The dimly lit room buzzed with conversation as Maggie sat alone at a table, lost in thought. Glasses clinked, and laughter filled the air, creating an atmosphere of celebration. A figure approached slowly, making his way towards Maggie.
As he drew near, a sly smile curled on his lips, and his eyes locked onto Maggie. The man introduced himself as Ethan Frostbourne, the son of the FrostMoon Pack Alpha. Ethan exuded an unsettling aura, a blend of cunning and mystery that sent shivers down Maggie’s spine.
Without waiting for an invitation, Ethan confidently took a seat opposite Maggie. She watched him cautiously, her heart racing, an unexplained unease settling in. Her gaze fixated on his sharp eyes, making her stomach churn.
“Maggie, isn’t it?” Ethan’s voice was steady and self-assured but sent a chill down her spine.
Maggie mustered a polite smile despite her discomfort. “Yes, it’s me. And you are…?”
Ethan’s smile widened, his confidence unwavering. The intensity in his eyes sent goosebumps all over her.
“I can’t wait to see what Aldrich’s new mate is like. Look at you, all alone,” he stated.
Maggie hesitated, her instincts screaming for her to stay vigilant. “Well, I am actually enjoying some solitude, but go on.”
Ethan’s eyes glittered with curiosity, deepening her unease. “You see, Maggie, the scent you’re giving off isn’t as pleasant as you might think. You’re intriguing, surrounded by a mysterious aura.”
Maggie furrowed her brow, her face a mix of surprise and caution. She subtly shifted in her seat, hoping to create some distance between them. “I’m just an ordinary woman, and I can’t see what’s so captivating about me.”
Ethan leaned in, his voice lowering but suffocating Maggie. “Ah, you know, ordinary people often harbor extraordinary secrets. I have a way of unlocking them.”
Maggie grew increasingly uncomfortable, her muscles tensing. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being exposed, as if Ethan had a window into her soul.
“Aldrich gave me that necklace tonight. I didn’t realize it was so significant.”
Ethan’s smile carried a hint of playfulness, further intensifying her discomfort. “Sometimes the most profound gestures are the ones hidden beneath simplicity. You and Aldrich share something special, Maggie. You’ve piqued my interest.”
Maggie’s heart raced, fear and mistrust coursing through her veins. She wanted to escape.
Just then, Aldrich returned.
Maggie visibly let out a sigh of relief.
Aldrich took the initiative to greet Ethan, his tone friendly. “Hey, Ethan, great to see you here.”
“Wow, Aldrich, you finally have a new mate? I suppose my presence might be of some benefit…” Ethan assessed Maggie from head to toe, his voice laced with coldness. “But it seems your taste has taken quite a dip.”
“At least I genuinely cherish every mate I have, unlike Ethan, who always seems to have new darlings popping up.”
The tension in the air was palpable, evident in their brief exchange.
“But this won’t affect my candidacy. Unlike someone without an heir to worry about, you should be more concerned with taking care of Miss Nelson.”
“That goes without saying. You must have been quite busy lately, can you truly quell all the accusations against you?”
“We’ll see,” Ethan replied with a mischievous smile, leaving a cryptic remark. “May our children be born together.” His words hung in the air.
Doubt welled up in Maggie’s heart. Did Ethan know their secret? Did he know about the hidden connection between her and Aldrich?
She turned to Aldrich, her eyes filled with uncertainty. “Aldrich, what does he mean? Does he know our business?”
Aldrich’s expression remained resolute, his gaze fixed on Ethan’s gradually disappearing figure. “Maggie, we don’t need to worry about his words. Once the child is born, all doubts will fade away. Our mission is to play the role of a loving couple.”
To prove their compatibility to onlookers, Aldrich suggested a game to test their perfect match. As the spotlight fell on them, he took Maggie’s hand and guided her onto the stage. Maggie’s heart raced, and she struggled to maintain her composure, her heels lightly tapping the polished floor.
“Aldrich, I’m a little nervous,” she understood the significance of their game, but the uncertainty of the future weighed heavily on her.
“Don’t worry; leave everything to me,” Aldrich effortlessly pulled Maggie into his embrace, and the room erupted in surprised and expectant gasps. His powerful hug evoked astonishment and envy from the crowd. People held their breath, drawn to the apparent intimacy between them.
Maggie’s cheeks reddened due to embarrassment, but beneath it all, an undeniable attraction simmered between them. Aldrich’s warm touch ignited a wave of desire in her body, and she felt a burning sensation throughout. She reminded herself that it was all a performance, a show for the curious eyes around them.
Just as the tension hung in the air, Ethan took the stage with a hint of wickedness in his eyes. “A truly enviable sweet couple, let’s have a little competition to see how well you two coordinate. I’m sure everyone is dying to know.”
Maggie’s heart sank, sensing trouble on the horizon.
Aldrich remained calm and composed. “Of course, why not.”
Aldrich tightly held Maggie’s trembling hand, guiding her onto the stage. Maggie’s cheeks burned with nervousness and anticipation, her high heels teetering on the polished floor. She tried to maintain her balance, but adrenaline flowed through her veins, making it difficult to stand firm.
Sensing Maggie’s unease, Aldrich’s protective instinct kicked in. Without a moment’s hesitation, he swiftly pulled her into his strong arms, his muscles effortlessly supporting her. This unexpected move prompted a collective gasp from the onlookers, and people stared in surprise and curiosity.
Seeing Aldrich holding Maggie so intimately, the onlookers started murmuring. As they observed this captivating scene, the air was filled with admiration and jealousy. Aldrich’s confident and dignified presence, combined with Maggie’s blushing vulnerability, created an exciting atmosphere that drew everyone’s attention.
Maggie’s heart raced in her chest, and she held onto Aldrich’s broad shoulders tightly to maintain stability. She could feel his body’s warmth seeping through his clothes, radiating a comforting heat that calmed her nerves. In that moment, an unspoken desire flickered between them.
The audience was captivated by their charged atmosphere, erupting into a surprised cheer. The room was filled with curiosity, intrigue…