005 SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS

Maxwell

How I found myself at her door was still a mystery to me. I couldn’t explain it. I could feel her, our mate bond was so strong that I couldn’t control myself. Even though she was far away, I could still feel her pain.

But why didn’t she feel it? It seemed like her thoughts and mind were elsewhere. Yet, she clearly needed help.

Her actions and desires didn’t match her appearance. Three things stood out to me. First, she longed to be with someone, even though she was still untouched.

Second, she was in deep pain, someone had hurt her badly.

Third, she didn’t care who I was. She treated me like I was just a fleeting stranger.

When she cried, I felt it. It hurt so much I could hardly bear it. I wanted to take all her pain away. This feeling was different, unlike anything I had experienced before.

Last night, I had to block Zion out. He wanted her too. He was so frustrated he nagged at me. But whatever happened wasn’t entirely my fault, Zion was to blame.

What I didn’t understand was this: she wanted comfort, yet she was so sad. Who was she, really?

When I woke up this morning, I thought I’d finally have a chance to talk to her. I wanted to see if she was like the others who always chased after me. But it seemed she didn’t even know who I was.

Another thing that puzzled me was her willingness to give herself to me. Why? If she had been keeping to herself all this time, why was she so eager to lose it, and to a stranger like me?

When I left her room, the scent of her still lingered. Jasmine, with a hint of lavender. I hadn’t been sure last night, but now I was certain.

After a shower, I had one mission: to find her. I needed to confirm if she was truly my mate...or just another fake.

She didn’t seem to feel the mate bond, though. That only made me more curious. Why couldn’t she feel it? I had felt every emotion she did last night. What had happened to her? Was she running from something, or someone?

I needed answers. I’d never been in such a dilemma before, and I’d never wanted something, or someone this much in my entire life.

I wanted her. I needed her by my side. I didn’t care whether she was genuine or not. I still needed her. It wasn’t just Zion who craved her; I did too. Last night, I almost marked her, but somehow, I managed to control myself.

Stepping out of the suite, I found Vale already waiting for me.

“Good morning, Your Majesty. Did you get enough rest last night?” he asked.

The question reminded me of how unusual my night had been. I hardly ever managed more than two hours of sleep, but last night was different, I’d slept for almost five hours.

“Yes, I did,” I replied.

He nodded and reached for my bags, but there was something in his expression that caught my attention. He knew something.

“Say whatever it is you want to say,” I told him. “I won’t hold it against you. Speak.”

We entered the elevator, and just then, my phone buzzed. A message from my sister lit up the screen:

“Get your arse here right now. We need to talk.”

I needed to see her too, but first, I had to learn more about the woman I’d spent the night with.

Vale cleared his throat. “About the woman whose room you slept in, I was wondering…” He hesitated. “How did you get into her room, Your Majesty?”

I ignored his question. “Did you see her this morning?” I asked instead.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Your safety is my top priority, so I followed her, just in case.”

Without warning, I grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer. He was shorter than me, standing at about five foot eight compared to my six foot four. His brown curls fell into his face as he tensed under my grip.

“Where did she go?” I growled.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously. Realizing I was nearly choking him, I let go.

“She went to the east side, to a house where a middle-aged woman lives.”

“Take me there now,” I ordered.

The elevator doors opened, revealing my bodyguards. They nodded in acknowledgment, but I didn’t spare them a glance. My focus was entirely on finding her. This time, I was certain, she wasn’t like the women who’d deceived me in the past. I believed the Moon Goddess had finally blessed me with my true mate.

*

“This is the house, sir,” Vale said, pointing to a worn-down building.

I stepped closer and addressed my men. “Stay here. I need to handle this alone.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” they said in unison, bowing as I walked forward.

I pressed the doorbell twice and waited, listening intently. Footsteps approached, but I could already tell it wasn’t her. Still, I knew she was inside, I could smell her.

The door opened, and a petite woman, probably in her early fifties, stood before me. Her brown eyes widened in fear, and she immediately bowed. She was a Lycan, and she knew who I was.

“Y-Your Majesty,” she stammered, stepping aside to let me in.

I nodded and entered. The sitting room was far better kept than the exterior suggested. My eyes wandered to the walls, which were lined with old photographs of people I didn’t recognize.

“Your Majesty,” the woman said, her voice trembling, “I am your humble servant. I am not worthy of your presence. How may I assist you?”

I turned to face her, getting straight to the point. “There’s a young woman here with you. Call her out. I need to speak with her.”