False Expectations

Chapter 4 - Rules

His piercing gray eyes locked onto mine, filled with an unmistakable anger. I froze in place. I didn't understand how, but he always managed to unsettle me—affecting my emotions, my thoughts, my entire composure without my being able to stop it. I hated feeling so vulnerable around him.

-"Sit," he commanded, his tone flat and emotionless.

-"Thank you," I replied, taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. He stared at me, his gaze stern and unreadable. I wasn't sure whether he was surprised by my response or offended—perhaps both. He closed the file in front of him, his gaze still fixed on mine, before speaking again.

-"I called you here to inform you of the rules you must follow from now on as a member of my pack."

-"Okay..." I managed to say, my voice small.

-"As you know, every pack has its rules. So does mine. We follow them reverently and without exception. There will be no exceptions for you."

-"I don't wish for any exceptions," I said firmly. "But before you start with the rules, may I ask you a question?"

-"Although I don't appreciate interruptions, go ahead," he replied curtly. "Make it brief."

His tone discouraged me, but I pushed through and asked anyway.

-"I was wondering when I can go home—freshen up and get some rest. I'm really tired from the trip."

-"I don't understand your question," he said, his voice cold. "This is your home now. You won't be returning to your old pack, if that's what you mean."

-"No, no, you misunderstood me," I quickly corrected. "I'm not talking about my old pack's home, but my new one. I know you're busy, but I would really appreciate some rest in my bedroom, if I may."

-"And who's stopping you?" he replied, almost as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You don't need permission to go to your bedroom."

-"I know that, but... um... how do I get there? I don't know where your house is."

-"That's completely irrelevant," he responded dismissively. "Why would you need to know the location of my house?"

-"Because I want to go there to rest... you know..." I thought, What is wrong with him?

-"You don't need to go anywhere. You're already home. From now on, this is where you'll live."

-"Here?" I blinked, confused. "I thought Alphas live separately from the pack when they find their Lunas."

-"You misunderstood," he said, his tone sharp. "You'll be living here. I'll continue living in my house as always."

-"But... aren't we supposed to live together? You know, like all mates do..."

He deliberately ignored my question and continued speaking as though no further explanation was necessary.

"The rules are as follows:

1. You must spend most of your day in your room. You are not allowed to wander around like a tourist. Meals will be served in the dining room, and if you need anything, you'll ask one of the omegas to bring it to you.

2. You must obey your superiors. Any disobedience will be punished.

3. You must always address me as Alpha, never by my first name, under any circumstances.

4. You are not permitted to leave the pack's premises without permission.

And last but not least:

You must not tell anyone that you are my mate."

I stared at him in disbelief. "You know, this is really not the time for jokes... I'm exhausted," I said, confused.

-"I never joke about pack matters," he replied coldly. "If you have no further questions, you are free to leave."

-"But... but wait a minute," I stammered, completely at a loss for words. What was happening? It felt as though the ground had just been ripped from beneath me!

-"If you have any more questions, our Beta will be glad to answer them and explain the procedures followed here," Maximus said, his tone imposing. "You are dismissed now."

I left his office, my head down, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. Confusion and sadness gripped me. Why was he acting this way? What was wrong? This was absurd! Why didn't he want anyone to know we were mates? Why bring me here if he didn't want me? Was I just supposed to be confined to a room in the packhouse?

-"Maybe he's afraid," my wolf mused.

-"Afraid? Afraid of what?" I wondered aloud.

-"Afraid that someone might hurt you. This is new for him too. He may not know how to handle the situation."

-"I don't know... I don't believe that. He's so powerful and composed."

-"Of course, he is powerful, but he has one weakness."

-"One weakness?" I asked, curious.

-"You're his weakness, Adelina."

-"Oh... I see now."

-"Don't worry about the small things. I can feel it—his wolf definitely wants us."

-"I really hope you're right, and that everything works out in the end. I hope I made the right choice by coming here."