The Scorned Luna-Chapter 135: Her Smell

The next morning, a soft knock sounded at the door.

Bella, who was in the kitchen, wiped her hands and went to open it, expecting to see Alpha Damien.

But it wasn’t him.

Alaric stepped in; his presence was like a sudden drop in temperature. He didn’t just walk into the room; he dominated it, his eyes scanning every inch of the apartment with suspicion before they finally landed on Bella.

​Bella stood by the door, her heart skipping a beat as she looked him over. "Who is this hot daddy?" she thought, her eyes lingering on his expensive suit and the raw, quiet power radiating from him. He was different from Damien—more refined, but perhaps even more dangerous. Alaric’s gaze snapped to Bella, and his lip curled in a slight, involuntary sneer. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice authoritative.

​"I’m Sofia’s friend," Bella replied, trying to put on her best innocent-waif act. "And who are you?"

​Alaric’s frown deepened. "Friend? Sofia has no friends." He looked past her as Sofia walked into the living room, her face pale. "You were hospitalized yesterday," Alaric stated, his tone filled with frustration. "Why didn’t you inform me?"

​Sofia stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening. "How did you even know that?"

​Alaric didn’t answer. He stepped toward her, ignoring Bella completely, and reached out to hold Sofia’s face tenderly in his large hands. His thumb brushed her cheek, his gaze searching hers for any sign of lingering pain. "Are you okay? I was told you collapsed."

​Bella stood in the corner, her mind racing. "Another Alpha? And he’s acting like... like he owns her?"

​"I’m fine, Alaric," Sofia said, gently pulling back from his touch. She felt the weight of his worry, but she couldn’t forget how he had controlled her life before. "It was just... it was nothing. A misunderstanding." She turned to Bella, sensing the girl’s confusion. "Bella, this is Alpha Alaric. Alaric, this is Bella. She’s staying with me for a few days."

​Her eyes darted between Alaric’s protective stance and Sofia’s flustered reaction. This was the legendary Alpha Alaric she had heard whispers about in the rogue camps—the one known for his ruthlessness. What was he doing here, acting like a worried lover?

Alaric’s eyes shifted back to Bella, cold and piercing. He didn’t offer a greeting. Instead, he leaned in closer to Sofia, his voice low and full of concern. "You are picking up strays now, Sofia? This apartment was meant to be private, not a halfway house for rogue-scented girls."

​"She is not a stray!" Sofia snapped, her anger from the night before with Damien resurfacing. "She’s a person who needed help. Why is it that every Alpha I know thinks they have the right to vet my guest list?"

​Alaric’s jaw tightened. "Because you are a White Wolf, and the world is full of people who want to put you in a cage. My job is to make sure that doesn’t happen."

​Bella watched the tension, a new plan forming in her mind. "Two High Alphas fighting over one girl. This isn’t just a mission anymore; it’s a circus." She bowed her head, playing the intimidated victim once again. "I’m sorry, Alpha Alaric. I didn’t mean to be a burden. I can leave if my presence is causing trouble..."

​"No," Sofia said firmly, grabbing Bella’s hand. "You aren’t going anywhere." She glared at Alaric. "If you’re only here to insult my friends, you can leave."

​Alaric didn’t back down. Instead, he took a slow, curious step toward Bella, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. He didn’t just look at her; he dissected her. As he moved closer, his nostrils flared. Underneath the floral perfume Sofia had likely bought her at the mall, there was something else. It was faint—nearly microscopic—but to an Alpha who had spent a decade hunting the Rogue King’s elite, it was as loud as a scream. It was an awful, bitter tang, the distinct chemical scent of a "Scent-Shifter" suppressant. It was a rare substance used only by high-level spies to mask their true rank and murderous intent.

​Bella felt the shift in the room. Her heart hammered, but she kept her expression one of wide-eyed, trembling fear. "Alpha Alaric? You’re... you’re scaring me," she whispered, her lip quivering.

​"Am I?" Alaric challenged. He leaned down, his face inches from hers, his voice dropping so low only she could hear it. "I will unveil you."

​"Alaric! Stop it!" Sofia shouted, stepping between them and shoving Alaric back. "What is wrong with you? First Damien, now you? She is a guest in my home!"

​Alaric straightened his suit jacket, his gaze never leaving Bella. He needed to be 100% sure before he made a move that would make Sofia hate him forever. If he killed an innocent friend, Sofia would never forgive him. "I’m leaving, Sofia," Alaric said, his gaze still on Bella. He gave one hard look before turning to leave. "I’ll be back this evening," he called over his shoulder. "Don’t drink anything you didn’t pour yourself."

​The door slammed shut.

​Bella let out a jagged breath, sinking onto the sofa. "He... he’s terrifying, Sofia. Why does he hate me so much? Is it because I’m a rogue? Is that all I’ll ever be to people like him?"

​Sofia sat beside her, rubbing her temples. The stress was making her head throb again. "I’m so sorry, Bella. I don’t know what’s gotten into them. They’re acting like rabid dogs."

​"They are just protective of you, Sofia," Bella said, her voice soft and soothing as she reached out to pat Sofia’s hand. "Which is a good thing, really. It shows how much they value you. I don’t mind their suspicion if it means you stay safe."

​Sofia sighed, leaning back against the sofa cushions. The throb in her temples began to dull, replaced by a weary gratitude for Bella’s "patience." Just then, her phone rang, vibrating against the coffee table. Sofia picked it up, checking the caller ID before answering. As she listened to the person on the other end, a genuine smile broke across her face—the first one Bella had seen all morning. "Really? Oh, thank you so much! Yes, I’ll be there tomorrow."

​She ended the call and turned to Bella, her eyes bright with excitement. "I’ve been picked for an interview, Bella! They want to see me tomorrow morning."

​Bella clapped her hands together, a look of pure, girlish joy on her face. "Oh, Sofia! That’s amazing news! You’re going to be brilliant."

​On the outside, Bella was the picture of a supportive friend, but inside, she was smirking. The Rogue King’s plan was already in motion.

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