บททั้งหมดของ The Alpha's Pampered Wolfless Mate : บทที่ 81 - บทที่ 90

Xander PovIt was as if I was slowly losing my life force. The pain was unbearable, but the zeal to speak to Elise overpowered whatever hurt I was feeling. I wanted to ask him more. I wanted to know more.But his words were cut off as the light from the pendant grew brighter, filling the entire cell with radiance that seemed to come from another world entirely.*Do not fight the change,* the voice instructed. *Let it flow through you. Accept what you are becoming.*I decided to accept it, just as he said. I let my mind be filled with Elise and the overflowing powers from the pendant. I pushed myself harder, eager to get through to her even if I had to go through a thousand times the pain I was already going through.But just when I truly thought I was going to die, I heard the voice I had longed for.The response was immediate and unmistakably hers. *Xander? Xander, is that really you?*Relief flooded through me so completely I nearly collapsed. "It's me, love. It's me."*I can feel

EliseI sat in silence for what felt like hours, my thoughts churning like a storm at sea. Every fiber of my being screamed against what I was about to do, but I forced myself to think clearly. The artifact wasn't just some prize—it was the key to saving my people."If this is what it takes," I muttered to the empty room, "then so be it."I rose and moved to the wash basin with mechanical precision. The water was shockingly cold against my heated skin as I splashed it over my face and neck. I scrubbed myself methodically, as if I could wash away the shame burning in my veins, then began the careful ritual of transformation.Not my usual simple gowns tonight. I chose a dress that hugged every curve, made of deep emerald silk that left my shoulders bare and plunged low enough to catch attention. I brushed my dark hair until it gleamed like polished obsidian, letting it cascade over one shoulder. With steady hands, I applied a subtle rouge to my lips—something I hadn't done in years.Sta

Drake Pov Elise froze the moment she saw me, her entire body going rigid, but she composed herself with impressive speed. "Alpha Drake," she greeted me, her tone carefully controlled, her lips curved in the faintest smile that didn't reach her eyes. I circled her slowly, deliberately, like a wolf testing its prey for weaknesses. "You're restless," I observed, my voice dropping to a dangerous purr. "Your thoughts race like wild horses, and your heart…" I leaned closer, close enough to hear the rapid rhythm pounding against her ribs, "your heart betrays every lie you tell." Her body stiffened like a bowstring, but her voice held admirably steady. "You imagine too much, Alpha." My smirk deepened, predatory and knowing. "Perhaps. Or perhaps I see far more than you want me to." I paused deliberately, letting the tension stretch between us like a taut wire before adding, "You've been prowling near my chambers." Her eyes widened just a fraction before she masked the reaction with

Drake Pov I watched her battling inside. It was as if she was fighting off hidden emotions. Or it could also be part of her plan to catch me off guard. If it were some other woman, I would have believed I had charmed her and she was genuinely in love with me. Alas, this was Elise. She had always been defiant, even as a pup. That's the only reason I wasn't buying this her act. Still, I wanted to play along. I wanted to enjoy these pretence, battles and plots aside. So, I decided to play along with her. I drew her close, catching her chin in my rough hand while forcing her to look directly into my eyes. I held my breath at the piercing gaze, her silver eyes dazzling in the moonlight. My words disappeared, for a second and I only wanted to bask in those eyes. Her muffled moan brought me back to reality. With a faint smile on my face, I whispered into her ears. "I will mate with you, Elise. But not because you seduced me with this pathetic display. Only when you prove yourself trul

**Elise's POV**Drake's lips pressed hard against mine, his hands gripping my waist with possessive strength before sliding boldly to cup my ass. I felt my treacherous body betray me completely, shivering under his dominant touch like a leaf in a storm. Heat pooled low in my belly, my pulse racing despite every rational thought screaming in my head. For one dangerous, intoxicating second, I almost gave in to the fire consuming me from within.But then, like a sharp blade cutting through the sensual haze, Xander's beloved face flashed vividly in my mind.My chest tightened with a crushing guilt. The weight of betrayal crashed down on me like a tidal wave, drowning out every sensation except the burning shame in my veins."No!" I gasped desperately, shoving Drake away with all the strength I could gather in my trembling arms.Drake staggered back a step, his dark eyes questioning and almost amused by my sudden rejection. He looked like a predator momentarily confused by his prey's unexp