Getting away with the Alpha's Pup

Chapter 138

Giovanni's Perspective

We exchanged pleasantries for a while, and it dawned on me that "Aurora's" expression always seemed unnatural whenever I called her name. Her deep eyes flashed with a hint of hesitation and uneasiness, as if she had something she wanted to say but couldn't find the words.

"What's wrong?" I asked with concern.

Aurora shook her head gently. "Nothing."

As I tried to continue my questioning, a bell rang in the distance. She looked back at me and asked, "Do you need anything? I have to get breakfast ready."

Reluctantly, I released her. "I won't keep you. I should get ready too. I can't wait to see you at breakfast."

Aurora smiled gently and stood up, ready to leave.

Sensing my mate's departure, my wolf whimpered unhappily, causing me to avert my eyes in embarrassment.

Aurora flinched and then smiled softly before she leaned down and kissed my forehead. "Don't worry, we'll see each other again soon, won't we?"

My wolf let out a comforting purr at the closeness of his mate.

Aurora turned around and then disappeared from my sight.

I stayed where I was for another five seconds before I stood up, grinning like a monkey, and left the forest.

Unsurprisingly, Alpha Galen's arrival was swift. Tobias and I went to greet them as their car pulled into the long driveway of the pack house. Alpha Galen was a tall man, though not as big as me. His wealth was on full display as he stepped out of the dark SUV, everything from expensive designer clothes to sparkling jewelry.

"Alpha Galen, welcome," I said firmly. I wasn't happy about Alpha Galen showing up on my turf, but I was doing what needed to be done to keep the peace.

"Thank you for inviting us," Alpha Galen replied, smiling and showing all his pearly white teeth. As he turned, he held out his hand to a tall, dark-haired young man who had been standing behind him.

"This is my son, Silas," Alpha Galen said with a smile.

"We'll be hosting a full moon dinner tonight, and you're both welcome," I said flatly as we entered the main room of the private suite. "I have things to do, so I'll let Tobias get you guys settled in."

As I turned to walk up the stairs, Silas' bright voice suddenly sounded from behind me. "I look forward to seeing you later."

I hesitated, keenly sensing a hint of something unusual in his tone, but I just nodded and continued on my way out. I could feel my wolf couldn't wait to meet his queen.

The moment I stepped into the hall, everyone in the room bowed to me, and the initial chatter died down instantly. I quickly spotted the person I was looking for, my queen.

I felt a pang of heartache when she too bowed her head, her knees slightly bent. Forcing a smile, I announced, "Attention, everyone. Please help yourself to food and drink. Please begin."

I walked toward Aurora, her back turned as I approached.

Aurora turned around gracefully. She had a glass of water in her hand. At the sight of me, her head began to tilt downward, but I took her by the shoulders, lifted her chin, and whispered pleadingly, "Aurora, you don't have to bow to me. It really hurts my feelings when you do that."

A flash of shock passed through Aurora's eyes, but she stubbornly muttered, "It would be weirder if I didn't bow, especially when everyone else has their heads bowed."

I smiled and reached up to caress her cheek as I said firmly, "It wouldn't be strange because you're my mate. I won't let you bow your head to me."

With that, I took her hand and raised it to my lips, placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand. "You look beautiful," I said.

The shock in Aurora's eyes seemed to deepen as she tried to say, "Uh... thank you, Giovanni."

I never knew my name sounded so good until it came out of my partner's mouth.

"Join me for the meal, Aurora?" I asked hopefully.

I reveled in my mate's smile and moved closer to her, wrapping my arms around her waist.

"Aurora," I gasped softly, noticing something strange. When I called her name again, her expression turned unnatural, as if she were hiding some pain. At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but over time, the feeling grew stronger. I decided to find out what was going on.

Finally, I mustered the courage to ask her, "Why do you always have such a strange expression whenever you hear me call your name?"

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "Maybe it's because I feel we're a bit too formal with our names. As mates, shouldn't we use more intimate terms of address?"

I pondered her words. She was right—mates should indeed have more affectionate names for each other. Suddenly, a warm and endearing name came to mind.

"Little Tree," I whispered, looking at her.

Aurora's eyes lit up and she smiled softly. "Little Tree? I like that name."

I smiled back, thinking how well it suited her. She was like a small tree in the forest, tough and beautiful, bringing me endless warmth and love.

"Little Tree," I called again, and this time the unnatural feeling disappeared as I saw Aurora's expression soften dramatically.

"Yes, I'm here," she responded softly, her voice full of sweetness and contentment.

A warmth welled up in my heart. As we returned to our seats, Aurora turned to me, her bright eyes meeting mine. "Thank you, Giovanni. Really."

The sparkle in her eyes and her lovely smile lit a fire in my heart. I leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Don't thank me, Little Tree. It's the right thing to do."

Taking advantage of our close proximity, I gave her a peck on the cheek. Her face blushed visibly, and I smiled, pleased by her response to my movement.