Chapter 82: _Never Do Romance

Chapter 82: _Never Do Romance Marcellus POV ***** He had a wide smile on his face when Odessa opened her room door. Yes, he most times faked emotions and mirrored people but there was just something... Different about Odessa. She was still annoying and still had fragile emotions that made Marcellus feel like he wanted to throw up, but at least she wasn’t like the stuck-up wolves in the pack. Anyway, Odessa’s lips parted when she saw Marcellus, her eyes going to his face. As for Marcellus, he soon realized an important detail about Odessa. She had nothing but a towel on and her blonde hair was wet, signifying that she just got out of the bathroom. "B– Beta Marcellus, what are you doing here?" Odessa finally found the strength to ask, an awkward smile on her face. Marcellus didn’t let himself get carried away by staring at her body and luscious skin for too long before he cleared his throat. "Well, good morning to you too, Odessa." He greeted her with a wink, causing her face to redden with a blush. "I simply came here to check on the woman who saved my life last night." Odessa’s eyelids fluttered at first until she quickly shook her head. "Don’t be like that, Marcellus. I– I was only doing the right thing." She said with a low tone, lowering her gaze. "I should be the one thanking you. That arrow would have killed me instantly if you hadn’t jumped in. It was... Scary, I’m not going to lie." Hehe... If only she knew he only did that because he still saw her as ’important’ enough to keep alive. And apparently, the true Lord of the North thought the same way, too, and had his eyes on her. If it weren’t for these factors, Marcellus might’ve found a way to kill her himself. Just then, his eyes dimmed as he brought his gaze to her protection ring. Wait a minute... "That trinket of yours." He pointed at the ring, tilting his head as he scrutinized it closely. "Wouldn’t it have saved you from the attack last night? I mean, protection rings usually protect against magical attacks." Odessa parted her lips to say something but then paused, dimming her eyes as she seemed to ponder his words. Marcellus remembered how he had tried entering her mind the last time during a night stroll and how it failed woefully. He knew there was something special about the ring, and that made him curious to test the extent of its power and how much control it gave to Odessa. Just then, Odessa sighed before she spoke. "I guess it might’ve but so far, it hasn’t protected me from much." Suddenly, she began rubbing her right elbow, causing Marcellus to arch an eyebrow as he scrutinized it. It didn’t take long for him to notice that her elbow was bruised and almost swollen. "What do we have here?" He asked, stretching his hands forward and touching the spot. However, before he could get a better look, Odessa pulled her arm away with an apologetic smile on her face. "I– I’m fine." She stuttered but then paused, her jaw clenching as she drew in a deep breath. "Actually, I’m not. But why don’t we talk about it over a bottle of wine or something?" Wine, eh? Marcellus had a small grin on his face as he whistled playfully. "Oh, la, la. You’re full of surprises, Dessa." She giggled with a genuine smile on her face before she blurted while nodding. "You too, Marcellus." Marcellus still had a smile on his face but there was a hint of mischievousness as he stared down at Odessa. If she thought he was ’surprising’ now, she should wait till she discovers his true nature. Anyway, Odessa proceeded to tell Marcellus to come back later in the evening for their little hang-out before she stepped back into the room and locked the door. Marcellus remained standing in front of the door, his hands behind his back as he imagined what would happen next, ignoring the curious glances of a few maids who walked past attending to chores. . . When Marcellus got back to his residence, he had a smile on his face as he walked into the living room. He snapped his fingers, causing the speakers in the large living room to begin playing some pop music which he shook his body to. "Someone seems happy." Cullen’s voice echoed from a corner as he walked toward him with two glasses of vodka in his hands. "What’s got you in this mood?" Marcellus’ grin only widened as he sighed before grabbing a glass from Cullen when he got in front of him. He took a sip, savoring the taste before he spoke. "Well, Cullen. I’m going on a date." Cullen’s eyes widened with surprise as his lips parted while he tried to let what Marcellus just said to sink in. "Wow..." Cullen ended up blurting, shaking his head before he drank from his glass. "So, who’s the unfortunate soul who has managed to get your attention?" Marcellus walked past Cullen, still moving his body to the rhythm of the music before he sat down on one of the couches and let out a satisfied breath while still holding on to his drink. "Why, Odessa, of course." As soon as those words left his mouth, Cullen, who had been drinking from his glass, almost choked on it and began coughing, placing his left hand on his chest. That caused Marcellus to arch an eyebrow as the music came to a comedic end and died down. "Really? The powerless witch?" Cullen asked with shock, his eyes widened as he walked closer to Marcellus. "W– Why would you even–" "Oh, please. We’re just meeting to have some drinks." Marcellus interrupted with a scoff, rolling his eyes. "Besides, you’re the one making it sound like something romantic. Tell me, Cullen, in all the years you’ve known me, when did I ever do ’romance’?" Cullen batted his eyelids before he let out a sigh, a wry smile on his face. "Never." Marcellus smirked, snapping his fingers. "Bingo. And nothing’s changed. But I’m telling you... Something is interesting about Odessa. I don’t know what it is yet but I’m willing to play the part of the ’kind’ Beta for as long as possible to find out what it is." A cold grin curled up Marcellus’ lips as he thought about all the ways he was going to toy with that powerless witch. He was going to have fun.