Mated To The Mafia Werewolves

Blaze reentered the room where Arabella sat, his annoyance from the encounter with Thalia was still discernible. His gaze swept the room, immediately fixing on Arabella. She occupied a carved wooden chair by the window, her white hair cascading over her shoulders in gentle waves, radiating a timeless beauty.

Despite the displeasure that lingered after his exchange with Thalia, Blaze felt his tense shoulders gradually easing as he approached Arabella. Her mere presence had a soothing influence on him, a fact he cherished.

Noticing Orga’s absence in the room, along with the unfamiliar winged men whose names eluded him, Blaze didn’t bother seeking such information; he considered it unimportant. Similarly, Thalia was clearly missing, which surprised him as he half-expected her to still be present.

His thoughts wandered to her possible whereabouts. Nonetheless, he figured that her unfamiliarity with the surroundings would likely keep her from venturing far. Moreover, the concealed phoenixes stationed both within and beyond the cave offered a protective presence. Thalia’s movements were unlikely to pose any significant problem.

Arabella’s bright smile greeted Blaze as she observed his entry, prompting her to rise. Her eyes gleamed with warmth. Stepping closer, she tilted her head, noticing the crease of concern on his forehead.

“Hey,” she said, her hand finding its place on his arm. “Is everything alright?”

Returning her infectious smile, Blaze briefly embraced her. Stepping back, he sighed, his head shaking slightly.

“Not entirely,” he admitted. “Thalia and I had a rather intense disagreement.”

“Rather intense?” Arabella raised an eyebrow, skepticism lacing her tone. She suspected that the argument was far from being classified as “Rather intense.”

“Alright, maybe not just ‘Rather intense,’ but it was a full-blown argument that I wish hadn’t occurred,” he confessed.

Arabella’s arms enveloped Blaze in a comforting embrace, offering. She stroked his back gently while murmuring, “Everything will work out.”

Blaze found himself taken aback by her words. He wondered if she had overheard the entirety of their confrontation. His gaze lingered on her, brows furrowing in bewilderment. “What do you mean?”

Arabella’s smile softened, her fingers tenderly caressing his cheek. “I’m aware that you’ve been thinking about the disagreement between Thalia and me,” she began. Her gaze briefly dropped to the floor before returning to meet his. “But regardless of that, I want you to understand that I’m here for you, no matter what. Thalia’s words don’t affect me. I’ve encountered individuals like her before.”

“I wasn’t actually dwelling on that,” Blaze retorted, his lips curving despite his protest.

Arabella’s eyes sparkled playfully. “Oh, come on, Blaze. Don’t take everything so seriously,” she teased. “I know you were contemplating the whole Thalia situation.”

Blaze’s grin turned mischievous. “I’m being honest, and I really wasn’t. I was more focused on how adorable you look while trying to reassure me.”

Arching an eyebrow, Arabella crossed her arms over her midsection. “Is that so? Care to elaborate, Mr. Cole…” Her voice trailed off as she realized she wasn’t familiar with Blaze’s last name. Not that it held significant importance, yet her curiosity lingered.

“Armstrong,” Blaze supplied.

“Mr. Cole Armstrong,” Arabella mused, savoring the sound of it. Unusual as it was, she relished the warmth that surged within her at its utterance.

Blaze leaned closer, his words a low, intimate whisper. “Well, Miss Collins, it’s because I find it utterly delighting how you believe a hug can resolve all my predicaments.”

Arabella giggled, attempting to push him away, but Blaze caught her, his fingers descending into a playful tickle, eliciting squirms, and uncontrollable laughter.

“Hey, cut it out!” she protested amidst laughter.

Despite that, he continued; he tickled until she collapsed onto the floor, breathless and still giggling. He eventually ceased, taking a seat beside her with a contented grin.

Regaining her breath, Arabella swatted his arm. “That’s not fair! You know I’m ticklish,” she pouted.

He laughed and drew her close, wrapping an arm around her. “I’m well aware, and that’s exactly why it’s so entertaining,” Blaze remarked before planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.

The resonance of heavy footsteps reverberated through the room, causing Blaze and Arabella to halt their playful exchange.

