Amelia's POV
I stared occasionally at moss standing a distance across the restaurant, he held his phone to his ear as he spoke to whoever he was on call with.
Creasing my brows impatiently, I turned to Alpha Leo who calmly touched my hands, "He's here already, just take a deep breath and calm down."
Yes, I needed to calm down.
More like I was enthusiastic, waiting another second before I'm accepted as Moss's Apprentice was a long wait. Like can he just end the damn call and focus on me?
I flashed a sweet smile at Leo, having him in my life wasn't bad after all. If Moss finally accepts me, it will all be by his influence.
Moss strolled back to our table and stared intensely at me. Pocketing his phone and hands, he twitched his lips, "Well, I have nothing to say or give to you, it's game over, Amelia."
What?
I froze momentarily, utterly confused yet shocked. Looking straight at this middle-aged man, I slowly stood up from my seat to confirm if everything was a joke.
"What do you mean, 'game over'?" I questioned softly.
The response I got wasn't expected.
With a straight face, he turned sharply and began walking away.
No, this can't be happening, my dream was about to be snatched away just like that?
I couldn't let this happen!
Hurrying after him, I stood in front of him, forcing out a shaky smile, I asked, "Mr. Edwards, what do you mean? What game are you talking about?"
Moss adjusted his hat, stroked his beard thoughtfully, and said with mock seriousness, "Well, since you're this clueless, I might as well be honest. Just a couple of days ago, my final apprentice finally acknowledged me as her master. She asked me to come crash your dinner today, so here I am."
What?
A final apprentice? Crash this dinner?
What in the Goddess' name was this man yapping about?
Moss was a legend in the art world, unmatched in skill. Three years ago, after a decade of refusing to take students, he announced he'd accept one final apprentice. Yet no one had been chosen until now.
I had been convinced the spot was mine, especially before answering that call, no doubt about it.
And now, what could have happened? No one's skill matched mine across the whole pack, talking more of Crimson's pack. The only one who could surpass me was Selene and the wench was blind.
Not relenting, I decided to stand my ground, "You called me here just to toy with me? You never intended to take me as your apprentice?"
Moss ran his hand through his hair as he scoffed nonchalantly, his tone suddenly icy as he stepped an inch closer to me, "Hah, you think I'd take any stray off the street? Miss Casper , no offense, but your skills don't even measure up to my little apprentice's pinky finger. If it weren't for her request, do you think I'd bother showing up?"
Okay, this was getting more serious than I thought.
Who the heck was this 'little' apprentice!
Clenching my fist tightly, I gritted my teeth, fighting the urge to lash out at Moss because it would cost my reputation if I said anything to him.
Finally stepping into the ring, Alpha Leo cleared his throat, "If you take Amelia as your apprentice, I'll offer you one hundred million to support your exhibition." He stated and a sly smile crept to my lips.
Let's see if Moss would reject such a huge amount of money. With a sly smile on my lips, I focused my gaze on him, anticipating his next reply, but slowly, the smile on my face vanished the moment Moss began chuckling.
Sizing Leo up, Moss said, "Oh, Alpha Leo, I prefer talent to the money you're offering. Even if you gave me an entire fortune, I wouldn't take her, and besides, I'm a foreigner, my pack ways are different from yours."
Shaking his head repeatedly, he turned to stare at me. "Not good enough, not good enough," he said, with a disdainful sneer, before brushing past us and exiting the restaurant.
I watched his retreating figure till it disappeared out of sight and crouched to the floor, my dreams have been completely shattered. How was I going to pick up from the shards?
How?
Tears rolled down my cheeks as I cried bitterly. Leo's soft touch on my shoulders caused me to sniff loudly.
"What do I do? Help me think of something! I really want to be Moss's apprentice, this is my only wish. You promised you'd help me make it happen!" I said amidst tears and Leo sighed heavily before wiping my tears.
"I always keep my promises, Amelia. No matter what it takes, I'll make sure you get your wish."
Lifting my tearful eyes, I threw myself into his arms, clutching him tight, my face pressed to his chest as I whimpered softly.
"No one in this world treats me better than you do, Alpha Leo If I hadn't mated to Lucas… maybe we could have…"
Before I could finish my words, Leo quickly cut me off, his voice gentle yet cold.
"No ifs. I married Selene and I'm responsible for her, for life. Besides, she's carrying my child."
Ouch.
That blind worthless wolf always comes up to ruin a perfect moment for me.
The resentment I had for her grew worse and I secretly clenched my fist.
Leo should be my obedient wolf, my play thing! His will was never considered except mine, but now?
Impossible.
I can't let it happen, every ounce of attention and affection belongs to me, no one else.
And that bastard pup in Selene's womb? I hated it with a venomous fury. I just hope the pup dies and she dies too.
Pressing my temple with my hand, I scrunched my face to express my pain and leaned weakly against Leo before replying, "I thought today, I'd finally become Moss's Apprentice. It was supposed to be the perfect gift for myself. But your highness, I'm so sad. It hurts so much, I'm losing my mind."
Leo slowly raised my jaw to stare at him and my eyes fell to his perfect lips.
Without hesitation, I slammed my lips on them to devour them and make them mine forever.
This would be my second trial and luckily, Leo didn't pull back. Maybe he found me more vulnerable to say no but who cares.
Our lips locked in a desperate, feverish kiss, breaths growing ragged. My hands circled his neck, as I deepened the kiss.
"Leo," I whispered, "how much do you love me?"
His breathing hitched, Leo whispered, "For you, I'd give my life."
That was it.
The confirmation I needed that he was still my puppet.