Deacon’s POV
After Elena’s car vanished from my site, I only let myself lose a little bit of control as I kicked the pebble near my feet.
I calmed myself first and walked my raging fumes off for a while before heaving a sigh and striding towards Desmond’s office.
Standing in front of his door, I momentarily closed my eyes and told myself to keep calm knowing for sure that as soon as I entered there, Desmond and I would be in another unpleasant conversation.
Just as I raised my hand and was about to knock, I heard his voice as if he was waiting for me.
“Come in, lil‘ brother,” he confidently called from the inside, and I never found him more annoying than ever.
Twisting the door’s handle, I came in and stood right in front of his desk, where I found him buried in a document.
As soon as I arrived, he put it down, leaned back on his chair, and gave his undying attention to me.
“Well, well. I assume you’ve spoken to Elena?” he asked with that annoying smirk on his lips that I wanted nothing more than to rip off his face ruthlessly.
Clenching my jaw and fisting my hands in a ball at my sides to control my boiling blood, I coldly told him, “She has no interest in marrying you, so I suggest you just forget about all this absurd idea.”
I thought he’d panic just a little, but he didn’t even blink. In fact, he remained relaxed.
Of course, he would. He’s the King. He can do anything he wants.
Instead, Desmond laughed, completely unfazed. “She did, didn’t she?”
Grabbing his glass of wine from the side of his desk, he took a slow sip before looking at me, asking, “Did she say why?”
I merely gave him a knowing look, not having any intention to verbally answer it as I was sure that he knew the reason just as much as I did.
And by the way, his smirk widened, I guessed it correctly.
Clasping his hands together, he leaned forward on his desk. He looked at me with mocking eyes as he let out a small laugh, “Let me guess… she sees me as a brother?”
I took a deep breath but didn’t reply, as my silence was enough as an answer. For some reason, I couldn’t voice it out either because I couldn’t help but be reminded that she thought of me the same–way.
Just when I thought he’d be disheartened by the idea of inarrying her, he, once again, proved me wrong,
Laughing, he shook his head with great amusement before slowing down and staring at me intently. “And you, Deacon? What did she say about you?”
My fingers twitched on my side as I felt the rage in me starting to run out of control. He knew my answer already but kept looking at me mockingly and taunted me to reply in words.
He wanted me to say that Elena saw me as nothing more than a brother, but after a few moments, I still couldn’t bring myself to utter those words as if saying them out loud would make it feel more real.
“Any day now, Deacon,‘ he pushed.
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 100
Sighing, I pursed my lips into a thin line and almost grudgingly replied, “The same.”
Desmond hummed in thought and tilted his head as he amusingly studied my face like I’m a freaking puzzle.
“Elena sees you as a brother too?” he laughed mockingly as he gestured toward me, continuing, “And yet, here you stand, seething like a jealous suitor.”
I closed my eyes and calmed myself. He was really testing my patience.
Refusing to bite his bait, I calmed down and rationally replied, “If that’s the case, then there’s no need to push this ridiculous idea any further.”
Sighing dramatically, he set his glass down with deliberate care. “Come on, Deacon. You see, that’s where you’re mistaken. Since she doesn’t have a mate, it’s about time that she finds one.”
“What are you planning?” I asked with narrowed eyes.
For pete’s sake, she just got divorced!
Desmond’ss smirk sharpened as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk.
“Jude!” he called out to his Beta, who immediately came in.
Keeping his eyes on me, he instructed Jude, “Announce it to the entire kingdom. If Elena does not find a suitable mate within three months… I, the king, will marry her.”
“K–King-” Jude was as shocked as I was.
Jude was about to say more but one sharp gaze from Desmond, and he nodded his head and excused himself, leaving Desmond and me alone in this small room that was suddenly enveloped in an unspeakable tension and cold air.
Slamming my hands on his table, I leaned in and hissed, “You’re forcing her into an ultimatum.”
Unfazed, he merely shrugged. “I’m giving her an opportunity.”
