Chapter 2 I want you

Ilaria's POV 

“Your coffee, Alpha.” My voice was quiet as I set it down in front of him, careful not to spill.

Reed’s gaze found me almost instantly, and it didn’t waver. His eyes fixed on me as though nothing else in the room mattered. My chest tightened under the weight of it.

Did he notice anything?

“Alpha Reed,” Bill said, gesturing toward me. “This is Ilaria. She helps with the housework.” His tone carried that familiar note of disdain, the one he always saved for me.

Reed didn’t look away. “I see,” he said softly, almost like the words were meant for himself.

Heat crept up my neck. I lowered my eyes quickly, forcing myself to focus on the tray in my hands. 

Reed took the cup, put it on the table, and did not drink it immediately.

“Straight to business,” Reed said, his voice low and firm. “I’m here because I intend to form a marriage alliance with your family. The voters want an Alpha with a strong household, and I intend to give them that. If we align, it will secure my victory.”

Bill’s smile deepened, his eyes brightened with greed. “You have my full support, Alpha Reed. Our families together… That's a powerful image. My daughter Calista will make a fine Luna.”

From the corner of my vision, I caught Calista’s smirk. She tilted her head slightly. This was her moment, and she knew it. And why wouldn’t she? She had the pedigree, the beauty, the charm. Everything I didn’t.

“Bill, you have more than one daughter right?” Reid gazed at me and snapped, asking.

“Ilaria?” Bill couldn't help but laugh, "She's just a servant. Reid, don't be ridiculous."

Calista laughed too, but her eyes were full of warning.

Why would Reid mention me?

My throat tightened as a memory slipped in uninvited. I was sixteen when Calista came into my room, waving a silver-wrapped box and saying it was a gift from Alpha Reed, proving he liked her. The thought cut deep.

And that night, I lay awake staring at the ceiling, wishing he had chosen me instead. For weeks after, she never stopped talking about it and I kept that quiet ache to myself for years.

Now here he was, in our home, and she was about to get exactly what she wanted.

I just wonder why she even needed to do it in such a despicable way - by drugging Reid?

Under Reid's watchful eye, my palms were damp. 

My heart beat so hard I thought he might hear it. I hesitated, then leaned in slightly, my voice barely above a whisper. “Alpha… maybe you shouldn’t—”

But he was already moving. His hand wrapped around the cup with steady ease, and before I could finish, he had lifted it to his lips.

“Wait—” I tried again, panic rising in my throat.

He drank. Not just a sip. A long swallow, most of the cup gone before he set it down again.

I froze, my hand still half-raised uselessly in the air.

Reed’s eyes stayed locked on mine, as though he’d sensed the storm behind my silence.

My stomach twisted. Guilt pressed heavy in my chest. I had failed. Whatever Calista had slipped into that drink was already inside him.

Across the room, Calista’s smile widened and her eyes glittered with satisfaction.

She leaned forward, “since you’ll be marrying into our family, Alpha Reed, it’s only right we get to know each other better. Mother and I have prepared a private dinner in my quarters tonight. Just us. No interruptions.”

Alpha Reed’s expression didn’t change. He raised his glass, finished the wine in one slow swallow, then set it back down with finality. “No, Calista.” His voice was calm, but firm. “I think I would pass this time around. I don’t want dinner with you.”

Her smile faltered, shock flickering across her face.

“Ilaria, I want you to show me around.” Alpha Reed’s words surprised everyone.

Calista almost jumped on me and bit me to death.

Bill stopped her, "Ilaria, since this is Reed's request.Keep our honored guest entertained."

Bill leaned close to my ear and whispered a warning, "Take Reid straight to the upstairs room, your sister will be up there soon. He must spend the night with your sister. We can't give him any more options."

I finally understood Calista's behavior.

It was a plan Bill had put together with her. It wasn't enough for Alpha Reed to just try to make an alliance with them, Calista must use this opportunity to become his Luna.

I was tempted to refuse, but Reid had already walked out of the room.

I could only follow.

“Let's start at the top?” That was all I could say.

Reed strode down the hall, his steps fast but uneven. His step faltered, and before I could move aside, his shoulder knocked into me.

His pupils were blown wide, his breathing ragged, sweat dampening his temples. “Ilaria,” he rasped, urgent and desperate. “What did you do to me? That coffee...”

I was stiff and screwed.

When did Alpha Reed learn everything?

Why hadn't he exposed Catalis on the spot?

Was I gonna get torn right apart for drugging him?

I was in over my head.

He tightened his grip on my hand and pulled me along.

“What are you doing?” I struggle.

His voice is low and full of warning, “You're responsible for this.”

“It's not me ......,” I explain in a low voice.

My heart thudded as we walked through the garden and into the hall. His thumb brushed over my hand like he needed to keep touching me. I wanted to pull away, but I couldn’t.

At the end of the corridor, he stopped at a tall door. He pushed the door open and led me inside. It was his room.

The air felt heavy, the lamps casting a soft glow. He still held my hand, like he couldn’t let me go. 

"You need Catalis. I'll go find her." I tried to avoid his eyes, but he gripped my chin and forced our eyes to meet, wild and burning.

“I don’t want her,” he said. His voice was steady now. “I want you.”