Let Me Go, My Mafia Husband

Chapter 522 Temptation *Zander*

Selena abruptly left me standing alone in the Royal medicinal garden She ran away from me just as she always did, and this time the excuse was Blair. Confusion and a lingering sense of unease gnawed at my insides as I watched her back, walking away from me. What

the hell just happened between us?! Her taste and her smell

still lingered in my senses. I was shocked at how I behaved around her as if I wasn't myself.

Looking around, I found no bad signs but, instead, a pleasant vibe in the surroundings, just like she always left behind her. The soothing scent calmed my stress, awakening some emotions and desires I thought had died within me.

Taking a deep breath and inhaling the enchanting fragrance that was fading after her departure, I sprinted toward the pack house at my Alpha's lightning-fast speed.

Upon reaching the pack house, I directly set out to confront Avery, the one person I trusted above all others. I needed to hear it from her.

Entering Avery's room, I found her seated by a window. She smiled when she saw me.noveldrama

"Avery, did you send Selena to the Royal Garden to get the poisonous herb?" My voice conveyed my growing impatience and the weight of my suspicions.

Avery's eyes widened, and her features contorted with disbelief. "What are you saying, Zander? I would never do such a thing. Who told you that I sent her to get the poisonous herb?"

"Selena herself," I replied, furrowing my brow as my words dripped with conviction.

Avery let out a disbelieving scoff, her gaze shifting toward the window, admiring the beautiful morning outside.

"I don't understand why she would make such an accusation. But you know she's prone to falsehoods and manipulation."

Avery's words resonated with my past experiences, flooding my mind with memories of my broken relationship. My ex-mate's duplicity still haunted me, her lies a constant reminder of the fragility of trust. She knew how much I despised liars, yet she never hesitated to deceive me.

"I acknowledge that she has spoken the truth on occasion," I confessed, my voice heavy with regret. "But I saw her touching those deadly herbs. It could have taken her life, Avery. I want to hear the truth from you, and I hope I can expect only honesty."

"Zander, how can you doubt me based solely on her words? Why would I do that? Tell me," she urged. "We have a bond that goes beyond the surface. We've fought side by side, bared our souls to each other. Surely, that should count for something," an ache filled Avery's voice, revealing the pain of being doubted by someone she cherished.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. Sometimes it was so hard to find the truth. "Avery, my intention is not to doubt you. You are my best friend, my confidante. I

stand here as your Alpha, seeking the truth because you deserve the chance to clear

your name from my list of suspects."

Tears welled in Avery's eyes, exposing her vulnerability. I hated that I had hurt her. She was the one who stood firmly beside me on my worst days.

"I would never conspire to bring harm to this pack or deceive you, Zander. Selena's actions are clearly an attempt to create discord between us. I still can't believe it." Avery shook her head slowly, a tear rolling down her cheek.

Though I couldn't look into her eyes clearly, the pain in Avery's voice made me pause in confronting her. I didn't need proof; she had proven her loyalty to me on many occasions.

However, Selena's actions had become increasingly confusing, leaving me with a throbbing headache. What did Selena really want from me by doing all this? Did she lie again, as she used to in the past? I couldn't understand her motives, but one thing was clear: I needed to find out the truth and put an end to this chaos.

As I turned to leave Avery's room, she grasped my hand, stopping me from taking another step ahead.

"Wait, Zander. If you're here, stay with me for a while. It's been too long since we've had time to be together simply," she insisted, her voice filled with longing.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips. My mind was already racing with the many things that awaited me this morning. I didn't have time for chitchat.

"I do have some work that needs to be addressed this morning. Shall we meet at the breakfast table?" I suggested, gently freeing my hand from her grasp.

As I made my way to my own

chamber, I quickly shed my clothes and headed to the bathroom. I took a refreshing shower, feeling the cascading cold water wash away my weariness. Placing my hands on the shower wall, I found myself lost in thoughts about the moments I

had spent with Serana

had

been one way just a moment ago and suddenly transformed into a different personality. It felt like she was playing with my mind.

Lyon's voice echoed in my head, taunting me, "She's not playing with your mind, Zander. But you're unwilling to admit that she has an effect on you."

His words served as a disconcerting reminder of the internal battle I was fighting. Lyon always seemed to have impeccable timing, appearing when I needed a break, yet managing to remind me of all the things that could add to my stress.

My eyebrows furrowed and I clenched my jaws, feeling my frustration seep through the mental connection with my wolf.

"That's not true, Lyon. You know I have strong self-control," I retorted, a touch of defiance coloring my thoughts.

Lyon's laughter echoed in my mind, his amusement acting like a grating soundtrack to my thoughts.

"Ah, Zander, my poor Alpha. I've seen your self-control crumble time and time again when our ex-mate was around," he jeered, mocking me with his words.

I scowled, my frustration simmering. "Shut up, Lyon," I snapped. He enjoyed provoking me because I didn't always listen to his dangerous advice.

"Why, Zander? Why resist the truth? Is it because you don't want to admit the effect she has on you?" he challenged, relishing his ability to push my buttons. An exasperated sigh escaped my lips as I tried to regain control of my spiraling thoughts.

"Listen, Lyon, I'm already burdened with confusion and stress. Please, let me think peacefully," I pleaded, a hint of weariness seeping into my mental voice.

A moment of silence followed as if Lyon was considering my request. Then, he presented his suggestion with a mischievous purr.

"Okay, but listen to me. Why not let me take charge whenever Selena is nearby? It would make things easier for you," he proposed, his words filled with a perverted amusement unique to my wolf.

"I don't want more confusion and complications," I scolded, and I heard him laugh even louder.

Shaking my head, I turned off the water and made my way to the room. Once dressed in a sleek black suit and a crisp white shirt underneath, I walked down the hallway.

The delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, blending with the enticing scent of warm pastries and fresh fruit. Morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a gentle glow upon the table as if nature itself wanted to relish the meaningful morning. The members of the pack house had taken their seats.

I scanned the room, my eyes searching for only one person. However, she was nowhere to be seen. I headed to the kitchen with hope, and there she was, engrossed in her tasks, seemingly oblivious to my presence. When her eyes finally met mine, she pretended I didn't exist. She hurried away as though I were contagious with some disease.

"Selena!" I called out, my voice filled with a mixture of frustration.

But she continued with her work as if my words hadn't reached her ears. Undeterred, I approached her, closing the distance between us.

"Selena, how long are you going to

avoid me?" I questioned, my voice laced with a hint of desperation. As I leaned in closer, my lips almost brushing against her ear, I

whispered, "You can't ignore ma net

forever." The proximity was electrifying, and I could sense her body freezing in response to my presence. The moment hung in the air, brimming with tension and something more, something.... something indescribable.

From my vantage point, I could see her face turning a deep shade of pink, her eyes filled with panic.

"What... What are you doing, Alpha?" she stammered, her voice betraying her nervousness. "Someone might misunderstand."

A mischievous smile played at the corners of my lips as I pressed myself against her, savoring the knowledge that I had affected her too.

"Don't try to change the subject, Selena," I murmured, my voice dripping with playful provocation. "When will you learn to take responsibility for your actions? Can't you see what you've done to me this morning?"

Her gasp mingled with panic, her traitorous body reacting to my proximity. I felt the tremors coursing through her, a tangible manifestation of the tension that had been building between us.

Suddenly, Selena turned around

abruptly, accidentally colliding with

the jug of juice she had been

holding. Its contents spilled out, staining my expensive suit with vibrant colors. I took a step back, shifting my gaze from the ruined fabric to Selena's frightened expression. The sound of the jug shattering against the floor reverberated throughout the kitchen.