I leaned back in my chair, staring up at the high ceiling of the mansion as my mind drifted. So much had happened… the fall of the Greenwolds, the city on edge, the Wolf Order rising. But it wasn't over yet.
More was coming.
Retaliation… chaos… maybe even war.
But for now, there was an eerie, unfamiliar calm.
[Ding]
The familiar notification sound echoed in my head.
[You have received a new Inbox message.]
I straightened up instantly, excitement prickling my spine. System messages usually brought interesting… or insane news.
I opened the message quickly:
[Ho ho ho… Good lad.
Not only have you created your own pack, but now you've claimed your own territory… Do you even understand what that means?
A wolf… claiming land… in human civilization? You've angered the Human God. But right now… you're too weak for them to care.
You've barely captured even 1% of the Human God's domain. Have you seen a Human God temple in this city? No? Exactly.
This whole kingdom isn't even 1% of their domain. Weak… backwards. The only temple is hidden in the capital of this kingdom.
But leave this place, venture beyond… you'll find temples everywhere. Go farther still, to other continents, and you'll find other gods entirely.
For now, this knowledge is enough. I'm telling you because you'll need it… soon.
But when you execute the former lord of this territory… a new system function will unlock. You'll gain true control over this land.
Also… I have a surprise for you when you claim the city. That's a secret for later.
Oh, and one more thing—build a statue of yourself… and order your werewolves to pray to it.
It may Sounds stupid now? But You'll understand when your power grows. It's part of your path to becoming… a God.]
I stared at the message, my expression blank for a long moment.
"…What the actual fuck?"
I wasn't even officially the lord of this city yet. Agrest Greenwold was still breathing—for now. Tomorrow evening, his execution would seal my claim, and then the system would probably throw more insane responsibilities at me.
The more I learned about this world, the more it felt like a twisted strategy game. Claim territory… establish dominance… maybe even piss around like a wild animal to mark it.
Shit. I really hoped I didn't have to do that last part.
Sighing, I leaned back again, thoughts swirling around gods, territory, and ridiculous system mechanics.
Then, her face flashed through my mind.
Bella.
Why did she run off earlier? That dazed, flushed expression on her face… it was burned into my memory.
A small smirk tugged at my lips.
Curiosity sparked, and I closed my eyes, focusing my senses. I inhaled deeply, letting my werewolf instincts sharpen and—
Her scent.
It drifted to me like a sweet thread, leading me straight to her.
I followed it, stepping out into the sprawling garden behind the mansion.
And there she was.
Her back was to me, framed by a sea of blooming flowers. The evening sun bathed the garden in soft golden light, painting everything in a surreal glow. Her golden dress shimmered faintly, clinging to her graceful form. Long hair cascaded down her back, swaying gently with the breeze as she leaned over, admiring a delicate blue flower.
For the first time in days, I really looked at her.
All this time, I'd been buried in pack building, battle plans, power struggles… I hadn't noticed.
But now?
She was beautiful.
Not just in the obvious sense—there was something… captivating. That smile, her delicate fingers brushing petals, the quiet joy in her face. She was like the very flowers surrounding her—a survivor, finally blooming after years buried in mud and hardship.
I thought back to our first meeting in that broken-down restaurant. At the time, I'd been more focused on food than faces. But even then… something about her drew me in.
That's why she'd been my first choice to turn into a werewolf.
It wasn't love—not yet.
But attraction? Oh, absolutely.
She stood there, lost in the moment, oblivious to me—until she sensed my gaze. She turned, eyes wide, and spotted me watching her like some idiot caught staring at his crush.
Her cheeks flushed deep red instantly, but she didn't say a word.
Even I was dazed for a second, but I snapped out of it quickly, forcing my legs to move as I approached.
"Do you like this garden?" I asked, my voice smooth—maybe a little too smooth.
Her blush deepened, her hands tightening around the flower in her grasp. "Y-Yes… I do."
I smirked, stepping closer, eyes twinkling. "What's your favorite flower then?"
I nodded toward the one in her hand—a striking blue rose, though I wasn't sure what it was called in this world.
She glanced down, fingers brushing the petals, smiling faintly. Her cheeks were still flushed. "I… I don't know its name. But when I first came here, the scent drew me in. I searched everywhere until I found this one. Blue… strange, isn't it? But… beautiful."
Her voice was soft, musical, as natural as the breeze around us. The way the sunlight kissed her golden dress, the curve of her figure, her long hair drifting toward the flower—it was… enchanting.
Before I even realized what I was doing, I stepped closer. My hand reached up, gently brushing a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. My fingers lingered for a heartbeat, grazing her warm cheek.
She froze under my touch, eyes wide, cheeks burning like wildfire.
"I like this flower too," I whispered, my voice dropping into a playful, teasing tone.
Her eyes widened even more. "W-What…?"
That reaction almost broke my self-control. She looked like some teenager experiencing her first crush—and damn if it wasn't adorable.
Yeah… there was definitely something here. I didn't know if it was love yet, but the pull between us? Undeniable.
Letting the moment linger, I gently took the flower from her hand, my fingers brushing hers. I twirled it slowly, eyes flickering from the bloom to her flushed, beautiful face.
"Yes… I definitely like this flower," I repeated, voice lower this time, filled with quiet meaning.
Then—
A cough shattered the moment.
I stiffened, turning to see Fil awkwardly standing nearby, eyes wide with horror as he realized what he'd walked into.
Bella instantly looked away, flustered like a guilty kid sneaking sweets before dinner.
I sighed heavily, glaring at Fil. Man, if you were anyone else, I'd have killed you for this.
"What is it, Fil?" I asked, voice sharp with annoyance.
Fil paled, sweat forming on his forehead. "S-Sir… your presence is required. Urgently… there's a problem."
The urgency in his voice sobered me instantly. Whatever this was… it wasn't minor.
I gave him a sharp nod. "Wait outside. I'll be there in a minute."
He bowed deeply and scampered off like his life depended on it—probably vowing to never, ever interrupt me and Bella again.
Turning back to her, I found her still standing there, cheeks flushed, hands pressed to her face, eyes darting everywhere but at me.
Damn. This girl was driving me insane today. Maybe it was the hormones… maybe the atmosphere… maybe the way her eyes sparkled like that… but the tension between us? Unreal.
I scratched the back of my head, smiling faintly. "Hey, Bella…" I called softly.
She peeked at me through her fingers, her entire face still red.
"Would you… like to take a walk with me? Tomorrow morning? Around the city… just the two of us?"
Her eyes widened, her blush deepening until her face looked like the ripest tomato I'd ever seen.
"Y-Yes…" she stammered, voice barely a whisper.
The answer made my chest flutter unexpectedly.
Without thinking, caught in the warmth of the moment, I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.
Her skin was warm… soft… inviting.
Realization crashed into me a second later.
Shit.
Too late to take it back.
Heat rushed to my own face—a rare thing for me—and like a goddamn coward, I bolted from the garden like a cannonball.
Behind me, I could still feel her wide-eyed, stunned gaze following my retreating figure.
Bella's POV
I stood there, frozen, my heart pounding so hard it echoed in my ears.
His lips… had touched my cheek.
My fingers instinctively drifted to the spot, my skin still tingling, my heart racing wildly.
Maybe… maybe he just wanted me to come along for some business tomorrow…
But the more I replayed the scene, the more impossible that excuse sounded.
My face flushed even deeper, so hot I was sure steam was pouring from my ears.
I buried my face in my hands, whispering under my breath—
"…What is happening to me…?"