Chapter 5

The DJ stopped playing, and the sudden hush made Axel loosen his arms around her. He looked down with a smile that was pure male challenge. “You should come to the Netherlands. Fascinating flora, superb scenery, some of the best tourist places you will ever see.”

Adric snorted inside him. What a cheesy way to invite her, you pig. And boring, too.

Axel’s lips twitched, but he kept his gaze steady.

Marcela tilted her head, her tone flat. “So I believe. Perhaps one of these days I’ll visit.”

“I’m going back tomorrow,” Axel pressed, his voice eager. “Why not come with me?”

Adric growled. Oh boy, aren’t you desperate?

“Shut up, Adric,” Axel muttered under his breath.

Marcela blinked, startled by the intensity in his eyes. Why would he suggest something so crazy? she wondered. Yet beneath her shock was a fierce desire to say yes. I could pack a small bag… it wouldn’t be that bad.

But common sense rallied. “Thank you for your offer,” she said carefully, “but I can’t just head off like that, even if I want to.”

Axel leaned closer, his tone probing. “Is there anything keeping you here? Any occasion you don’t want to miss?” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “Perhaps a boyfriend?”

Marcela’s lips parted, reluctant. “No…but I can’t just disappear.”

“Why not?” Axel countered smoothly. “The Netherlands is beautiful. You would have no problems visiting; it’s my territory. If you are interested in tourist spots, I can take you around.”

Marcela’s brows lifted in inquiry, and he explained, “It may be small, but it has many historical places. And it would help you if you are serious about starting a company.”

His smile was so charming that for a moment she forgot everything but the suspiciously strong desire to agree.

Summer heat pressed at her memory, her duplex growing stifling, the crowded

streets, the endless tourists. She remembered the blogs and videos she had seen.

She thought of the Netherlands, its serene landscapes, and its beauty. The temptation was real.

“It sounds wonderful,” she said lightly, "but impossible. I don’t do impulsive things like that.”

Axel’s grin widened. “Then perhaps it’s time you did. Bring your brother along if you want.”

Marcela hesitated. A holiday might distract her brother from his habit of vanishing from home instead of studying.

He was impulsive and restless, always chasing outdoor adventures. She barely saw

him these days. A trip could be beneficial for him… and for her.

It would also silence the media’s cruel headlines, the endless sympathy, and the probing questions about her “shattered heart.” If she went with Axel, everyone would assume they were lovers. The thought made her pulse quicken. I would greatly enjoy throwing that supposed affair in their smug faces.

For a moment, she wavered. But common sense returned. Gossip would only confirm suspicions.

“That’s very kind of you,” she said carefully. “I am sure my brother would love to visit the Netherlands.”

“But?” Axel’s voice was ironic.

“We cannot afford a holiday right now,” she replied, trying to fend him off with a valid excuse.

Axel shrugged lightly, but his eyes never left hers. “I have my private jet. Transport won’t be a problem. And I have an appointment with the prime minister in a fortnight; I can drop you back when I return.” His gaze glittered, his voice dropping to a soft challenge. “Are you feeling scared, princess?”

Adric chuckled gleefully. Oh, now you are talking. Let’s see if she bites.

Marcela stiffened her chin, lifting. “Axel, my name is Marcela,” she snapped, her tone edged with fury at the mockery in his voice. “And is there a reason I should be afraid of you?”

His smile widened, deliberately provoking. “Are you feeling scared, Princess?”

Marcela’s eyes flashed. “Marcela,” she repeated firmly, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Don’t pretend you have forgotten it.”

He watched her with interest, and her stomach twisted as though she were standing on the edge of a cliff. She knew Axel was far out of her league, yet the thought of taking her brother away for a short trip and perhaps herself along with Axel made her pulse race.

Across the ballroom, her brother Eremis was laughing with his friends, lean and athletic, golden hair catching the light. He looked carefree, but Marcela knew better. His habit of vanishing into the countryside for months at a time was wearing her patience thin. A holiday abroad might change his perspective.

Axel’s voice cut through her thoughts, blunt but steady. “You don’t have anything to fear from me, Marcela.”

Colour warmed her cheeks. “I know that, Axel,” she said, though her tone carried an ambiguity she hadn’t intended.

As though she hadn’t spoken, he continued smoothly. “And as for your stay, that

won’t be a problem. I live in a huge old mansion with more bedrooms than I can

count, maids, helpers, the workers. You and your brother would be comfortable.”

Marcela’s pulse quickened. His tone was pleasant, almost impersonal, yet the offer carried a weight that made the hairs on her neck rise. He wasn’t expecting her to fall into his bed — at least not openly — but was she overthinking?

Nerves tingling, she shook her head. “It’s not possible.”

