True Alpha’s Chosen Mate

Chapter 131 – I Love You, Hugo Tempest.

Maybe it was because Hugo was an Alpha who shall not bow to anyone or it was the apology. But his actions and words deeply moved the bears. Although there was still hostility and doubt, I was hopeful that everything would turn out well.

Since this would be a big change in Belcoot, Hugo and I had been very busy. He would see his people, explain to them his plans. Of course, there were oppositions, since the bears were a threat to werewolves. Letting them inside the border they defended against the bears divided the opinion.

Hugo was trying to appease his people in a more peaceful way. Meanwhile, I would assist him every time he would negotiate with the Tarsa Tribe. Both parties compromised. Since Belcoot was now a breeding ground for werewolves, Hugo offered the vast forest right behind his castle. 

In this case, Hugo could watch them and the bears could watch him if ever they scheme. I knew trust was hard to build, especially with their circumstance, but someday… I hope everything and everyone could live without this lingering fear and doubt.

"Are you that happy?" I snapped my eyes and gazed up at Hugo, hands on his bare chest after our intense lovemaking. "You've been smiling for god knows how long."

"And you just pointed that now after staring for so long?" I pointed out, resting my chin on top of my hands, eyes on him. "Hugh, I will go to the tribe tomorrow with Edge and Toby. That's fine, right?"

"You should just come with me to inspect the territory."

"But who will be left behind in the castle and the forest?" he sighed at my response while I smiled, moving up until my face was closer to him. I gazed at him. He looked tired than usual, considering his hectic schedule. 

"Hugh, you look tired." I pointed out, watching his brows raise. "You should conserve more energy and stamina."

The space between his brows wrinkled. "Are you saying I should refrain from making love with you?"

"Well, it's not like the world will end if you do. You've been busy, especially since you welcomed a few from the Tarsa tribe in Belcoot. Let's not mention the pressure, doubt, and fear from the people."

"Bambi, the world will end if you forget about me."

"Pardon?"

"What will I do if you suddenly forget about me? I should remind you constantly that I am the best."

"…"

I looked at Hugo with closed lips, rendered speechless at his response. Was that his reason? But I didn't know why was that even the issue. Why did he think I would forget about him? 

"You don't need to prove you have a strong stamina just so I won't forget about you," I mumble, averting my eyes. "Why do you even think I will forget about you when you're all I have?"

"Bambi," he breathed out, cupping my cheek to guide me and look at him. "I don't know. I just can't shrug off the feeling that you might forget about me. Or just… ignore me completely."

I blinked countless times, studying the sincerity in his eyes. He meant it and I could see the slight fear in his eyes. But honestly, I should be the one who should be scared. Our relationship was good — too good to be true. I feared that one day… because of his werewolf instinct, he would forget about me. I already tossed that thought at the back of my head, but I couldn't help but recall now that he mentioned it. 

He smiled subtly and poked the tip of my nose. "Maybe I just love you so much. So, I'm afraid to lose you."

"Was love something one should be scared of, Hugh?"

"I don't think so." He shook his head. "I'm not an expert, but I think love is wonderful and beautiful." His eyes dug a hole in my face as he stared intensely while speaking. "But people… scares me — people's heart and how it constantly changes. Not love."

Until now, I knew Hugo was important to me. I also liked him in a way that was different from others. But… if loving someone would give one this constant fear of losing them, then…

"I think I love you," came out a whisper, watching him look at me in a daze. "I don't want to lose you too, Hugh. I'm actually… scared that one day… when you meet your rightful mate –"

"Shut up." My breath hitched as my shoulder tensed up at the coldness of his voice. I looked at his unsmiling countenance, tilting my head slightly to the side. 

"You are my chosen mate, Rinnie. That means you are my mate, no one else." His eyes glinted with an unbending determination, not giving any room for argument. "Just put a period after those three words. No ifs or buts. Not even 'I think'. Just period."

I pressed my lips into a thin line, eyes holding his intense gaze. Beneath the fire in those beautiful golden eyes, spoke a request to hear those words again. He wasn't asking verbally, but that was what his eyes were telling me. 

"I…" I took a deep breath, finding that courage while clutching his chest. "… I love you."

His eyes softened as his brows relaxed, giving me that relieved look that was enough to melt my heart. He looked happy and relieved as if all the worries in the world were finally answered. My brows raised when his eyes sweltered, but no tears spilled from his eyes. 

Hugo's breaths grew heavier while staring at me, brushing my cheek with his thumb. "I never cried in my life, Rinrin. Nor anyone or anything had moved me. But I feel like I will right now."

"Hugh…"

"I am happy that I am in tears." An incomprehensible smile dominated his lips, letting me feel his palm vibrate against my cheek. "Can you say it again?"

I smiled as my eyes also softened. This was what I liked about Hugo. He was strong, and that was already proven many times. But… he wasn't afraid to show he had emotions. That someone like him could also be on the verge of tears because of mere words.

This time, my voice was firm as I repeated, "I love you, Hugo Tempest." and that was the last straw as a tear rolled down to this side.

"I love you more, Rinrin.. You have no idea," he whispered, leaning his face forward to plant a kiss on my lips.