Alpha's Bite Between My Legs
Chapter 518: The Lies

Chapter 518: The Lies

Gastone sat on the patio overlooking a garden full of vegetables and fruits rather than flowers. However, it still brings good scenery.

"They really built me a house in the Palace area," Gastone stated in disbelief. He didn’t expect to be treated so well, even if he was just a normal wolf now, and he couldn’t even use the nobility of his mother’s side.

"It’s peaceful," Gastone murmured to himself, watching the wind sway the leaves. "Maybe it’s not so bad after all."

Gastone looked around. It was quiet, but his ears twitched at the faint sounds coming from the Palace in the distance.

"It’s chaotic as usual but livelier," Gastone commented with a smile.

Gastone stood and removed his shoes, feeling the cool earth beneath his feet. He stepped toward the garden, admiring the orderly rows of vegetables, each plant thriving under careful cultivation.

"Maybe I should start gardening as a hobby," Gastone stated as he bent down, running his hands over a ripe tomato. A small smile played on his lips.

Just then, a knock startled Gastone. He turned his head, catching sight of a familiar face— Draco.

"Draco!... Ah, Your Ma—" Gastone wasn’t able to continue his words when Draco stopped him.

"Don’t you dare say it, or I’ll be angry," Draco chuckled as he went close to Gastone. He grabbed his shoulder and pressed it slightly. "How are you?"

Gastone couldn’t help but smile. He felt good after seeing Draco for a while. "I am good," he replied flatly.

Draco nodded, glancing at Gastone’s bare feet. He was surprised since Gastone was a neat freak and always wanted to control how things went, but seeing him have dirt on his feet was a surprise.

"I hope you’ll love this place," Draco stated, looking around with satisfaction on his face. "I designed it."

Gastone raised an eyebrow. "Why? I am not your real brother or a blood relative. My family did unspeakable things," he said. He was confused about why he was treated very nicely after all that happened.

"I’m sure it’s not your fault," Draco sighed. He smiled at Gastone and gestured for him to sit so they could talk.

Draco had also removed his shoes to join Gastone and wouldn’t let him feel bad about it.

"You... you don’t have to," Gastone stated after seeing Draco remove his boots.

"But I want to," Draco winked playfully, laughing at Gastone’s reaction. "Anyways, why did you return to the werewolf realm?"

Gastone hesitated momentarily, glancing down at his feet again, now matching Draco’s.

"You can tell me anything. Maybe I can help," Draco leaned back as he enjoyed the fresh air that hit his skin.

"I wasn’t sure where else to go," Gastone finally admitted. His voice was low, but there was no bitterness in it. "I thought this might be the only place left for me, despite everything." He let out a slow breath.

Draco watched Gastone quietly, not interrupting. He knew there was more.

"And I think I’ll stay a bit longer... this time. Unless you want me out," Gastone looked at Draco. His eyes were soft and gentle.

"Of course, you can. Feel free to stay here as long as you want," Draco smiled, reached out, and clasped Gastone’s shoulder. He wanted to comfort Gastone.

Gastone blinked, feeling a warmth rise in his chest, but he fought the smile that threatened to break through. "And what about you?" he asked, turning to Draco.

Draco’s eyes darkened slightly, though his expression remained calm. "I needed a break. Sometimes, the crown feels heavier than it should," he paused, running a hand through his hair.

Gastone tilted his head, noticing the shift in Draco’s mood. He could sense there was more behind the words, but he didn’t press him.

"Is that why you’ve been staying away from the Palace more?" Gastone asked softly, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Draco nodded, his gaze distant for a moment before returning to Gastone. "It’s been... difficult, but I’m still doing my duties."

"I didn’t know you felt like that," Gastone said quietly. "But then again, I guess we all have our burdens."

"Exactly," Draco smiled faintly. "Anyways, how’s your mate, Lucia, right?"

Gastone immediately froze on his spot. His relaxed demeanor vanished and was replaced with discomfort. "I-I guess... she’s fine," he replied slowly.

That simple answer made Draco realize that Lucia was indeed the reason behind Gastone’s unexpected return to the werewolf realm.

"What happened?" Draco pressed as he looked intently at Gastone’s reaction. He clasped his hands together, eager to know the truth.

Gastone breathed deeply as the pain started to creep in. "Nothing," he replied shortly, but that was enough for Draco to understand.

For a moment, they sat in silence and enjoyed the fresh air.

Draco wanted to ask further, but Gastone’s facial expression and actions told him otherwise. He could only wait until Gastone was ready.

"I love... Lucia so much," Gastone said, breaking the silence with a heartbreaking tone. "And because of that... I want to support her... no matter what."

"Yes, the things we do for our mate," Draco agreed, nodding his head.

"Yes... even if it... breaks our bond," Gastone confessed, clenching his chest as the pain became too unbearable.

"What!?" Draco exclaimed, eyes wide as he never expected that to happen. He saw Gastone lean back with cold sweat forming on his forehead.

"I-I’m fine..." Gastone whispered as he didn’t want to bother anyone with his personal feelings.

"Don’t you know how dangerous it is for a broken bond!?" Draco shouted in disbelief. He immediately mind-linked his personal physician to go to Gastone’s residence immediately.

"I-I know, but I’m fine," Gastone insisted, sitting up straight and trying to act as if he wasn’t in pain, but that wouldn’t make Draco believe in him.

"I can see through your lies, Gastone. So be a good boy and rest," Draco stated firmly but with compassion. He took out his handkerchief and wiped Gastone’s sweat until the physician arrived.