《Divorced Ex-Luna Returns With Triplets》


 Chapter one

    Chapter One: Returning Ex


    Maurene''S


    POV


    My hands were trembling and I could hear the erratic beating of my heart against my ear drums.


    I jerked forward as the car screeched to a halt. A shocked gasp slipped past my parted lips and a hand reached out to hold me back, I slowly raised my head, blinking my eyes to offer the person an appreciative smile.


    "Are you alright?" His voice filled with concern asked, his eyes dimmed at me. I opened my mouth to speak but the words were caught in my throat. There was no way I could speak and my lips would not tremble so I mped them shut, swallowing down the huge lump.


    He inclined his head to the side, expecting a response and I blinked once again, instantly regaining myposure. I looked away from him before he could make out anything and started questioning me. "Yes, I am." I swallowed hard. "Just a little bit dehydrated." I replied, trying not to look at the haunting building before me.


    From the corner of my eyes, I could see he was not satisfied with the reply but thankfully, he did not push further. He picked up the bottle of water next to him and extended it out to me. "Take this." He offered.


    I collected it and had a few gulps before closing it. I could feel his skeptical gaze on me and I turned to him, offering him a smile that did not reach my face. It could not, there was no way I could smile genuinely now.


    He arched his left brow and uttered a silent snort before reaching into the bag and picking out the files. "You know what to do and say, right?" He asked, giving me a pointed look and I nodded.


    "Of course, Liam," I finally answered, fighting the urge to roll my eyes at my boss and best friend.


    He finally smiled. "Yes, that''s thedy that came with me here." His chest rumbled with a chortle and my lips instinctively curled into a smile again.


    Liam Ferdinand, the one who had picked me up and made me his secretary and his best friend. The reminder of where I was hit me and once again, my heart turned heavy and I gripped the edges of the chair. Why was I back here? This ce, this building. One ce I had thought I''d never return to.


    I forced my gaze to the entrance and it was just how I had left it. No changes were made. That was unlike ''him'' though.


    "Based on what I discussed with him through the mails, all he needs to do is agree with these conditions and we would sign it. If he disagrees, we leave. Agreed?" Liamasked, inserting the file back into the bag. I pray it will be as he said.


    I nodded, packing my things into my purse and we both stepped out of the car. I almost stumbled back as the fresh air hit me. The scent of the ce that was once home to me engulfed me and I could not help the biting pain in my chest.


    "Are you alright, Maurene?" Liam''s worried voice came again. I hated the way this ce made me feel. I thought I had ovee it and I would not have to react like this but when I heard Liam saying this was the ce we wereing to, all it took was for the name to be mentioned and for me to lose my bnce and myposure.


    I bit my lower lip. "Let''s do this." I grinned, the muscles in my cheeks straining as I evaded his question.


    He gave a curt nod, narrowing his eyes slightly before wearing a serious facial mask and we headed towards the entrance. A familiar figure walked up to us and my eyes widened in recognition, Beta Grayson. He had grown some beards and his body build was now different. I let out a shaky breath as I tipped my chin and squared my shoulders.


    I was no longer that Maurene that looked down upon. I was now... who was I now?


    He soon reached us and his focus was on Liam. After exchanging pleasantries, he turned his face to me and if that was all I needed as confirmation, he still recognized me. "You-"


    "Good day, sir." I extended my hand out to him, cutting him from saying any other thing.


    His eyes narrowed and a smile curled at the edges of my lips. He blinked and took my hand before turning to Liam. They soon started discussing, forgetting me and I liked it that way.


    We walked towards the pack house and Beta Grayson opened the door for Liam to get in, he paused when it got to my turn to enter. I met his eyes and there was something I could not decipher. I gulped hard as I passed over the threshold and entered.


    I inhaled deeply as the homely scent covered me. I stood rooted to the spot as I nced around. Was it strange that I was back to this ce where I had vowed not to return to?


    "You cane," Beta Grayson ushered us into the ce where I knew was his office.


    A wave of anxiety and fear hit me as I took the first step towards the ce. My palms turned sweaty as the thought of me meeting him again consumed my mind. I licked my lower lip as I trailed behind Liam and Grayson as they both went on discussing how the ce was built, who had helped them, and how it had been standing without being renovated for a long time.


    Someone paused, I did not know who it was because I was looking down at the familiar tiled floor. "Maurene?" Liam''s voice came and I lifted my head instantly.


    "Yes," I responded, hoping whatever turmoil I was feeling was not obvious.


    "You should walk closer." He said, giving me a curt nod.


    I pressed my lips against each other and followed closely even though I despised the person I was going to meet there.


    "So why didn''t the Alpha choose to wee us?" Liam asked as we moved into another area leading to the office.


    "He is quite busy with pack issues here and there," Grayson said, sending a nce back over his shoulder at me.


    I fidgeted with the purse in my hand and we finally got to the door. We all paused as Grayson knocked.


    "Come in," His familiar and haunting voice said and my heart skipped a beat. My vision turned blurry and I quickly reached out to the wall to hold myself from stumbling.


    It was all totally wrong. His voice should not be affecting me this way. At least, not after so many years.


    Grayson did not bother to look at me as he twisted the door knob and the door creaked open, bringing me face-to-face with Nathaniel Deluxe. That man I have sworn never to meet again in my life. My ex-Alpha and husband.

 Chapter Two

    Chapter Two: Ex again? Nathaniel ''S POV


    I dropped the file I was working on as the door creaked open. I knew I was to meet some business associates today and it was because I have been doing a good job of shifting the day we will meet. You can''t me me, taking care of the pack


    has been one hard task.


    I raised my head, looking at the people who were standing at the door. Liam Ferdinand is a man who knew what his job was and has made a name for himself. He was no Alpha but he was well aware of the operation of the werewolves among humans. They all stepped in, my eyes caught ady''s heels behind them. I was told that Liam had a female Secretary which was really strange because from what I heard about him, he was not one to keep females close to him. He did it to avoid so many scandals.


    I noticed a shadow over Grayson''s face and my brows twitched but I was distracted by Liam who extended his hand out for a shake which I dly took as I rose my feet.


    "Thank you foring over," I said, hoping I sounded sincere.


    I turned to his secretary. "I really do appreciate youing-" I paused mid air as my eyes shed with thedy''s orbs. They widened immediately and I almost reared back into my chair. A muscle in my jaw twitched as I tried to sniff in her


    scent.


    How didn''t I smell her?


    We both locked gazes. In a brief moment, the look of shock on her face was reced with indifference. "Maurene?" Her name came out more of a whisper than words but she did not reply. "Maurene?" I called her name again, this time more intent and with more recognition. She blinked, dipping her head down as she looked at me with unfamiliarity.


    "Yes, that''s my name. Mr. Nathaniel." She said, taking my extended hand into hers. The particr jolt of spark vibrated through the ce our palms joined and she took it back almost immediately, as if she could feel it too. "Maurene, don''t you recognize me?" I asked her, my brows furrowing as I took a step further but the desk obstructed me, holding me back in ce.


    Her lips twitched. "Recognize you?" She nced between Grayson and I. Then she said, "I don''t remember meeting you, sir." She shook her head. "Maurene, you -"


    "She said she doesn''t remember meeting you. I feel like that is your cue to not press further." Liam cut in, his hand reaching for the small of her back and raw jealousy streamed through me at the way heid his im on my mate before me. "You-"


    "You can take your seat, Mr. Grayson and... Miss Maurene." Liam cut in, pulling back the two chairs before my desk. I sucked a deep breath in, trying to calm my wolf.


    But wait, why can''t I find her scent? She was my mate and I should have been able to know she was close by. What the heck did Maurene Crawley do to her scent?


    With my eyes watching her every movement, I sat and leaned forward on the desk. I dragged my gaze away from Maurene and met with Liam''s narrowed eyes. The air in the room was so tense that I could feel my wolf trying to crawl into the surface but I raised my mental block, trying to remain as calm as possible. But can I ever be calm when Maurene is sitting before me and staring at me like she didn''t fucking recognize me?


    "As we have discussed through the emails, we have brought the files. The moment you sign these papers, it is done and work will start." Liam said, turning to Maurene who reached for the bag on the desk and zipped it open, slipping out the files.


    My eyes keened on it, wondering why they wanted to be done as soon as possible. I still needed time to get close to Maurene.


    "What do you say, Alpha?" Liam''s voice dragged me back again from my thoughts and I rxed, pinching the bridge of my nostrils.


    "I still need days to go over the files." I told him.


    His brows furrowed slightly. "If you can remember, you were sent the draft of these contracts." He started, making an annoyed noise deep in his throat.


    "Even at that, we still need to discuss some things and I need to show you the ce that would be used for the project." I exined to him. Maurene faced him skeptically and then back at me. Narrowing my eyes at her, she blinked and she was now back to the Maurene that does not recognize me.


    "You must be kidding me, Nathaniel." Liam hissed as he rubbed his nose. An act he does when he is annoyed. Maurene only wore a passive face so I could not detect anything to convince myself at all. Instead I was confused.


    I said nothing as I thought of what to say next. "If you do not mind, Grayson will lead you to the guest rooms." I signaled to him. "Please make sure to rest and also, I will have the maids prepare some meals for you." I told them as I picked a file and a pen to distract myself. I noticed the reluctance in Maurene''s movement. They took the bait and rose to their feet. He took her hands and envytched on my heart as they walked out. I didn''t miss the appreciative look Maurene had given him and it made my heart constrict in my chest. That look should only be for me. I dropped the freaking pen and hissed angrily.


    Wasn''t that Maurene?


    That was her. Why won''t I be able to recognize my ex-mate?


    Damn! She was driving me crazy.


    I fished out my phone and dialed a particr number. It beeped and his rough voice came through. "Hello."


    "Andreas, I need you to do something for me."


    "What''s that, boss?"


    "I need a full profile of Liam Ferdinand and Maurene Crawley."


    "Consider it done, sir."


    With that, I hung up and stared into space. I am going to find out if she was the one truly.

 Chapter Three

    Chapter Three: Staying in the pack Maurene''S POV


    I could still feel Liam''s hand behind the small of my back. Not like it made me ufortable but it was strange,ing from him to do something like that.


    I watched Grayson escort us through the first floor then to the third floor where I knew the guest rooms were. He stopped at the entrance, motioning to us with his hand. "There are two rooms there but you can choose one of them considering the rtionship between the both of you." His eyes nced between Liam and I then stopped the ce Liam''s hand was. Liam didn''t bother to take off his hand even at the obviousness of what he was insinuating. After giving Grayson a curt nod, Liam led me to the living room there and slowly pulled back in his hands. "Sorry for doing that." He apologized quickly and I blinked at him. Gosh, things were getting awkward already. I gave him a lop-sided smile. "It''s nothing. Thank you."


    We shared a locked gaze and he slowly nodded, before he slumped down on the couch. "But... are we going to be here for the rest of the week?" I managed to ask, my heart beating fast at the thought alone. There was no way I would want to stay here, especially where Nathaniel was.


    Liam shrugged. "I don''t know. It hase to this." He pursed his lips.


    My brows drew together. "Liam, "I reached instantly for his hands and shook my head. He looked up in rm. "I can''t stay here." I told him and he blinked, taken aback in shock.


    "Why?" He questioned, inclining his head to the side. "If it is about the kids, you know I''ve got them covered with Emmalyne with them. She will definitely take care of them. And as a matter of fact, we are not using up to two days here. We just have to check out the site for the project and how Nathaniel ns to execute this. You know I need the report." He exined.


    I did not stand any argument with him whatsoever but I clenched my fist. "Liam, I know the kids are safe but it would only put me at ease if I stay with them."


    He pursed lips, nodding slowly. "I understand. We can leave as early as tomorrow and return to the penthouse. Is that fine with you?" He asked and my lips tilted into a smile.


    "Thank you!" I went in for a hug on the chair and the door to the living room opened, Nathaniel bursting through and pausing as he stared at us. The smile on my face disappeared. He blinked, a muscle in his jaw ticking as we locked gaze. "Miss Maurene, am I allowed toe in?" He asked, his tone clipped, tight and forced. I slowly rose from Liam who turned his head to Nathaniel. His eyes dropped somewhere on my body and I looked down, my shirt had shifted to the side and the top of my boobs was exposed. I quickly set it back into the ce, lifting my eyes up to meet his heated gaze. I swallowed hard as I caught sight of the lustful intent twirling into those orbs. I should not be affected by Nathaniel. He was someone I should be far from being attracted to.


    I wondered why he felt like that. Not like when we were together, he made love to me. Nathaniel would return from the night and have sex with me, treating me like I was some sort of sex ve. I didn''t me him because I wanted to please him. I didn''t want him to go out and do what I was capable of offering him. The day he returned with divorce letter caused a factory reset in my head.


    "Sign it, Maurene, and leave!"


    We had just finished having sex as usual on a rainy night. He disappeared and after some hours, he returned. I had seen the file with him and I did not know why my heart skipped seeing it. Maybe it was because I had seen it in his office. The most ironic part of it is that he forbade me from entering his office and the day I did, I saw the heading, Divorce Agreement.


    I thought it was just there, I did not know it was for me.


    "Nathaniel..." He dropped the file on the bed, looking steely cold as he red daggers at me.


    "What are you talking about, Nathaniel? Why do you want a divorce?" I asked him, still feeling confused.


    "You have been unable to bear me a child for how many years and you expect me to be with you? No, I would not. Sign the papers and leave. We are done!" He didn''t wait for me to speak. He disappeared and till the day I left, I didn''t see Nathaniel. It was after that I heard the pack members talking about Amanda. I knew her. She was Nathaniel ''s childhood crush. Something had happened at that time and she was sent abroad but she was back and had sessfully snatched Nathaniel away from me.


