Camilla POV

"How dare you disobey me? I told you to stay out of my room!" I snapped, not caring that I was still trapped between Malakai’s hands. The moment Hilda walked in, her eyes widened in shock at the scene before her. Perhaps she had been content with my cold treatment of Malakai since my birthday and assumed it would remain that way. Or maybe, she was simply stunned that I had lashed out at her in front of him.

"I was just putting your laundry away," she stammered, quickly recovering and shifting her gaze to Malakai with a soft smile.

Seriously? Was I blind in my past life? It was obvious now—she had her sights set on him. A wave of disgust churned in my stomach, and I had to clench my fists to suppress the nausea rising in my throat.

"Did I not make myself clear? You are not to enter my room under any circumstances. Someone else has been assigned to handle your tasks."

"But it was only the laundry—"

"Exactly," I cut her off, emphasizing the word. "It was just laundry, which means I could have picked it up myself if no one else was available—except you."

I made sure she understood the message. I didn’t want her anywhere near me. I didn’t trust her. And I hoped this time, she got it.

She flickered a glance at Malakai, her expression pleading for him to intervene. Pathetic. Instead of stepping back when she knew I was furious, she seized the moment to gain his attention. How bold of her.

I shoved Malakai’s hands off me and stormed into my room, intent on undoing whatever she had touched. I didn’t trust her—not anymore.

"Why is she treating me this way, Alpha?" I heard Hilda ask, her voice laced with false innocence.

The audacity. Rather than excusing herself, she was using this as an opportunity to chat with him.

My footsteps pounded against the floor in irritation, but Malakai, at least, seemed to get the message. His response was clipped and urgent. "I don’t know, but I have to go to her. Thanks for your help, Hilda. Don’t worry about it."

His footsteps followed me inside, but I was already in my closet, pulling out every single piece of clothing. I needed to check them—every last one. I knew what she had done before. She had stolen my scent. I didn’t know how, but I wasn’t letting it happen again.

"Camilla, what are you doing?" Malakai asked, his voice filled with confusion.

I ignored him, continuing my frantic search.

"Why did you lash out at Hilda like that? She was only doing her job. What are you even looking for?"

I didn’t bother answering until I felt his hand grip mine, halting my movements.

"Stop this, Camilla."

"No," I shot back. "I have to make sure she doesn't leave anything behind."

"Why are you so paranoid? You two were inseparable once. She was your best friend—she’d never hurt you."

I froze. A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I met his gaze.

"How well do you really know someone, Malakai? How do you know the person you trust most won’t stab you in the back?" My voice was cold, sharp. "Even the ones closest to you can betray you."

His jaw tensed, his expression serious. "I would never betray you."

"Oh really? Because it sure seemed like you were about to mark me minutes ago—without my permission."

His jaw tightened further. He placed his hands on his waist, clearly frustrated. "You didn’t answer my question."

"Pretty sure I did. I was in the city, and I seduced no one."

"What about Henry?"

"I just met him today. We sat, talked, and drank coffee. That’s it."

"Then why is his scent all over you?"

"Because he lent me his jacket. I was cold." I threw my hands up, exasperated. "If I had known coming home meant dealing with you and Hilda, I would’ve stayed out longer. Now get out."

"Camilla—"

"Out! Now!"

—

By morning, after finding nothing unusual in my room, I ordered a deep clean. Every item of clothing was rewashed, my entire space scrubbed until it was spotless. I wasn’t going to risk anything. I didn’t know when she started scheming against me in my past life, so I had to be on high alert now.

As I finished getting dressed for training, a shadow loomed in my doorway.

"Don’t you have anything better to do?" I muttered without looking up.

Of course, it was Malakai. Who else?

I had half-expected to see Susan or another pack member, but finding him standing there was a surprise.

Has he been waiting long? Shouldn’t he have duties to handle? Why was he here?

"My time is yours," he said, his gaze steady, searching.

I scoffed and made my way downstairs. It was too early for this nonsense.

"Don’t you think your clothes are too tight?" he asked.

Ah. So that’s why he was eyeing me.

I turned to face him. "I’m dressed for training. What did you expect?"

"Loose pants and a shirt would look better."

I sighed. "Tighter, flexible clothing allows for better movement. Loose clothing would only slow me down."

"I don’t want anyone else looking at you like this."

I stopped mid-step. "Excuse me?"

His gaze darkened. "Your body is for my eyes only."

I rolled my eyes. "You’re being a possessive alpha right now."

A smirk played on his lips. "You called me that the night you saw me naked."

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I turned away. "You’re impossible."

He stepped closer, voice low. "You don’t know what you do to me, Camilla. I’m holding back because I know you’re not ready. But I won’t let anyone else have what’s mine."

The air between us grew thick, tension crackling. I needed to get out of here before I did something reckless.

"Practically every woman on the field will be dressed like this," I shot back. "So stop being ridiculous."

I picked up my pace, eager to put distance between us, and entered the dining area where Damian was enjoying coffee.

"Damian!" I called, relief washing over me.

He grinned. "Morning, Pumpkin. Ready for training?"

"Isn’t it too late to be drinking coffee?" I teased.

He chuckled. "It’s never too late for coffee."

I glanced behind me at Malakai. "Shouldn’t he be busy? You must have something for him to do."

Damian smirked. "Nope. His gamma and men are handling everything. He’s here for you."

I glared. "You two planned this, didn’t you?"

Damian grinned. "Enjoy training, Pumpkin. You’re lucky—having an alpha person personally train you."

I clenched my fists and stormed outside, their laughter ringing behind me.

Malakai. What a menace.

Why wouldn’t he just leave me alone?