11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

-Naomi-

I stared at the witch in disbelief as she posed such a direct question. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I struggled to form coherent words. A part of me did want to share such intimacy with the Alpha, but I knew such thoughts were not only impossible but also strictly forbidden. The witch observed my flustered state with amusement, leaning in closer and resting her hands above mine on the bars.

“You have feelings for the Alpha,” she asserted, and I couldn’t meet her gaze, overwhelmed by shame.

“I would never do anything to harm him,” I murmured.

“I’m beginning to believe that,” she conceded. “Are you in love with him?”

I hesitated, uncertain how to respond. I hadn’t taken the time to dissect my emotions, but there was undoubtedly a profound fascination with him.

“Interesting,” she remarked, her tone thoughtful.

“I swear I’ve never harmed him or used magic. I couldn’t.”

“You do seem genuinely innocent,” she remarked, her scrutiny intensifying as she met my gaze.

“Please. I just want to be released.”

“That decision lies entirely with me, so I advise you to answer my questions truthfully,” she stated firmly.

“I-I’ve been nothing but honest.”

“Good. Then this should be straightforward,” she remarked. “The Alpha mentioned you’ve been experiencing some issues yourself. Your wolf’s behavior has been peculiar.”

“Yes,” I confirmed.

“Did you consult a doctor?”

“Yes.”

“And what did they say?”

“A run might help,” I explained.

“And did it?” she asked.

“My wolf refused to come out.”

“What do you mean?” she pressed, a hint of confusion in her expression.

“She resisted shifting. She seemed... reluctant,” I confessed.

“Interesting. Holding back your wolf is often the issue with you animals,” she retorted, revealing her old disdain for the wolves, yet peace persisted now. “But she didn’t want to come out?”

“No, she didn’t.”

“Why do you think that is?” she probed.

“I’m not sure. She appears to be in pain, yet she can’t explain why,” I revealed.

“Even more perplexing,” she mused, crossing her arms and studying me intently. “And yet, there’s no magical residue on you.”

“I’ve told you, I haven’t used—” I began, but she interrupted.

“I understand, but it’s possible something has been used on you,” she interjected.

“And has there?”

“No. As I said, there’s no magical trace on you, which confused your Alpha as well. He was convinced you were using,” she explained.

“I would never—” I started, but she cut me off.

“You’re clearly devoted to him, and yet you’re not second mates.”

“Second mates?” I echoed, taken aback by the term.

“In rare cases, someone is blessed with two mates. The reasons remain a mystery. Some view it as a blessing, others as a trial,” she elaborated.

“Does the Alpha believe we...?”

“No, he’s quite certain you aren’t, and his wolf hasn’t claimed you, but what does your wolf say?” the witch inquired, prompting me to ponder her question. For the first time, I felt a shift, as if something were falling into place.

My wolf stepped forward as I reached out to her, and she appeared to be deep in thought.

Could he be? I asked her.

My wolf seemed uncertain, as if struggling to articulate her response, yet a subtle inclination toward affirmation lingered within her.

“She sees a mate in him, doesn’t she?” the witch challenged.

“I... I’m not sure. She seems inclined to say yes, but... maybe it’s just because I...”

“Have feelings for him?” the witch finished for me.

I sighed, lowering my gaze once more. “Yes.”

“Hmm, something is certainly at play here. Your wolf feels a pull toward him, yet can’t claim him, and his own wolf doesn’t claim you either,” she concluded.

“Then perhaps we aren’t mates,” I suggested. “Perhaps it’s just a misunderstanding.”

The witch chuckled wryly, causing a flush of embarrassment to rise within me.

“No, mates aren’t a mere misunderstanding,” she stated firmly. “There is nothing more certain or powerful than true mates. But something is hindering your bond.”

“But I’m a low-ranking wolf,” I interjected.

“Sometimes an unusual pairing occurs if the emotional bond is strong enough to overcome the difference in rank,” she reminded me.

“But how could I withstand his strength?”

“It does seem perplexing, given your status,” she remarked, her words cutting.

“Then we aren’t mates.”

“And yet he is undeniably drawn to your scent. I wonder if he still is with the mark on your arm,” she mused, directing my attention to the branded scar. Only she could remove it.

“Does he still smell appealing to you?” she inquired.

“Um... yes,” I admitted softly.

“Do you enjoy his proximity?” she pressed.

“Yes, but—”

“That’s something you’ve always enjoyed, I know,” she interrupted, scrutinizing me once more. “I believe I know how to address this.”

I looked up, meeting her gaze, but she simply smiled before turning on her heel.

“W-What are you going to do? Hey!” I called after her, but she offered no response, and slowly Thomas took her place as she vanished.

I could barely meet his gaze. Revealing my feelings in front of him and the witch left me feeling exposed.

“You like the Alpha?” he ventured.

“Please don’t tease me. I know it sounds foolish,” I replied, feeling a surge of embarrassment.

“I wasn’t teasing you.”

I met his gaze, surprised by his sincerity.

“It just makes sense,” he whispered.

“What?” I asked, taken aback by his statement.

“Well,” he began, appearing slightly flustered, “while you’ve been looking at the Alpha, I’ve been looking at you.”

I recoiled slightly, caught off guard by his admission. I had always considered him a friend, and his confession left me reeling.

“W-What do you mean?” I stuttered.

His smile widened, and he reached into the cell, drawing me closer. His lips brushed against mine, leaving me utterly stunned.