Chapter 146 Celebration (1)
Aelira’s POV
OPSY
As the door to the private room next to ours opens, the group of colleagues who had been laughing and playing suddenly falls silent. The cheerful banter fades instantly, as though someone has turned off the sound.
A nervous voice murmurs, “Alpha Daelor has arrived.”
Another colleague repeats his name, awe evident in their tone.
Catching these hushed remarks, I glance instinctively at Daelor beside me. His commanding Alpha aura immediately dominates the room, making the atmosphere feel heavier.
At that moment, I finally grasp what he meant earlier when he said, “If I’m not here, they’re more at ease.” He was completely right–the presence of any Alpha King transforms the mood of an entire room in an instant.
Within me, my wolf utters a soft whine, sensing the tension radiating from everyone nearby.
Jastor Halden rises from his seat and waves me over, indicating an empty chair next to him with a welcoming gesture.
“Aelira! Come join us over here!” he calls out, his voice friendly and inviting.
Before I can respond, Daelor’s firm grasp captures my hand, drawing me back to his side with gentle insistence.
“We’ll stay here,” he declares with calm authority, guiding me toward a small table set apart from the others.
His fingers remain entwined with mine as we sit down, warmth spreading through me even as embarrassment creeps in.
Around us, colleagues exchange looks filled with obvious curiosity and unspoken gossip. The scents of their different packs shift in the air, reflecting their surprise at this unexpected situation.
Quickly, I pull my hand out of Daelor’s, my cheeks flushing as I realize everyone is watching us.
Trying to hide my discomfort, I turn to Willy–a senior herbalist seated nearby–and ask, “How’s the venison tonight?”
“It’s very good, nice and tender,” she answers, though her eyes keep flickering between Daelor and me, her curiosity plain
to see.
My wolf lets out another soft whimper, overwhelmed by the strength of Daelor’s Alpha scent that seems to envelop me protectively, even as I attempt to keep my distance.
Yet Daelor remains completely unfazed by my embarrassment, continuing to look after me with unwavering attention.
He places a perfectly grilled piece of venison on my plate. “You should try this,” he suggests. “It’s done just right.”
I glance down at the meat, feeling my face grow hotter, “Daelor, you really don’t have to=”
He cuts me off gently. “Didn’t you mention you were hungry earlier? You need to eat now,” his every move radiating protectiveness
He keeps offering me different dishes, as though I can’t manage on my own. “This herb salad is ideal for pregnant she wolves. And the moon berry sauce is packed with nutrients.”
No matter how politely I try to keep some space between us and avoid fueling any attentiveness doesn’t waver.
rumors among my peers, Daelor’s
He continues serving me one dish after another, as if worried I’ll go hungry, his authoritative presence leaving no room for anyone to object or intervene.
Jastor Halden shifts uneasily, his earlier friendliness now replaced by apprehension in the face of Daelor’s dominance.
The rest of my colleagues begin to whisper nervously among themselves, all traces of their previous relaxed celebration
now gone
The mood in the room slowly grows more strained under the force of Daelor’s powerful Alpha presence. Even those pack members who are usually self–assured seem to sink lower into their chairs
< Chapter 146 Celebration (1)
One coworker, summoning courage, speaks up with some uncertainty. “Alpha Daelor,” she begins, “would you care to try the karaoke? We have a state–of–the–art sound system…”
Daelor, still focused unwaveringly on me, declines with courteous but unmistakable firmness. “No, thank you. I’d rather make sure Aelira is eating well”
An awkward hush settles across everyone, thick and stifling. I sense my coworkers‘ unease drifting through the air, their shifting scents betraying their discomfort.
Surveying the lavish private room, I feel frustrated that it’s being wasted on silent dining and drinking, while much of the entertainment remains untouched. I decide to gently prod Daelor to take his leave.
“It’s getting pretty late, isn’t it?” I remark in an offhand tone, glancing at my watch. “Isn’t your company still handling urgent business?”
Daelor lifts his own watch, offering a faint smile. Its digital face glows with the time–seven in the evening.
“It’s only seven,” he points out, his tone reasonable. “Even the most diligent werewolves have finished their pack duties by
now.”
My subtle attempt to hint at leaving has completely misfired. Even the colleagues who often stay late at work would have clocked out at this hour.
Frantically searching for another tactful way to encourage Daelor to go so the others can resume their celebration, I’m caught off guard when he suddenly bends close to my ear.
His unique cedar fragrance envelops my keen wolf senses, my heart speeding up as his warm breath brushes my skin.
“Are you finished eating?” he murmurs, his voice so soft that only I catch the words.
The intimate gesture sends a chill through me, my face growing even warmer. Some coworkers pretend not to notice, but I see a few casting sidelong glances our way.
I nod quickly, worried that my voice might tremble if I try to answer aloud.
“That’s good,” he says, still so close his lips nearly graze my ear.
Once he’s sure that we’re both done with our meal, Daelor rises smoothly and addresses the group with easy Alphal authority.
