Chapter 12

Noella’s POV

I rolled on the soggy, warm bed with my eyes closed. I was having a nice dream and, at the same time, deriving pleasure from the bed. It was one of the best I have ever laid on.

I opened my eyes and found my leg across Austin's body with my face zero point one meter closer to his. I totally forgot I slept in his room. Surprisingly, his eyes were refulgent and open.

"Goo, good morning, my lord," I stuttered nervously as I gradually took my leg off of his body.

"Why are you in my chamber and on my bed?" He asked in an irksome tone.

"I... Last night," then the whole event that happened last night rushed like adrenaline into my memory, and I fell shut.

How should I explain to him that he was helpless last night and the only way to save him from getting enchanted by another evil beast was to cuddle him up all night?

I saw him quickly check his chest; by the look in his eyes, he seemed surprised.

"What happened last night?" He asked again, but this time anxiously.

"I couldn't remember fully, but... I began, but the knock from the door made me stop talking.

I jumped out of bed, and Aragon entered the bedroom.

"My Lord, good morning," Aragon said.

"And to you too, Noella." I was shocked as to why he greeted me; it's unlike him.

Leave," he said, and I nodded sheepishly before taking my leave.

I glanced at the room and back at the mysterious-looking Austin before I left entirely.

Austin's POV

I sighed as soon as she left my room and rolled my gaze back at Aragon, who stared at me in surprise.

"My Lord, is everything okay?" he asked me, and I shook my head.

"Funny enough, I can't remember anything that happened last night," I said.

"I wanted to check on you after Noella arrived, but it was already 12:00 AM. I thought she must have gone since you don't allow visitors by that time during the full moon," he explained meticulously in a confused tone.

"I remembered asking her why she wandered around the mansion without my notice, but after that, everything seems blurry." I halt and place my hand on my chest.

"The most surprising thing of it all is that, after the full moon, the beast leaves me with a terrible scar that lasts for two months before dissipation, but this time there is no scar. Not even a scratch." I was so confused, I didn't do anything. Neither is this curse curable.

Does this have something to do with Noella? How come my scar disappeared immediately, as she showed in the picture?

Since birth, this has been my issue and one of the top secrets in my life. I'm always battling with my inner demon and an unforeseen beast. It happens every full moon, and this made my late parents lock me up during full moons so I wouldn't hurt anyone or leak out our family weakness. During the time when I battle with the beast, I become vulnerable and, at the same time, insane.

All these years, I have noticed that after the fight with the unknown beast, it leaves me with a deep scar that lies on my chest and heals on its own within the interval of two months.

Due to work and poor calculation, it happened when Noella was in my room, and after that, everything changed. Was it her presence that changed it, or was the beast left on its own?

Did she suspect anything?

"If she knows too much about this, it will be dangerous. We have to get rid of her." I made a comeback after a few minutes of silence.

"My Lord, she will be in my watchful eyes for these few days. We shouldn't act rashly," he pleaded on her behalf, and I nodded.

"We still need to look into this. This is rare and too surprising," I said cryptically.

"It could be that the beast left because of the presence of someone. Who knows?" He said he was unsure, and I rubbed my forehead.

"At the same time, my lord, you need to be careful these few days in case the beast comes back to complete his last failed mission," he added courteously.

"I will be on check," I said, looking at my chest again. It still surprises me.

Noella's POV

Days rolled by, and I couldn't forget my last night with Austin. I have never seen him that vulnerable and desperate in my life. And since then, he has never called me into his chamber or asked for me. I lived the rest of the days in my boring, isolated chamber with no friends aside from maids who visited to change my wardrobe or inform me of any emergencies.

Slowly, I started feeling empty and craving Austin. I wanted him to call me into his chamber so I could see him, speak with him, and serve him. I don't care if he instructs me to do whatever, but as long as I'm with him, that's the ultimate.

The feelings of revenge and anger towards him started fading; instead, I was beginning to think of my future with him.

But all these times I have been with him, I haven't perceived any mating bond, which clearly means he is not my mate. It is somewhat impossible for a wolf to mate with someone who isn't their real mate; it will only lead to a sad ending.

I continued sighing as I rolled on the bed, my eyes facing the open window, and I saw how beautiful and calm the afternoon weather in the garden was. I started thinking of taking a stroll.

"But Austin warned me never to step out of my room." I ignored my thinking and rushed into the bathroom to change.

It's been almost a month and I haven't been outside; don't I deserve a bit of freedom?

"Austin will understand." I smiled.

××××

In a rainbow colored dress and fluffy footwear, I strolled in the isolated hallway, heading to the garden.

"I heard she's a Beta",

"If so, she matches with our Lord.",

"I heard she spent the night with our Lord some days ago; this is surprising",

"Our lord has never slept overnight with a lady; does this mean our lord now has emotions?",

I overheard the servants discussing intensely; the gossip was so sentimental and good to my ears, so I decided to listen.

"I even heard from Amos that our lord ran off from the central pack meeting only to spend time with Beta Noella",

I heard my name, oh! The gossip is even about me.

Interesting!" I smirked happily.

"But rumor has it that she drugged her cousin only to take her place; don't you think she is a husband snatcher and a mistress?",

The last maid's words provoked me, but I decided not to react so they wouldn't notice me and stop the conversation.

"To me, I think Beta Noella is nice. I mean, she is neither domineering nor evil; she is nice to everyone",

I smiled; her words lighted my heart.

"You won't say that yet; maybe when she turns to the real madam, she will change",

"What are you saying? Isn't she the madam already? Or is there any other woman of our Lord in this mansion?",

The maid defended me firmly, and I was happy.

I continued walking down the path because if I followed the enjoyment in their gossip, I might end up listening to them till dawn.

I entered the garden. What a beautiful sight to behold! There were different species of flowers and green, fluffy carpet grass, and the air was fresh.

I exhaled in relief with my eyes rolling around each beautiful flower. I have never felt this free and happier in my life.

I strolled further and caught sight of a little sit-out garden tent, but there were people in it.

It seems like a meeting in the garden over tea.

There was Austin and other unfamiliar masculine figures, with Beta Aragon standing guard.

"How did I get here?" I muttered frantically to myself as I slowly stepped backward.

Unfortunately, I stepped on a stick, which made a very loud sound. It attracted their attention.

"Oh no!" I couldn't face forward due to embarrassment and fear.

Austin won't only scold me; he will deal with me in front of visitors without having respect for me as his slave.

"Come here!" Beta Aragon called me out.

I resisted and was a bit reluctant to go over there.

"Did you hear him? Come over!" The voice of the man I hate the most and yet can't disobey called me out.

"I'm coming." With my eyes on the ground and my fingers twirling the edge of my dress, I strolled to the garden tent.

"What are you doing here, and why are you here?" He questioned in ire, holding a glare filled with disdain.