Tasting

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200–The Forced Lover 

Nora: 

“What?” Cain was the first to ask Mia, a look of surprise on his face. I felt sorry for her because I could tell she was making a mistake. In fact, I had warned her not to do so. Silas had been clear that he wasn’t interested in anyone and wouldn’t be attending the ball, but I never thought she would be so stubborn. 

Flashback: A few days ago 

“May I have a word with you?” Mia knocked on my door while I was busy folding my laundry. She was a sweet girl. Her mother was actually a noble woman and had worked for the alpha king her entire life. 

“Sure, come inside,” I gave her a smile, allowing her to step in. Her body language was odd from the start; she fidgeted with her fingers and glanced around, avoiding eye contact. 

“What’s on your mind?” I turned to her, giving her my full attention. I could tell she needed my help in something. 

“I heard about the ball,” she smiled weakly. Of course, she would bring it up. She was single too and had every right to attend. 

“Oh yes, are you going?” I asked, watching as she shyly lowered her head and nodded. 

“Aw, please let me know if you need any help,” knowing her financial situation, I was prepared to assist her with a gown. I would even enjoy selecting one with her; her opinion would be valuable. 

200 The Forced Lover 

“I actually do. That’s why I’ve come to speak with you,” she cleared her throat and stepped closer, her discomfort evident. 

“Anything. I’m here for you,” I reassured her with a nod.. 

“Thank you. I knew you’d be able to help me,” she said, abruptly grabbing my hands. It startled me for a moment. 

“Tell me, what do you want?” I asked, feeling hesitant as she held my hands aggressively and stared into my eyes without blinking. 

“I want to go to this ball with Silas,” she declared, shaking my world. beneath me. 

“Oh…” I subtly slid my hands away, causing her smile to fade. That was not something I had expected to hear from her. 

“Please, It is my dream to go to the ball with him,” she continued, her eyes lighting up at the mention of Silas. 

“I don’t think he’s even going to the ball. He’s been very vocal about focusing on the event,” I said, avoiding telling her directly that he had never even noticed her. In fact, he hadn’t noticed anyone. There were times when I saw her eyeing him up and down but he would avoid her like she doesn’t even exist. 

“But if everyone tells him to take me, he will, right?” she nodded eagerly, her eyes becoming even more intense. 

“I don’t think that’s how it works. Firstly, you can’t force someone to do anything, especially not my stepbrother. Besides, wouldn’t you want this ball to be special for you?” I asked softly, hoping she’d understand and let go of this wish. 

“It’s Alpha King Silas. If I get him to date me, I’ll be the happiest, even if it means he’s coerced,” she said in a harsher tone this time. 

200–The Forced Lover 

I didn’t like it. What she seemed to forget was that these were my stepbrothers, and she was speaking of him as if he were some object. 

“Mia! You can’t force him. He’s a free man and gets to decide who he wants to date.” I told her firmly and sternly. 

She needed to understand that I wouldn’t allow her to scheme or manipulate Silas. 

She realized her mistake and quickly looked down before me, a sign that she understood and felt guilty. 

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know why all that nonsense slipped out of my mouth. I’ll leave now,” she said. There was something odd about her sometimes, an energy that made me uneasy. Even when she apologized just now, it seemed obvious she was insincere. 

End of Flashback 

“I want to go to the ball with Alpha King Silas,” she repeated. 

Lord Atwood’s jaw dropped. It wasn’t every day someone demanded to date an Alpha King. 

“Have you two met?” Lord Atwood asked, and she shook her head. 

“No, but given the chance, we could make a good pair,” she enthused. 

Nash and Cain were momentarily speechless until they saw their father. needed help with a tactful response. 

“Mia, right?” Nash asked, and she nodded. “That’s not how it works. You need to understand that we seek mates, or at the very least, someone compatible. If he hasn’t noticed you until now, I doubt he’ll agree to go to the ball with you,” he said politely, trying to make her 

see reason. 

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200 The Forced Lover 

“If he just gives me a chance,” she insisted, her jaw visibly tense. 

Honestly, I was starting to feel second–hand embarrassment for her. 

“How about we ask Silas directly? Would that settle things?” Cain interjected, but she seemed to tune out. 

“What if he says no?” she pouted, leaving everyone confused once. again. 

“Then it means no,” Nash shrugged. 

“But–” Before she could say anything else, Silas stepped in, as if the Moon Goddess herself wanted drama to unfold.. 

He entered and halted, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. 

“My son, do you wish to take Mia to the ball?” Lord Atwood asked without hesitation. 

Mia anxiously faced Silas, who narrowed his eyes at her and then turned to me before responding to his father. 

“I don’t even know her.” 

I had expected as much. It was true that I hadn’t seen them together before. 

“But if you ask him–” Mia tried to persuade Lord Atwood to pressure his son, but he raised his hand to silence her. 

“You have your answer, child. Don’t let anyone reject you twice,” he said sympathetically. I could tell he felt sorry for her, seeing how desperately she wanted Silas to take her. 

Finally, she fell silent, bowing to everyone before hurrying towards the 

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door. Silas appeared stunned and lost, still processing what had just happened.