    I felt pain and agony consumed me but when I got the news that I was carrying not just a child but three? I was d and my joy increased.


    Nathaniel didn''t say anything as he stood rooted to the spot, shock still coating his face. I doubt he bought into the lie of me not recognizing him.


    Why wouldn''t I recognize him? Even in the faintest of my dreams, I recognize him. The man that broke me and chose a bitch over me. I will definitely remember him. And why is the bitch not anywhere in sight anyway?


    "Mr Nathaniel ?" Liam called his name and the connection was broken.


    He dragged his gaze away from me as his left brow twitched, an indication that he was upset but was trying to tamp it down.


    "Anything the issue?" Liam asked, his face a clear mask.


    "Erm... yes... I just wanted to tell you that you should be careful and also, try not to make noises." He nced between us and blush stained my cheeks at his insinuation. "There are pups in the pack house too." He pressed his lips together, probably thinking of what to say.


    "Thank you, we will try to be. Right, Maurene?" Liam asked, smirking at me then he added a wink.


    I gasped, sending a nce at Nathaniel who shifted on his feet ufortably. "Of course." I stepped into Liam''s embrace.


    I watched Nathaniel carefully. He was jealous and he could not hide it.


    I smirked, looking into Liam''s eyes. I did not know what Liam was doing but whatever he was doing, I hope it was a facade.

 Chapter Four

    Chapter Four: Meeting The Bitch Maurene''S POV


    The sunlight that pierced through the window shed against my vision, disappearing and appearing again. It felt like someone was ying with the shade that covered the window and with the way my sleep was being interrupted, I could feel myself getting angry.


    Who was ying with the curtains?


    I shed my eyes open and red at the figure before the window. Liam stood, unbothered like he had not just disturbed my sleep.


    "The person who didn''t want to stay here could not even get up early." He directed a straight look at me and I rolled my eyes, using the back of my palm to cover my mouth as I yawned.


    "What time is it?" I asked, scrambling down the bed.


    "8:17 AM." He replied as he sipped the coffee in his hands.


    I let out a groan as my feet touched the cold floor of the room, reminding me once again that I was at Nathaniel''s ce and I should act cautious.


    "I will leave you to dress so we can have breakfast with them before we leave." He said and did not wait for me to speak as he went out through the door.


    I let out a deep breath and hurriedly fished out a nice gown before I went into the bathroom. Not long after, I was done and had done minimal makeup. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I caught the image of me from years back when I was still in this pack, looking broken and unwanted. The reminder of how I worked so hard for Nathaniel to notice me again left a bitter taste on my tongue as I let out a sharp breath, shaking my head to erase off the haunting memories. I don''t want to think about that now. I have managed to tell him that I did not know who he was. It should be left like that.


    I finally stepped out of the guest room and headed to where I knew the dining room would be. I could hear the masculine voices talking about the project and as soon as I stepped in, silence rang out and their heads turned towards me, making me hyper aware of myself. I avoided Nathaniel ''s gaze and skipped over Grayson as I settled with Liam''s gaze. There was something in his gaze that had me confused for a second. The emotion he stared at me with held so much weight that I was scared of confirming.


    I managed to pull up a smile as I approached them. Offering them a smile, I greeted them. "Good morning."


    "Good morning, Miss Maurene." Grayson''s greeting came and I turned to Nathaniel for his greeting as well. His eyes hardened as he seemed to have remembered something, probably the position he had met Liam and I yesterday reyed in his head. I didn''t care, in fact, I liked it. I craned my head to the side, giving him a look of expectation.


    "We can start breakfast now." He cut in, chasing the air in the room and making me want to roll my eyes.


    A maid walked in, carrying a tray of perfectly creamed doughnuts and my mouth turned watery at the sight. Wait, was this a test from Nathaniel ? He knew how I loved my doughnuts to be like that... could it be that... I dragged my gaze forcefully away from the tray and met Nathaniel ''s eyes on me then Grayson''s scrutinizing orbs bore deep into the side of my head. My heart did a skip as they both watched me closely. I looked away, ensuring the mask of indifference was still on even though all I wanted to do right now is consume those doughnuts. The maid dropped the tray and raised her head to look at me, she blinked as shock registered on her face.


    "Luna-"


    "You can leave," Came Nathaniel''s sharp order. She flinched before scurrying away, not even attempting to confirm.


    Of course, she would know me. Who wouldn''t?


    I gulped hard and picked my spoon, slightly sending a quick nce at the doughnuts.


    "You know... we once had a Luna in this pack..." Nathaniel said, reaching for the tray of doughnuts, trapping my attention alongside. "She liked fully creamed doughnuts a lot and do you want to know the ironic part of it?" He asked, raising his eyes to meet Liam''s.


    "She looked a lot like Miss Maurene and also bore the same name as her. I don''t know what this might be, I have been hearing of people having simr faces and almost the same names but this is the first time for me, seeing and feeling it myself." He said, sending a directed look at me.


    Liam picked up the ss of juice before him and had a few gulps, then he said, " And what happened to this Luna of yours?" His question totally threw everyone, including me, off guard. Why was Liam asking this question?


    Nathaniel flickered his gaze across to me, as if asking for permission to talk about us. I did not give him any reaction, the only one was my hands gripping the spoon in a death grasp.


    The silence stretched between us as I lifted the spoon to my mouth, trying to make sure my fingers were not shaking. Grayson broke the silence, something that was peculiar to his being. "She left." Those words made me halt the spoon mid air and send him a shocked look.


    I... left?


    Did he just say I left? Wait...


    How could he say that? How could he say I left when it was his Alpha that pushed me out by himself. Sent and banished me out of the pack. Yelled at me that I should never return to the pack and yet Grayson had the guts, the effrontery, the chest to say I left? Meaning I left because I wanted to. Meaning I left because I had found greener pastures. Meaning I was a gold digger and I was not satisfied so I left. He was fucking painting me as a bitch and the bitter part is that I could not defend myself so I let out a feigned and shocked gasp, dropping the spoon to the te.


    Liam turned his attention to me and I reached quickly for the ss of water.


    "Are you okay?" He questioned, patting me gently on my back and I nodded, using the serviette to clean my mouth.


    Liam rxed as I lifted my head up, his hands still resting on the small of my back, just like yesterday. I could feel Nathaniel watching us so I yed along to whatever Liam was doing.


    "Why did she leave though? If she loved those fully creamed doughnuts, she could have stayed because of it." Liam shrugged, appearing nonchnt about the whole thing even though an air of beeping bomb hovered over us. He was tapping the sleeping, quiet lion.


    "That is the business of our pack, please respect it." Nathaniel said, reaching for his ss of water. He never had juice during breakfast. It was always water.


    "Then why did you offer to say it when you knew our interests would be piqued and ask questions?" Liam asked again, he was definitely not going to drop this and he was not even giving them a way out of the trap they had dug for me.


    "I-"


    Just like that, a shriek broke through the air and heels clicked against the tiled floor. The expensive feminine perfume scent came first, followed by a pair of long legs that seemed to skip some steps before throwing the full body on Nathaniel. I would know who those legs belonged to even without seeing the face. Those legs... they belonged to Amanda, Nathaniel ''s best friend and the reason we both divorced.


    She was still busy grinning up at Nathaniel when she turned her head to me and she stiffened immediately. "Maurene?"

 Chapter Five

    Chapter Five: The Truth And Nothing Else Maurene''S POV


    Her well carved brows slowly pulled up as her eyes narrowed on me. "Maurene?" She called my name again as if she couldn''t believe that I was sitting before her.


    Amanda had a nice shape, in fact, she had the body of a model and that she was. She unted that body so well that men flocked around her like bees. Maybe that was what got Nathaniel attracted to her, considering I was a plus sized woman. I knew he always had a thing for petitedies and foolish me had even considered doing surgery or even hitting the gym to reduce my body weight, thankfully, I didn''t do it. Right now, all I did was make sure my body was fit and strong. Liam had been quite a helpful hand since the day I decided to hit the gym.


    I did not say anything as she turned a questioning re at Grayson who gave her a nk look then back to Nathaniel who let out a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nostrils. "She is not my Maurene, Amanda."


    My Maurene. Was I hearing wrong? Did Nathaniel just refer to me as His Maurene? I must definitely have heard wrong because there was no way...


    "I don''t think that is right, and point of correction, she is not your Maurene. You are mine." The way she staked her im on him made bile rise to my throat. "Anyway, she looked way too much like..."


    "If you do not mind, we would love to take our leave." Liam cut in, rising to his feet and helping me up. Nathaniel quickly pushed himself up as if he wanted to escape Amanda.


    "Sorry for the inconveniences, Liam and..." He looked at me. "Miss Maurene." He acknowledged me with a nod. I looked away, swallowing down the lump in my throat. I nced back at the untouched doughnuts and suddenly, the cravings I had for it had been lost.


    Just as I moved to leave, Amanda rushed toward me, blocking my path and staring into my eyes with narrowed eyes too. I blinked, my jaw hardening at his useless I felt right now. I wanted to do nothing but p and beat the hell out of her. I released the tense muscles on my face and straightened my shoulder to match her re. "How may I help you?" I inclined my head to the side.


    "You..." She stepped closer, like she was going to finally peel off the disguise I was wearing but Liam moved swiftly before me, blocking me away from her.


    "Touch her and you will have yourself to me. I don''t know what part of the fact that she does not know you all you didn''t get. Please, we will take our leave." Like that, he reached for my hand and dragged me out of the ce before they devoured me. As we reached the car, he pulled the door open for me and went in through the other side. I settled back with a deep sigh and Liam told the driver that we could leave.


    I knew that at this time he would have his questions but he was not asking. His eyes were on me during the entire drive but I did a great job of avoiding them. I needed to think of a better way I could exin to him. We soon reached the penthouse and he was the first to hop off before I did. I trailed after him, guilt eating me deep from within.


    The moment I stepped into the living room and I heard the excited screams of my children, everything I was thinking vanished and they were the only one that mattered right now. They rushed toward me and I crouched to receive them in an embrace. "Mommy! I missed you!" Kylie, my only girl, said, still hugging me.


    I snuggled my head on theirs as I smiled. God knows how I have been, staying away from them was not an easy thing for me.


    "Mommy! Miss D taught me how to write!" Kyle said, grinning wolfishly at me and I acted surprised.


    "Hope you did not disturb your babysitter?" I asked them, giving them a knowing look.


    "We-"


    "No, ma''am. They didn''t." Their babysitter, Miss D, replied and I looked up to see her smiling. I returned her smile. Emmalyne must have gone when Diana came. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help and patience with the kids."


    She shook her head. "There is absolutely no need to thank me because they are also a bundle of joy. They dden my heart everytime." She beamed a bright smile.


    Of course, they are who they are. Bundle of joy. They came into my life when I had lost all hope and the will to keep living. They became the reason I was stronger and braver. They were my strength and I did not joke with them at all. "Of course, Miss D. We know you cannot do without us." Kaichipped in and we allughed. You must be shocked that his name was that, actually when he was born, he had this strange temperature so I decided to name him that. After I had settled in the room and was done. I knew where Liam would be. I had overheard him discussing it with the kids but I was too guilty to face him even though I knew we had lots of work to do together. I decided to go and meet him. I should. I was the one who had hidden lots of things from him and he was my best friend, he would understand.


    My fist rapped against the door of his office and he ushered me in, "Come in."


    I clicked the door knob open and stepped in. As soon as he sighted me, he returned to the file he was working on, or maybe he was pretending to. I cleared my throat and yet he did not raise his head up. "Liam, I know you have many questions and I am going to answer them all." I said, choosing my words carefully. "Liam, I-"


    "Maurene," He cut me off, dropping the file as he lifted his head up to me, his re cutting deep within me. "Tell me, do you ever consider me a friend?" His question caught me off guard. "Yes, I do. I consider you as my best friend and I am sorry that-"


    "Then why? Why was I just finding out that my best friend was actually Luna? Why didn''t you tell me even when you knew I would protect you at all costs?" He asked, pain evident in his eyes. My chest tightened with a pang of guilt. "I''m sorry." That was all I could utter. There was nothing else I could say to unhurt him.


    We were friends and only I knew the efforts he had put into making me trust him. To make me feel safe around him.


    He gulped hard before rising to his feet. "Tell me. Exin. Tell me the truth and nothing else but it."


    His steps toward me made dread creep into me. I once again cornered into admitting the truth after these years. "Nathaniel is the father of my kids and I was his Luna."

 Chapter Six: Facing The Truth

    Nathaniel ''S POV


    I watched Liam lead her out. Of course, I wished I could grab his hands and pull them off the small of her back. Even if it was possible, I would break them. She had allowed him. She allowed him to touch what was mine.


    Anger boiled within my veins as her scent still hovered over the air. My nose twitched, wishing I could drink more of it. There was no way I would not recognize my mate even though she changed her name, her face and anything else. I will always recognize her. She was- once my mate and Luna. Of course, I felt the connection to her and she must forgotten that.


    "Nathaniel, that was Maurene, right?" Amanda''s voice permeated through my thoughts and I clenched my eyes shut. I didn''t want to deal with her right now. She was a hassle I was forced to deal with.


    "She said she is not." I gritted out and reached for the handkerchief.


    She made a noise in her throat and shook her head. "Nonsense! I don''t believe her. She is the one. Is she back? Is she back to take you away from me?" She was visibly fidgeting and I watched her through narrowed eyes. What gave her the impression that I belonged to her? I know I might have made a costly mistake in the past but...


    "Nathaniel," She rushed toward me and grabbed my hands. "Promise me. Promise me that you will not leave me for her." Her doe eyes were filled with feigned sadness and I jerked my hands away from her.


