Chapter 307: I will wait

The overhead lights in the auxiliary storage unit flickered once, buzzing softly in the dim space before casting long erratic shadows across the rows of heavy equipment crates.

Yuki’s back was pressed firmly against the solid cold metal of the heavy storage door. Her lips parted on a sharp intake of breath as a low involuntary sound escaped her throat. Hot fiery kisses trailed down the sensitive curve of her jawline, and her knees nearly gave under the force of it as need hungrily pulsed between her legs.

She closed her eyes, mind spinning as she tried to retrace her steps.

How the hell did I even get into this situation in the first place?

Just minutes ago, she had been seated in the glittering, deafeningly loud ballroom, trying her absolute best to gracefully endure the remainder of the night.

“Does this ever actually end?” Xavier had whispered softly near her ear, a tired amused glint in his eyes while an operatic tenor’s voice echoed grandly in the background, bouncing off the vaulted crystal ceilings.

Yuki offered a soft, knowing smile, teasing him back. “A distinguished noble like you should truly appreciate and enjoy fine classical art, Mr Velmore.”

Xavier had grinned, shaking his head. “I was never the artistic type, I’m afraid.”

She had smiled genuinely, because the truth was she was finding the lengthy, drawn-out performance just as excruciatingly boring. Finally, the soprano hit her final high note, the aria ended, and a thunderous round of applause rippled through the packed hall.

Yuki clapped slowly and politely, with Xavier mirroring her movements. They both looked impeccably impressed, despite not having enjoyed a single second of the act.

“Do you ever wonder how they truly feel?” Xavier asked softly. His warm breath fanned gently against the shell of her ear as the house lights dimmed for a brief intermission.

Yuki froze, finding the entirely unexpected. Her head whipped around to face him.”What do you mean?” she asked, her brow furrowing.

“Keep facing forward, Yuki,” he murmured smoothly, leaning in just a fraction closer. “The eyes of the entire pack elite are still locked onto our table. This performance has to look flawless.”

She froze instantly, but her rebellious eyes still drifted for a split second toward the Ravencourt table behind them. Eloise was chattering animatedly, her manicured hand delicately placing a piece of hors d’oeuvres onto Killian’s plate.

Yuki tore her gaze away, though not quite fast enough to miss Kaden across the table, his hand raised as he curtly requested another heavy cup of liquor from a passing server. Frowning slightly, she snapped her attention back to Xavier. “What are you talking about?”

Xavier calmly reached for his crystal wine glass and took a slow unhurried sip of the deep red vintage. He set the glass back onto its linen coaster and let his index finger trace lazily along the smooth rim.

“Your brothers,” he chimed quietly. “Or… should I say, your ex-mates.”

Her eyes widened in sudden alarm. “Why on earth should I care what they feel or think?” she shot back defensively.

A faint knowing smile touched Xavier’s lips.

“Your heart just skipped a beat, Yuki,” he pointed out gently, his gaze unwavering. “Right when I mentioned them. Just like someone caught red-handed doing something they shouldn’t be doing.”

She tried her hardest to keep her facial expression entirely neutral, but Xavier continued speaking, his voice dropping into an intimate hushed cadence.

“You know as well as I do that the primary purpose of this entire political engagement is to create a protective barrier around you. To shield you from the council elders who still suspect you might harbour claims to the pack throne, and to keep you safely away from the toxic vortex of their politics.”

He smiled, though his eyes remained sharp. From the outside, it was impossible to imagine they weren’t flirting but having a serious conversation

“I know the stakes, Xavier. And I genuinely don’t care about them anymore,” Yuki said firmly, flashing a flawless untouchable public smile as she held his honey-brown eyes. “Remember, I was the one who rejected the bonds.”

Xavier’s ears flushed a faint pink. He glanced away for half a second, as if steadying something behind his ribs, before looking back at her. It should genuinely be illegal for a woman to look that stunning, he thought. Yuki wasn’t someone who typically bothered with heavy cosmetics, mostly out of sheer impatience; she was a lazy bone, but tonight’s professional detailed styling had transformed her into an absolute vision.

Her gaze drifted briefly back toward the empty stage. “Then why were you tracking them?” he asked quietly.

When Yuki let out an involuntary gasp, Xavier chuckled softly.

“You don’t even realise you’re doing it, do you? Your eyes have subconsciously searched for them in the crowd all night, and you’ve kept yourself visibly tensed up, deliberately forcing yourself to look anywhere but their direction.”

She clutched the expensive silk of her lilac dress. Her lips parted as the truth hit a raw nerve. She couldn’t find a single word to defend herself.

“It’s fine,” Xavier sighed softly. His tone shifted into quiet resignation. “The human heart can be terribly foolish and stubborn at times. I suppose I never truly expected you to completely sever all emotional ties overnight.”

“I don’t!” Yuki snapped, unable to keep her polished facade intact any longer.

Xavier smiled, unbothered by her flash of temper.

“Why are you so flustered, Yuki? It’s completely understandable. They are powerful, prominent, and let’s be honest, not particularly hard on the eyes. I didn’t expect you to suddenly hate them overnight, despite everything they’ve put you through. We have time.”

She went completely silent. Her breathing turned shallow. “Are you… are you disappointed in me?” she whispered. Her voice tightened around the words.

Xavier shook his head slowly.

“Not at all. I knew exactly what kind of chaotic fire I was walking into when I proposed this alliance. But as long as there is even a slim fighting chance of winning your heart, I am more than ready to jump straight into the furnace.”

Her heart ached sharply at his words. Guilt washed up her throat. She glanced away abruptly, her mouth suddenly dry.

Reaching blindly across the table for her crystal champagne flute, her trembling fingers knocked awkwardly against the base. The glass tipped over, spilling sparkling liquid in a wide splash across the pristine white tablecloth and soaking the front of her gown.

Xavier reacted instantly, grabbing a linen napkin to dab frantically at the spill.

“Are you alright?” he asked, voice laced with concern.

Across the room, Aevia immediately started to rise from her chair, intending to rush over, but Enessa Velmore was already moving faster, gliding gracefully to their side.

“Oh, my dear, what happened?” Enessa asked, eyeing the damp fabric.