A Werewolf's Unexpected Mate

[Next Day: Morning]

Ovelia's POV

I stirred awake as the sunlight streamed through the window, warming my face. A sharp twinge in my left arm jolted me fully awake, and the ache in my back caught me off guard. Turning my head, I caught sight of my left arm, wrapped tightly in bandages. Relief and concern washed over me as I remembered what had happened.

Next to my bedside, Ace was fast asleep, his head resting against the side of my bed. He looked so handsome in repose, an almost peaceful expression softening his usually intense features. I found myself smiling despite my pain, realizing how gentle he appeared when he was sleeping. Without even noticing, I reached out and lightly ran my fingers through his hair, seeking comfort in this small act.

"Hmmm," he murmured, easing awake with his eyes barely open. Then, his eyes sparkled with mischief, and his lips curled into a playful grin. "Finally, you're awake! Ovelia, have sex with me right now," he declared with exaggerated enthusiasm, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.

I hadn't said a word yet, but Ace suddenly stood up from his seat, climbed onto the bed, and sat on my lap. He leaned in, his face inching closer to mine, as if he was about to kiss me.

"Ace, stop it!" I exclaimed, struggling to maintain my composure as I averted my gaze from his. I pushed against him with my right hand, trying to create some distance between us.

But Ace wouldn't be deterred. "I can't stop," he replied, his voice low and husky, a playful grin spreading across his face. "This is what my wolf wants."

I locked eyes with him, my heart racing, and questioned, "Why are you doing this? Are you just using me for your pleasure?" Tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I held them back, my voice trembling. "You told me to find a way for you to fall for me, but how can I do that when your heart belongs to someone else?"

"Ovelia, do you love me?" Ace asked seriously, his tone suddenly heavy with gravity.

At that moment, my heart constricted painfully in my chest. I was caught off guard, unsure of how to respond. The truth was, I didn't even know what love felt like. The word itself seemed foreign; it felt as though my heart had been encased in a barrier, molded from the neglect of my non-biological parents and the scorn I'd faced in Timberline Village. I had never experienced the warmth and security of love, and now, faced with this question, I felt utterly lost.

Ace smiled faintly, his thumb caressing my cheek as he said, "I take that as a no. I'm already your husband, and I know it's unfair to expect you to make me fall for you while you don't even love me yet."

With a swift motion, he pulled away the blanket that had been wrapped around me, and I gasped in shock, realizing I wore only my bra and panties.

"Don't worry, I'll be gentle," he said with a smirk, winking at me. My cheeks flushed a deep crimson, heat rushing to my face at his teasing yet tender demeanor.

As Ace began to remove his clothes, I was captivated by the sight of his well-defined muscles and chiseled abs. My breath hitched in my throat as he moved closer, his intentions apparent. Slowly, he reached for my panties, and suddenly, a wave of panic washed over me.

"Ace, wait! I'm not ready for this... It's still dirty down there, and I haven't even showered," I said shyly, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

He let out a soft chuckle, his smile warm yet mischievous. Ignoring my protest, he leaned in, his tongue tracing a tantalizing path over my most intimate part. A soft moan escaped my lips, despite the whirlwind of emotions I felt.

"You taste so sweet down here," Ace murmured, his voice a mix of playfulness and intimacy.

However, just as I began to succumb to the moment, he suddenly stopped, he transformed into his werewolf form. His powerful presence was both awe-inspiring and frightening.

"Are you afraid to see me like this? Do you feel traumatized by what that black werewolf did to you?" Ace asked, concern lacing his voice as he studied my reaction.

"No," I replied softly, trying to mask the tremor in my voice. I didn't want him to see the fear lurking beneath my brave facade.

He transformed back into his human form, and with a gentle touch, he slowly buried himself inside me. I wrapped my right arm around him tightly, surrendering to the sensations as he began to move slowly.

"I want to try different positions," he said, his voice thick with desire, "but your left arm is injured, so let's skip that for now."

I loosened my grip on him, and in a swift movement, he grasped my breast, his mouth finding it with a teasing hunger. As he suckled gently and bit down softly, I found myself tangling my fingers in his hair, overwhelmed by the pleasure he was igniting within me.

