A Werewolf's Unexpected Mate-Chapter 80: A Jealous Wolf’s Embrace

Ovelia’s POV

I didn’t expect Ann to push me toward Ray. Perhaps she noticed my lingering gaze on Ray’s fur, an attraction I could no longer hide. My cheeks burned as I glanced down at my pocket, ensuring the fairy was still safe and undisturbed.

"Is there a problem, Ovelia?" Ray’s voice broke through my thoughts, smooth yet curious.

"N-no, Ray," I stammered, heat creeping into my cheeks, a churning mix of embarrassment and excitement.

I glanced at Ann, who gave me a subtle nod and a thumbs-up, silently urging me to go for it. Taking a deep breath, I turned back to Ray. "Ra-Ray, I..." I bit my lip, too embarrassed to ask if I could touch his fur.

Ray tilted his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Ovelia, do you want to touch my fur?" he asked, his tone gentle, his inviting smile disarming my restraint.

My face turned even redder, but I nodded shyly.

Ray knelt down, his silver-and-orange fur glinting in the moonlight. Before I could react, he pulled me into a hug, his fur soft and warm against my skin. I froze for a moment, but I couldn’t resist. His fur was even softer than Ace’s and Ann’s—like the teddy bear I had when I was seven, back when I could still feel the love of my non-biological parents.

"What do you think? Is my fur satisfying?" His voice, gentle and teasing, tugged me back to the moment.

"Yes, your fur is much softer than Ace’s and Ann’s," I managed, breaking free from his embrace, the lingering warmth still tickling my skin.

"I’m happy to hear that," he replied, a proud grin spreading across his face. With a swift motion, he patted my head before transforming back into his human form, a playful light dancing in his eyes.

Ace’s POV

Watching Ovelia and Ray talk and hug and then seeing Ray pat her head right in front of me—it was as if I didn’t exist at all. A strange, unfamiliar feeling twisted in my chest.

"Are you jealous of your brother?" Philip whispered, his voice dripping with amusement. I shot him a glare, but he just smirked.

Philip stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I’m just joking," he said, though his grin suggested otherwise.

I couldn’t help myself. I strode over to Ovelia, pulled her toward me, and hugged her tightly from behind. She stiffened in surprise, and I felt the warmth radiating from her cheeks.

"Ace?" she said, her voice small as she turned to face me, her eyes darting to Ann for help. "Ace, are you angry? Sorry, your fur and Ann’s fur are soft too, it’s just—"

I cut her off, my grip tightening around her waist. "If you keep talking, I’ll kiss you in front of everyone." my voice low but firm.

What am I saying?

Philip, Ray, and Ann burst into laughter, their chuckles echoing in the quiet forest. I glanced down at Ovelia, her face now as red as a tomato.

"Sir Ace, it’s my first time seeing you jealous like this," Ann teased, her voice light, but her eyes sparkled with mischief.

She wasn’t wrong. I’d never felt this way before, not even when Eliana talked to or was approached by other men.

"He’s been glaring at Ray this whole time," Philip added, laughing. Now, I really wanted to punch him.

"Ace, if you’re this jealous, you should mark her already before someone else takes her," Ray said, his tone light but his words cutting deep.

So Ray knew I hadn’t marked Ovelia yet. My fists clenched at my sides.

The sound of approaching horses interrupted the moment. I turned to see Colt riding toward us on a horse, pulling a wagon, followed by four of his troops. Kai and his team were also approaching, the prisoners from the cage now safely seated in the wagons. It looked like they’d finished the tasks I’d assigned them.

I reluctantly let go of Ovelia.

Colt and Kai dismounted and walked over to us.

"Good work, everyone," I said, the words feeling heavy with the weight of the recent chaos. Kai and Colt exchanged grateful smiles, the camaraderie between them palpable.

Suddenly, Colt knelt and bowed in front of Ovelia. "Sorry, Lady Ovelia. I didn’t have time to introduce myself earlier. I’m Colt Reyes, the 1st Division Lieutenant Colonel under General Ray Draven," he said, his tone respectful.

He took her hand gently, an act that sent a jolt of protectiveness coursing through me. I shot him a glare, my voice low but firm. "Don’t you dare kiss her hand."

Everyone froze, their eyes wide with surprise. Colt burst into laughter. "Seeing you jealous like this really shows how much you love your mate," he said, his grin widening.

"I’m not jealous," I muttered, though my tone lacked conviction.

"Don’t deny it. It’s written all over your face," Kai said, laughter bubbling in his throat.

Everyone’s laughter erupted, a brief reprieve from our grim reality; even Ovelia and my wolf seemed to be laughing at me.

I cleared my throat, forcing myself to shift the mood back to seriousness. "This conversation isn’t appropriate right now," The mood shifted as everyone’s expressions turned serious. "Kai, I want you and your troops to load the bandits into the wagons."

"Understood, Sir Ace." Kai nodded, his demeanor instantly serious as he rallied his men to haul the captured bandits.

"Colt, I want you and your troops to check every tent and bring out all the items you find," I instructed, my tone brooking no argument.

"Yes, Sir Ace," Colt said, leading his team into the tents.

I turned to Ray and Philip.

"I’ll help check the tents," Ray said, already heading toward one.

"I’ll help Kai and the others carry the bandits," Philip said, hoisting an unconscious Khaleed over his shoulder.

"Alright," I said, watching as they all got to work.

I glanced at Ann, but she spoke up before I could say anything. "I’ll help Philip and the others carry the bandits," she said, giving Ovelia a reassuring smile before walking off.

Now, it was just Ovelia and me.