Nicholas’s POV
By the time Celeste arrived, Danica was already gone.
I sat in my chamber, running a hand through my hair as I tried to gather my thoughts. I needed to figure out the best way to tell Celeste to leave and never come back, but the words weren’t coming.
The door creaked open, and there she stood, draped in a provocative silk dress that clung to her curves. Her lips curled into a sultry smile as she stepped forward.
“Nicholas,” she purred, her voice dripping with seduction. “You left me waiting too long.”
I exhaled sharply and turned away. “Leave, Celeste. I’m not in the mood.”
She let out a soft chuckle and slinked toward me. “Oh, I can help with that,” she whispered, pressing a hand against my chest. “You used to love when I—”
I slapped her hand away before she could finish. “I said leave.” My voice was cold, firm, and final.
Celeste froze. Her eyes searched my face, studying me with an intensity that made my muscles tense. A flicker of realization crossed her features. “Something’s different,” she said, tilting her head. “What is it?”
I turned away. “Nothing.”
She scoffed. “Nothing?” Her voice held a sharp edge now. “I traveled all the way here for nothing?”
I clenched my jaw. “I didn’t ask you to come.”
She let out a bitter laugh and crossed her arms. “Right. Of course. The great Alpha Nicholas suddenly has no need for me.” She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Then, a slow, knowing smile spread across her lips. “Unless… this has something to do with that rumor I’ve been hearing.”
My head snapped up.
“What rumor?” I asked, my voice dangerously low.
Celeste smirked. “Who is she?”
I stared at her, not answering.
She took a step closer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “I heard what happened the night Alpha Kendrick was here. At first, I thought you were just being territorial because Kendrick is a pest, but now…” She trailed off, watching me closely. “Now I think the rumors are true after all.”
I stayed silent, unwilling to give her more than she already suspected.
Celeste let out a dramatic sigh and placed a hand on her hip. “So, tell me, my Alpha. Who is she? What girl is taking all your attention?”
I don’t know why I let my guard down for a moment. Maybe it was because Celeste always carried herself with a confidence that made it seem like nothing could shake her. Or maybe I just needed to say it out loud, to admit it to someone.
The words left my mouth before I could stop them. “I found my mate.”
The room fell silent.
Celeste’s body went rigid. Her playful smirk disappeared, replaced by something darker. “Your mate?” she repeated, her voice hollow.
I nodded.
For the first time, I saw genuine anger flash in her eyes. “Who is she?”
I didn’t answer.
Celeste stepped forward, her hands curling into fists. “What about me, Nicholas?” Her voice cracked slightly, a mix of rage and something else, something close to desperation.
She held my gaze, waiting for an answer I wasn’t sure I could give.