"You're so tight," he murmured, connecting his lips with mine as his rhythm quickened. With each thrust, the world outside melted away; it was just us, lost in each other, the sensations building like a wave. I couldn't help but moan a little louder, feeling the intensity of the moment swell until I reached my climax. Right as I felt that heightened rush, I could sense him approaching his peak as well, ultimately spilling his warmth outside, our bodies entwined in a moment of pure bliss.

He kissed me softly on the lips again, then effortlessly lifted me and carried me into the bathroom. As we stepped inside, he carefully removed the bandages from my body, and we washed away the remnants of our earlier passion together. The warm water enveloped us, drawing us closer as we surrendered to the moment.

Once we were dressed, we emerged from the bathroom to find Ann finishing up her cleaning in the room. I hadn't even realized she had been there the whole time; her presence had gone unnoticed until now.

"Ann?" I called out, my voice laced with surprise.

She turned and smiled, her eyes lighting up as she dropped the cleaning supplies and rushed towards me, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace. I felt a brief sting as her body brushed against my still-healing bruise, but I chose to ignore it.

"Ma'am Ovelia, I'm so relieved to see you awake! I was so worried about you!" Ann exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"I'm sorry for making you worry," I replied, feeling a mix of guilt and gratitude.

"Ehem!" Ace cleared his throat, his playful tone cutting through the tension in the room.

Both Ann and I turned to look at him, and she immediately released me from the hug, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

"Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Sir Ace and Ma'am Ovelia, breakfast is ready. But first, I need to change your bandage, Ma'am Ovelia, and tend to your wound," Ann said, her voice filled with a gentle urgency.

I sat on the bed as Ann began to carefully clean my injury. Ace was nearby, watching intently, his brow furrowed with concern. I bit back the urge to speak, even though the sting in my arm was relentless as she applied fresh bandages. Ann gently slipped off my shirt, taking care to avoid jostling the bruises, and pressed an ice pack against them, her touch soothing yet clinical.

When she finished bandaging my back, I felt a wave of relief wash over me, though discomfort lingered.

We made our way to the dining area together with Ace.

•Palace Dining Area•

As we stepped inside, the aroma of freshly cooked dishes enveloped us. Eliana sat at the table, her bright smile illuminated by the morning sun.

"Eliana?!" Ace exclaimed, surprise edging his tone.

"Oh, good morning, Ace!" she replied cheerfully, her eyes sparkling.

Ace's face softened, and he walked over to sit beside her, a shift that stirred a pang of sadness within me.

I settled next to Ace, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken words, and we began to eat.

"Ace, it's unusual for you to eat breakfast. Please, try this," Ann said, her voice warm as she offered him a bite.

With a slight smile, Ace took the food from her hand, but the moment felt strained. I watched him, the easy camaraderie between them tugging at my heart, a silent wish echoing in the depths of my mind.

As he chewed, I couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were swirling beneath his calm exterior, and if he could sense the turmoil churning within me.

The tension lingered for several minutes. I glanced at Ann, who standing in front of me, and whispered "Fighting," adding a fist pump for encouragement.

I turned to Eliana, my voice low yet firm. "Eliana, Ace is my husband. Can you please stop this?"

"Why should I?" Eliana retorted, her tone sharp. "Sure, he's your husband, but I'm the one he loves."

"Eliana?!" Ace's voice boomed, filled with anger.

I felt suddenly frozen, my food untouched, as Eliana's words sank in. It rang painfully true. I wondered, why was I hurting like this?

Just then, the dining room door swung open, and Ray stepped in.

"Eliana, what are you doing here? Anyway, Ace, Alpha King Raymond wants to see you," he said, his tone brisk.

Ace and Eliana stood up, clearly about to leave the dining room. Ray looked at me, his expression softening. "I'm glad you're awake, Ovelia."

I offered a weak smile, and he returned it. Ace walked out without another word, his back turned to me, a chilly silence lingering in the air. Before Eliana followed, she shot me a glance, her smirk teasing, almost taunting.

I instinctively clutched my chest, feeling as if I'd been pierced through the heart. Was it really possible that I didn't love Ace? My mind raced, grappling with the painful doubts and heartbreak swirling within me. I needed answers, but all I felt was confusion and sorrow.