False Expectations

Adelina's pov:

I was jolted awake by a loud banging on my door. Someone was calling my name urgently from the other side.

-"Hold on! Just a second!" I called out, trying to clear the sleep from my head. I quickly jumped out of bed, threw on some clothes, and opened the door. Standing in front of me was a tall, muscular warrior, his expression serious.

-"Beta Chris sent me. We need to go. Follow me," he ordered.

Without another word, I nodded, and he turned to lead me. Outside, a black SUV was waiting, and as soon as I got in, the car pulled away. The driver and the guard beside him didn't say a word, their silence unnerving me. I tried to start a conversation, hoping to find out why I was summoned, but neither man responded. The unease only deepened in my gut. Maybe something had happened to Maximus. I couldn't shake the thought.

Fifteen minutes later, we arrived at the hospital. The guard opened the door for me, and I followed him briskly into the building. My heart pounded in my chest as I climbed the stairs, my thoughts focused solely on Maximus. I reached his room and was about to knock when the door swung open. Chris stood there, motioning for me to come inside.

-"Has his condition worsened?" I asked quickly, my anxiety apparent in my voice.

But instead of an answer, I heard it—a faint whisper. Soft at first, then growing stronger.

-"Adelina... come... closer," a familiar voice beckoned. It was Maximus!

I froze, shocked. "When did he wake up?" I asked Chris, still stunned.

Chris didn't respond immediately, his face a mask of seriousness as he stepped aside to let me through.

-"Adelina..." Maximus repeated, his voice strained but clear.

I moved closer to the bed, unsure of how to approach him. Maximus' hand reached out weakly, and he motioned for me to sit beside him. Hesitantly, I complied, avoiding any direct eye contact. His grip, though faint, was warm. He then gently took my chin between his thumb and fingers, lifting my face to meet his gaze.

-"I want you to look at me," he said, his voice commanding despite the weakness in it. "The things we need to discuss are important, and I need your full attention."

I nodded, my heart racing in my chest. What was this about? He hadn't even mentioned the bond or anything from last night. My mind was racing with possibilities. But then, a part of me prepared for what I thought he might say—the thank you for sitting with him, followed by a dismissal. Perhaps he'd tell me never to bother him again. If that were the case, I'd take the chance to ask if I could return to my old pack. It might be my only shot at being free of this complicated, painful situation.

-"Adelina, it's hard for me to say this..." Maximus began, his hand running through his hair in frustration. He let out a deep sigh before continuing, his voice tinged with regret. "Recent events have made me realize how wrong and unfair I've been to you. Chris told me about the entire night you spent by my side. I know that your presence helped me recover, and I can't thank you enough for that. Despite the way I treated you, you stayed with me. So, after thinking long and hard, I've decided to give you a second chance."

-"A second chance?" I asked, my confusion obvious. "What are you talking about?"

Maximus took a deep breath, his eyes finally meeting mine with determination. "I've decided to accept you as my mate. Tomorrow, I'll announce it to the pack and introduce you as my future Luna. From now on, you will always be by my side, where you should've been from the start."

I was speechless for a moment, my mind reeling from the sudden shift in his tone. "Wait—what? This is your 'second chance'? What makes you think I'll just accept your decision?" I shot back, my voice rising in frustration. "You didn't even ask me! Who the hell do you think you are?"