    "Get out, Amanda." I hissed out and she let out a shocked gasp.


    "Nathaniel ! You are sending me out of here because of her?" She asked, her voice coated with disbelief as she red at me.


    "If you spend another second here again, I will have you-"


    "Okay, okay. I will go!" She catwalked out of the ce, her fake sobs echoing after her.


    I let out an exasperated hiss as I drew at my tie, difort itching at my skin. Just two days that Maurene came and I am already losing my sanity. Damn!


    Grayson cleared his throat. "Why didn''t you tell me that she was here with him yesterday? You could have sent it to me through the mind link, why?" I asked him, raising my gaze to meet him.


    He shrugged. "Because I did not want to be involved in your issue anyway the agent you discussed with sent a reply already. She is the one and she is staying with Liam." He exined and my fist clenched tight. My mind shed to when I had caught her on him and my heart constricted in my chest. With the way Liam was holding her, it was obvious that they were seeing each other.


    Were they seeing each other?


    There was a skip in my heart at the possibility of that thought and it left a bitter taste on my tongue.


    "Why are you bothered about her? I thought you didn''t want her again?" Grayson''s brow lifted in usation and I gulped hard then looked away.


    "It is none of your business." I hissed and rose to my feet then walked out.


    I was not going to tell anyone. After I had divorced Maurene, I looked for her everywhere but I did not see her. I had even regretted my decision and that was why I was searching for her. It felt like she disappeared into thin air. I almost went into depression because of losing her and now that she is back, I will do everything to get her back even if that means I have to go down on my knees to beg her.


    As an Alpha, kneeling before someone who is not even up to our rank is very rare because we like to uphold our dignity and pride. Maurene might be the first person that would make me do that.


    I shook my head as I entered my office and slumped down on the chair. Breathing out heavily, I pulled the first two buttons open and let fresh air into my chest. I needed Maurene and I knew it.


    Throughout the entire day, I could not tell where my focus was. Was it on the file before me or the memory of Maurene refusing that she was not the one? That she was not my Maurene. Why would she deny her name? Because of me?


    I fumbled and I knew it. I needed to ask for forgiveness but with what was going on between her and Liam, maybe I should... no! I cannot! Maurene is mine and I will prove to her that I am a better person than Liam.


    My eyes keened on the title of the file before me. It was about the hospital project Liam had brought. I did not know why Liam chose my pack for the project. Truly, my pack was thergest here and it was evenrger than the Alpha King''s pce. There was a time during one of my ancestor''s reigns when the Alpha King of that time wanted to take over our packnd but we fought against them and after a few gues on the Royalty, they let go of our packnd and even as we continued, we were envied amongst other packs.


    I liked it. It made me feel powerful and above those pot-bellied Alphas who were only after selfish motives. Now, they want a hospital built here in their name.


    My eyes narrowed as I could finally think properly, there was a suspicious reasoning behind this project and I needed to find out. A knock rapped on the door and again, my focus deviated.


    "Come in," I said without looking up. Familiar heels clicked against the tiled floor and I lifted my head up to meet Amanda''s gaze. I blinked once and she grinned, walking closer to me. She rounded my table and came to stand beside me. "Nathaniel," She whined as she slowly crouched down between my legs. "You know..." Her hands began to trail from my calves to my thighs.


    She batted myshes up at me as she bit her lower lips and gave me a sultry look. "I... I didn''t mean to annoy you that time. I just wanted to let you see through Maurene''s despicable act. She is the one, I swear. I know her-" She palmed my groin and adjusted herself properly between my legs. I expected the rush of adrenaline down to my groin but nothing came.


    I let her rub me through the trousers I was wearing and still, I did not feel the heat. An image of Maurene shed through my gaze and I reached for Amanda''s hands instantly. "Stop." I bit out.


    Her brows furrowed. "But Nathaniel, I..."


    "Out, Amanda!" I bellowed.


    "You..." She trailed off as she met my angry gaze and realized that I was not joking.


    She grumbled as she walked out of my office. In the past, I would have allowed Amandato touch me just as she wanted and we would have had sex but with Maurene back now, I am ruined. She has ruined me for other women and I... I will ruin her for other men, especially Liam.

 Chapter Seven: The Contract With Him

    Maurene''S POV


    Liam didn''t appear as shocked as I expected him to be. In fact, he looked, well, I could not describe the look on his face because of the guilt I felt. He deserved to be angry and mad at me. If it was me, I would have been angry and all mad about hiding such a secret from me but then... I thought I would never have to return to my past life but here I was, still haunted by it. I blinked, watching Liam through the lens of my eyes. Why was he not saying anything yet?


    "Liam, I..."


    "You don''t need to apologize. I understand the fact that you did not want to remember the past but you could have told me. Since you have apologized, we just need to think of the next line of action to take. He seemed like he has not gotten over you yet and-"


    "No," I cut in. I did not know why that did not sit right with me. My heart thumped loudly in my chest and I could hear the beating in my ears. There was no way... he could not... Panic rattled through me as my body shook. Liam reached out to me immediately after he noticed what was happening. I was fidgety and he pulled me into a hug, patting my shoulders slowly. "Rx," His soothing voice said.


    Why?


    "It is all in the past now," He cooed,bing through hair with his hands. Angry tears slid down my cheeks as I closed my eyes and hugged Liam tighter.


    Why? Why didn''t the moon goddess mate me to this man? Why didn''t I fall in love with this man first? Why didn''t I meet this man first? Why? Why? Why did I have to meet Nathaniel Deluxe? He broke me and took a part of me away from me and yet he did not blink an eye as he shoved the divorce papers at me. And now... there is a possibility he wants me back? God forbid! I will never return to him! I hate him so much.


    "You are allowed to hate him, Maurene. You are allowed to never want to see him. You are allowed to do everything without him. You are allowed to not want him anymore. You are allowed to be free from him. In fact, you are allowed to be ''you''." Liam said as if reading my thoughts.


    I sniffed and pulled back, biting my lower lip. My eyes dropped to the ce where I stained his shirt. "Oh, I stained your shirt." I reached to clean it but he gripped my hands and shook his head.


    "You can stain all my shirts with your tears. What am I your best friend for?" He said, offering me a small smile.


    A smallugh broke through at how cringed he sounded. How I wish I had married this man. My children would have been brought up with a father''s love and they would not have had to start questioning me about where their father was. I shook my head, getting rid of my daydreaming. There was no way Liam would like used and divorced goods like me.


    "Liam, I..."


    "We need to get your ex-husband off your tail." He cut in, rising to his feet and sliding his hands into his pockets. This was the business Liam. The one who makes deals with his clients and wins their favors. The one who strategizes the way to y in a court and wins. Liam was not a boy when it came to business. He showed even the cunning the way to win the heart of the king.


    "And how do we do that, Liam?" I asked. I truly wanted Nathaniel off my tail but there was this soft and broken part of me that still wanted him to want me back. A part of me that wanted him too. A part of me that still wished that we had not ended that way. A part of me that wanted the happy ending I deserved.


    No, never! I shook my head as I took a firm stand in my mind. There was no way I would be that weak Maurene of that time. Nathaniel cannot break me to that extent. I would have to show him that he no longer has any effect on me. Liam turned toward me, seeming like he had found a solution to my problem. My entire senses lit up as I looked at him.


    "The only way is..." My ears turned alert to him. "If we have a fake date."


    "Wait, what?" The words dropped out of my lips before I could stop myself. I blinked.


    What did I just hear?


    "Yes, Maurene." He lifted his shoulders in a half-shrug. "That is the only way. If he sees you with another man, he will get the info and back off." He pinned me with a direct look.


    A frown crossed my face and my brows dipped in a scowl. Even though I wish I had married Liam, why did the thought of Liam and I dating- fake dating want to make me puke? Something is wrong with me somewhere.


    I looked away, folding my arms across my chest. He was right if we look at it from another perspective. Nathaniel would not think he still had a chance at asking me to be his again but I knew Nathaniel, he would not back down till I became his. I gulped at how true that fact was. Nathaniel was stubborn and intent. His wolf was work on its own. I knew them. They were a hard nut to crack. Once they set their heart on something, they do it and own it.


    I bit my lower lip as I weighed my options. Liam as my fake boyfriend did not sound so well and yet it seemed like the safest option if I were to choose.


    "See, you do not need to give a direct answer now. It is your business and I am only suggesting this but if you think of any other ideas, you can let me know. You can give it a thought in theing days. We just have to protect you." He said, his face morphed into a sincere look, and my heart softened.


    He was not even pushing me into this forcefully. The difference between Nathaniel and him is clear. He must be the saving grace the moon goddess had given me.


    I nodded and swallowed. "Liam," I called and he lifted his brows in response. "Yes?"


    "We... we can do it but we will need a contract for it and my kids must not know about it and their father''s whereabouts too," I stated sternly.


    I noticed his lids go wide for a second before he smiled fully. "Trust me, Maurene. We are just doing this to make sure he stops trying to get you and once the project is over, we are over." He pursed his lips. I stared into his eyes, trying to make sense of what I was just about to do.


    I nodded, trying to shut up the voice that was yelling at me about how I was making the greatest mistake of my life. I was capable of making decisions and now I have made this one. I will bear the consequences for as long as I make Nathaniel unwant me.

 Chapter Eight: Sudden Call At Home

    Maurene''S POV


    Liam had thewyer draft out a contract agreement between us. I knew he was notfortable with having to draw lines between us but I had to. I was definitely not going to make the same mistake as I did in the past. I didn''t set boundaries then. Didn''t know how to do it because I was blinded by the love I had for Nathaniel so I did everything he wanted me to. And now that I have the chance to choose the kind of life I want, I will choose the right way and do it perfectly. The contract was a safe option and a way out of danger for me. Liam was my best friend, don''t get me wrong. I trusted him but I knew better than to put all my eggs in one basket. And I have to protect my kids also.


    I shook my head at the twirling thoughts. Ever since I met Nathaniel again, my life has taken a turn and I need to make sure he does not find out about the kids. Letting out a sigh as I ced my kids'' dresses into their wardrobe, I did not go to work today, considering Liam had urgently told me this morning that he was called for a family meeting back at home. Most ironic part is that I have never seen any of Liam''s family. I once asked him if he had any siblings, he said that he did and they were two in numbers but were not really close. I didn''t want to probe further because it might be a sensitive topic for him but with the way he has called me this morning, it seemed like he had even just received the call before he called and let that out without knowing.


    If it hadn''t been for the fact that he has dropped the call in a hurry, I would have asked him. I already told him about the secret of mine and it was only right that he did the same.


    After I was done with the kids'' clothes, I exited their room and went outside to meet them where they were ying with their toys and the sweet aroma of the cupcakes Miss D. was busy baking for them wafted into my nostrils. Only the goddess knows how they always manage to get her to bake the cakes.


    I shook my head at how troublesome they could be. Standing at the top of the stairs and staring at them from there, my mind returned to when I found out about them and how I wanted to share the news with their father. How he divorced and how Liam saved me. They were my bundles of joy and I don''t joke with them.


    "Mummy!" Kylie looked up and I blinked,ing back to reality and walking down the stairs to meet them. A smile tilted on my lips as I reached them and crouched to their level.


    "What are you doing?" I asked, taking note of the alphabetical toys Liam had gotten them. That was Liam. He was adamant about sponsoring the kids to school even when I told him that I could only afford a home teacher for them. He refused and gave me a lecture on how education is important for a child and how I should always take it as my first priority. Since then, at any chance he gets, he buys them toys that rte to their academics. Whether it be songs or even videos, he makes them watch it and they don''t get tired.


    "ying, mommy. When will Uncle Liame and pick us up for the park?" Kyle asked, looking into my eyes. And yes, he takes them out to the amusement park once a month. He was a busy man, making time to take my kids out always ddens my heart. He once said, "It is to lessen the burden off you. You are a single mother whose life should not only be about her kids but only herself."


    He was the person I never knew I could be given and maybe, just maybe, it was the Moon goddess atonement for what she did to me with Nathaniel.


    I smiled. "Uncle Liam had somewhere to be this morning so I cannot say if he woulde or not. But don''t keep your hopes high." I managed to tell him. I noticed their faces fell and I felt a stab of pain in my heart. They looked forward to this day so much. Liam has never told me about meeting for some family issues so I did not want to raise their hopes high. The family meeting mightst for a long time. Or... I can''t say.


    Thinking of what to distract them, I chipped. "Oh! The cupcakes are ready!"


    They instantly jumped to their feet and ran toward Miss D. who shook her head and smiled at them. They began to y around her and she let out ''ohs'' andughter rang out. The fact that these kids were capable of making people around them happy.


    I grinned, pulling out my phone and tapping on Liam''s contact.


    Hey, is everything alright?- Me


    My brows furrowed as it ticked twice and yet, there was no reply. My heart skipped at seeing this. Liam replies to my messages almost immediately, as if he was always expecting me to chat him up and now... something must have happened. I just wanted to check if my kids will still be able to go to the amusement park or not. Letting out a deep breath and cleaning off the worry expression on my face, I went to join the kids. They were eating the cupcakes already so I only got one


    to eat.


    Later that day, I sat down to watch a K-drama. I was not a fan of k-dramas but I needed it to distract me from thinking about Liam. Did anything happen?


    My fingers itched to call him or even text him but worry gnawed at me as I thought I could be disturbing him. I pursed my lips and waited, ncing at the door minute after minute.


    Kaiwalked up to me and sat close. I pulled him into a hug and relief washed through me at our closeness. "Uncle Liam is noting here today?" He asked again and I blinked down at him. They were really expecting him.


