CHAPTER 102: UNCOMPLICATE IT...

"Seraphina is my mate."

The words echoed like a drumbeat in Emerald’s ears. She stared at him, her heart thudding. "Sorry, I must’ve misheard you. You want to clarify that bomb you just dropped, or should I start guessing?"

Adrien ran a hand through his hair, clearly uncomfortable. "No, you didn’t mishear me. She was... It’s not what you think."

"You said she is your mate," Emerald shot back. "Not was."

Adrien rubbed the back of his neck. "It’s not... recent. Or current. It’s just... complicated."

"Then uncomplicate it," Emerald said flatly.

He took a breath. "We grew up together. She was... my best friend. My brother was the heir at the time, and Seraphina adored him. She had a crush on him for as long as I could remember."

Emerald raised a brow. "And you?"

"I liked her," Adrien said honestly. "At first, it wasn’t in the same way, but she was always around. She was loyal and fearless... she’s the type of girl who would climb rooftops and challenge guys to duels."

She arched a brow. "Charming."

"It was. And then... when we turned eighteen, the bond snapped into place." His voice dropped. "It was like everything shifted overnight. Suddenly, I was all she could see. And I won’t lie, I was happy... really happy."

Emerald crossed her arms, watching him closely. "I’m sensing a but coming up."

"She changed," Adrien said in a tight voice. "The bond was there, but it was like the moment the novelty gradually wore off, so did the affection. She started pulling away, getting colder. We’d argue about nothing.

"Then one day, out of the blue... she told me I was weak, and not the kind of Alpha she thought she’d be bound to."

Emerald blinked. "She said that to you?"

"Yeah... Then she rejected me." Adrien’s jaw clenched. "After that, she left. She didn’t even say goodbye; she just vanished from the pack lands. That was the last I saw of her... until tonight."

The silence lingered between them as the cool, dry wind blew across the balcony. Emerald paused for a moment, not saying anything. Then, she asked softly. "Do you still have a soft spot for her?"

"No," Adrien answered a little too fast.

Emerald arched a brow.

"I don’t," he insisted.

But Emerald wasn’t convinced.

She didn’t say it out loud, but she understood that the line between love and hate is very thin. Just because someone is rejected doesn’t mean the connection is gone; it often just gets buried under feelings of anger.

"She’s... beautiful," Emerald muttered.

Adrien gave her a look. "So are you. That doesn’t mean anything."

Emerald looked away. "Then why does it feel like it still does?"

He sighed. "Because you saw something real between us once. I won’t deny that. But it’s not what it used to be."

Emerald turned to face him again. "Why do you think she came back?"

"I don’t know," he said. "And that’s what bothers me. I don’t like not knowing."

"Don’t overthink it," Emerald said after a moment. "She’ll probably be gone soon."

"I hope so," he muttered.

There was a moment of silence, and then Adrien turned to her. "I’m really sorry. I wanted tonight to be special for you. I had something else in mind after the toast."

"Something else?" she asked, a bit unsure.

"Yeah, dessert. Just the two of us on the terrace," he admitted, looking a bit embarrassed. "I had music planned, candles, and even got those little berry tarts you said you liked packed up from the kitchen."

Emerald cracked a small smile. "Tarts, huh?"

"I was trying to impress you."

She softened slightly. "It’s fine. You should get back to your guests. I’m gonna call it a night."

Adrien hesitated. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

He nodded. "Alright. If you need anything..."

"I know where to find your guards," she said with a faint smirk.

He gave a reluctant smile and watched as she turned to go.

—

Emerald’s room was dark and still when she walked in. The moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a cool glow on the soft blue decor.

She had only taken a few steps when she noticed the temperature drop.

Her breath caught.

She knew the sensation now like muscle memory: the cold stillness before heat, the pull of something ancient sliding under her skin.

Her wolf stirred with a quiet hum of awareness.

She didn’t have to turn to know he was there. "You have a terrible habit of just appearing," Emerald muttered as she turned.

Ares stood on the balcony, his tall figure partially in shadow, his eyes glowing like lit coals in the dark.

His gaze raked over her. The silver dress hugged her body, and he could see the curve of her hip through the slit. The way he looked at her wasn’t just possessive; it was filled with desire.

"I was curious," he said in a deep and calm voice. "You looked... exquisite tonight."

Emerald didn’t answer. She just stared at him.

Ares took a step closer, the tension in the air thick with unspoken words. She stood still, her heart pounding.

