Chapter 3 The Intoxicating Scent

Maxwell's POV

I had been attending meetings non-stop since morning, and they had drained every ounce of my energy.

I left Milton yesterday after a long journey. As soon as my jet landed, my Beta, Cross, who is also my closest friend, informed me that I had five meetings to attend. Now, it's almost eleven at night, and this last meeting is still dragging on. I might not even make it back to my pack tonight.

I raised my hand, signalling Vale, my PA.

He approached swiftly. "Yes, my king?"

"Book me a presidential suite. I won't make it to the pack tonight."

"Yes, my king. I'll handle it right away."

He scurried out, disappearing through the door. The meeting continued, but I had already lost interest.

This last session involved me and other Alphas from the surrounding zones. They had been at each other's throats since the moment the meeting began.

I could have left and let them sort out their mess, but as the King ruling over these territories, it was my duty to mediate. Without my guidance, they'd be no match for the rogue Lycans terrorizing these lands.

"Your majesty," one of the Alphas finally addressed me. "We apologize for the inconvenience and the delay. Please forgive our disrespect. We needed to resolve our internal disagreements before bringing the matter to your attention."

I scoffed. "You should have settled this before summoning me. How dare you waste my time?"

They stood, bowing their heads in submission. They knew they had crossed the line. My beast, Zion, was already raging, eager to tear into them.

I suppressed him, staying calm, an unusual feat for me. Exhaustion probably played a role. All I wanted was rest, though I doubted I'd get any tonight.

"Forgive our carelessness, Your majesty," Alpha Mathias spoke on behalf of the group. "Please don't abandon us. We need your help."

"Kill two of them as an example," Zion snarled in my mind. He hated disrespect, but I ignored him.

"Things don't work that way, Zion. Stay quiet," I replied internally.

"Your Majesty," Mathias pleaded again. "If you prefer, we can reschedule. But please, we desperately need your assistance."

"Fine. I accept your apologies," I said, watching as they lifted their heads.

"However," I continued, "I will arrange another meeting and inform you of the time. Compose yourselves before stepping foot in my kingdom again."

"Your word is law, Your Majesty," they chorused, bowing deeply.

Satisfied, I left the room. In the hallway, Vale was waiting for me.

"Your Majesty," he greeted with a bow.

"Is it done?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Here is your key card," he said, handing it to me. "I've already taken your belongings to the suite."

"Good. Go rest. I'll call if I need you." I dismissed him and continued down the long hallway.

An intoxicating scent filled the air, immediately energizing me. My beast stirred, restless. Who did it belong to?

I entered the elevator, pressing the button to my floor. Just before the doors closed, a soft, sweet voice called out.

"Please, wait!"

Instinctively, I held the door. A beautiful young woman stepped inside, clutching a briefcase, her expression tinged with sadness.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Her scent overwhelmed my senses, igniting something primal within me. My beast was tense, and the reaction from my body was equally intense.

What is happening to me? Worse, I could smell her desire. She was aroused, her body yearning for attention.

She glanced at me with striking electric-blue eyes that seemed to pierce my soul. I could see her sadness, and for a moment, I wished I could ease her pain.

"To the presidential suite," she said.

"What a coincidence," I murmured. "I'm headed there too."

The elevator began its ascent, but her presence had my wolf in a frenzy. She wasn't human, nor was she a wolf, but her arousal mirrored that of a wolf in heat.

What is she?

I let my gaze wander, captivated by her beauty. Her long blonde hair framed a milky, flawless complexion. She was curvy in all the right places, and I felt an overwhelming urge to hold her.

Before I could process my thoughts, her soft hand brushed against mine, sparking a jolt that snapped me out of my trance.

"We're here," she said, stepping out.

I wanted to stop her, to say something, but I held back. This wasn't like me. Women usually fell at my feet, vying for my attention. Some had even faked being my mate, though my sister's spells always exposed their lies.

Yet, this woman was different. I couldn't deny the pull I felt toward her. Watching her enter her suite, I knew I couldn't let her go, not until I was sure.

If she truly was my mate, I wouldn't hesitate to claim her. Tonight, if needed, I would be the one to pleasure her.