    "Kai, I really can''t say if your uncle is going toe-"


    The door creaked open, interrupting me and we both looked at the door in expectation. First, it was his foot and the second, his hand. I could recognize Liam anywhere and anytime. His hands gave him away. He appeared and we all rose to our feet as if we have been waiting in suspension for the next episode of a movie. A grin instinctively split on my lips as we locked our gaze. I knew he was going toe! "Uncle Liam!" The kids rushed towards him and I let them have their moment.


    "You were supposed to take us out today!"


    "Yes, we were waiting for you!"


    They whined and I spoke up to reprimand them. "You should first ask him if he is fine and not-"


    He looked up at me and shook his head. I blew out a shaky breath and he bent to their level. "You are right. Something urgent came up and I had to attend to it. How about this? You go upstairs and chance and I will take you guys there now?" He suggested and they cheered.


    "Miss D.,e and get us dressed. We are going to the park!" Kylie said with excitement as her eyes glinted.


    I stared at Liam who watched the kids with so much amusement and once again, the thought of Liam being their father was quite appealing except it was dangerous. The kids soon went upstairs and there it was, a new ufortable air hovering over us. I rubbed my palm against my jeans as I looked up to him, biting the inner of my cheeks awkwardly.


    When did things get this awkward between us?


    He walked to the kitchen and I followed after him. Pouring himself a ss of water, I realized that this was the first time I would be seeing him after thewyer had sent the copy of the contract to me to sign. "So..." I gulped hard as I watched the way his throat bobbed as he downed the water. "How was the family meeting?"


    Suddenly, his eyes went wide and he choked on the water. I instantly reached out for him and helped him. Dropping the ss, he turned to me, shock evident in his face as he asked, "What did you ask?"

 Chapter Nine: Where Is Daddy, Mommy?

    Maurene''S POV


    I blinked as I stared back at Liam who seemed utterly taken aback that I asked that kind of question.


    "Who told you I was going to a family meeting?" He asked, his voice holding a shaking tone.


    "Erm... it was you... this morning... when you called and you said..." I exined, my words broken that even I did not understand.


    "I did?" He looked surprised and it was confusing.


    "Yes, when-"


    "Oh!" He cut in, a smile crossing his face. "I must have picked the wrong quotes because I was seeing a movie then. What I meant was that I would be meeting a business partner."


    Wait, what? When did he start watching movies? Since the day I knew Liam, he cannot sit and watch a movie to save his life. He would sleep off.


    "I know, I know. You don''t believe me because I am very bad at watching movies but I tell you, I was bored and the next thing was I picked the remote control and the movie struck an interest in me so I continued. I was so lost in the movie that I had rushed the words out." He exined, his eyes staring into mine.


    I narrowed my eyes. "What is the title of this movie?" I asked him and his brows twitched.


    "Maurene, I-"


    "Uncle Liam! We are ready!" Kylie interrupted us and I flinched a bit at the intrusion. Liam turned away from me, an instant grin splitting on his lips as he noticed them.


    Miss D. had dressed them up nicely and the pink theme she chose for them didn''t match the dullness on Kai''s face. He disliked girly things but he wouldy down his life to protect his sister.


    I did not say anything as Liam crouched to lift Kylie into his arms and she giggled. She liked him. I had once overheard her saying she wished Liam was their father and at that point, I wished too. Kyle came alongside Miss D., his eyes glinting with happiness.


    "Are we ready?" Liam asked, ncing between them and they all nodded with Kai giving a hesitant nod.


    "Good, let''s go!" He urged and they moved but Kaiturned to me.


    "Mom, are you noting?" He asked, taking me by surprise. I blinked, suddenly hyper-aware of everyone''s attention on me.


    "Yes! Mommy, let us go together!" Kylie chipped in. My nerves wrecked havoc within me as I thought of what I could use as an excuse.


    "Erm... mom has to help... hmm..."


    "Maurene, the kids are right. You should go with us." Liam cut in, his eyes glowering with mischief and I red at him. He lifted his shoulders in a half shrug and I rolled my eyes.


    "But I..."


    "C''mon, Maurene. You should go with the kids. It will make it more fun." Miss D. said and I knew I was a one-man against five men. I resigned to my fate and Liam moved forward to push me toward the stairs.


    "Go. Go." He urged me and I shook my head as I climbed up the stairs and went to my room to change.


    Not long after, I returned, and Liam led us to the car which he made me sit at the front even though I tried roping one of the boys to sit there.


    Immediately after we settled into the car, Kylie''s voice rang out. "Uncle Liam, y we don''t talk about Bruno!"


    I closed my eyes. She was obsessed with that sound. Kyle and Kaimumbled under their breath at her choice of music. Liam knew he stood no chance of arguing with her because she always wins so he connected it to the blue tooth. During the entire ride, we listened to just that one song with Kylie yelling the lyrics at the top of her voice even though some were not right.


    Liam parked the car quickly as if he wanted to escape the hell of the song and we all got down, the fresh air of the ce hit me and I reached up to tuck my hair behind my ears. I shared a nce with Liam who offered me a smile which I returned even though it was lop-sided.


    He helped the kids out of the car and Kylie was still humming the song. Liam led us to the ce where we would do the registration. Next, Kylie dragged us to the ce where we got ice-cream. It got to a point, where I stopped at a ce and sat down. I was already getting weak, I did not know why. Liam went on and yed with them. I watched him help them into the see-saw. He looked like the perfect dad with the way he grinned at them, protected them from falling to the ground, and cautioned Kyle not to be reckless.


    Tears glistened in my eyes at how much I wanted this for my kids. How I dreamed of Nathaniel being the best father to my kids when I was still with him. I had imagined him doing these things and even more than these. But fate happened. Liam looked up and we locked our gaze. A few seconds passed then he waved at me to dismiss the little awkwardness. I beamed a small smile to him and just as he wanted to say something, Kylie pulled him away and I chortled. A throat cleared behind me and I stilled, my body freezing at the point as his cologne made a clean sweep over me, goosebumps erupted on my skin like a water surge. I imed my lower lip between my teeth as he came to stand before me. "I didn''t think I would see you in a ce like this, Miss Maurene." Nathaniel ''s voice said as he towered over me. I lifted my eyes to meet his boring ones. I blinked once and managed to school my face into indifference. "All work but no y makes Maurene a dull girl." I quoted and his brows twitched. Something passed through his orbs and my eyes widened at the realization of what I had just said.


    Nathaniel walked into the kitchen, eyeing me hard. "You should not be doing that, Maurene." He gritted out. I had taken it upon myself to make dinner for him instead of the maids and there was no sign of appreciation from him at all. I smiled, trying to hide the hurtful effect of his words on me."I am only making dinner for my husband and besides, all work but no y makes Maurene a dull girl." I grinned at him and he snorted before walking away, not even getting my joke.


    I blinked and looked away. "So what are you here to do?" I asked, trying to evade the memory. There was no way he would remember, he never paid attention to me.


    "Might just be the same thing as you. Came to watch the kids y." He said and I peered at him with scrutiny.


    Nathaniel ? Come to watch kids? Eat me now.


    "You-"


    "Maurene, the-" Liam halted to a stop as his eyes fell on Nathaniel''s figure. "Babe." The grin was instant as he walked up to me and draped his hands around my waist, tugging me closer to him and my muscles tensed up.


    I looked up at him and forced a happy smile on him.


    "Babe?" Nathaniel asked and we both turned to him.

 Chapter Ten: I Want Daddy, Mommy

    Maurene''S POV


    I blinked up at Nathaniel who fixed his eyes on me like he was trying to ess my soul. I looked away, swallowing hard and praying mentally that none of the kids get injured and even worse walk up to me at this moment because there was no way I would be able to exin to Nathaniel especially if he meets Kai. The resemnce between those two was really visible and striking. Their striking amber eyes gave it away.


    I gripped Liam''s hand as I licked my lower lip, ncing over Nathaniel ''s shoulder to check on the kids. They were busyughing and Kylie was talking to another girl I did not recognize. She knew how to make friends easily. Just like me. I have not made any friends after my divorce and Liam still remained my best friend. I don''t think I need one at this moment.


    "Yes," Liam grinned as he looked at me with pride. My heart skipped at how sincere and real the smile was. What was happening to my heart?


    Liam was my best friend. Nothing can change that. We have a contract, nothing can go wrong.


    A muscle in Nathaniel ''s jaw ticked as he red at Liam. I watched his fish clench tight before he made a noise deep in his throat and looked away. A skip in my chest made me flinch as he wanted to look at the direction of the kids but thankfully, he looked in another direction. I caught the gaze of Kyle and he waved at me, his mouth tilted in a grin. My hands itched to return his wave but I could not.


    The silence hanging between us was strange and weird. I cleared my throat and said, turning to Liam fully. "I want to see thedies." He pursed his lips, his eyes narrowing before he nodded, releasing me and I avoided bumping into Nathaniel as I walked past him and even though I could see him side-eyed me, I ignored it and walked away, hoping Liam will keep him away from the kids.


    As soon as I reached the toilet, a breath of relief escaped past my nostrils as I gripped the edges of the basin. I stared into my reflection in the mirror and bit my lower lip to stop it from trembling. A sob cracked through me and I held it down, swallowing hard. I was not going to cry. I did not know why I wanted to cry but I would not. I was strong. I was capable of taking care of my children without any man''s help. The fear that Nathaniel would find out about the kids and probably demand custody of them had somehow managed to grip me unknowingly and I would not let it affect me.


    I exhaled deeply and inhaled, stepping back andforting myself. I let the mask of indifference fall on my face and I stepped out of the toilet. I walked to the spot I had left them and noticed they were not there anymore. My heartbeat rate skipped twice and I nced around frantically, my heart hammering against my chest.


    Has he found them?


    Did he...


    Wait... Where is Liam?


    Where are the kids?


    I rushed to the ce I had seen themst and they were not there either.


    "Liam-"


    "Maurene?" A voice I found familiar yet strange cut me off and I turned around, gulping hard as I took note of thedy standing before me. My eyes narrowed, the fact that my kids were missing resonated through me. Yet I did not know where I had met thisdy.


    "You don''t remember me?" She sounded so surprised and I shook my head, racking my head for where the kids could have gone to.


    "Thedy from the hospital. The day you found out about your pregnancy." She exined, the smile she had since we met was still stered on her face.


    Oh! I remember her!


    I did! I did!


    "Oh! You..." I trailed off and she nodded her head, dness evident on her face at the fact that I recognized her. She was right. We had met at the hospital and she had alsoe to check if she was pregnant but unfortunately, she was not. I nced around the ce. "You came with your kid?" I asked.


    She shook her head, a brief sadness casting on her face. "I haven''t -"


    I understood even before she stopped herself. I had been the one who rambled about being barren and how shocking it was for me to conceive and here I was... unable to. I pray she does anytime soon.


    My face fell and she managed to brighten up again, her smile was back in ce. "What of your husband? Was he happy when he found out about the kids?" She asked, her eyes glinting with anticipation as she gripped my hands. I bit my inner cheeks. Should I tell her yes or no?


    I shook my head also, my smile carried a wave of sadness too this time. "Not at all." I said.


    "What happened?" She asked, concern etched on her face.


    "I-" Just as I opened my mouth to exin to her, a man who looked so much like a bodyguard walked up to her and whispered some things in her ears. Her eyes widened for a brief moment before she nodded. Stepping away from her, she looked at me and said. "What about this? You give me your contact then we can talk it over coffee. Huh? What do you think?" She asked, fishing out her phone then extending it toward me.


    I nodded and ced my contact on her phone before she smiled up at me. "You are a strongdy. I envy you. My husband is waiting for me." With that, she engulfed me in a hug and walked away, leaving me at the spot. That was when I realized that I was yet to see Liam or the kids and even Nathaniel !


    Where were they?


    Wait, she did not even give me her name!


    I shook my head and nced around the park. Where did they go?


    "Maurene!" Liam''s voice echoed behind me and I halted then turned toward his direction. Relief washed through me as I saw him standing with the kids and I walked up to them.


    "Where were you guys? I searched all-"


    "We also searched everywhere for you. Anyway, it is getting dark, let us go." Liam said and I nodded, taking Kai''s hands as Liam led us to his car.


    Settling into his car, he ignited the car''s engine and it was then I noticed Kylie had fallen asleep so thankfully, we will not be listening to an ear-tearing ylist. The drive back to my house was quiet and it gave me time to think back to the event of the day.


    Liam... Nathaniel ... the contract and Liam acting so well that even I knew there were no ws on his part except for mine because I was always shocked at how well he could y the part. I let out a deep breath and licked my lower lip. What if he had seen the kids? What would I have done?


    I wondered as I looked out through the window. It would have been... no, I should not think about it.


    We soon reached home and Liam took it upon himself to carry Kylie inside while I led the boys to their room. Later that night, as I snuggled Kaiin his bed, he groaned, and just as I turned to leave, he grabbed my hands and I looked into his amber eyes, my heart skipping as Nathaniel ''s face shed in my peripheral vision.


    "I want my daddy, Mommy!"

 Chapter ELEVEN: IN HER FACE

    Maurene''S POV


    I froze, shock running through me in great waves. As if on instincts, I jerked my hands out of his grip and his eyes went wide open, fully awake and my eyes twitched in their sockets as he sat up. "Mommy," His voice called and I flinched at it. I did not have a response for him.


    "Kai, you should sleep. You are going to school tomorrow and -"


    "Our birthday ising, mommy. I want a daddy for my birthday gift." He cut in, his eyes glinting fully at me and my heart broke at the longing in his eyes for a dad.


