Emilia’s POV
Alexander glanced up from the papers scattered across his desk. He sighed softly, as though my question was a bothersome interruption to his work. “Emilia,” he said, his voice measured and a hint of irritation lacing his words, “I have my ways.”
I arched an eyebrow, undeterred by his curt response. “Oh, come on,” I pressed, a playful grin tugging at the corners of my lips. “You can’t leave me hanging like that. I’m sure it’s a thrilling tale.”
Alexander leaned back in his own chair, regarding me with a mix of exasperation and mild amusement. “Fine,” he relented, the corners of his lips quirking up ever so slightly. “Tyler and Jake had underestimated me. I had the element of surprise on my side, and I used it to my advantage.”
I leaned in even closer, my curiosity piqued. “And?” I prompted, eager for more details.
Alexander hesitated for a moment, his gaze distant as if reliving the memory. “I managed to incapacitate them temporarily,” he explained, then he shrugged. “I used a bit of my alpha power to intimidate them but they are indeed formidable opponents.”
I nodded, absorbing the information with fascination. “Impressive,” I remarked. “But tell me, did you… mark her?”
Alexander’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and a faint blush crept up his cheeks. He cleared his throat, a hint of discomfort in his expression. “Emilia, that’s a highly personal question,” he replied, his voice low and cautious.
I couldn’t help but grin mischievously. “Oh, come on,” I teased, “You can tell me. I won’t tell a soul. But please, don’t think you can fool me; I can smell your scent on Sophia, stronger than the last time she left the Shadow City.”
My eyes twinkled with mischief as I leaned in even closer, practically whispering, “Did you do it right in front of Tyler and Jake?”
Alexander’s blush deepened, and he let out an exasperated sigh. “Emilia,” he scolded, “Some things are private, even for us.”
I chuckled softly, leaning back in my chair. “Alright, alright,” I conceded. “I won’t pry any further.” Though I couldn’t resist adding, “But if you ever change your mind and want to share, I’m all ears.”
He rolled his eyes but didn’t respond. Instead, he returned his attention to the papers on his desk, clearly dismissing the topic. I took a sip of my tea, relishing the warmth that spread through me, both from the liquid and the intriguing conversation.
I leaned back in my chair, a smirk playing on my lips as I watched Alexander’s cold expression. It seemed like I had hit the mark with my previous questions about his heroic rescue of Sophia from Tyler and Jake. Of course, I couldn’t resist pushing his buttons a bit more.
“So,” I began with a mischievous glint in my green eyes, “have Tyler and Jake given up on Sophia? Is that why you had to step in to save the day?” I couldn’t help but imply that if they had given up, I might consider trying my luck with the handsome twins.
Alexander let out an exasperated sigh, clearly not amused by my teasing. “Emilia, you’re playing with fire. Tyler and Jake are werewolf hunters, and they’re not to be taken lightly. Trying to seduce them would be a reckless and dangerous move.”
I raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “Oh, come on, cousin. I was just joking. You know I wouldn’t really do something like that.”
He fixed me with a stern gaze. “Sometimes, your jokes can be dangerously close to reality. Just be careful, Emilia.”
I waved his warning away with a dismissive flick of my hand. “Oh, come on, cousin. I’m just having some fun. Besides, a little danger can be exciting.”
Alexander shook his head, clearly unconvinced by my cavalier attitude. “You have a knack for underestimating the danger, Emilia. Trust me, it’s not a game.”
But I wasn’t about to let up. I loved pushing his buttons, and today was no exception. With a playful glint in my eyes, I continued to tease him. “Speaking of troublemakers, what about Seraphina? I heard that after you left the Shadow City, she’s been throwing tantrums and breaking things left and right.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened, a hint of frustration in his eyes. “Seraphina and I have no relationship, Emilia. Don’t let Sophia hear you talking like that.”
I leaned in even closer, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Oh, really? You expect me to believe that? You two were practically inseparable back in the Shadow City when you’re young. I saw the way she looked at you.”
He leaned back in his chair, clearly annoyed by my persistence. “Emilia, I’m warning you. Drop this subject.”
I couldn’t resist a sly smile. “You know, cousin, I’ve always admired your devotion. I never thought you, an arrogant Alpha would one day be so devoted to a woman.”
His expression turned a tad arrogant as he leaned back in his chair. “Well, Emilia, if you plan to continue living in this house, you’ll have to settle down and behave. We have rules and expectations here.”
I raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in my eyes. Alexander had always been protective, but this was the first time he had issued such a direct warning. I decided it was time to drop the playful facade.
“Alright, cousin,” I replied honestly, my tone sincere. “I’ll listen to you and sister-in-law. I appreciate your hospitality, and I don’t want to cause any trouble.”