Axel’s eyes narrowed, catching the flicker of weakness. “Why not?” He leant closer, coaxing. “Why don’t you ask your brother what he feels about it?”

Adric groaned inside him. Oh man, you are getting desperate now.

Axel ignored his wolf, his attention fixed on Marcela.

Marcela lifted her chin, certain her brother would refuse. “Fine. I will ask him.”

Her gaze swept across the room to Eremis Anderson, arrogant, handsome, and far too charming for his own good. Women followed him everywhere, but he dismissed them all as nuisances. At twenty, he was emotionally restrained, scarred by his parents’ tragedy, and the only person he truly trusted was his sister.

Adric chuckled in Axel’s mind. Well, if you are counting on the brother to save her from you, Axel, you are in for a surprise. He looks like the type who would say yes just to watch you squirm.

Axel smirked faintly, his eyes never leaving Marcela. “So, Princess, or should I say Marcela—shall we see what your brother thinks?”

On the Other Side of the Ballroom

Lenny leaned closer to Eremis, his voice low but urgent. “So… what is our next move?”

Eremis shook his head, frustration etched across his face. “I can’t leave right now, Lenny. Lady Zaria is back, and she might try to hurt Ela. She is innocent, for heaven’s sake. We can sense danger, but Ela is human, not a wolf like me. How could I abandon her?”

Lenny frowned, trying to reason with him. “I get it, Eremis, but what about our plan? You are our leader. We can’t just drop everything halfway.”

Eremis sighed, rubbing his temples. “All right, don’t worry. I will think of something. Just give me a few days.”

At that moment, his wolf Eric stirred restlessly, signaling danger. Eremis’s senses sharpened, and his gaze swept the ballroom. His eyes landed on Lady Zaria, standing behind Marcela, her glare sharp enough to cut glass.

Eric growled in his mind, ready to leap. Let me get her throat!

“Eric, stop,” Eremis commanded firmly. “This is Arthur’s wedding. We can’t act rashly. And don’t forget, it’s her nephew’s wedding too. If she loses control here, she will be exiled forever, and we don’t want Arthur’s wedding to be a ruin because of us.”

He shot Lenny a meaningful look. Lenny nodded and melted into the crowd, disappearing among the guests.

Closing his eyes, Eremis reached out through the mind link to his Beta, be alert. I sense a foreign smell, and Lady Zaria is standing behind Ela.

Before he could focus further, a soft pressure brushed his lips. His eyes flew open in shock. Standing inches away was Reina Ryder, the mayor’s daughter and his father’s ex-Beta. Her eyes sparkled with amusement.

Eric practically wagged his tail. Dude… she kissed you! I swear she is our mate. That was magical.

“Really?” Eremis muttered under his breath, torn between laughter and disbelief.

Reina was impossible to ignore. Sparks always flew when they met, and deep down he suspected she was indeed his mate. But he had a mission to complete before claiming her, and the timing wasn’t right. Self‑control was his only strength, just like his father's.

Reina, however, had no such restraint. Every time she saw him, she kissed him. And every time, Eremis ran away.

He opened his mouth to speak, but his eyes caught Marcela across the room, signaling him urgently. She was standing with someone he had wanted to meet all evening.

“Well… it was nice seeing you, Reina,” he said awkwardly, stepping back. Without another glance, he walked toward Marcela.

Reina’s jaw dropped. Shock turned to fury. She stomped her foot, spun on her heel, and stormed toward her mother.

Eric groaned unhappily. You are a bastard, Eremis! I wanted to kiss her back. You are ruining everything.

Eremis ignored him. He knew if he lost control, Eric would take over, and his carefully laid plans would collapse.

“Mom…” Reina burst into her mother’s arms, her wolf Shai seething with rage.

Anne, her mother, stroked her hair gently. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong? You look so sad.”

Reina hugged her tightly, tears spilling down her cheeks. Anne’s gaze swept the ballroom, and when her eyes landed on Eremis Anderson, she understood instantly.

“Oh… so Eremis is back,” Anne said softly.

Reina stiffened, nodding.

“And?” her mother probed.

“He ignored me, Mom,” Reina whispered, her voice breaking.

Anne sighed, shaking her head. “Reina, we have talked about this. You need to give him time. He has responsibilities, and if you push too hard, he will only run further. You know about his parents and about Marcela. If you love him, you must wait patiently. Your father trusts him; he won’t abandon you.”

Reina sniffled, nodding reluctantly. “All right, Mom. I will listen. But can you ask him to dance with me? Mom, please…"

Anne wanted to laugh at her daughter's plea. “Very well, let me finish my conversation with Arthur’s mother, and then I will speak to Eremis.”

Reina’s lips curved into a shy smile, hope flickering in her eyes.