Help! I Became A Guy In A BL Novel!-Chapter 10: Handsome Face

"You're coming with me."

"For what?"

Ronan smirked.

"Because you're interesting."

Riven gawked.

Then let out a short laugh.

His father, standing nearby, looked absolutely horrified.

"Alpha Ronan," the man started, quickly trying to smooth the situation over. "Surely you don't mean to—"

"I do." Ronan didn't look at him. His gaze was still on Riven. "Pack your things. You leave tonight."

Riven's tail twitched violently.

Troy quickly came closer and whispered, "Master, are you sure? This half-"

"Shut up. I already made the decision. See to it that Riven is ready." Ronan gave the order and left.

Ronan stepped forward, his boots crunching against the gravel as he exited the estate. The air was crisp and smelled of pine.

He didn't have to come here in person. He always thought of assembling a team to replace the old fogeys, they needed new blood.

Selecting the new squad members was Troy's job.

But he was here anyway.

And he knew exactly why.

Riven.

That damned name had been stuck in his mind since he came back.

Ever since he had gotten injured, it had plagued him.

And now, finally, he had seen the boy in person.

And what had he been met with?

A twitching tail.

Flicking ears.

And an attitude far too smug for someone in his position.

Riven had grinned at him, emerald eyes sharp with mischief, and Ronan—

Ronan had felt relieved.

Which made absolutely no sense.

Because Ronan did not know this boy.

Or, at least, he didn't think he did.

So why did his instincts say otherwise?

Why did it feel like something had fallen into place the moment he had laid eyes on him?

Ronan exhaled sharply, pushing those thoughts aside.

No.

This wasn't fate.

It wasn't some destined bond.

It was just—

The tail.

Yes.

That was it.

Riven's tail gave away his every emotion.

Excitement. Annoyance. Defiance.

And interest.

That was all this was.

Ronan had merely been interested.

Like a hunter watching prey.

A plaything, nothing more.

A plaything who had very sharp teeth.

A wild thing, completely unpredictable.

And yet...

Ronan had trusted him.

His gut had told him this boy would not betray him.

Because Riven was too obvious.

He was too expressive.

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Too...

Too easy to read.

Yes, that was it.

If Riven ever dared to lie—

Ronan would yank his tail and make him obey.

The thought almost made his lips twitch.

But he quickly caught himself. "What am I thinking?"

He shook his head.

This was ridiculous.

He had real responsibilities.

Not some ridiculous fixation on a boy with twitching ears.

Ronan cast his gaze on the forest.

The expedition had been successful—for the most part.

Except for the attack.

The wild animals had come at them with too much coordination.

It had been as if they were waiting.

As if someone had led them.

A troubling thought.

At least the rabbit clan was useful.

Their alliance had been beneficial, with the small creatures quickly tending to the wounded.

In return, Ronan's pack protected them from predators.

Someone was moving in the shadows.

And he didn't like not knowing who.

He would have to deal with that soon.

But for now...

His thoughts drifted back.

To Riven.

To the twitching ears.

To the flicking tail.

Ronan scowled.

This was going to be a problem.

And worse?

He was looking forward to it.

He had enough of yes-men among his people, he needed someone bold and Riven might just be what he needed.

Back in the manor, Riven was spiraling.

Not figuratively.

Literally.

He was pacing in tight circles, his tail fluffed up like a distressed housecat. His ears twitched violently, his thoughts a chaotic storm of panic, regret, and a reluctant admiration for the Alpha's stupidly attractive face.

"I wanted hot men, yes! But not this one!"

Of all the devastatingly handsome men in the world, why did his mate have to be Ronan?

A terrifying, overpowered Alpha with the emotional depth of a brick wall and the patience of a battle-hardened war general?

If anyone found out that he was Ronan's mate he was going to be persecuted and definitely killed!

The pack would never accept a half-breed like him as the Alpha's mate. Hell, the pack would not accept a male as the Alpha's mate!

Nope. Nope. Nope. NOPE.

"I don't want to go!" Riven protested, slamming his hands against the table.

"Shut up!"

His father's snarl was instant and absolute.

Riven's tail shot straight up like a scared puppy. He immediately went stiff, his ears flattening as pure survival instinct overrode his distress.

Across the room, Julius spoke up. He finally came out of the room.

And for once, Riven agreed with his insufferably smug step-brother.

"No, I agree with that half-breed for the first time," Julius announced coolly, crossing his arms. "He should not be the one to go."

Riven blinked.

Wait.

Julius was... Fighting for his cause?

Since when did Julius—Mr. Perfect Heir Who Treats Me Like an Annoying Mosquito—stand up for him?

This had to be a trap.

But before Riven could point that out, his father turned on Julius, his face red with rage.

"You! You should have been here before Riven and should have been selected!"

Julius, completely unfazed, merely licked his lips.

But it wasn't just any ordinary lip-lick.

It was slow. Deliberate. Right over the place where Riven had bitten him.

Riven twitched.

A strange feeling crawled up his spine.

The worst part? Julius was disgustingly good-looking.

Damn him and his annoyingly handsome face.