MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 65: Alpha Julius’s Hospitality

Chapter 65: Alpha Julius’s Hospitality

Alpha Julius’s gaze lingered on Reana, his eyes burning with interest as he twirled his drink. She looked stunning, her beauty enhanced by the subtle scent of the sweet, alluring aroma of her pheromones.

His omegas had reported her intimate encounter with her pack member, but Alpha Julius didn’t see that as an obstacle, rather, an opportunity. It was only natural for her to seek satisfaction during her heat cycle.

But from what he was noticing, she hadn’t managed to cross the line yet, and she needed to, otherwise she’d have to endure this embarrassing situation for several days. And the coming days would undoubtedly become worse for her.

For now, the scent was still faint, only to be caught by powerful individuals like him. By the third day, even the male omegas would have noticed.

Reana’s eyes narrowed, her irritation simmering just below the surface. She was acutely aware of the attention she was drawing, her heat cycle broadcasting her availability to every powerful male wolf within scenting distance, especially this man she was having dinner with.

The humiliation was galling, and Ryder would pay for putting her in this position. As soon as this excruciating dinner was over, she’d make sure he regretted what he’d done.

But she was to be blamed too.

Reana acknowledged her own culpability, but someone had to pay for this debacle - and that someone was Ryder, the audacious servant who had ignited this fire.

Typically, her heat cycle came with the appearance of the full moon, just like most she-wolves. But as a busy and self-aware individual, Reana had grown accustomed to managing her desires, especially since she didn’t have a mate.

However, she didn’t expect Ryder’s sexual provocation to throw her off balance. And now, she had to live with this for several days.

Thinking of the bigger embarrassment she’d have to endure in the coming days, her resentment for Ryder amplified. And now, even the exquisite flavors of the dinner couldn’t penetrate her frustration and irritation.

"Does Luna Reana not find the food to her liking?" Alpha Julius inquired, his voice low and smooth.

"The food is exquisite, Alpha Julius," she replied curtly, not even honoring him with as little as a fleeting look.

The Alpha smiled. Whether he was dissatisfied with her tone or not, his expression betrayed nothing. He glanced at her plate, noting the barely touched her food. "Perhaps, I should have the kitchen prepare something else for you, Luna Reana?" he suggested, his voice dripping with courteous concern.

"Thank you for your trouble, Alpha Julius, but I think I’ve lost my appetite," Reana replied, her tone measured, her gaze finally meeting his in a fleeting glance that betrayed a hint of her inner turmoil.

The Alpha frowned slightly, "Your journey was tedious. I heard you had nothing at the West Wood Pack. It would be discourteous of me if I repeated their oversight. Allow me to insist, Luna Reana – you will eat and regain your strength while under my roof."

The way he said it earned a soft, amused chuckle from Reana, a hint of warmth seeping into her gaze as she regarded the Alpha. "Very well then, Alpha Julius," she reluctantly agreed, picking up her cutlery to resume stabbing her meal.

The Alpha found her grudging compliance mildly entertaining, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched her force herself to take a bite.

"Why did you bring me out here, Alpha Julius? You said we’d talk about my visit tomorrow," Reana asked without lifting her head from slicing her meat, her tone neutral.

They were in the garden, sitting on a table for two, a warm atmosphere with a bonfire sitting a short distance from them, casting long shadows in the surrounding.

It seemed to be a dinner date. It was. But Reana refused to recognize it for what it was.

To her, they were only eating outside, a bonfire and nice scent of flowers, with a cool evening breeze kissing her skin.

Alpha Julius smiled, sipping his wine as he said, "Being an Alpha without a mate can be lonely sometimes." A bitter smile crossed his lips, "Most evenings, I eat alone, but with you present, I felt you’d understand my... solitude." His gaze locked onto hers, piercing and intense, as if searching for a glimmer of empathy, or perhaps something more.

"No, I don’t," she said in a matter-of-fact, staring him in the eyes. "I have my pack. I am never alone, Alpha Julius."

Alpha Julius was taken aback for a moment before he let out a low, rumbling chuckle. "You are as forthright as you are lovely, Luna Reana," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Reana just stared at him without responding, a deadpan look on her face that spoke volumes about her unimpressed state.

The Alpha’s chuckle slowly faded, his expression turning thoughtful as he studied her, seeming to delight in the challenge she presented.

"You said it yourself that I needed rest from traveling," Reana reminded him of what he said when they just arrived at his Silver Ridge Pack. "Perhaps, this is where I take your advice." She set down her cutlery and pushed herself up.

She was in no mood to discuss romantic with this man.

But the Alpha was quicker, rising from his seat with fluid ease, his eyes locked onto hers as he moved to her side, his presence suddenly, unsettlingly close.

"What are you doing, Alpha Julius?" she arched a brow, still so calm, knowing that if push came to shove, a bloody battle would end the night.

He gulped. This closeness only made her pheromones hit his senses harder. "What other... courtesies can I show you, Luna Reana, before you retire for the night?" Alpha Julius asked, his voice low and smooth, his eyes gleaming with a hint of something that made Reana’s instincts prickle with unease.

"You’ve outdone yourself." She said, putting a distance between them. "I believe I’ve indulged in enough... hospitality for one evening, Alpha Julius."

Reana’s subtle retreat didn’t go unnoticed, but Alpha Julius didn’t press the issue, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he nodded graciously. "As you wish, Luna Reana. I’ll escort you back to your quarters." He offered his arm, his expression courteous, but Reana’s instincts still hummed with wariness.