Chapter 120 Warning
Aelira’s POV
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I clamp my lips together tightly as the server delivers our expertly cooked venison steaks. Their mouthwatering aroma fills the private dining space, but I’ve completely lost my hunger.
Beneath the table, I quickly nudge Daelor’s leg with my foot, urgently trying to signal to him to reject my aunt’s outrageous proposal about hiring Maria.
Much to my dismay, Daelor appears utterly oblivious to my urgent hints.
“That’s an intriguing offer,” Daelor replies, sounding genuinely contemplative and ignoring my frantic tactics under the table. “Maria is welcome to send her resume to Nightshade Security’s HR department.”
My jaw drops in disbelief. Has he lost his mind?
I discreetly tug at his sleeve, hoping to get his attention and make him reconsider.
Unexpectedly, Daelor catches my hand, lacing his fingers through mine beneath the tablecloth.
The warmth of his grasp sends my heart into a wild rhythm. I can feel my wolf stirring beneath my skin, responding fiercely
to his touch.
Our hands remain entwined, his hold both shielding and unmistakably possessive. The sensation makes me break out in a
nervous sweat.
I’m petrified that my ever–watchful aunt will notice our secret hand–holding and jump to conclusions.
“Aelira, darling, you haven’t even touched your steak,” Aunt Betty’s voice slices through my anxiety. “Is your appetite gone
tonight?”
All eyes swing toward me at once, leaving me feeling exposed and cornered.
Desperate, I grip Daelor’s finger tightly, hoping the pain will catch his attention and force him to let go of my hand.
The sudden discomfort causes him to inhale sharply. His gaze flickers with surprise and, for an instant, a hint of
amusement.
Uncle Rulian, noticing, speaks with concern, “Alpha Daelor, is everything alright?”
Everyone in the room immediately turns toward Daelor, drawn by the sound of his quick breath.
He calmly massages his finger and offers a sheepish smile. “I just scraped myself on the table’s edge. It’s nothing
serious.”
His excuse sounds perfectly natural and convincing. I offer him a look of gratitude.
As dinner continues, Aunt Betty remains determined in her attempts to pair Maria with Daelor
“Maria finished at Northfang University with honors,” she brags. “She’s always been diligent and dependable.”
“Mom, please,” Maria responds, cheeks flushing prettily, fully playing her part.
Daelor listens to all the hints without ever directly responding. He maintains his unruffled Alpha composure, though I notice subtle signs that his patience is wearing thin
After a while, Aunt Betty’s attention shifts to me, and I sense her scrutiny.
“Aelira, since Daelor is still single, do you know if there’s anyone he’s interested in?” she asks, pretending nonchalance.
My eyes lock with Daelor’s across the table. A strange current of emotion passes between us, but it fades just as swiftly.
“I do have
e someone in mind,” Daelor says, his deep voice carrying shades of meaning that elude me.
His answer catches me off guard. My wolf stirs with a sudden, uneasy feeling.
“Oh really?” Aunt Betty’s eyes sparkle with curiosity. “Then why aren’t you two together? Maybe the she–wolf doesn’t feel
<Chapter 120 Warning
the same way?”
Her words cross a line, and I feel uncomfortable.
“Aunt Betty, that’s really not our concern,” I say, my voice steady and firm.
However, Daelor responds with a gentle, sad smile. “That’s exactly it. She doesn’t seem to share my feelings.”
My thoughts immediately jump to Sandra Leyric, Dr. Nyven Leyric’s impressive sister–the only woman rumored to be connected to Daelor.
A wave of sadness washes over me. The idea that someone might not value Daelor’s worth makes my wolf let out a soft
whimper.
After dinner ends, Daelor drives us back to Myrthale Residences in his high–end SUV.
The journey is filled with Aunt Betty’s persistent praise about how Maria would make an excellent assistant.
Once my family exits the car and makes their way toward the elevator, I stay behind for a moment.
“Daelor, wait,” I call.
He lowers his window, eyes filled with curiosity. “Yes?”
“I want to know why you agreed to my aunt’s suggestion about Maria becoming your assistant,” I say, unable to hide my frustration. “I was signaling you under the table to refuse.”
Daelor tilts his head, feigning innocent Alpha confidence. “Was I supposed to pick up on those signals?”