    "Kai, you know asking for a daddy is..." I swallowed hard. I hated refusing them. Especially things they ask of me. But a daddy... I don''t think I would be able to give them that anytime soon. "Today at the park, everyone yed with their daddies and we did not have one to y with us." His mouth pulled a sad pout as he dropped his head.


    Tears blurred my vision but I blinked them back. "What about Uncle Liam? He was there, right?"


    "Uncle Liam is not my daddy, or is he?" He asked, lifting his head to me, and I slowly shook my head.


    Why couldn''t I be heartless and tell them the father they so much wanted forsook them? Why? Why? Why did Nathaniel have to still have this huge effect on me and my kids? "Kai, I cannot-"


    "Promise me, mommy. I will never ask anything from you again. I want my daddy, mommy." He tugged at my dress and I slowly pulled away from him.


    "Kai, I know you do not understand now but when you grow up, you will. I am sorry but I cannot give you a daddy anytime soon." I told him.


    If there was something I tried to be with my kids, it was being truthful. They say that the truth is bitter. I wanted to feed them with that bitter truth so when they got outside, no one would be able to hurt them with words. His hands slowly dropped from my dress and he nodded gently. "Goodnight, Mommy." He turned around andid back. I stood there, longing to console him but I decided against it and then walked out of his room.


    I walked down the stairs and saw Liam sipping some juice. My palms turned sweaty as I approached him. Remembering how iplete our discussion was this evening did nothing to ease my anxiety.


    I swallowed hard, trying to offer him a smile but failed. "It iste already. You can stay over." I told him.


    He slowly nodded. "I would like to but I have to attend to some things. Anyways, thank you." He said, adding a smile.


    I nodded, avoiding his gaze.


    "Maurene," His voice held a lot of restraint and I was forced to look at him... my best friend.


    "Yes."


    "What are you going to do? He almost found out today." He said, putting my innermost fear into words.


    I said nothing.


    He dropped the ss of juice in hand and walked close to me, closing the proximity and lifting my chin to look into his face. "Do you trust me, Maurene? He asked, staring into my eyes and for the first time, after what happened today, I did not know what to say. I searched his eyes for sincerity. For fear. For anything. Anything is that strong enough for me to hold onto to trust.


    I slowly nodded. "Yes, I do," I told him.


    He was the only one I could trust for now, even though the trust was starting to shake. I didn''t like people lying to me and I was starting to feel that Liam was lying to me.


    "Miss Maurene," Miss Diana''s voice interrupted us and I jerked away from Liam, identally hitting my elbows against the counter. Liam moved close to help me but I moved away from him and turned to Miss Diana.


    "Yes," I answered. Her eyes nced between Liam and me. I did not know what was on her mind at the moment.


    "Will Mr. Liam be going home tonight?" She asked.


    Oh, yes. She was in charge of locking the doors.


    I nced at Liam then back at her, biting my lips, I replied. "No."


    Another look shed on her face before she nodded and walked to her room, leaving me with Liam.


    "Maybe I should leave, huh? I will respect you, Maurene." Liam mumbled.


    I shook my head. "I will have the guest room cleaned up for you." With that, I walked away before he could say something else.


    After I was done cleaning the room, I went back to tell him but he was already asleep on the couch. I contemted waking him up or leaving him. I resolved to get a nket and used it to cover him. I stared at his sleeping figure and shut out any thoughts from entering my head. I did not want to think about anything.


    "Thank you, Liam. For today." I said with all sincerity.


    If only he knew what he did today. I closed my eyes, released a deep breath, and rose to my feet. I also need to retire for the night. I have had a long day.


    I saw his hand move before he caught mine. "You don''t need to thank me, Maurene. I should thank you instead." He muttered, his hand dropping a while after.


    I said nothing and headed up the stairs. It was high time I slept. Lying on my bed with my back t and my face up, I stared at the nk ceiling and Nathaniel ''s eyes kept appearing in my vision. His mocking smirk and the way he seemed affected by Liam holding me. I did not want myself to overthink those actions. I was treading dangerous areas and I was confused. I had said that I would handle everything by myself but I was starting to be scared. For myself and mostly for my kids.


    Meeting Nathaniel again was never part of my n.


    How long will I be able to keep the facade that I was not his Maurene?


    Does he even believe me?

 Chapter TWELVE: A MESSAGE SENT

    Maurene''S POV


    The kids were taken to school by Miss D. but I was still scared that Nathaniel might actually have someone trailing me and they would find out about my kids. Liam has to see another client today in the city and he was so adamant on bringing me along even though I was barely needed there. I had no choice than to agree to go with him.


    I nced at him. He was too focused on his screen, probably checking out his mails from thepany he had sent out proposals to. We were not only building a hospital project in Nathaniel ''s pack. We also had three more packs where we intend to build an orphanage, school, and museum. I did not really know much about these ns but Liam told me about them.


    My phone beeped and I fished it out from my bag. Furrowing my brows at the unknown number that has sent me a message, I clicked the icon and the message opened.


    "Hi, it is me. Evangeline."


    I narrowed my eyes. Who is Evangeline?


    I racked my brain for anyone I might have given my number to and I remembered. Oh, thedy from the hospital and the park.


    I smiled as I typed a response. "Oh, hello. I will save your contact now. How have you been by the way?"


    Her reply came almost instantly. "I''ve been good. What about you?"


    I let out a sigh at the question. How have I been too? Recently?


    "Fine." I stopped as I stared at what I typed. This was the best response to give someone you are not close to. Just as I pressed the send button, the car screeched to a halt and Liam lifted his head from his phone.


    "We are here, Sir." The driver''s voice came and we both packed the things we would need before stepping out of the car. I paused before a mansion that appeared to be ancient.


    Liam sent me a look and arched his brow. "Any issue?" He asked.


    I shook my head, even though I could not shake away the strange feeling in my chest. Why was I feeling like this?


    Nausea caught me by the throat and the urge to puke overwhelmed me but I held it down and then proceeded to follow Liam in. Two guards were stationed outside as they ushered us into the mansion.


    I nced around the ce, an unfamiliar scent filled the air as maids stared at us like the strangers that we were. I licked my lower lip as Liam nced at his wristwatch before turning to me. "You-"


    "You live up to your name, Liam Ferdinand!" A masculine voice said from somewhere. I craned my neck above Liam''s shoulder and noticed the man, smiling like he was proud of Liam.


    The man appeared to be younger than his age. I sniffed in the air. Over the years, my heightened sense of smell has been deteriorating and it has really affected me.


    Liam smiled also, receiving the man''s extended hand and they exchanged pleasantries. The man''s eyes hovered over me and I gave him a small bow. "Good day." Something like amusement danced in his eyes before he sent a knowing look at Liam, a smug smile curling at the edge of his lips. This man definitely smiles a lot. "You can have your seat. I will have the maids make a quick -"


    Liam let out a cough, cutting the man off. "We are actually okay. We took breakfast. Why don''t we get into the business of the day, Mr. Galen?"


    The man uttered a snort. "As usual, Liam."


    Immediately Galen took a seat just opposite us, every bit of amusement that was in his eyes wiped off and seriousness coated his face. "I saw your proposal and I would say you should reconsider it, Liam." He said, leaning back into his seat. "I have. I want it here." Liam stated, dead serious.


    My brows twitched as it seemed like I was the only one in the dark here. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from asking Liam what they were talking about.


    "Are you sure? Do you think he would want it to be here?" Mr. Galen asked, tilting his head to the side.


    "I do not care. I am in charge and I choose the locations. He chose one. I choose the rest." He told him. Who were they talking about?


    "If you say so. I give you my word. You will have it here but on one condition." Mr. Galen''s eyes keened on me and I shifted in my seat. So he noticed me now.


    Liam peered a look at me. "She is no threat." He reached to hold my hand in his and my eyes bulged in their sockets at his show of im. What...


    Mr. Galen snorted a smile. "I will send the file over, Liam."


    Heels clicked against the floor and I twisted my head to catch the figure, only to see a pretty woman dressed in an elegant gown, looking young but with the way she carried herself, she would know she had lived for a long time in order to be move with such elegance. I fluttered my gaze to Mr. Galen who surprisingly was watching me too. I tilted my head to the side and he smirked. "Haven''t you figured it out yet?"


    "Babe." The woman called, slightly distracting me from the hovering thoughts in my mind.


    "Tell me. What are you thinking?" He asked, a mischievous smile on his lips. The woman lifted her eyes to me also, they were glinting with amusement. As if they enjoyed what they were doing to me. They looked younger than the mystery their eyes held. The decades of truth that hid behind those orbs. It clicked.


    "You... both of you... vampires?" I asked, turning my head to Liam to answer.


    He grimaced and nodded.


    "Smart. You are smart. I knew you would get it." He then turned to Liam. "Hold her tight. She is precious."


    Something in my chest squeezed as I remembered someone telling Nathaniel the same thing years back. I shook my head. After talking for some minutes and I remained quiet, Liam ended the discussion as they shook hands and Galen gave me one of his mischievous smiles also.


    We exited the mansion and now I understood why the building looked ancient. We both headed for the car and the driver must have gone as per Liam''s orders. What was he up to now?


    I had so many questions in my head. I did not know if I should ask Liam or not. So many of them.


    "Where are we going to now? A witch''s coven?" I asked, tucking my seat belt into ce.


    He chuckled. "Not today. But we are-"


    "So we are still going to a witch''s coven?"


    He smiled. "I know you have questions but will you trust me, Maurene?" He asked, a plea evident in his eyes as he looked at me.


    I was uncertain. I did not know if I should but I nodded my head, "Definitely. So where are we going to now?" I asked, taking my eyes off him and focusing on the road. "You would see." Excitement dripped with those words he uttered.


    At this point, I will no longer be surprised if we go to every supernatural realm today. I did not know how long I had been lost in my thoughts because the car parked and Liam looked at me. I peered a look past his head and noticed we were parked before a boutique.


    "But Liam... I don''t think I need new clothes."


    He released a scoff. "You are my wife and you need new dresses." He didn''t wait for me to say anything as he stepped out of the car and came to my side then opened the door. Offering me his hand to take, I was tempted to remind him that this was fake and that he didn''t need to do this outside like this. The only time I needed this act was when Nathaniel was anywhere close.


    I took his hand, not wanting to disappoint him and he helped me out of the car. He went ahead of me and opened the door for me and I would not lie, I was unsettled. I didn''t like the feeling in my chest.


    As I opened my mouth to insist that we go back home, a familiar voice let out a shriek. "What? Someone bought it?"


    I mped my mouth as my heart skipped. Amanda! Amanda Was here.


    I turned to scurry away but Liam reached to hold me back. He must have seen the fear in my eyes. "Not today. You are not going to run away."


    With that, he dragged me back into the boutique.

 Chapter THIRTEEN: FACING HER FEARS

    Maurene''S


    POV


    I held onto Liam''s hand as we reached the receptionist''s desk.


    "Good day, Sir." Her smile was wide and it was obvious that Liam was known in this boutique. "How might I help you?"


    "I actually came by to take the pearl ne I had bought for my wife." He smiled, pulling me close to himself.


    My heart skipped as he called me his wife. Was he doing this because Amandawas here?


    "Oh! I will get it for you, sir." She went into the store.


    "Yes? Tell me who bought it before me?" Amanda''s voice echoed through the ce, attracting the nearby customers.


    I noticed two of the sales girls shaking their heads as they tried to get customers away from the scene while Amandacontinued to fume, yelling that she wanted to meet the manager and she would not leave the ce until he came out to meet her. Thedy attending to us soon returned with the package and she packed it in their brand bag before she extended it to us.


    "Wait, wait... isn''t that the pearl ne you just said has finished in stock?" Amanda asked pointedly, approaching us.


    Liam took the package and held my hand as she stopped before us.


    "So you were the one who bought the ne, huh?" She gritted out, ring at me through hershes.


    I bit my inner cheeks as I watched her fume. I did not have the strength to deal with her today. I already had too much today.


    "Yes," Liam replied, smiling like he did not just get what she wanted. Judging from the brand and the way Amandais not giving up, it must be trendy jewelry. Liam knew I didn''t care about things like that. I was not old school but I did not run myself dry trying to prove I am up to date through my appearance when I could speak and you would find out.


    "Actually, my wife''s birthday ising up soon. I just decided to surprise her." He turned to me, sincerity and genuineness dancing in his eyes and my heart hammered against my chest, afraid to return his gesture and at the same time, wanting to y my part well. It was true, my kids'' birthday was the first and after the week, it would be mine.


    I mustered a smile even though I knew it didn''t reach my face. He squeezed my hand before turning to Amanda who narrowed her eyes on our entwined hands.


    "You are married. Since when?" She raised a brow in scrutiny.


    Liam pulled me even closer to him, snaking his arms around my waist and holding me tight. "Since forever." He answered, sounding strangely true.


    His words... They were starting to sound like he meant them. Like he wanted them to mean a thing. This was what I wanted to do. Get Nathaniel off my back but why was my heart skipping at the words Liam said. This was bing all too real. He was already good at this.


    "Really? Then Nathaniel..." She stopped herself and swallowed hard. "Whatever. That product in your hand is supposed to be mine. Nathaniel ordered it for me."


    "But I got it for my wife first." Liam beamed a smile, raising the package up. "In fact, let me wear it on her."


    I tried to stop him but he refused and opened the box, bringing out a white, smooth and shiny piece of ne. My eyes widened as my mouth parted.


    "Liam,"


    He came behind me and wore it over my neck. One of thedies attending to us had gone to bring a mirror and surprise coated myself as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I looked... I met Liam''s eyes through the mirror. Admiration and pride were what I saw in his orbs.


    My hands subconsciously reached up to hold the ne in my hand to make sure I was not dreaming and that this was real.