“Thalia,” Blaze murmured, catching a whiff of her fragrance.

Thalia strode in, her sharp gaze locking onto Blaze.

“Hey, Thalia,” Arabella beamed, waving at her, but Thalia offered no acknowledgment.

Marching past Arabella, she aimed straight for Blaze, her eyes steadfastly fixed on him.

“Well, it’s nice to have you here, too,” Arabella said. While Thalia’s indifference hurt, it was anticipated. They had never been friends, and Arabella doubted they ever would be.

Ignoring Arabella’s presence, Thalia got right to the point. “Hey,” she said. “Did you happen to see Janice and Alessia after they left?”

“Janice and Alessia?” Arabella muttered, her curiosity piqued. She turned to Blaze. “You saw Janice? When and where?”

“None of your business!” Thalia snapped, rolling her eyes.

Blaze turned to Arabella, brushing off Thalia’s rudeness. “I was actually thinking about Thalia and how I hadn’t seen her around for a while. So, I went looking for her because I thought I caught her scent, and that’s when I saw Janice and Alessia. But I don’t think they saw me,” he explained.

As Blaze spoke, Thalia stood with her arms crossed over her chest, her impatience and disinterest evident.

Blaze’s explanation left Arabella with nagging curiosity. She couldn’t help but wonder what Janice was up to. Now, she was also intrigued about Alessia, her twin.

“Well, okay, I guess,” Arabella said, wrapping up the topic. “Before you came in, I was actually considering going hunting in the woods. Do you want to come along? The weather is perfect for it today.”

“Hunting with you?” Thalia scoffed. “I doubt you can even catch a rabbit.” Then, she started giggling at the thought of Arabella chasing a rabbit.

“I’m not inviting you,” Arabella said. “I was talking to Blaze.”

Blaze looked at her with a raised brow. “Sure, I’m always up for a hunt. But why so suddenly?”

“I just told you. I’ve been thinking about it before you came in!” Arabella replied, hoping she sounded casual enough to avoid arousing more suspicion.

“Okay then, why don’t we go get dressed for it? There are bugs and mosquitoes, so we need to cover-”

“You both will do no such thing.” Suddenly, Orga was behind the two, and his unexpected presence startled them. “The Phoenix Queen is not leaving this cave.”

“Why can’t we leave?” Blaze demanded, his voice trembling with anger.

“The Phoenix Queen cannot leave this cave,” Orga continued, his expression gravely serious. “The enemy is close, and an urgent meeting must be convened to address the situation. As she is the target, she must remain within.”

“I can guard her, Orga,” Blaze argued.

“The safety of the Phoenix Queen is our utmost concern,” Orga replied firmly. “We cannot risk her departure only to face potential attacks.”

Blaze scowled, though he understood the explanation. While he could still serve as her guardian, he was concerned about the possibility of facing multiple enemies.

With reluctance, Blaze nodded his agreement.

Arabella shot Orga a piercing look. “I possess the necessary powers to defend myself against any opponent,” she countered. “I am not some creature needing confinement.”

“You’re literally-” Thalia started, but Arabella cut her off.

Arabella pressed on. “No, I refuse. I won’t simply remain here and accept this.”

“I humbly apologize, my lady,” Orga bowed respectfully to Arabella. “However, I cannot permit your exit, for it would endanger your life.”Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

“And if I were to leave forcefully?” Arabella challenged.

“I’m sorry, my lady, but it cannot be done,” Orga responded firmly. “To unseal the cave, you must defeat me in combat, as I am the sole key.”

Arabella sensed this as a challenge and declared, “I accept your challenge.”

“I’m going to grab popcorn,” Thalia said excitedly. “This is going to be thrilling.”

“What? Bella, no!” Blaze exclaimed as he moved closer.

“I won’t sit idly by while he treats me like this, Blaze. I’ve been imprisoned in this dismal hole for nearly a month. I simply need to walk around-nothing more. If battling him is what it takes to escape this suffocating darkness, then I will do so willingly!”

“Bella…” Blaze began, shaking his head.

“Very well,” Orga declared, his eyes narrowing.