In the Abandoned House
Noel stared at Aaron with a confused expression.
Noel: "Then why are we here?"
She glanced around the abandoned house before looking back at him.
Noel: "Alone... in this house?"
She paused.
Noel: "Don't you have a mate?" 🙂
Aaron immediately looked away.
Aaron: "Yeah..."
He hesitated before continuing.
Aaron: "But I need to end the relationship between my wife and my mate." 😐
Noel tilted her head.
Noel: "Huh?"
Noel: "Why?"
She blinked innocently.
Noel: "Aren't those relationships important?" 🙂
Aaron sighed.
Aaron: "You're still new to this world."
He gave her a small smile.
Aaron: "You'll understand these things when you grow up with humans." 😊
Noel fell silent.
For a moment, she simply stared at the floor.
Then, slowly, she looked up at him.
Noel: "Then..."
She hesitated.
Noel: "After you become single..."
Her voice became quieter.
Noel: "Will you take me as your mate?" 😢
Aaron froze.
Noel's eyes were becoming watery, and for the first time since he had met her, she looked genuinely lonely.
Not playful.
Not mischievous.
Just lonely.
Aaron: "What...?" 😶
He stared at her face.
Why is she looking at me like that?
He had seen her laugh, tease people, argue without fear, and behave as though the entire world were her playground.
But he had never seen this expression on her face before.
His gaze softened.
She's... actually beautiful.
Before he could think about the consequences, the answer slipped out of his mouth.
Aaron: "Yeah." 🥰
Silence.
Noel blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then her entire face brightened.
Noel: "Really?"
She practically jumped toward him.
Noel: "THANK YOU, OMEGA!" 😁
Aaron: "Wha—"
HUG!
Noel wrapped her arms around him.
Aaron's mind went completely blank.
❤️❤️❤️
Wait...
What is this feeling?
His heart was beating so loudly that he wondered whether Noel could hear it.
Meanwhile, Noel slowly pulled back.
Her cheeks had turned pink.
Noel (thinking): I don't know why... but I feel strange. 😳
She pressed a hand against her chest.
Why is my heart beating so fast?
Is this another side effect of becoming an Alpha?
Should I ask the doctor?
Aaron noticed her embarrassed expression.
He couldn't help smiling.
Aaron: "..." 🥰
She's really cute.
For a few precious seconds, he forgot about the storm, their investigation, and the mysterious person behind everything.
Then his brain finally decided to wake up.
Aaron: "Wait..."
His smile disappeared.
Aaron: "About the mate thing..."
His eyes widened.
Aaron: "OH NO..." 😶
I MADE A HUGE MISTAKE! 😱
He had promised to become her mate!
Just like that!
Without thinking!
Without considering his complicated relationship with Ashley!
Without even knowing what Noel truly was!
Aaron, you idiot!
YOU'RE THE KING! WHERE IS YOUR BRAIN?!
Unfortunately, his internal screaming did absolutely nothing to solve the situation.
Noel, completely unaware of his mental breakdown, stood up and brushed the dust off her clothes.
Noel: "You sleep here."
She pointed toward the blankets.
Noel: "I'll stay outside." 🥰
Aaron blinked.
Aaron: "Outside?"
Noel nodded seriously.
As an Alpha, I'm supposed to protect my mate.
Higher-ranked wolves often guard their mates from outside.
Therefore, I should stay outside.
Perfect logic.
Unfortunately, her instincts had apparently forgotten one small detail.
Aaron: "Wait, Noel."
He quickly caught her hand.
Noel turned around.
Aaron: "Can't you stay here?"
He looked away, his cheeks growing warm.
Aaron: "I want to..." 😶
He stopped.
I want to what?!
Sleep beside you?
Hug you again?
Or make sure you don't freeze outside in this ridiculous weather?!
Before he could finish explaining himself, Noel tried to turn back toward him.
Unfortunately, her feet tangled beneath her.
Noel: "Ah—!"
Aaron: "What the—?!" 😶
THUD!
They fell onto the floor together.
For several seconds, neither of them moved.
Aaron stared at the ceiling, his mind completely empty.
Noel was right there, close enough for him to feel her warmth.
His heart pounded.
Aaron: "My heart..."
He swallowed.
Aaron: "It's going to explode..." ❤️❤️❤️
He slowly turned his head.
Noel looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes.
Noel: "Are you okay, Omega?" 🙂
How can someone look this innocent after nearly killing me?!
Aaron's face turned bright red.
He quickly looked away, trying to regain his dignity.
But then he noticed something.
Noel's expression had changed again.
She seemed confused, almost embarrassed, as though she couldn't understand why she kept wanting to stay close to him.
Aaron's lips curved into a small smile.
Aaron (thinking): Her wolf side is definitely causing trouble.
He chuckled softly.
Aaron: "Looks like you have some competition."
Noel blinked.
Noel: "Huh? With whom?"
Aaron looked at her, amusement shining in his eyes.
Aaron: "Noel versus her own wolf."
He smiled wider.
Aaron: "And honestly..."
He leaned back against the floor.
Aaron: "This is going to be interesting." 🤭
To be continued...