False Expectations

Maximus' pov:

Two weeks had passed, filled with a whirlwind of meetings and intense discussions with the Council and the other Alphas. Despite the long hours and the pressure of proving my ideas, I couldn't deny the satisfaction I felt. Many of the Alphas embraced my proposals, a crucial step toward my greater goal.

Now, finally back home, I allowed myself a moment to breathe. Yet, as much as I relished being back, I couldn't ignore the emptiness that came with Adelina's absence. She hadn't returned from her old pack yet, and the house felt strangely hollow without her.

The only comfort during this time apart had been our nightly phone calls. Hearing her soft voice say goodnight was the highlight of my day, a lifeline that anchored me. But in the last few days, my grueling schedule had robbed me of even that simple joy. It was maddening. I found myself restless, unable to sleep without the sound of her voice.

And then there was Nicolas. His sudden departure from the conference still bothered me. He'd claimed it was due to health issues, but the excuse rang hollow. Something about it felt calculated, as if he were using it as an opportunity to visit Adelina's old pack. The very idea of him being near her stirred a primal jealousy I could barely suppress. I tried to shake it off, trusting my spies to uncover the truth. Still, I silently prayed my suspicions weren't true—for his sake and mine.

Determined to push these thoughts aside, I decided it was time to call Adelina. Today marked the end of the two-week period I had allowed her, and I needed to know if she planned to return or intended to request an extension.

I picked up my phone and dialed her number. It rang several times, but there was no answer.

Ten minutes later, I tried again. Still nothing.

A strange feeling crept over me as I stared at my phone, her name glowing on the screen. Adelina never ignored my calls. If she missed one, she'd always call back within ten or twenty minutes. This wasn't like her.

Trying to calm the unease building in my chest, I sent her a text: "Adelina, call me as soon as you see this."

An hour passed.

Still no sign of her.

The uneasiness turned into a gnawing worry, and I decided to call one of her guards. When he finally answered, I wasted no time.

-"Where's Adelina?"

"She's in her room, Alpha," the guard replied quickly. "She hasn't left all day. She's likely asleep."

I frowned, my grip tightening on the phone. Something about this didn't sit right. Adelina was a light sleeper and always kept her phone nearby. Why hadn't she called back?

The guard's words failed to ease my growing dread. My instincts told me something was off, but I tried to reason with myself. Maybe she truly was just resting. Maybe the busy days had taken their toll on her too.

But deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Very wrong.

-"What do you mean by probably? Aren't you sure if she's inside?" I shouted, my frustration spilling over.

-"Sir, I'm on the morning shift. The guard from the night shift reported that she was sleeping," he replied nervously.

That made no sense. It was already half past ten in the morning, and Adelina was always an early riser. My instincts screamed that something was wrong.

-"Go check on her—now!" I ordered, my voice sharp as steel.

I stayed on the line, my ears straining to pick up every sound on the other end. I could hear the guard moving, his steps echoing faintly. After a few tense moments, the noises stopped. When he spoke again, his voice was trembling.