His apparent cluelessness pushes my patience to the limit.
“My aunt is obviously trying to match you with Maria!” I protest, exasperated. “Didn’t you notice?”
A playful gleam appears in Daelor’s eyes. He leans closer, voice dropping to a teasing murmur.
“Oh? Are you jealous?”
A sudden jolt runs through my chest. Instantly, my wolf reacts to the teasing edge in his tone.
“I… absolutely not!” I blurt out, feeling my face flush hot. “I only wanted you to know what she’s really after.”
No matter how hard I try to hide it, my humiliation is unmistakable.
Daelor lets out a gentle laugh, the low sound sending a chill over my skin.
“Aelira, I couldn’t openly turn your aunt down without putting you on the spot in front of your family,” he calmly explains. “That would have made things awkward for everyone.”
His explanation is logical, yet I’m still left feeling unsettled.
“So why did you agree to look into hiring Maria?”
“I simply said I’d accept her resume,” he answers, a sly grin on his lips. “Nightshade Security’s HR team will take over from there. If she’s not truly qualified, it’s not my personal decision to make.”
A wave of relief washes over me. At last, I grasp the careful strategy and hidden motives behind his actions.
“You’d thought it all out,” I say, grudging respect creeping into my voice.
“I make a habit of staying a few moves ahead,” he replies, his tone brimming with self–assurance.
Deelor leans in closer to the car window, his commanding Alpha presence nearly enveloping me in the shadowy glow of the underground garage.
The unique mix of cedar and moonlight that marks his scent overwhelms my sensitive wolf senses, leaving me a little lightheaded.
“On the topic of preparation,” he says with a trademark smirk, “you still owe me a favor for my involvement in the pack servant case.”
< Chapter 120 Warning
I blink, thinking back to the way he tracked down the witness from the territorial event.
“What exactly do you want in exchange?” I ask, all seriousness now.
A glint of mischief sparks in Daelor’s eyes. “I’d like you to come somewhere with me tomorrow.”
“Where are we going?” I push for details.
“That’s for me to know,” he answers, keeping the secret despite my questioning look.
I roll my eyes at his secretive attitude. “You’re not planning to trade me to another pack, right?”
“I swear, you’re safe with me,” he chuckles, his laughter genuine and warm.
“That’s a relief,” I admit, my wolf unexpectedly at ease with the idea of trusting this formidable Alpha.
When I step inside my apartment, Aunt Betty greets me at once, practically vibrating with anticipation
“Aelira! You’re just in time,” she exclaims, barely able to contain her excitement. “Tell me honestly what you think of Daelor and Maria together.”
I can only sigh inwardly, already resigned to where this conversation is headed.
“What are you getting at, Aunt Betty?”
“Don’t you believe they’d make an ideal couple?” she presses, her eyes alight. “I could sense a spark between them at dinner.”
I seriously doubt she noticed any real chemistry, but I choose to keep quiet for now.
Without waiting for my answer, Aunt Betty launches into a lengthy assessment.
“Daelor’s experience makes him the best possible match for Maria,” she proclaims with certainty. “Older Alpha males are always more caring and attentive to their mates.”
“Aunt Betty-“I attempt to cut in.
But she barrels on, swept up in her matchmaking daydreams.
“And Maria’s youth and loveliness are exactly what would draw an unattached Alpha like him. She’s the classic young. unspoiled she–wolf that dominant Alphas naturally want.”
My wolf reacts with agitation to what’s being suggested, though I can’t quite pinpoint the reason.
“Besides, picture all the benefits for our family!” Aunt Betty’s gaze sparkles, with a cold, strategic glint. “Being linked to the Nightshade Pack would raise everyone’s standing.”
“You really need to slow things down,” I state, my tone resolute. “You’re running far ahead of reality.”
“Aelira, I want you to support their possible romance,” she presses on, blatantly disregarding my objection.
She lowers her voice, turning her words into a secretive murmur.
“If you’re able to help them become mates, I’ll reward you generously in cash. Just imagine–it could be a nest egg for your pup!”
I gape at my aunt, utterly stunned. Her transactional approach to matchmaking leaves me at a loss for words.
The tangled emotions churning inside are impossible to untangle. The mere idea of Maria with Daelor makes my stomach knot with anxiety.
