Ten
ว
C
Five years had passed.
The land I once bought and turned into a hotel? Now it’s one of the most talked–about places in the entire realm. I even opened two more branches–one down south and another out west in the Werewolf territory.”
I managed things from the shadows, letting a trusted manager run the show while I stayed away.
I was outside the hotel’s restaurant, lounging with a self–help book in hand–one written by my favorite author, whom I finally met last month at her book signing. Just as I was about to get lost in a chapter, some young Were decided to shoot his shot and flirt with me.}} I didn’t even bother looking at him.
He got mad, muttered something under his breath, and stormed off. Whatever. Not worth my time.
But then… I felt it.”
That familiar pull. The presence of someone I hadn’t sensed in
I lifted my gaze–and there he was.
five years. My brows instinctively furrowed.
I stared like he was just another stranger. Then I went back to my book.
“Long time no see, Elira,” came his voice–deep, smooth. There was something in it. Longing, maybe? Or maybe I was just imagining things.
I didn’t reply. My wolf didn’t even flinch. Didn’t react. Nothing. As if he was just… no one.
He sat across from me. I didn’t even glance up.
My phone rang. I answered without hesitation.
“Yeah, I’m on my way,” I said, checking my watch. I stood, picked up my book, and turned to leave-
But then his hand closed around my arm.
“Are you seriously pretending you don’t know me, Elira?” he asked, voice low, almost hurt.
I stared at his hand. Then at him.
“Don’t touch me,” I said, calm but sharp–like talking to a stranger who just crossed the line.
He let go, caught off guard. Eyes followed us. Curious stares. Whispers spreading like wildfire.
But I didn’t care.
I walked away without another word, and of course, he followed me.§
He stayed quiet, thinking his presence would somehow matter. I acted like he didn’t exist.
We reached the restricted building area of the hotel. Two of my guards were already walking toward us.}}
“You’re not allowed here,” one of them said, firm.
“I’m her husband, Lucas snapped, as if that meant something now.
“You’re not allowed,” the guard repeated coldly, ignoring him completely
I kept walking, not once looking back–even when Lucas called my name.
Back in my office, I sat in front of my computer, eyes scanning the financial report my secretary had sent over–but my mind was elsewhere.
Five years ago, a month after I left, Lucas faked his death. Everyone thought Thorne had died. Everyone believed him–because they didn’t know he was a damn good liar. An actor. He reclaimed his title as Alpha and searched the entire realm for his “wife.“}]
Too bad it took him five years to find me.
I wasn’t surprised. I’d been expecting him.”
What I didn’t expect? Still no news about my sister. Nothing about the Nightshade Pack.
Lucas probably thought he could come back and change my mind. As if he hadn’t destroyed everything. As if I’d forgotten what he did. Does he seriously not get why I handed him that fetus?!
Or maybe… he’s after something else??
Then Dominic, my most trusted guard, came in with a newspaper. I took it–and my breath caught.
Elder Thomas was attacked by a rogue. He was in critical condition.
My heart clenched. My wolf whimpered.”
He was the only one who ever treated me like a daughter.”
I had to see him..
I stood up and called my secretary immediately. “Get everything ready. I’m leaving.”
Chance He Doesn’t Deserve
