Kapitel 5: The Rogue
Matteo’s POV
‘I’ve seen her before.’ The nagging at the back of my head became stronger when the lady stood close.
Other than the recognition, something else was bothering me. It was very faint, but I was sure my inner wolf was trying to tell me something.
A hand gently brushed my skin, jerking me from musing after the mysterious woman left with my fiancé’s mother.
“I’ll come back later, baby,” Elsie whispered in my ear, her hot breath touching my skin. It triggered my manly cravings. But something didn’t feel right.
She left with a quick peck on my cheek. Usually, that was enough to make me lose my mind. However, the mysterious woman kept tormenting me.
Instead of saying goodbye, I squeezed her arm and said, “Alright, see you.”
“Excuse us, Matteo. We have some family matters to attend to. I hope you don’t mind.”
Richard, the Alpha of the Silver Crescent pack, patted my shoulders. I inclined my head and offered a tight smile.
“Of course. And I’m happy that you found your missing daughter.”
“Thank you. I am too. Let’s have a family dinner soon.”
I exchanged polite farewells with my soon-to-be father-in-law, watching him leave to join the rest of their family.
The unexpected announcement brought forth several whispered conversations. I was musing about their curiosity and mine.
“Leila,” I muttered, testing how her name would roll off my tongue.
I have heard that name before. My subconscious told me this wasn’t the first time I had uttered her name.
But my memory was not as sharp when it came to her. The more I thought about her, my curiosity peaked.
“Alpha,” a familiar voice approached, pulling me out of the danger of drowning in my thoughts. I turned in the direction where the voice came from and found my trusted beta, Oliver.
Oliver was not just a beta but he was one of the people I considered a friend. He and I had known each other since we were a pup. He was the only one whom I could truly trust without worrying of being stabbed in the back.
He lowered his head in greeting. His dark hair was neatly pulled back and the formal attire made him look decent. Two champagne flutes were in his hand. I reached for one, urging him to join me as we left the crowd to talk somewhere private.
Oliver led the way without needing words, parting the crowd as we walked past. I followed him, subtly ignoring the ogling stares.
Most wolves around knew not to block the way or try to pull me aside for matters that didn’t concern the pack or me.
A brief chit-chat was a privilege for those who knew me on that particular level.
Crisp, cold night air touched and soothed my skin when Oliver opened the door that led to a patio. There was a table with a flower vase and chairs on display. An array of flowers and plants were arranged in the surroundings to add to its aesthetics.
I brought the glass close to my nose, inhaling the elegant aroma of the liquor. I closed my eyes and smiled.
“I enjoy attending these parties for this.” I raised the glass, meaning to have a toast with Oliver. It would give the curious audience peering from inside something to watch.
The glass walls and doors didn’t hide us, but at the very least, they gave us a bit of privacy. That was all I needed.
“This weather makes me want to enjoy a bottle of this fine wine and sit in front of the fireplace while reading a good book. If not, I’d be sleeping soundly.”
“That would be a wonderful experience, Alpha.”
“Indeed.” I clicked my tongue. Oliver clinked his glass against mine.
“For your upcoming marriage.”
I snorted, shaking my head but toasting with him anyway. I indulged in the drink, finishing the rest in three gulps.
When I was done, a satisfied burp exhaled through my mouth. I patted my belly and smiled at Oliver.
“An excellent drink with a splendid company is rewarding,” I remarked. Oliver nodded, agreeing with my statement almost immediately. “I have a question for you, Oliver.”
“I’ll try my best to answer it, Alpha.”
I chuckled, glancing at the ongoing festivities inside.
“Do you have any information about Richard’s other daughter?”
Oliver made a sound between a gasp and a choke. I turned to him. His surprised expression got me even more curious now. There was something strangely familiar about this Leila.
Even her name rang a bell.
“As far as I know, Alpha Richard has been looking for her, visiting every orphanage and district in search of the only daughter he has with his mate. As for the daughter herself, I have no detailed information yet. However, Alpha, do you not remember?”
I frowned, my eyes narrowing at Oliver’s inquisition.
“Care to elaborate?”
“Red-light district? Ring a bell?”
I pursed my lips, willing my mind to search for her in my memories.
“I remember you telling me about an incredible woman you met. She was not like the others. But you couldn’t remember her name. You were too drunk.”
I licked my lips, trying harder to recall. Like a light bulb coming to life, the memories of the red-light district came to me.
“That was her?” I asked in disbelief, unable to fully paint the picture. But for some reason, my skin tingled with excitement. I don’t remember much of what happened, but the way she made me feel was on a whole different level.
I scoffed.
“That was her,” I repeated, removing the question mark and making a statement instead. “I can’t believe how small the world has become. But how sure are you that she’s the same person?”
Oliver sipped from his drink, following my gaze back at the party.
She wasn’t there, but the thought of her being around made my heart pound. A certain longing had my chest tightened. But after a minute, the feeling dissipated. It was replaced by frustration.
“I believe she lived as a rogue before her father found her. Her scent—” Oliver paused. I turned to him and urged him to keep going. He cleared his throat. “I remember her scent. It’s somehow different now that she has been found, but the familiarity is there.”
I clicked my tongue, a recent memory crossing my mind.
“I do remember her now. She came to me once after that fateful night.”
Oliver perked up, one brow raised, as he waited for me to continue.
“She came to see me and told me something.” I pocketed one of my hands, tilting my head to the side as the memory played before me.
Leila was standing by the stairs. The look on her face was indescribable, but I remember her clearly now.
“I’m with your child!” she shouted, fighting against the loud beat of the pulsing music.
Geschenke
-- Geschenk
erhalten Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein