Chapter 19

Zade

The hot water poured over my body, just the way I liked it. But no amount of heat could calm the anger building inside me. Her eyes… the way she looked at me, filled with so much hate. Was he really that important to her? It infuriated me—she was practically protecting him. My blood boiled at the thought. That son of the devil... he actually thinks he could take my mate from me.

I clenched my fists, my whole body tight with frustration. Who did he think he was? Ashley, staying in his territory? The idea was absurd. I could feel her, sense her presence in my room. With a sharp breath, I turned off the shower and wrapped a towel around my waist. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes still burning with anger, before stepping out.

She was standing by the door, completely still, like a statue. Her left hand gripped the handle, ready to bolt if I made the slightest move toward her. Fear flickered in her eyes as she stared at me, like I was some kind of monster. But still her eyes were fixed on my bare chest.

I cleared my throat, trying to keep my voice steady. “What’s the matter?”

“Is it mine?” she asked, her voice small, trembling.

I raised an eyebrow, unsure of what she meant. “What’s yours?” I asked, a bit confused. She was probably talking about the new room I’d arranged for her. I didn’t see what the big deal was—it was my duty to make my mate comfortable.

“My… my dorm,” she stammered, her voice barely holding together. Was she really that scared of me? A small laugh escaped my lips, though I quickly cleared my throat, trying to ease the tension.

“Yes, it’s yours,” I confirmed. She nodded, her response barely above a whisper.

“Okay,” she said curtly. I expected at least a polite thank you, but she was clearly still angry. Not that I cared much.

But then, my eyes caught the outfit she was wearing—a pair of short jeans and a crop top that barely covered her stomach. My gaze lingered on her exposed skin, drawn to the curve of her waist and the subtle glimpse of her belly button. She looked… intoxicating. Sexy.

She cut me staring at her now as she shifted uncomfortable immediately her stomach made funny noises she was probably hungry "sit" I said pointing at my bed .

"It's fine just sit I'll get you something to eat" I added she nodded again walking straight to my bed.

I immediately went to my phone and make a quick call ordering some food for her I ordered some Hamburger Cuban Sandwich Chicken Fried Steak.

She sat there quietly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, like she was nervous about something. There was something so innocent about her in that moment—she looked adorable, almost fragile. I took a seat beside her, my mind racing, unsure of what to say. I wasn’t used to having real conversations with anyone, and the silence between us felt heavy, awkward even.

I didn’t want to ask anything that might make her uncomfortable, or worse, sad. But I couldn’t just sit there, saying nothing.

“You haven’t eaten anything, have you?” I asked, immediately regretting how stupid it sounded. Of course, I knew she hadn’t. She only nodded in response, barely acknowledging me. Still, my wolf stirred with happiness, just knowing she was close to me.

Without thinking, I reached for her hands. They were so small in my palms, soft and cold to the touch. For a moment, I just held them, savoring the connection. Her heartbeat increased and it only made me smile that I had so much effects on her.

But then, she quickly pulled away, withdrawing her hands as though my touch had burned her. She turned her head, refusing to meet my eyes, her body tense and distant.

A loud knock on the door interrupted the moment between us. Annoyed, I stood up and walked over, figuring it must be the food I had ordered. As I opened the door, the maid entered, carrying a tray piled with all the dishes I’d requested. She hurriedly set the tray down in front of Ashley, her hands trembling slightly as she placed the food on the table. I could hear Ashley’s stomach rumbling softly, a sound that was both endearing and heart-wrenching.

The maid kept her eyes low, avoiding my gaze as she rushed out of the room, almost as if my presence terrified her. I didn’t think much of it—my focus was on Ashley.

As soon as the food was in front of her, she dove in, eating with an appetite that surprised me. She was clearly starving. I watched her intently, mesmerized by the simple act of her eating. There was something captivating about it, though I tried not to stare too much. I didn’t want to make her feel uneasy, but I couldn’t look away.

Another knock came, and this time Vincent walked in. His eyes shifted from Ashley to me. “Your guests are here, sir,” he said, his voice calm and composed. I gave a quick nod and followed him out, leaving Ashley behind.

As we approached the meeting hall, Vincent opened the door for me. I stepped inside and immediately recognized Ashina and her father. They weren’t royalty, but their loyalty and service had greatly impacted my father’s reign. Ashina was here to work with me now. She had been my closest friend before I became King, someone I could always trust.

Ashina stood before me, her head bowed in respect. “Face me, Ashina,” I commanded softly.

She lifted her head slowly, her eyes meeting mine. A small smile played on her lips.