I’ll go with you. And just in case she insults you—insult her back.” I blinked at him, taken aback. “But… she’s the Waterford Alpha’s daughter. I don’t think I’m supposed to insult her back.” It was the truth—by rank, she was above me, especially since Osborne and I hadn’t yet sealed our bond. “If that’s the case…” he muttered, stepping closer. Instinctively, I backed away. “What are you trying to do?” I asked warily, watching the intensity in his eyes as he closed the distance between us. “Osborne, don’t—” My heart skipped as realization struck. I knew exactly what he was planning. I quickly stretched out my hand to block him, but he caught it effortlessly, pulling me flush against him. “If she’s the daughter of Alpha Hamilton,” he said, his voice low and commanding, “then you are my mate. My future Luna. Who says you can’t stand toe-to-toe with her?” I lifted my gaze to his and froze. His eyes had shifted, glowing with the fierce light of his wolf breaking through. He intended to mark me. The thought sent heat rushing through me, my blood burning hot, my own wolf stirring wildly beneath my skin, alive and desperate to answer his call.