Chapter 144 Take Responsibility for Me (1)
Aelira’s POV
I am utterly at a loss for words when faced with Daelor’s clever retorts, unable to keep up with his quick and skillful remarks, no matter how much effort I put in. My inner wolf whines quietly, subdued by his dominant Alpha energy that seems to saturate every inch of this secluded space.
His reasoning is flawless, each point constructed with such precision that every attempt I make to challenge him is met with another deft reply, leaving me flustered and unable to respond.
Eventually, I fall silent and sulk, frustration simmering beneath the surface, and that’s when Daelor’s lips curve into that heart–stopping grin that always makes my pulse race.
“Aelira,” he murmurs, his voice magnetic as he leans in, close enough that I sense his breath brushing against my sending shivers through me. “Why do you refuse to claim responsibility for me, hmm?”
skin.
He finishes his question with a lilting tone that is impossibly alluring. His silver–gray eyes sparkle with playful intent, but beneath that teasing look, I glimpse something more profound.
A flicker of vulnerability.
Though he maintains his self–assured smile, there’s a soft ache in his tone as he quietly asks, “Do you really dislike me that
much?”
I
The ache in those simple words hits me like a physical blow, and I instinctively shake my head, eager to dispel the notion. “No, I don’t dislike you,” I reply in a rush, desperate to make sure he doesn’t believe such a terrible thing.
In an instant, Daelor’s face lights up, as if sunlight has broken through a gloomy sky.
“So you do like me,” he says with clear delight, and I catch the hopeful shift in his Alpha scent..
Before I have a chance to argue or explain, Daelor closes the distance between us, his commanding presence wrapping around me on all sides.
“But I like you,” he admits without hesitation, his tone dropping to that deep, rough whisper that sends tingles across my
skin.
He lowers himself to meet my eyes directly, his Alpha aura settling around me like comforting warmth. The intensity in his gaze has my cheeks burning with embarrassment.
I attempt to avert my eyes, to escape the flood of feeling in those silver–gray depths, but he refuses to let me pull away. “You’re my fated mate,” he says, his words raw and genuine, stealing the air from my lungs. “I love your eyes, your nose, your lips… every part of you.”
This confession is nothing like the authoritative and sometimes prideful Alpha King I have come to know. Daelor never usually voices such tender words, never exposes this softer side of himself.
Yet now, his stare is so earnest and profound, his emotions on the verge of overflowing, that my heart races uncontrollably and my wolf shifts restlessly beneath my skin.
“Daelor…” I whisper, overwhelmed by the force of his admission
Even as his words fill me with a glowing warmth, reality crashes in with brutal clarity. The chasm between our statuses slams back into focus–he, the Alpha King; I, a disgraced mate, carrying a child whose sire is a mystery.
The spell of romance shatters as I instinctively turn away from his intense gaze.
“We’re worlds apart,” I murmur, the truth sharp and bitter on my tongue. “You’re the Alpha King, and I’m…”
Before I can finish, Daelor gently but insistently turns my face back to his with his steady hand. Our eyes lock once more, and I can hear the frantic beat of my own heart.
“Don’t,” he says, his voice resolute. “Don’t belittle yourself.”
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Chapter 144 Take Responsibility for Me (1)
He speaks with absolute sincerity, the commanding aura of his Alpha status softening into gentle warmth.
“Aelira, it’s rare in this life to encounter someone who truly captures your heart.” The weight of solitude and years of yearning is woven into his words. “I once believed I’d never get to reveal what I felt for you, but the moon goddess has shown me kindness, and I’m lucky enough to stand here now.”
His confession fills my heart with a bittersweet ache–honeyed sweetness mingled with the sting of a blade. Deep inside. my wolf–expectant and aware–responds to the honest call of his Alpha nature, recognizing its depth.
“When you bonded with Alarion, I thought I’d lost my opportunity forever,” he goes on, emotion thickening his voice. “Watching you with him each day felt unbearable.”
Tears gather in my eyes as I imagine the suffering he endured through all those years.
Daelor regards me intently, searching my face, then urges me softly but firmly.
“Do you have feelings for me as well, Aelira?” he asks, his tone hushed and gentle, brushing aside my tangled hair with a tender touch. His gaze is deep, filled with both hope and vulnerability. “Please, be honest with me.”
I don’t answer right away, emotion tightening my throat. The simple truth is that I do care for him–more than I can admit. He is my fated mate, a second chance I never dreamed I’d receive.
Yet being with Alarion before had nearly shattered me. The betrayal, the endless heartbreak, and the sense of never being enough had drained all my courage.
Even so, Daelor is nothing like Alarion. In every respect, he is better–steadfast in his devotion, pure in his emotions, genuinely concerned for my happiness.
Still, the more perfect Daelor appears, the more unworthy I feel in comparison. I am undeserving of such an extraordinary Alpha King, especially while carrying another’s child.
“I’m not enough for you,” I murmur, my voice trembling.
Daelor seems to see straight through me, understanding instantly, His features soften with empathy.
“There’s nothing to fear,” he reassures me, cradling my face in his strong, gentle hands. “You can trust me. I won’t ever bring you pain.”
He gives my fingers a gentle squeeze, his touch spreading warmth through me.
“I understand every concern you carry,” he says, his Alpha strength now radiating pure kindness. “If your trust isn’t ready” yet, that’s alright–give it time. I’ll take care of everything.”
He speaks with unwavering certainty, as if he could overcome any obstacle to make us possible.
I nearly let my refusal slip out, the words poised on my lips–but something holds them back. In his presence, my wolf is unexpectedly peaceful, sensing safety and truth in this Alpha.
“I just need some time, I reply softly.
Noting that I haven’t turned him away, Daelor’s entire face lights up with a radiant smile, transforming him. Joy seems to flow through him as he takes my hand.
“Come on,” he says, his energy renewed. “Let’s head to the company celebration.”
As Daelor heads for the door leading to the next private room, a sudden realization jolts me, and I clutch his arm in alarm.
“Wait!” I exclaim, pointing awkwardly at his face. “The handprints!”
The imprint of my earlier slap remains vivid on his cheek, even though his Alpha healing is gradually erasing it. Red marks
the shape of fingers blaze brightly against his skin.