    "You look breathtaking." He whispered into my ears as he leaned into me. Thispliment of his was supposed to make me blush but instead, it made me grimace. A smile curled at the edges of my lips as I gulped hard, contemting refusing it and giving it to Amandaor taking it. The figure that appeared just behind me made me choose thetter. I was going to take it.


    "Nathaniel !" Amanda let out a shriek of excitement as she rushed toward him. He held her back and our eyes shed through the mirror. Something akin to possessiveness crossed his orbs before it vanished. Maybe I was the one thinking it. I pulled away from Liam and turned to him. His eyes dropped to the ne then back at my face before Amandastole his attention away from me.


    "Yes, Nathaniel. She bought the ne before I did." She pointed an using finger at me and I almost scoffed at her childish behavior.


    "Enough." He cautioned her. "I will have another made for you." He told her, his voice calm surprisingly.


    Amanda grinned and engulfed him in a hug instantly. "Thank you! Nathaniel ! I love you!" She screamed excitedly.


    Nathaniel tuned her out as he approached us, extending his to me. Liam took it and smiled. "We meet again, Alpha Nathaniel."


    His eyes shed to me before staying on Liam. "Yes. Please, I apologize on Amanda''s behalf if she tried to harass you." He said politely.


    "Oh, it''s nothing actually. I understand how she is feeling. I just decided to get my wife a birthday gift ahead." He grinned perfectly, cing his hands around my waist and Nathaniel followed the action before he lifted his head to look at me, his brows shooting up and a muscle in his jaw ticking.


    "Birthday? I thought..." He trailed off.


    Did he know my birthday date? That would be strange because Nathaniel had never wished me on my birthday. Whether he was aware or not, I was confused at that time and took it upon myself to tell him year after year and it got to a point I did not bother to tell him. I was ady who wanted a man who would wake her up with balloons and cake to make a wish by midnight. That... I have never had that. I was starting to get out of this mentality because there was no one that would do it for me.


    Yes, I changed my birthday date too. I had to change everything concerning me except my name. Even Liam did not know that.


    "You thought what?" Liam pressed further.


    "Oh, it''s nothing. I just remembered something. Anyway, we will meet during the week to discuss more on the project. Have a nice day." He offered his hand once again and Liam took it again this time, forcing a tight smile on. They stepped back from each other but I caught the quick interaction between them. What was that about?


    Nathaniel walked away, leaving us and not bothering to spare me a nce. Maybe he had already epted that I was not His Maurene.

 Chapter FOURTEEN: A Talk Over Coffee

    Maurene''S


    POV


    I pulled open my wardrobe, my eyes racking over the gowns arranged in the corner. I was finally going to meet Evangeline. She had sent me a message that we should meet this noon and since I was not doing anything, I decided to go. At


    least, I''d be able to feel the outside air for a while.


    I pulled out the floral gown and got into it before I could convince myself not to wear it or even give myself more reasons not to step out. After that, I applied a little makeup before picking up my purse. The kids had gone to school as usual and it was not time to pick them up yet.


    "Diana!" I called out, locking my bracelet into ce and she walked out of the kitchen. "I''m going out to meet a friend," I told her.


    The term I had used to describe Evangeline sounded weird on my tongue but I forced a tight smile. Diana knew I had no other friends apart from Liam. Her brows furrowed slightly, staring at me with scrutiny.


    I didn''t say anything as I poured some juice into the ss cup. "She is a new person," I told her and she said nothing in response.


    "I will pick the kids up if that is what you are trying to say." She managed to say.


    I turned to her with an appreciative smile. "Thank you."


    I headed for the door. As I pulled the doorknob, a force from outside also pushed it in, making me jerk back. I held myself before I stumbled to the floor. I looked up at the intruder and noticed Liam''s confused expression. Annoyance swam into me in full force.


    "Maurene," He called.


    "Liam." His name dropped out of my mouth with the annoyance I was feeling.


    "Where are you going?" He eyed him from head to toe. I bit my lower lip nervously, not wanting to lie to him.


    "Going to meet someone." I simply said, offering him an evasive smile.


    One of his brows arched. "Nathaniel ?"


    My brows twitched at his assumption. "What? No!"


    Why would I secretly go and meet Nathaniel? What for?


    His expression seemed to be rxed as he let out a deep breath. "Okay, if you say so, can I drive you to the ce?" He offered.


    I knew Liam. He didn''t want me to get hurt or even meet any threat like Nathaniel on my way. He suggested this to make sure he would protect me but for how long will he do this?


    I shook my head. "You don''t need to do that, Liam. I will be fine." I reached for his arm and gave him an assuring smile.


    His eyes roamed my face before he finally nodded. "Okay, if you say so. Be safe and call me if you need me." He added.


    I nodded as I walked past him and exited the house. I waved at a cab and got into it. I told the cab driver the address of the restaurant I was going to. Thankfully, he knew the ce and it didn''t take quite long before we reached them. Handing him his pay, I stepped out of the ce and before me was a small, simple yet expensive restaurant. Was this the ce Evangeline invited me to?


    I did not have the money to pay for any meal in this ce. Looking at the interior design through the huge window, a meal here will cost my entire savings and put my kids and I huge jeopardy.


    I swallowed hard as I fished out my phone in search of the ce. Maybe the driver missed the road. Nowadays, people set up their businesses with famous names in order to draw customers to them. I saw the name of the restaurant Evangeline had sent alongside the address. It was the same. Eat''n''Chat.


    I decided to call in order to make sure I was at the right ce. I dialed her number but it was unreachable. Oh, not now, please. I groaned internally as I dialed it again and this time, it disconnected itself. Damn thiswork!


    I stood there for minutes, contemting whether to go in or go back home. Just as I turned to leave, a luxurious car stopped before me, a guard got down and rushed to the passenger''s seat, pulling open the door. My mouth parted as I watched Evangeline step out of the car, her face radiating excitement and happiness the moment she saw me.


    The muscles around my mouth contracted as I tried to muster up a smile. Who was Evangeline married to by the way?


    "You are here already!" She said in a high pitched tone and I slowly bobbed my head. "I''m really sorry. I tried to leave the house early but my husband was busy with some things so I had to wait for him to get down before I could leave." She grinned.


    My eyes keened on her. Her husband.


    I shook my head once again, a faint smile on my lips. "Not at all. I thought I had missed the way." I exined to her.


    She gasped. "What? There''s no other Eat''n''Chat here in this city. Someone I know owned the ce, don''t you know?" She asked, leading me into the ce. The manager came out to greet her and it confirmed what she just said. The way everyone looked at her, surprised they could see someone radiate such a bubbly attitude.


    Evangeline married a wealthy man but who was this man? She had not even mentioned his name once to me.


    Sometimes, I wonder how she does it. Being able to be this happy yet not giving her husband a child. What was her secret?


    She turned to me, moving closer to her and introduced me to the manager. "This is Maurene, my friend. I brought her here for the first time so I want you to treat to the best of the meals, will you do that?" She beamed a smile.


    The manager nodded, giving me his most polite smile. "Definitely. Pleasee." He led to the area that looked like it was meant for the VIPs. I swallowed, starting to regret why I wore the floral gown because it seemed to contrast the luxury of the ce.


    "We will be right back," He told us and walked away.


    Evangeline''s eyes glinted with excitement. I did not know what to even say. How does she manage to keep this air around her?


    "So tell me, Maurene, how have you been? By the way, I''m really sorry I didn''t message earlier. I have been so busy." She apologized again.


    "It''s nothing, Eva." I told her and she gasped.


    My face morphed into confusion at her confusing attitude. "Is there anything wrong with that? Did I cross the line or-"


    "Did you just call me Eva?" She asked, closing her mouth in shock.


    I gulped hard, my heart increasing the rate at which it beat. "If you don''t like it, I will not-"


    The waiter took the moment to enter with some coconut drink.


    "No, no, no! I do. I definitely do. People are scared to personalize my name most times." She pursed her lips, sipping from her drink.


    "And why is that?" I asked, suddenly interested in her story. Judging from the way guards followed her, I would say there was more.


    She gave me an incredulous look before saying, "Because they fear me, of course. They think if they call me by my name, my husband will have them killed." She scoffed.


    "And who is this husband of yours speak of, huh? Is he a billionaire?" I asked her gently, in case it might trigger or something.


    Wait, why did I care?


    A smile curled up on her lips as her eyes glinted with even more pride. "He is A-"


    "Ma, I think you need toe right now!"

 Chapter FIFTEEN: An Attack On Her!

    Maurene''S POV


    It all happened in a blink of an eye. A guard rushed in and instantly pulled Evangeline away from me. I gasped in shock as he broke into therge ss and hauled her out of the ce in a blink of an eye. Yells and cries echoed in the entire restaurant. Someone dropped dead at the entrance and I flinched in shock. I sat rooted to my spot, unaware of what to do. Whether I should run or just...


    "Send someone to take her!" Evangeline''s voice cried from wherever she was being dragged to and all I felt was someone pick me up and carry me out of the ce. I was in a state of shock, unable to think.


    The person dropped me outside and sprinted away back into the restaurant. Right before, I watched men in ck suits shoot at one another. The only difference is that what they were shooting were not bullets but silver. Silver... only werewolves possess these silver bullets and they used to kill wolves.


    What are...


    A crying woman ran into me and I fell back on my butt, scratching my knee in the process. I let out a strangled and painful hiss as I reached for my knee and my eyes widened when a silver bullet seemed to fall beside me. One of the men dropped to the floor with a thud and a scream broke out from me. I watched blood drip from his forehead down to the floor. I scrambled back as I cried, not wanting the blood to touch me.


    His eyes were wide open and it seemed they were staring at me. A hand tugged at me and pulled me up. "Maurene!" I heard his voice before I lifted my head to meet his worried gaze.


    "Nathaniel..."


    "What are you doing out here?" He questioned, his eyes wide in worry and concern as he searched me for any sort of injury. "Are you fine?" He asked again.


    I could not find it in me to answer. It felt like my tongue was tied. He let out a hiss. "Oh, fuck it! Maurene." He held my hands and pulled away from the fighting scene and helped me into his car before throwing orders at some men who seemed to rush into the ce.


    I did not know the oue of the incident as Nathaniel drove me out of the ce, sending nces at me as I sat in his car, not uttering a word. He got to his pack house and rushed to my ce to help me out. He led me into the pack house and Amanda met us on the way.


    "Nathaniel, I... What?" She mped her mouth shut when she saw me. "You cannot bring her into the pack house. She..."


    "Shut the fuck up, Amanda and move away out of my way!" He hissed as he pushed her out of the way. We got to the living room and he yelled for a maid to bring me a cup of water while he went in then came back not long after with a first aid box.


    My eyes hovered over the concern etched on his face as he crouched down before me, pulling open the box. I watched him roll up his sleeves and his entuated forearms flexed as he picked out the cotton wool. He began to dress the little scratch I had from the street. I winced as the ointment he added dripped down my leg and he quickly rubbed it off with a wool. Nathaniel was good with treating, considering he wanted to be a doctor once but his father was against it and he settled on the Alpha and continued the legacy of his father.


    After he was done, he gripped my leg and stared at me through hisshes and I met his gaze. I didn''t know what he saw but he pulled away from me and rose to his feet.


    "How are you feeling now?" He asked, putting back the things into the box.


    I let out a sigh. "I..."


    He turned to me, his jaw flexing as he put his hands into his pockets. "I will call Liam to tell him that you are here." He informed me.


    I blinked up at him. "Yes... yes. Thank you." I managed to mutter.


    He left with the first aid box and the maid brought me some fruits. Momentster, I could hear Amanda''s familiar yell and suddenly a growl that carried Nathaniel ''s authority followed, everywhere in the pack house quieted, and I paused mid air, the apple just before my mouth.


    The door opened and I looked up instantly, bracing myself in defense but when I saw Grayson''s figure, I rxed but soon became tense when I noticed the apprehensive expression on his face. He halted to a stop when he saw me, ncing around the living room before returning his gaze to me.


    "You..." He trailed off as Amandastomped into the living room, pausing for a second to send me a re before running up the stairs and leaving me with Grayson who appeared to be conflicted. He said nothing as he walked away and went in the direction of Nathaniel''s office.


    What was happening?


    The door opened again and this time, announcing Liam''s presence. I rose to my feet as if on cue and he rushed toward me, instantly reaching for me and turning me around.


    "Maurene," He sighed as he pulled me into a hug, sniffing my hair as he held me close to his chest. "gods! I was scared!" He whispered as I pulled away from him and looked into his eyes.


    "Liam, I''m sorry. I should have-"


    "No, you don''t need to apologize. I should not have let you go on your own. I''m sorry, Maurene." He pulled me into another hug and I was confused for a moment.


    Why was he apologizing like he was the one who put me in danger?


    Footsteps echoed closer to the living room and I watched Nathaniel and Grayson appear behind Liam. I caught the sh in Nathaniel ''s eyes before it disappeared and he schooled his face into indifference.


    Liam turned around. "Thank you so much, Alpha Nathaniel ." He said, a bite in his tone as his eyes glinted with something I could not recognize.


    Nathaniel nodded, his face passive as well. "It''s nothing. It happened on my territory. I have to make sure everyone is safe. She was in quite a shock that she didn''t speak for a while but seeing you here must have helped her get rid of it." His lips twitched in a smile before he faced Grayson, barely ncing at me.


    "It is getting dark already. Get the reports taken and make sure the people injured are treated." He told him and Grayson nodded before leaving.


    "Would you love to eat dinner?" Nathaniel asked, his eyes ncing between Liam and me.


