Chapter 13: 13. Whispers of Rebellion and Forbidden Desires The moment Bernard ended the call, he leaned back in his seat, exhaling sharply. His gaze drifted across the vast hall where he sat, an enormous space, yet eerily empty.
Dust clung to the ancient walls, the once-glorious designs now faded, mere shadows of their former grandeur.
It was a place that had once echoed with power and prestige, but now, it stood as nothing more than a forgotten relic of the past.
Bernard’s fingers curled into fists as his thoughts grew darker.
"I will not be a weak Alpha. I won’t sit idly while others act on my behalf. I will make my own moves... And I promise, this place will return to its former glory... its name feared and respected once again." With a newfound resolve, he rose from his seat, his sharp gaze sweeping across the hall. He took slow, deliberate steps, letting his fingers brush against the cold, decaying walls.
Five minutes passed before he decided to leave. Just as he reached the entrance, his phone rang, freezing him in place.
He glanced at the screen. Mother. Bringing the device to his ear, he answered in a composed tone; "Hello, Mother... Good afternoon."
"I need to see you immediately," Victoria’s voice came through, firm yet laced with urgency. "Return home at once."
"Understood. I’ll be there soon."
He ended the call and stepped out of the hall without a second glance...
***
At the College, Maria remained seated beside James, listening as he spoke with a sincerity that was both captivating and dangerous.
"I’ve admired you for so long, Maria," James admitted. "I wanted to tell you before, but I didn’t know how you’d react."
Maria’s eyes narrowed slightly. She had heard similar words before, but coming from James... it felt different.
"James, you know I am Bernard’s chosen mate," she said carefully, locking eyes with him. "You don’t want to make your pack a rival of the Blue Moon pack because of this."
James met her gaze without hesitation.
"I don’t care about the consequences, Maria. If having you in my life means going to war, then so be it." His voice was unwavering. "I’d rather fight than live without you."
Maria’s heart pounded at his words. He was confident, determined... traits she found dangerously appealing. But she knew better.
"James, you’re the future Alpha of your pack," she reminded him, her voice carrying a firm edge. "Are you telling me you don’t already have a chosen mate?"
"I do." He exhaled slowly.
Maria raised a brow, expecting that to be the end of the conversation.
"But in my pack," James continued, "we don’t force things upon ourselves. The girl chosen for me and I, we feel nothing for each other. We made it clear to our people. No one is forcing us to accept a bond we don’t want."
Maria hesitated. He was making it difficult for her to ignore the emotions stirring within her.
"Just give me a chance," James pleaded. "Be my woman, and I promise, you will never regret it."
noveldrama Her chest tightened at his words. If things had been different... if she were free to make her own choices... But she wasn’t.
She forced herself to take a deep breath.
"James, the way we do things in my pack is different," she said, lowering her gaze briefly. "Bernard and I... it’s complicated. You wouldn’t understand."
James studied her expression carefully.
"The best I can offer you," she continued, "is friendship. That’s all."
A flicker of disappointment crossed his face, but after a moment, he nodded.
"Then I’ll take it," he said softly.
A small, almost sad smile formed on Maria’s lips as they exchanged a handshake.
James walked her back to where Cassandra and Laura were waiting. As they walked, she found herself lost in thought.
’James is understanding... kind... and undeniably handsome.’ A wistful sigh escaped her lips.
"If only I could turn back time and be free to choose for myself... But I won’t stop fighting for my freedom." As they reached her friends, James gave them a casual wave before departing.
Cassandra immediately leaned in. "So? What happened?"
Before Maria could answer, a voice interrupted them.
"The driver is waiting for you outside."
Maria turned in surprise, spotting a young pack member out of breath from running. She quickly glanced back at her friends.
"We’ll talk tomorrow! Love you both!" she called, dashing off.