Chapter 5

Warrick’s POV

My eyes rested on Ashina's fair thigh. Her entire body was exposed in the tiny layer of dress she had on.

“No.” Her face flushed as she pulled a small pillow over herself. 

If she was trying to hide her full breast, it was too late. I already saw everything under her see through dress — is that even a dress or an undergarment?

I sighed. “Ashina, for the last time, what are you doing here?”

Her eyes grew wide all of a sudden. I blinked, wondering if she had lost her voice.

“Speak up, else—”

“To be with you,” she rushed, cutting me off.

“Huh?” I asked. “What did you just say?”

“I felt scared alone in that big room. And it was c— cold too. So I came to be wi— with you.” 

Stuttering.

Avoiding my gaze.

Conscious of her body and trying to cover up.

Yet she's being provocative with her words.

“Are you sure about that?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at her.

She shook her head, then forced a smile and nodded almost immediately.

“Liar.” I turned away from her. “Did Leonard make you come here and do this?”

She cleared her throat. “Leo didn't. My family thought it was best for me to come. I'm no— not lying.”

Her words crawled under my skin. I sneered.

Her family? How could they? 

I looked back at her and she flinched. 

“You are not telling the truth. No family would send their daughter to a monster like me.”

She gulped. “I—”

“I will leave now, by the time I get back I don't want to see you anywhere near my room.”

My fist curled up and I stormed out. 

“What is wrong with that girl?” I grumbled, entering my study.

Brooks bowed slightly as I walked past him at the door. I sensed his eyes lingering on me. I dropped on the chair and looked back at him with a raised brow.

“Is there any problem, Brooks?” I asked him.

He smiled softly. I crossed my brows and looked away from him. 

I don't get what he was always smiling about. 

“Everything is fine, sir. But I might want to ask you if there's any problems.”

I shook my head. “Nothing that concerns you. Fill my cup.”

Brooks moved immediately, making for the bar at the corner. 

My eyes were shut when I heard him place the cup on the table before me. My hands found it and I drank from it.

“She's the only one who knows how to comfort me, my one true love.” I emptied the glass and stretched it out to Brooks.

He filled it up again. The sound was so satisfying.

I opened my eyes to see it full to the brim. I smirked, admiring the wine swirling in the cup.

“Red and sexy, isn't she?” I winked at Brooks as he nodded in agreement. 

Whether he meant it or not, I couldn't tell because his eyes were always this bright.

I furrowed my brows recalling what else I encountered that was bright and green a while ago. 

“I don't know what to do with her.”

“Take her, maybe.” Brooks shrugged.

I frowned. “I don't feel like it. She looks quite innocent and little.”

Brook coughed slightly. “I could get you a better and bigger cup of wine.”

I raised my lazy eyes to him, setting down the cup. “Not talking about her. I mean—Her.” I looked outside and his face lit up with recognition.

“You mean Miss Ashina?” 

I rolled my eyes. “Yes. I don't know what to do with her.”

Brooks let out a small laugh. I frowned at him.

“What's funny?”

“You have had dates with queens and even dined with goddesses and witches, yet a small girl—”

I raised a finger stopping him, as I shook my head. “Never underestimate a woman, no matter their rank or age.” 

The act she’d pulled up in my room a while ago flashed in my mind. I gritted my teeth.

“Okay, but I think you can start by fixing an official mating ceremony,” Brooks replied, refilling my cup.

“Hm. Should I invite people?” 

He nodded. “It's high time they see you for who you are, so the lies and rumors will end.”

“I enjoy the fear and hate, though.” I turned and faced the wall. “Leave the bottle, you're excused, Brooks.”

Brooks dropped it, bowed and left. 

“You might want to thank Alpha Leonard. The Moon Goddess has used him to reveal your fated mate.”

I picked my phone, dialing a number. He answered on the first ring.

“Why did you send her?” 

“Alpha Warrick, good day,” Leonard said from the other end.

“Good day,” I rolled my eyes. “Why did you send her?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“You needed a mate, right?” he asked. “Wasn't that why you have a mating ceremony every year?”

“I don't need a mate, I only fix ceremonies every year to please my kinsmen. If I wanted a mate, I could get one for myself, anytime.”

There was a pause at his end.

“Or is there more to this?” I broke the silence. “Are you—”

“C'mon, Warrick stop being paranoid.

You're the only one I could trust with her.”

I raised a brow, surprised. “What? Me?”

“Promise me— you will take good care of her.”