    "No," Came Liam''s sharp response, and I squeezed his palm. "No, I mean. Maurene Has to rest in order for her to recover quickly. Again, thank you so much. We will take our leave now." He didn''t wait for me to say anything as he pulled me out of the pack house. I could not see the expression on Nathaniel ''s face as the door mmed shut.


    Liam carefully tucked me into my seat and I breathed out, inhaling his cologne and feeling safe again.


    As Liam found his way back to his seat, I lifted my head up and stared at the window through the windscreen. There he was, watching us until we drove out of sight and out of reach.


    But, wait, who attacked me? Or was the attack intended for me?

 Chapter SIXTEEN: Meeting The Alphas

    Nathaniel ''S POV


    "We are meeting the alphas today," Grayson informed me like I did not know and as if I was not dressing to attend the meeting.


    I said nothing in response as I clicked the cuff-links into ce, catching a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror.


    "What is the report of the incident?" I asked him. I smoothened the edges of my suit, locking the button into ce.


    Grayson let out a sigh. "The men who attacked are still unknown but there was no sign of rogues either. It was as if they hade to the ce to fight against one another. I don''t know." He tried to exin. "What of the dead bodies? Any clue found on them?" I asked and he shook his head.


    "They were clean, which is the most fishy part of the entire issue." He replied.


    I was busy trying to sort out some pack issues and decide to see if I could meet with a business partner when all of a sudden, I got a call from someone, informing me about what was going on in my territory. Rushing down there, I didn''t expect to meet Maurene. Maurene...


    The way she called my name reyed in my head and I closed my eyes for a second. Does she remember me?


    "We will discuss that in the meeting today. If these Alphas are the one fighting against one another, I had better tell them that my territory is off limits." I stated, picking my phone and exiting my room.


    Amanda was in the living room as usual, watching a fashion show. I said nothing to her as I walked out of the house with Grayson trailing behind me.


    "Did you make sure she got home safe?" I asked him, knowing fully well he understood what I was asking him.


    He gave me a curt nod. "They went home straight from here but he left her house not quite long. He seemed to be in a hurry." He exined.


    My brows knitted as I faced him, tilting my head to the side. "He left?"


    "Yes. He seemed to have been on a call too." He replied, trying to recall.


    I was skeptical about calling Liam yesterday but I thought that was the best thing to do. The best thing she wanted. So I decided to let myself do that one thing for her.


    I remembered what happened when I had called him.


    I dialed his number, wishing he would not pick up. After that it rang for a few seconds and it disconnected. My brows furrowed as I dialed it again. If it were up to me, I would not call him again. It rang again before he picked it, an annoyed tone in his voice. "Nathaniel, how may I help you tonight?"


    My eyes moved in their sockets as I contemted telling him she was here but I knew I had to do that. "Where is your precious wife?" I asked him, letting the mockery in my voice.


    I could hear him straighten up at my question.


    "Where is my wife, Nathaniel Hale?" He growled into the phone.


    I uttered a scoff. "How am I supposed to know, Liam Ferdinand?" I replied.


    "I swear if you hurt her hair so much, I will have you pay for it. I swear-"


    "What kind of husband are you? You don''t even know where your wife is at this time of night. Your marriage sure is fishy. Is this how you care for your woman?" I hissed angrily.


    "How I treat my woman is none of your business, Nathaniel. Where is my wife? She isn''t yours. She is mine. Get that!" He snarled into the phone.


    I swallowed hard, trying to keep myself from bantering with him. I let out a deep breath, resigning. She was not mine. "She is at my ce. Come and pick her up." I cut in and disconnected the call before he could say anything else. Not long after, he came and she left with him, willingly.


    I checked the inte for pictures of Maurene but there were none. I knew she was someone who likes to keep her social media apps up to date but she must have deleted her ounts. Fuck! Did I make her do that? Guilt settled into my guts and I clenched my fist tight. How many things have I made her stop doing?


    My jaw hardened as we reached the building we will be using for the meeting. Grayson and I stepped out, he walked behind me and stood guard. We headed for the entrance and ady I recognize to be an Omega smiled at us and led to the hall.


    We were nearing the hall when I felt the radiation of a stronger Alpha energy. The Alpha king is here. My eyes narrowed slightly. He never stepped out. In fact, he sent his Royal Beta to do everything, that includes attending meetings as well. The door opened and I had to unbutton my upper button at the suffocation of Alpha energy in the entire room. All the chattering ceased as I stepped in. They all looked at me like I was some intruder, meanwhile I fixed my gaze on the Alpha King who watched me like a predator.


    I dropped my head in a slight bow. "Your Royal Highness." I greeted.


    He lifted his head in a nod and I went to take a seat. I nced at the Alphas in the room, taking notes of their names mentally just as my father had taught to do.


    "I think we are allplete," One of the Alphas shot from the back, insinuating that we should start.


    "Of course! Only Hale has the guts to make us wait! Even the Alpha King!" Another said.


    The Alpha King cleared his voice, leaning forward. "Yesterday," He started, his voice holding a tremble and a shiver. The Alphas in the hall all quietened as he spoke. Was it only that I noticed how shaky his voice was? Is the Alpha King fine?


    "My Luna went to a restaurant that was owned by me yesterday and unknown men attacked her." He said.


    Wait, the Luna Queen was there?


    I stared at Grayson who also seemed surprised at the news out of the corner of my eye.


    "So tell me, Alpha Nathaniel. It was your territory. I want to know how my Luna Queen was not safe there or did you..." He trailed off, his eyes using me of a crime I dared notmit.


    My father had solely warned me to stay away from Royalty but still, we appeared to be a threat to them.


    "Your Highness, firstly, I was not aware of the Luna Queen being on my territory and -" "So you should be informed?" He cut in, one of his brows arching as he folded his arms. "No, I mean to say-"


    "Alpha Nathaniel, should I hold you for the crime of my Luna being attacked?" He mused.


    I ground my jaw as I rose to my feet, murmurs began to pour out through the room. "Your Highness, I would investigate this matter and get back to you. All I will say is that everyone knows you are always a target. You are the Alpha King so an attack made on your Luna Queen should not be a surprise. Even your enemies might be among these Alphas!" I pointed at them, fixing my eyes on each of them.


    "Speak for yourself, Hale!" An Alpha I recognize who always goes against my father''s spat. They all shook their heads. They were all jealous. Jealous of my packnd. They wanted it. I could see it in their ambitious eyes. They dreamed of ruling my pack. It was only a dream that will nevere true.


    A deep breath escaped from me. "I will take my leave, Your Highness."


    I did not wait for the Alpha King to say anything as I pushed my seat back and headed for the door.


    "What insolence!"


    I ignored them all as Grayson joined me on my way out. We soon got to the car and turned my neck to the side. "Why didn''t you tell me the ce was owned by the Alpha King and the Luna Queen was there?" I gritted out.


    He dropped his head. "I didn''t look into that part. I''m sorry." He apologized.


    I looked forward. "Do you know what the Luna Queen looks like?" I asked him.


    He shook his head. "I don''t think so."


    "Then find out."

 Chapter SEVENTEEN: Coming Alone

    Maurene''S POV


    I have not quite recovered from the shock of the incident. The dead body falling next to me was still very much vivid in my head and it sometimes made me jump in fear. I could not help but think back to what could have happened if Evangeline hadn''t asked someone to help me out of the ce. I would have been...


    That reminds me. Where was Evangeline taken to?


    We have not contacted each other since that day and I did not even try to call her as well. My bad. I cleaned my hands with the apron before reaching forward to pick my phone. I dialed her number. It rang for a few seconds before thework provider''s voice came through saying her number was unreachable. My brows creased in slight confusion. Was she fine?


    I dialed it a second time and thankfully, she picked it up.


    "Hey, Maurene!" Her cheerful voice came through and I removed the phone from my ears to check who I had called again.


    How could she be this cheerful even after the fact that there was an attack in the restaurant that almost imed our lives? "Maurene?" She called.


    "H-Hello," I stuttered, not knowing how I should respond to her.


    "You called! How have you been?" She asked, some shuffling sound echoing from her side.


    "F-Fine. What about you? Hope you are-" I didn''t know why I was stuttering. Maybe because I was caught off guard by her unusual cheerful attitude. "Oh, I am. Thank you for asking. I''m really sorry I didn''t reach out to you after the incident." She apologized and I shook my head, as if she could see me. "Not at all. It is nothing. I know you must be shocked. I was too. How are you by the way?" I asked her, suddenly taking interest in talking with her.


    "Oh, I''m perfectly fine. Just that my husband has refused for me to leave the house and it is really sickening." She muttered. I could visualize her pouting sadly.


    I could not rte. There was no one here to restrict me from going out and still, I felt a pang in my chest at the thought. Besides, she has been talking about this husband of hers and it only gets me confused. Who was her husband and why was it so hard to guess?


    "You can just speak to him about it. Maybe you can promise him that you will not get hurt next time or something," I tried to advise her.


    She uttered a snort. "I have made so many promises and only ended up getting attacked. I doubt he will let me out of his sight again." She added.


    I bobbed my head. Judging from the guards that surrounded her, her husband must be someone who cared so much for her and did not want any harm toe to her. A sting in my heart made me clench my fist tight. "Then what do you n to do?" I asked, reaching for the apple I was busy slicing and cing my phone between ear and shoulder.


    She let out a sigh. "I do not know. I do not have any friends, except you, of course. I feel so bored." She groaned.


    I felt bad for her. Being locked inside and not doing anything could make someone go crazy. It almost did to me until I decided to ask Liam to help me with being his secretary even though he didn''t need one at the time. "Or... can you visit me?" She asked. I could see her eyes glinting with anticipation.


    I hesitated. I did not know her really well to visit her and yet I felt like I could use this little bit of connection I had with her. I bit my lower lip, contemting. Having a new friend would not be so bad, right?


    "I know we are not that close. Please help me, don''t let me die of boredom." She cried.


    I knew I could not refuse her so I said, "I will think about it but send the address of your ce so I cane anytime I decide to. I can, right?" I asked, not letting the voice that was telling me I was making a wrong decision to trust someone to be my friend stop me.


    "Okay! I will send it to you! You cane any time. The door is always open!" She eximed excitedly.


    A faint smile curled on my lips at her childish excitement.


    "Who are you talking to?" A masculine voice asked. My eyes narrowed as I ced the phone close to my ears.


    That must be her husband.


    "My friend," She replied, her voice still holding the same joy.


    "Huh, really? You have a friend, now?" The man asked, his voice soft. Some sounds of shuffling echoed and her giggle followed next.


    Maybe this is my time to disconnect the call now.


    As I clicked the red button, her voice came through. "Maurene, we will talkter. Call me when you areing, alright?" She asked.


    "Y-Yes," The line went dead.


    Jealousy gnawed at my guts as I hit my lower lip, my hands trembling at the thought of how I have been unfortunate when it came to rtionships and marriage.


    Can''t I just have this one thing that I desired?


    I looked up at the ceiling and tried to blink back the tears. No, I will not cry today.


    The door creaked open and instantly, I put myself together and picked a slice of the apple into my mouth. Diana appeared, looking stressed. She had gone to drop the kids at school and she looked surprised, seeing me at home.


    Yeah, I ought to have gone to work by now.


    I was waiting for Liam. I sent him the copy of the schedule of the meetings we would be having today and I was yet to get any reply. Ever since the day the attack happened, he has been apologizing over and over again. I did not know why but I had to tell him to stop apologizing.


    "You are yet to leave?" She asked, eyeing me from head to toe. I lifted my shoulders in a half shrug.


    "I might not go. I am yet to get a response from Liam. Anyway, you look stressed. Please go and take a rest." I suggested.


    She shook her head. "No, I promised Fatah a pink cupcake." She said like it was some big contract given to her.


    I shook my head, wiggling my finger. "No, Diana. You will take some rest first then you cane back into the kitchen to make whatever pink cake you promised Kylie. Your health is more important here." I told her, moving toward her and pushing her by the shoulder out of the kitchen.


    She tried to resist and insisted that she would have to make it for her now. She was adamant and that was what made me like her. I knew I didn''t make a mistake when I was choosing someone who would look after the kids for me. In fact, she was the best for them. The way she took care of them like they were her own kids always made me feel at peace and relieved that there was someone showering my children with so much love. With this so much love, I didn''t see any reason for them to still desire a father. Kai...


    "I didn''t say you should not make it, Diana. All I am saying is that the cake can always wait but your health cannot. If you are down with sickness now, who would take care of them?" I reasoned with her.


    Her eyes zed which meant she was thinking about it. "Okay, if you say so. I will have some rest but I will still make the cupcake for her." She said adamantly.


    My lips pursed as I gave her a tight nod before she walked to her room. My heart swelled at the amount of love my kids were getting from Diana and I could not help but let a tear run down my cheek. A vibration against my pocket made me jerk and I fished out my phone.


    Content hidden: Liam BF


    My brows creased. Liam messaged me. Maybe he wanted to tell me where to meet him. I clicked on the icon and the phone unlocked, using my face.


    I''m sorry, Maurene but you will have to go and meet Alpha Nathaniel today alone. I have things that I MUST finish here. Deeply sorry once again. What?


    I should meet Nathaniel alone today? Oh, no!

 Chapter EIGHTEEN: Meeting Him

    Maurene''S POV


    I instantly dialed Liam''s number, anxiety seeping through my skin in my veins. How could he...


    There was no way I would go back to that pack without someoneing with me. Nathaniel took me to the ce that day because he had to, not because we were going to discuss business, alone. Fear filled me as he might finally find out I was lying to him and I was the real Maurene.


    I did not want to regard the way he still affected me and I was still filled with the fear that he would do something to me. Something I might regret.


