Desired By Three Alphas; Fated To One Chapter 240: Jealous?

Hailee’s POV

"We..." Peter began, his tone far too casual for my liking.

"Don’t," I snapped, glaring at him from across the sitting room.

For the past ten minutes, he’d been teasing nonstop about the picture — that picture — the one of Rylan and plastered all over the gossip columns.

He wasn’t even angry. That made it worse.

If he’d yelled, scolded, or lectured like a brother should, I could’ve handled it. But no, he was smirking, lounging in his chair like this was the funniest thing he’d seen all week.

"You have to admit," Peter said with a grin, holding up the newspaper like it was so kind of trophy, "you two look like a happy couple. Look at this—perfect lighting, perfect posture. You could use this as an engagent photo."

"Peter!" I groaned, throwing a pillow at him. "You’re enjoying this way too much!"

He dodged easily, laughing. "Oh, co on. You can’t deny it—he’s handso."

I glared harder. "So is a thunderstorm, but that doesn’t an I want to stand in it!"

He chuckled, setting the paper aside. "Still, the kingdom seems to like the idea. The Southern King and the Western Princess—sounds like a story made for the history books."

I rolled my eyes and stood up, muttering under my breath. "Or the scandal column."

Before he could tease again, a maid hurried in, bowing slightly. "Your Highness," she said softly, "there’s soone asking to speak with you. On the private line."

My stomach sank. I didn’t even need to ask who.

Nathan.

"Thank you," I said quickly, forcing a calm smile. "I’ll take it in my room."

Peter looked up, curious. "Who is it?"

"None of your business," I said sweetly, and hurried out before he could question further.

I picked up the receiver in my room, shutting the door behind . "Hello?"

There was a brief silence, then a voice that still had an effect on , deep and low.

"Hi," Nathan said.

Sothing in his tone instantly put on edge. It wasn’t the usual calm, teasing sound I’d grown used to. It was clipped, dry, cold.

I took a breath, deciding to play it cool. "Well, soone doesn’t sound happy."

He ignored that. "Hailee, I called to ask about what I said earlier. My mother’s birthday—will you be bringing Oscar?"

I hesitated, fiddling with the edge of the table. "I’ve been thinking about it," I said slowly, choosing my words carefully. "I haven’t made up my mind yet. A lot’s been going on. I’ll call you tonight with an answer."

He let out a quiet scoff. "Yes. I’m sure a lot has been going on."

There it was—that sharp edge in his voice.

I frowned. "Nathan—"

"Never mind," he interrupted. "It’s fine. Goodbye."

The line clicked dead.

I blinked, staring at the phone in disbelief. "He did not just hang up on ."

I called back imdiately.

He picked up after a few seconds. "Yes?"

"What’s going on with you?" I demanded.

"Nothing."

"Don’t lie to ," I said firmly. "You sound upset."

"I’m not upset."

"Yes, you are."

He sighed, clearly trying to hold himself together. "Hailee, I thought we were finally on good terms again."

"We are," I said carefully. "At least, I thought so too. So why are you acting like this?"

There was a pause, long enough for to feel the tension through the line. And then it hit .

The photo.

He must have seen it. Everyone had.

I exhaled softly. "This is about the picture, isn’t it?"

Silence.

I pressed. "Nathan?"

Nothing.

My heart twisted a little, but I couldn’t help the tiny smile tugging at my lips. "Are you angry?"

He let out a bitter scoff. "Angry is an understatent."

I blinked. "Oh, really?"

"I’m angry, jealous, frustrated—take your pick," he said sharply. "I woke up to pictures of you all over the news, wrapped up in another man’s arms—a king, no less. What do you expect to feel, Hailee? Proud?"

I bit my lip, trying not to laugh, but the way he said it—all possessive and dramatic—was just adorable.

It slipped out before I could stop myself. A small, amused laugh.

He went silent for two full seconds. "You’re laughing?"

"It’s just..." I tried to hold it in but failed. "Nathan, you’re twenty-eight. You sound like a jealous teenager."

"Congratulations," he snapped. "You’ve officially made one."

That only made laugh harder.

"Hailee," he warned, his voice deepening. "It’s not funny."

"Oh, co on," I teased, finally sitting on the edge of my bed. "You’re pouting."

"I am not pouting."

"Really?" I said, smiling. "Because it sounds like you are."

He growled lowly, that sound he made when he was irritated but trying to stay in control. "I should hang up before I say sothing I regret."

"Relax," I said softly. "The news is fake, Nathan. Completely blown out of proportion. I went out with an old friend from childhood, Cira, and she dragged to a club. I took a little more than I could handle, and Rylan was there. He just helped out, that’s all."

He didn’t respond at first.

I sighed, softer this ti. "There’s nothing between us. I promise."

Another pause, then his voice ca back, quieter but still tight. "You shouldn’t have been there."

"Probably not," I admitted. "But I needed a break."

He exhaled sharply, his tone softening just a little. "You scare sotis, Hailee."

I frowned. "Why?"

"Because you’re slipping from my hands," he said quietly. "And one day, soone else will catch you."

His words made my heart hurt.

For a mont, I couldn’t speak. I just sat there, holding the phone, feeling the weight of what he said.

"Nathan..." I whispered, but I didn’t know what else to say.

After a few seconds, I finally spoke. "I’ll be fine, Nathan."

He sighed softly. "You always say that," he said. "But every ti you do, I still worry."

"My heart softened. "You shouldn’t."

"I don’t know how not to," he admitted.

There was silence between us, the kind that said more than words ever could. Then he said softly, "I’ll hold you to that."