True Alpha’s Chosen Mate - Chapter 195

Hugo’s only task was to meet Niall personally in a meeting place away from this ‘ambush.’ He was told that he couldn’t bring anyone unless it was his wife. So Hugo didn’t hesitate to take me with him, despite the opposition from his siblings.

In other words, Hugo’s task was the most dangerous of all. He would meet Niall, the crown prince of the vampires, with no one to watch his back. Until now, I was uncertain if Hugo trusted Niall or he planned to save Azazel. Everything was just vague; even when I listened to their conversation during the short meeting, I was stumped.

It sounded like they would betray Azazel and not at the same time.

“Hugh,” I called, setting my eyes on him. “Is this alright?”

“Are you uncomfortable?” he asked.

I shook my head. We were currently sitting on a tree branch, waiting for Niall to arrive. Hugo told me it was better to wait up here, keeping me on his lap while his back was against the tree trunk. His arms were wrapped around my waist, keeping me still so I wouldn’t fall.

It was more like a date in the middle of the night. But there wasn’t the slightest hint of making it romantic with what was about to happen.

“Are we going to be alright?” I asked, staring at him with genuine wonder in my eyes. “It’s only us in here, but this place is surrounded by vampires.”

Hugo tilted his head to the side. “What do you think, Bambi?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You didn’t even show the slightest concern when I told you I’ll take you to this dangerous place.” He pointed out since I didn’t even argue when he announced his plans. I even had the audacity to reassure Sally and Alice since they were the most concerned about this.

“Is that because you trust me that no harm will befall you?”

I pressed my lips into a thin line, staring at his pair of curious eyes. “What about you?” instead of an answer, I returned it with a question. “Did you think no harm will befall me if you take me with you?”

“No.”

“Then why did you propose to take me with you?” came out a quick follow-up inquiry, utterly confused at what he was thinking.

Ever since we reconciled, it seemed we were back to square one. Aside from the obvious changes, Hugo had become more and more mysterious. I couldn’t read him anymore. In the past, whenever I asked something, he would bluntly tell everything to me without a filter.

But now… every time he answered my question, it would make me ask more. I would even wonder what was there he wasn’t telling me.

“Because I can’t take anyone else but you?” he replied in a knowing tone, arching a brow. “Niall said unless it’s you, he wouldn’t allow another person with me. So, I’m certain he will not mind your presence. Also, he had shown great interest in my wife. I’m curious what he will do if you’re almost within his reach.”

“You speak cruelly, Hugh.” I frowned. “Are you saying you’re using me as bait?”

“What gave you that impression? I’m taking you because you’re the only ally I can bring. I got your back, and you got mine.”

“What…?” For a moment, I couldn’t believe my ears. Did he really say that? I looked at him with wide eyes, watching him chuckle.

Hugo let out a sigh as he tucked a few stray hairs that were falling out of my bun behind my ear. “You trust me with your life…” he dawdled, sharp eyes on me. “… so I trust my life in you.”

I held my breath while staring into his eyes. What was Hugo spewing right now? Entrust his life in me? Why would he do that? Did he already know? No, I doubt that was the case. Not that it was a problem. I came here because I couldn’t trust the vampires and I wanted to protect him.

But for him to say all that… it brought mixed feelings to me. Nevertheless, I was flattered.

“How can you say that?” I asked under my breath. “Do you think I can fight them? Slaughter them? How can I protect you? Have you considered that at the crucial moment? All I can do is cry?”

“Hmm… well, at least someone will cry for me.” He shrugged.

“Hugh!” I slapped his chest, causing him to laugh playfully. “How can you be so nonchalant about it? This decision-making is reckless!”

“Ahh!” he held my wrist, stopping me from slapping his chest. “Bambi, stop it. Haha!”

I ground my teeth, glaring at him. For sure, there were many things we hadn’t said because of the current situation. It hadn’t been a day when we reunited. So, I was certain Hugo didn’t expect much from me. But I was wrong. Hugo had a good reason behind it.

“Bambi.” He breathed out, looking at me straight in the eye. “If you told me you don’t want to come with me, I wouldn’t have forced you. However, you were confident.”

“What…?”

“I noticed this confidence before — right after that incident in Belcoot — but I ignored it,” he explained solemnly. “But last night, I was certain you can back up this confidence. What I’m trying to say here is, if you’re thinking, you seemed to not know your husband that well. The same goes with me.”

He took a deep breath, brushing my cheek with his thumb. “Our relationship… was never real, Bambi. Because I think… I also saw what I wanted to see and simply held onto the thought that I should protect you at all times. The intention is good, but that also narrowed my horizon and unconsciously labeled you as someone incapable of protecting yourself and others.

You are my luna and there would be a situation where my luna had to go out there and protect her people because I am vulnerable. I kept telling you you’re not weak, but my actions and decisions say otherwise. I want to correct that.”

“Hugo,” I called, a bit moved by his sentiments and his willingness to take responsibility.

“Let’s correct ourselves, Bambi.” He cupped my cheek and smiled. “And just live and love honestly, trusting each other with our lives.”

My eyes softened, leaning my cheek against his palm. “Mhm. Let’s do that then.”

Hugo and I stared at each other and smiled. He had a point. We thought our relationship was perfect. But honestly, it was far from that. I couldn’t be myself because I didn’t want to change Hugo’s view of me.

With this, it was akin to permitting me to be me. To be the Rinnie, I created during the past three years, and not the Rinnie her parents wanted her to be, or the lamb this world was expecting to be.

While staring at him lovingly, I held the back of his hand. “They’re here,” I spoke, glancing to the side. My gentleness gradually faded into ice.

When my eyes return to him, the side of his lips curled up. “Mhm. Stay here and listen. You won’t fall on your own, right?”

“I can jump on my own.” I frowned, slapping his chest lightly. “I got your back, don’t worry.”

“That sounds very reassuring..” He laughed.