The Alpha's Unblessed Wife novel Chapter 5

Akiah’s POV

My heart raced so rapidly that I could scarcely believe it was my own. It pounded within my chest, a wild rhythm demanding my attention. I never anticipated an invitation to dance, especially not from the enigmatic man with the child and mate marks on his wrist.

His outstretched hand hung in the air, awaiting my response. My hesitation was palpable; I glanced between him and my mother, seeking her guidance as if I were a child once more. My cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and uncertainty, caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events. My mind scrambled to discern the appropriate course of action.

Seconds felt like an eternity as he stood before me, his hand outstretched in a patient yet determined gesture. My mother, the Luna, was promptly claimed by her original mate, the alpha marked by the moon. I nodded at her, granting them their private moment, and turned my focus back to the mysterious man who remained steadfast in his desire to dance with me.

My brow furrowed in bewilderment. The gathering was replete with numerous beautiful wolves, yet he had singled me out for this dance. The uncertainty and curiosity churned within me as I contemplated his motives.

After a brief moment of internal deliberation, I relented and accepted his waiting hand. As our fingers interlocked, a subtle warmth radiated from his touch, and I found myself inexplicably drawn to its comforting embrace. Rising from my seat, I allowed him to guide me towards the open space designated for dancing.

Our proximity felt both intimate and unfamiliar as we positioned ourselves in the middle of the gathering. My arms found their place around his neck, and his hands settled gently upon my waist. Avoiding his gaze, my eyes focused on a distant point, as if preoccupied by the surrounding atmosphere. My internal conflict raged on – my hesitant nature contrasted starkly with the urgency my wolf impelled upon me. It insisted that this dance was inconsequential, urging me to embrace the moment without overthinking it.

"How are you?" His voice broke the silence, an attempt to initiate a conversation. Our bodies swayed in harmony with the gentle rhythm of the music, but my gaze remained fixated on the floor below.

"I... I'm fine. I'm glad for my brother," I replied, offering a polite smile. My happiness for Akeel's success was genuine, yet I couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort for displaying even a hint of happiness in front of this stranger. To my chagrin, our eyes met as I briefly glanced up, my heart momentarily faltering.

I offered a subtle nod in response, attempting to maintain my composure and avoid his gaze. However, my attempts were thwarted as he gently drew me closer to him, causing my pulse to quicken. I silently admonished myself for overthinking every small gesture.

In my eagerness to accept his invitation to dance, I had somehow forgotten the weight of my marital commitment. Dancing with another man, especially here among our werewolf community, carried an undercurrent of implication that I hadn't fully considered. It would be perceived as a breach of trust, a betrayal of the promises I had made to Gustav. How had I allowed myself to become so lost in the moment? I chided myself for my lack of foresight.

My hands dropped from his shoulders, and I gazed at him with a mixture of regret and concern. How could I explain the whirlwind of conflicting emotions that were rushing through me? I felt foolish for indulging in this dance, for forgetting my responsibilities and commitments. While part of me appreciated the fleeting sense of freedom, another part recognized the potential consequences of my actions.

"I... I need to go," I stammered, feeling the urgency to escape this situation of my own making. "I remembered something important that I need to attend to. It completely slipped my mind."

With a surge of panic, I hastily turned and rushed away from him. My heart pounded in my chest as I glanced back briefly, our eyes meeting before I averted my gaze. I quickened my pace, my feet carrying me back into the house. I placed a hand over my chest, feeling my rapid heartbeat as I tried to catch my breath and calm myself down.

What had I done?