When he reached her, he gently tucked a curl behind her ear and leaned in to breathe her in.

"You smell like moonlight and mischief," he said. "Tell me, did you wear this for him?"

"I didn’t pick it," she said.

"No," he murmured. "He did. He wanted eyes on you. I want you under me."

Her breath caught as his fingers brushed against the slit of her gown, grazing the skin of her thigh. His nose dipped into her hair, inhaling deeply.

Then he grabbed her, spun her around, and kissed her.

The kiss was anything but gentle; it was intense and overwhelming. Emerald’s breath caught in her throat, and she pushed against his chest, though her body didn’t seem to agree with her.

She kissed him back, enjoying the feel of his lips against hers, and then pulled away, breathless. "Why do you always show up?" she murmured.

"Because you want me to."

Emerald swallowed. "That’s not..."

"Don’t lie to me, Emerald." His voice was low. "I hear you even when you don’t speak. I feel every ripple of desire, every thought you try to bury."

He kissed her before she could deny it again. The next kiss wasn’t hesitant; it was like striking a match on gasoline.

She gasped into his mouth, her fingers curling against his chest. Her head spun as he lifted her effortlessly, lips never parting.

They crashed onto the bed in a tangled blur, Ares braced over her.

His body pressed against hers, the fabric of her dress bunching under his hands, his mouth finding every soft part of her exposed skin. She gasped as he trailed kisses along her collarbone, her throat, her chest, igniting everything he touched.

"I could tear this dress off you," he growled. "And make you forget everyone else."

She pulled away only slightly, breathless. "Is that what this is about? Marking territory?"

"No," he whispered. "This is about reminding you what’s real."

He kissed her again, deeper this time. Her legs tangled with his

She didn’t speak, so he kissed her again... deeper, and even longer.

When they finally pulled apart, her chest was heaving. His hands continued to explore her, in a possessiveness, reverent, and intense manner.

"You never show up without an agenda," she whispered. "Why are you really here?"

Ares paused.

Then, unexpectedly, he smirked. "You know me too well."

Emerald pushed at his chest lightly. "Talk."

He leaned in, brushing his lips against her collarbone. "I heard about Adrien’s toast."

"Didn’t know you kept tabs on my calendar," she muttered.

"I don’t," he said. "I keep tabs on the people around you. Especially the ones who think they can love you better than I can."

She gave a short laugh. "Jealous, much?"

"No," he said simply. "Just honest."

There was a long silence. Then he asked, almost lazily, "So... what’s the deal with Adrien’s mate?"

Her eyes snapped up. "Seriously?"

"Every time I show up, there’s drama. Kieran, Lucian... now Adrien. It’s like your boy toys come with baggage."

"They’re not boy toys," she said dryly. "They’re my mates," she corrected, gasping when his mouth found her shoulder.

"I’m your only true mate," he corrected, teeth grazing her skin.

"Cocky much?"

He laughed against her neck. "You like it."

She tried to glare at him, but it melted as he kissed her again, harder. Then she murmured, "And what about your drama?"

"My drama?" he echoed.

"You know. The part you’re not telling me."

Ares smirked, brushing his fingers down her ribs. "Nothing you need to worry about. Not yet."

She narrowed her eyes. "That’s not ominous at all."

"You worry too much," he whispered. "Rest. You’ve got a long day ahead."

And just like that, he was gone.

Emerald lay back against the pillows, staring up at the ceiling, heart still racing. But instead of satisfaction, she felt a wave of guilt crashing into her like a tide.

Not because of Ares, not even because of what they did, but because of Adrien.

She hadn’t even felt like this when she slept with Kieran.

She always knew where she stood with him. But Adrien... he was making an effort. He was showing up for her. And she... she was unsure about how to handle that.

—

The next morning passed in a blur of soft murmurs and warm sunlight. Emerald had barely managed to wash the tension from her bones before a guard knocked gently.

"Alpha Adrien is holding open court today," he said respectfully. "He asked if you’d like to join him as a guest of honour."

She hesitated, then nodded.

By the time she reached the main hall, the court was already in session. Rows of people gathered near the dais, some presenting issues, others just watching.

Adrien sat upright in his ceremonial chair, looking calm and dignified. As she made her way to a seat on the side, she spotted Seraphina. She was dressed in a subtle gold outfit, sitting quietly in the crowd.

Their eyes met, and Seraphina smiled... That same sweet, unreadable smile. And just like that... Emerald felt a pit form in her stomach.