Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 167

**The Heart I Buried for You by Serene Lockwood**
**The Results Are In**

**Deanna’s POV:**

“Pervert!” I hissed under my breath, my eyes narrowing into slits as I shot him a glare that could have melted steel. The audacity of Luis was infuriating, yet there was an undeniable thrill in our banter that kept me on edge.

Luis, always the provocateur, merely arched an eyebrow, his smirk unrepentant and infuriatingly charming. “You’re the one who started it,” he quipped, his voice laced with teasing calmness that only heightened my irritation.

I huffed, feeling the heat of embarrassment creep up my cheeks. “I didn’t do anything!”

He leaned closer, his voice dripping with a lazy confidence that sent my heart racing. “Oh, come on. You were teasing me.”

I bit down on my lip, the warmth in my ears intensifying as I shoved him away, desperately trying to regain some semblance of control over my emotions.

As I glanced back at Luis, the weight of unspoken words pressed heavily on my chest. For days, I had wrestled with my thoughts, wanting to let go of the nagging questions that plagued me, but now, an undeniable urge surged within me to confront him.

“Why haven’t you come home the past few days?” I asked, my voice steadier than I felt, a hint of vulnerability threading through my words.

Luis’s expression shifted, curiosity flickering in his eyes as his lips curled into a slight smile. “What’s wrong? Are you upset because I didn’t keep you company?”

Taking a deep breath, I summoned the courage to voice my vulnerability, feeling the weight of my emotions crash over me. “That night during the storm, I actually… really wanted you to come home.”

At my admission, I noticed a sudden change in Luis. His eyes darkened, and an almost palpable shift in his demeanor enveloped us, wrapping us in an unexpected intimacy.

After a moment of tense silence, he finally spoke, his tone more serious than before. “Mrs. Eaton has been sick these past few days. I had to stay with her.”

Surprise washed over me, flooding my senses. I hadn’t anticipated that explanation at all; it caught me off guard in a way that left me momentarily speechless.

Being a member of the Mooncrown Pack, the only pure-blood werewolf pack in Lycanland, I understood that they kept their internal matters tightly under wraps, fiercely guarding against those who might seek to exploit their vulnerabilities.

Yet here was Luis, standing before me, openly sharing his concerns and responsibilities, as if he trusted me completely with his burdens.

I lowered my gaze, a soft sound of agreement escaping my lips, feeling a strange warmth spread through me.

Luis chuckled softly, breaking the tension that had settled between us. “So petty. I guess I’ll have to report my whereabouts to you all the time from now on.”

**Third-person POV:**

Meanwhile, Zelena’s heart was heavy with concern as she returned to work after her father’s discharge from the hospital. She felt a mix of relief and worry, knowing that while her father was home, her friend Deanna was struggling under the weight of her own challenges.

Watching Deanna push herself to the brink, a wave of guilt washed over Zelena. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she should be doing more to support her friend.

The three of them were ushered into a lavish, impressive conference room by Maurice’s assistant.

As they entered, they found the room nearly full, the air thick with mixed pheromones from various packs, creating an atmosphere charged with tension and anticipation.

They settled into seats toward the back, trying to catch their breath as they took in the scene around them, the weight of expectation hanging in the air.

Felix Vax lounged in the front row, his posture relaxed as he crossed his legs, but when his gaze landed on the three of them, a smirk of disdain curled his lips, sending a chill down Zelena’s spine.

**Conclusion**

In the culmination of their emotional journey, Deanna and her friends find themselves on the brink of a new beginning, their struggles beginning to bear fruit. The tension that once clouded Deanna’s heart, stemming from her feelings for Luis and her fears about their uncertain future, begins to dissipate as she opens up to him. The unexpected revelation of Luis’s loyalty and concern for Mrs. Eaton brings a sense of relief, allowing Deanna to confront her vulnerabilities without fear of judgment. This moment of honesty not only strengthens their bond but also serves as a catalyst for Deanna’s personal growth, reminding her that trust and communication are essential in both friendships and romantic relationships.

Simultaneously, Zelena’s support and encouragement serve as a poignant reminder of the power of camaraderie in overcoming adversity. As they stand together, ready to face the competition results, the trio embodies resilience and hope, each step forward a testament to their hard work and determination. The anticipation in the conference room is palpable, yet it is underscored by a newfound confidence—an acknowledgment that their dreams are within reach. With the promise of collaboration and the possibility of success on the horizon, Deanna, Zelena, and Maggie embrace the uncertainty of the future, united in their shared aspirations and the strength they draw from one another.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter of *The Heart I Buried for You*, readers can expect the tension between Deanna and Luis to escalate as they confront their feelings amidst the backdrop of mounting pressures from their professional lives. With the results from Skyline Construction looming overhead, Deanna must navigate her burgeoning emotions while striving to maintain her focus on the projects that could define her career. Will her vulnerability bring her closer to Luis, or will the weight of their unspoken words create an insurmountable rift? Their playful banter has hinted at deeper connections, but as they face external challenges, the stakes are higher than ever.

Meanwhile, Zelena’s journey of self-discovery and resilience continues as she grapples with her past while supporting Deanna and Maggie. The anticipation of the competition results adds a layer of urgency to her character development. As the trio awaits the verdict that could change their lives, readers will be drawn into the dynamics of friendship, ambition, and the underlying tensions between the packs. With Felix Vax’s disdainful smirk lingering in the air, the question remains: will their hard work pay off, or will the shadows of their pasts threaten to overshadow their bright future? The chapter promises to deliver unexpected twists and revelations that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages.