Chapter 141
My heart sank a little when I saw Marcellus strutting in.
He had a bright smile on his face, with one hand in his coat pocket and the other casually waving at me.
He actually looked good… thank the gods. I’d been afraid that the potion I used to drug him would leave side effects.
The playful glint in his eyes reminded me of the night we had last spoken. Which, unfortunately, had been right before I drugged him.
“Well damn, I was expecting a little more excitement,” He drawled when he finally got in front of me, spreading his arms. “I haven’t seen you in five days, and all I get is a gasp?”
“I My voice faltered as I took a step forward, glancing at Kaelos, who raised an eyebrow before I sighed deeply with guilt. “I’m sorry, Marcellus.”
Marcellus blinked before he scoffed lightly. “What now?”
Damn, did the potion mess with his memories too?
“For using that potion on you.” I elaborated, rubbing my right arm as my voice became lower. “Kaelos put you in charge of watching me, and I just… I needed a way out that wouldn’t hurt anyone. It was the only thing I could think of.”
Marcellus stared at me, silent for a bit too long, which only made my stomach twist harder.
However, he soon chuckled, shaking his head before waving dismissively.
“Dessa, if I got mad every time someone slipped something in my drink, I’d have high blood pressure by now.”
I stared at him with parted lips, my eyebrows furrowing. “Wait, what?”
Suddenly, he raised both his hands. “I ain’t saying I liked waking up feeling like I’d been hit by a truck. But, to be fair, it wasn’t the worst nap I ever had. And I figured you had your reasons. All is forgiven.”
Huh? All is forgiven? Just like that? No scolding, no excessive taunting or teasing? Just like that?
Sirena snorted in my mind just then. ’I guess the Beta is an even bigger simp than our mate to scold you properly.’
’Shut up!’ I snapped internally while keeping a smile on my face.
“Still,” Marcellus went on, glancing at Caroline for the first time, “I missed you. Pack life has been dry without the drama.”
I smiled awkwardly but then glanced at Caroline and noticed how she stiffened slightly.
I frowned, raising an eyebrow and trying to get her attention, but she quickly masked the discomfort with a small bow. “It’s good to see you again, Beta Marcellus.”
Marcellus’ eyes lingered on her a little too long, flashing her a smile before he turned back to me. “Anyway, I heard you’re going to Celine’s charity ball tonight looking like a goddess.”
I smiled bashfully, lifting the bag containing the gown. “Thanks to Kaelos,” I said, glancing at my dear husband, who had taken a step closer to me now, staring with what felt like he was observing my interactions with Marcellus.
I blinked at him, almost getting lost in his gaze until I cleared my throat and snapped out of it. “Actually… speaking of the ball. Kaelos, do you think Caroline could—”
Before I could finish that sentence, the room door burst open, causing everyone to swerve their heads in that direction.
It was a maid who seemed like she had seen a ghost as she stepped into the room and bowed in front of Kaelos and Marcellus.
“G– Greetings, Alpha King and Beta. I– I have—”
“You better have a good explanation for why you barged into my wife’s room like that.” Kaelos interrupted sternly, stepping forward and staring coldly at the maid.
She shrank back with fear, but whatever it was she had to say seemed to scare her more than Kaelos as she continued with a trembling voice.
“F– Forgive me, my Lord. It’s just… It’s just that some other maids and I were working around the compound, tending to some plants when… when She stuttered repeatedly, her body shaking with fear.
Kaelos glanced back at Marcellus, who sighed before speaking. “Use your words, love. What happened?”
He stretched his right hand forward, probably trying to sound reassuring.
Meanwhile, I glanced wearily at Caroline, who had the same confused expression on her face as she glanced at me.
After drawing in several deep breaths, the maid cleared her throat and finally gathered enough willpower to continue.
“We saw something behind some shrubs and decided to check it out. It was… a body. A dead maid. Her remains looked like they’d been there for days.”
My eyes widened with shock, and Caroline gasped, placing her right hand in front of her mouth.
Meanwhile, Kaelos clenched his fists as he glanced at Marcellus and Layla before immediately gesturing at the exit.
“Let’s go.”
The maid led the way as the three of them scurried out of the room.
However, I was way too nosy to just let them go out there on their own.
“Ma’am Odessa, no.” Caroline suddenly blurted before I could even say anything, forcing me to turn my gaze to her. “I know what you’re about to say already, but I don’t want to do it.”
I didn’t know whether to find it cute that she knew me so well, or to be offended that she was talking to me like a stubborn child.
’Probably the latter, except you have no right to be offended.’ Sirena mumbled in my head, but I found the strength to ignore her as I kept an unyielding expression with Caroline.
“If you don’t want to go check it out, then stay here.” I raised my head, puffing my chest intentionally before turning away from her and walking away.
Just as I’d expected, I heard her groan with frustration before she followed behind me, causing a smirk to curl up my lips.
When we got downstairs, we were able to find the location where the body was found following the trail of staff members gossiping. Chapters first released on ~net
It didn’t take long to get to a secluded spot where a few maids watched from a distance while Kaelos, Marcellus, and Layla surrounded a scene.
When my gaze fell on the body in question, my eyes widened, and I felt my stomach turn.
“By the gods