Max let out an exasperated growl. Who dared to interrupt him? He was going to rip them apart if they didn't make themselves scarce right away.
"Max? Are you in there?" From the other side, a female voice called.
Fuck. The wolf within him howled angrily, but he recognised Natasha's voice.
"Max. If you are in, get the hell out. It is urgent." He was perplexed and angry as he looked at the door. He couldn't take his rage out on her, but all he wanted was to stay with Kylie. Kylie squirmed under his grip and twisted to the side, looking up at him.
"Who is there?" She gave him a curious look as she whispered.
"Natasha." Sighing deeply, he looked down at her with longing. "I need to see what she wants."
When she opened her eyes, he had suddenly vanished and was rolling off the bed and towards the door, leaving her speechless and perplexed. How many men had she slept with? What was she going to say? That she really couldn't recall? For goodness' sake, what did he expect—she was a stripper? Maybe he really wanted a virgin mate and would leave her if he found out. Damm! Just as she fell in love with Max. She learned he would turn her down. She reached for a pillow and placed it over her face.
Max stepped out into the corridor, closing the door behind him, and Natasha took a step back to give him space. She was a head shorter than him, but she was one of the most capable people he'd ever met. "What is it?"
"Come on, Max." She guided him out of the room by wrapping her arm around his. For a few moments, they walked in companionable silence until they arrived at the rooftop garden, where she perched on the balcony railing and Max sat on the bench.
"You know I'm overjoyed that you've found your soulmate, don't you?"
She began by smiling warmly at him. "However, having said that..." She puffed out her cheeks and pretended to be embarrassed before continuing. "I'm concerned about Cayden. He spent another night with Selena."
Max was taken aback. Anger erupted within him like a raging torrent. "Is that why you summoned me here? To gossip about Cayden?" Natasha made a disarming gesture with her hands up.
"Excuse me, Max. You're a nice guy. You've always been sharp and perceptive. I'm just asking you to believe me. Selena is up to no good."
Max rubbed his tired eyes.
"I know you've always loved Cayden, but I think it's time to let him go, Natasha. Your jealousy will only harm him and the pack," he stated.
Oh, shut up, Max! I am not jealous. I believe Selena will betray Cayden," Natasha said, her gaze locked on Max's.
"What?" Max was visibly taken aback. "What makes you think that?"
"I don't want to say too much," Natasha said. "I've been watching her for a while now, and I've seen signs she's planning something."
Max was sceptical. "Are you certain you're not overthinking things?"
"I'm sure," Natasha stated emphatically. "I have my reasons. But the problem is that Cayden will not believe me, but he will listen to you."
"What exactly do you want me to do?" Max inquired, his arms folded. The best way to get rid of her was to humour her.
"She works together with Hawk and her brother. I'm aware of it."
"Neither her father nor her brother have anything to do with Selena." He got up from his seat and began pacing agitatedly. "She despises them just as much as you do."
Natasha slid down from her perch and approached him, holding his face in her hands. "Max, I believe you. But if they blackmail her, she will easily give in. I can sense dark magic all around her."
"What?" Max was taken aback by her words. "Are you a witch or what?" he exclaimed.
She shook her head, sad, and moved her hand away from his face. "I can't explain it; I just know." "When I was a prisoner under Hawk, that place was filled with darkness, and I could always detect traces of magic. I could feel it. I'm not sure how I'm going to do it now that my entire family is gone, but I just know."
"How come you never told us before?"
"It wasn't anything major. But I can't let it go because Cayden is involved. ,"
Max gave a nod. Natasha may be envious of Selena, but she would do nothing to harm Cayden. Sometimes Max felt sorry for Natasha and her insane devotion to Cayden.
"OK, what do you want me to do?"
"Nothing for the time being, because I am still gathering evidence. But monitor Selena and don't blindly trust her."
Natasha was thoughtful for a while, then she bent her head towards Cayden and asked.
"Who are all aware of tomorrow's attack?"
Max tensed up. "Except for the betas, no one is aware of it. Even the warriors are unaware. They will be informed shortly before we depart." Natasha cast a thoughtful glance down.
"No, I have a feeling something will go wrong. I need to talk to Cayden right now."
"What are you going to tell him?" Max was perplexed. "To change the plan. We will not launch an attack tomorrow. We will launch an attack today." She hooked her arm around his and led him down the hall to the elevator.
*******************
When the door shut behind Max, Kylie rolled onto her back and glared daggers at it. She was now hopelessly horny and dissatisfied. His question had irritated her. Burying her face in her pillow, she let out a frustrated scream that bordered on a moan. A few moments later, there was another knock on the door, this time more tentative. It was now Kylie's turn to roll out of bed, adjust her dress, and open the door. Selena stood in the corridor, her face solemn, and she gave Kylie an uncertain smile.
"Hey. I just wanted to check in on you." Kylie peered out the door and looked left and right, but there was no sign of Max.
"I'm fine," she replied.
"May I enter?" Selena inquired. Kylie looked around. "Sure. Why not, since my previous engagement appears to have fallen through?"
"Yay!" Selena perked up exaggeratedly. She entered the room and gazed at the shambled-up bed.
"I apologise for that." Kylie admitted sheepishly.
"It's okay. I'm used to seeing a lot more because I'm a wolf." Selena laughed.
"So, what brought you here?" Kylie inquired, pushing a bed cushion towards the chair.
"I shouldn't be alone. I mean, I didn't want to be alone, so I came here. Max will be gone for a while."
Kylie arched her brow. "How did you find out?"
"Cayden called him for something," Salena elaborated.
Kylie noticed Selena was agitated. She was calm, but there was fear in her eyes.
"I don't know much about humans because I grew up in a very sheltered environment. May I ask you a few questions?" Selena inquired.
"Of course," Kylie replied. "Have a seat, please." Selena smiled and took a seat next to Kylie.