    The call disconnected automatically and I dialed his number again and this time, it did not ring. I bit my lower lip anxiously as I began to pace to and fro. What can I do?


    This was not my best friend sending me to meet a business partner. This was my boss telling me to meet a business partner to finalize a deal and I have to do as I am told because he pays me well. Even more than enough. Gosh, I rubbed my sweaty palms against the apron I was still wearing and paused to take a seat, half expecting Liam to give me a call and tell me it was a prank. I tapped my foot against the floor impatiently and after waiting for like ten minutes, I realized Liam meant business.


    I rose to my feet, my chest falling and rising at every breath I took. I headed for the stairs and went into my room. Opening the wardrobe, I scanned through my dresses. Disgust coiled at the pit of my stomach as I wished I had a dress that had a veil sewn into it. A veil that will shield me from Nathaniel ''s tactics.


    I finally picked a yellow gown and paired it with ck heels, carrying my bag and making sure I had taken all I needed for the meeting. I did not want to look like I was iplete.


    I let my hair cascade down my shoulder then I applied a little makeup and stared at my reflection in the mirror. I saw the panic. The fear. The worry. In a quick blink, they disappeared and I schooled my face into indifference. I will not show Nathaniel how weak he has made me.


    Exiting the bedroom, I walked down the stairs and informed Diana that I was leaving already. She nodded her head sleepily and I stepped out of the house.


    I got into the car Liam had sent to pick me up. Thankfully, he didn''t let me find my way to the pack all by myself. I would not go and would just apologize to him.


    As I settled into the back seat, I gazed outside through the window, feeding my eyes with the busy scenes of the road before we got to the pack. I didn''t wait for the driver to inform me that we had gotten there already, I knew it. I could feel it in my bones so I stepped out of the car before heading for the gate. No one was there. I entered and some members were chattering under a shade. I shed my gaze with one of them and his eyes widened. He recognized me.


    I looked away, the muscles in my legs tensing up as I reached the door of the pack house. I pushed it open and there he was. Grayson was sitting on the couch, going through something on his phone. He lifted his gaze and craned his neck to look behind me before rising to his feet. A sign of respect to his ex-luna. Whether he was aware of it or not.


    "You are thirty-four minuteste." He mused, ncing at his wristwatch.


    I did not know what to say so I just said, "I was caught up in the traffic."


    After giving me a long stare, he looked away. "You cane with me. Liam isn''ting?" He asked the obvious.


    "Yes, he has to attend to some things," I responded as I followed him to Nathaniel''s office.


    I held my tongue from asking Nathaniel ''s whereabouts. I did not really care about where he was. In fact, it would be my delight if I didn''t get to see his face today.


    He pointed to the chair where I should sit and I did. Not wasting time, I pulled out the paperwork. "I am very sure Nathaniel would have gotten the edited paperwork through the mail. This is just a copy of it." I stated before lifting my eyes to see Grayson''s boring one. He was literally staring at me as if he was trying to unravel me.


    "Maurene," My name left his lips like he knew who I was. Grayson and I did not have a close rtionship when I was Luna. In fact, he just did as he was told and stayed off Nathaniel''s and I''s business. I remembered I had once asked about Nathaniel''s favorite stuff and he just gave me a shrug, saying he didn''t know. I realized that he meant Nathaniel would not have acknowledged it by the way, why waste my time?


    "Yes, Mr. Grayson?" I responded and he blinked at the formality I added.


    "You... Nathaniel will be the one to respond to the edited paperwork. I am just to show the part of the pack we will be using for the project." He exined and we both rose to our feet at the same time. He led me through the corridors and we finally got into the deeper part of the pack where there was vastnd.


    Nathaniel ''s pack was thergest in the city, evenrger than that of the Alpha King, so I''ve heard. I was not surprised when Liam proposed building the hospital here. God knows why! We soon reached a ce that was already undergoing clearing.


    "This is the ce Nathaniel has decided. You let your boss know that." He said and went on to exin why they chose the part of the pack and how beneficial it was.


    "So Luna, I will say-" He stopped before he continued as my eyes widened at what he called me.


    "Grayson, have you-" Nathaniel paused in his walk as he noticed the state Grayson and I were in. I returned my gaze to Nathaniel as he stared at me, eyeing me from head to toe. "Maurene," The way he called my name was so soft and I clenched my thighs as an unusual sensation ran through my veins. "You are here."

 Chapter NINETEEN: Apology To His Wife

    Maurene''S POV


    I hid the way his voice affected me. I suddenly felt exposed with both of them here without Liam being here to shield me from them. My knees were weak as Nathaniel approached us and dropped his head in a small bow, shocking me to the


    core. He bowed to me.


    What exactly was Nathaniel driving at? Saving me that day... I was even yet to thank him.


    "Thank you," I mumbled softly and his eyes narrowed briefly. "For saving me the other day. I could not appreciate you properly." I tried to exin.


    A faint smile tilted on his lips. "It is nothing, Miss Maurene. It is my duty as the Alpha. Anyway, I hope Grayson here has exined to you everything you need to know. You can ask questions as well." He nced at Grayson who said nothing but returned his stare nkly. They were probablymunicating through the mind link.


    "Should we still-" He was cut off by a raindrop on his forehead. I watched it drip down to his nose before he rubbed it off. The sky darkened quickly.


    "Fuck! It is going to rain soon." He muttered.


    Immediately, the rain poured, confirming what he said. I reached out to cover my head with the bag in my hands but Nathaniel grabbed my hand and we ran to the pack house. I forgot totally that I was on heels as I followed his lead, the ce he held me tightened as the rain intensified. He didn''t even care about Grayson, who I didn''t notice running with us. I kept my gaze on him. The sight of his hair sticking to his face and almost covering his face made me remember when we were together and he had stepped out of the bathroom, looking sexy as ever.


    We kissed that day. He had touched me like a woman that day. I caressed his body that belonged to me and me alone with so much pride. And since then...


    We soon reached the back door and he led me into the house. My gown clung to my body as we both stood, opposite each other. Shivers ran down my spine and I kept my eyes on his shoes. Maybe I should leave now.


    "I think I... I will-" I locked his gaze. What I saw there made me stumble but he reached to hold me. I was once again reminded that he was still holding my hand. We kept each other''s gazes locked as minutes passed by between us. A screech in the kitchen made me jerk away from his grip and we both turned to the intruder. It was a maid who bowed before scurrying away.


    Nathaniel muttered something beneath his breath as he looked at me. "You cannot leave now. It is raining." He said, ncing at the raindrops sliding down the closed windows.


    I blinked, not knowing what to say because I was dying of cold where I was standing. The thunder cackled in the sky and I flinched.


    "I will..." I quickly tried to speak to ease the tension in the air.


    He instantly turned to the tea maker and mixed the powder before pouring the hot water into it. He poured the mixture into the cup and peered a look at me, urging me toe closer to him. I let my legs move toward him and collected the cup he extended out to me. I took a sip of the tea and I let the heat of the tea rece the cold I was feeling in my bones.


    I took another hurried sip and winced as it burnt my tongue.


    "Hey, easy there." Nathaniel cooed as he gently collected the cup from me and blew some air into it. My hands hung in the air as I watched him. He must have realized what he did because he extended the cup back to me. "You should be careful," he warned, turning away from me.


    I drank the teapletely before rinsing the cup and cing it on the rack. Nathaniel ''s eyes seemed to rake over my body, heat pulling in his eyes as he gulped hard. "You need a clean dress. I will have a maid bring one of Amanda''s dresses to you." He made to walk out of the kitchen but I stopped him, goosebumps creeping into my arms as I held his warm palms.


    "There''s no need. I... I will just leave." I told him, trying to avoid his gaze.


    He shook his head. "I cannot let you go home under this heavy rain. If you don''t feelfortable, I will have a maid bring one of my shirts to you. You look like you might die of cold." He eyed me, his words with a tone of finality before heading upstairs, leaving me in the kitchen.


    Not long after the maid brought me a cream-colored shirt and I draped it over me, not bothering to pull off my gown. I let myself settle in the living room, staring into nowhere in particr.


    I contemted calling Liam but I knew he might be busy. I will just leave after the rain stops.


    A door behind me creaked open and Amanda''sughter echoed. I did not bother to nce back. She slowly paused when she saw me. "It''s you again? I thought you said you were not Maurene. So tell me, why are you here?" She hissed.


    My eyes moved in their sockets to meet here. "I do not understand you," I replied softly.


    She sneered, closing the proximity as she narrowed her eyes, hershes almost covering her eyes. "I know you have some ns up in your sleeves but let me tell you something, Maurene. Just as you lost him to me in the past, you will lose him again!" Her left brow arched as she spat those words that stung me like poison. I gasped as I tried to hide my trembling hands.


    Liam was not here to shield me from her w. Anger boiled within me as I slowly rose to my feet, my jaw hardening as I lifted my chin, meeting her eyes. I clenched my fist at my sides as I let words form in my mouth. "You-"


    "Miss Maurene," Grayson''s voice interrupted me and I swiveled my gaze to him.


    After staring at him for a minute or so, I rxed my tense muscles and maintained the indifferentposure I had slipped on beforeing. I stepped away from her while she let out a scoff.


    "Amanda, The Alpha calls for you." He told her and after ring at me for some seconds, she hissed and stomped away.


    I took my seat and Grayson came forward, not sitting. He never sits. Always standing. Sometimes, I really wished to know the story about him and Nathaniel.


    "You should rx. She is just trying to rile you up." He told me so casually that I had to turn to look him in the eye.


    "What do you... what do you mean?" I stuttered, shifting ufortably in my seat. Weird tension hovered over the air above us and I could feel my toes curl in fear.


    Why was I afraid?


    His lips curled with a light smile. Grayson never smiles. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, a guard stepped in and we both twirled to look at him.


    "Someone is outside waiting for her," He informed us, directing a look at me.


    Oh, Liam was here already.


    "Let hime in." Grayson said, shoving his hands into his pockets. Liam entered not long after, his hair slightly wet from the rain.


    "Sh- Babe." He stopped himself when he noticed Grayson.


    I rose to my feet, relief washing through me at his presence. He rushed toward me like a husband whose wife had gone missing and he just found her. He pulled me into a tight hug, muttering something I could not hear properly. "Are you alright?" He asked.


    I nodded, holding him closer. I did not know why I pulled him closer to me like that. Maybe because he was my shield and he left me to face the wolves all by myself. I wanted to cry and yell at him but that could wait untilter, right?


    We pulled apart and he faced Grayson. He thanked him and proceeded to help me out of the house. I noticed he didn''t bother to ask Nathaniel as he led me out. Before the door closedpletely, I lifted my gaze at Grayson who watched me closely. He tilted his head to the side, eyeing me till the door closed, my heart skipping a beat.


    What does Grayson know?

 Chapter TWENTY: Busy Nowadays

    Nathaniel ''S POV


    Amanda stepped into my office, her brows arched as she dropped a bow. I was still her Alpha and she will respect me as such.


    "How many times do I have to warn you not to harass Maurene?" I growled, my tone low and dangerous as I looked at her.


    "Nathaniel," She cried. "She... she is her. I saw it in her eyes. In the way she looked at me. The hatred. She is the one, Nathaniel and she is back to take you away from me! I will not allow it!" She moved forward but I raised my hand up to shun


    her.


    "Stop it. I want to believe that she is not the one. My Maurene will always recognize me. Whether she is the one or not, that-" My jaw hardened. "That is none of your business. Let me warn you for thest time, Amanda. Stop interfering in my business. Just because I let you return to the pack does not mean you will go around harassing people."


    She gave me an incredulous look before letting out a snort. "Nathaniel ? You are scared. Are you, huh? You are scared that she is the one. Have you forgotten that she is the reason we both separated? Have you forgotten that she is the reason I was-"


    "Stop!" I snarled angrily, hitting my fist on the desk as I rose to my feet. My eyes darkened as I red at her, her words bringing back memories I did not want to remember.


    "I should stop? Nathaniel ! Wake up!" Tears glistened in her eyes but I shook my head.


    "Out! Out now!" I ordered, pointing to the door.


    She swallowed hard before letting out a deep breath. She said nothing as she turned on her heels and walked out of the office. I closed my eyes as I slumped back on my chair, tugging at my tie as I felt suffocated.


    Acting on my instincts, I had grabbed Maurene and made us both run into the pack house when I could just have had the guard bring us some umbres. I had suggested giving one of Amanda''s dresses because I did not want to make her ufortable. Only the moon goddess knows how happy I was when she did not refuse wear my shirt. I thought she was going to refuse and I would have to insist. Maurene was stubborn. I was quite surprised when she gave in. I rose to my feet and walked to the window. The rain seemed to reduce then increase. I watched how he led her into his car, holding the umbre over her head and jamming the door closed before he ran over to his side. He does not deserve her.


    And you do? A voice asked and I ignored it. I was not going to let these haunting thoughts ruin me today.


    They were married. Since when? God knew how I had gone online to search for any picture of theirs together but there was nothing. I understood them. Maurene was a low key person. Maybe that was why my grandfather liked her. The reason he insisted that I married her.


    My eyes closed at that thought. The doorknob twisted, making some noise. I knew he was the one before he spoke.


    "They left already?"


    "Yes. He came to pick her up." Grayson answered.


    "Any feedback on what I asked you to look into?" I asked, watching the car drive away till it was out of sight.


    "Yes." With that I turned around, my interest piqued already.


    "Tell me about it."


    Maurene''S POV


    Liam pulled open the door for me immediately as he went out of the car. It was still raining by the time we got home and I stepped out, ensuring I was under the umbre he held out for me even though some stubborn drops fell on me. We both walked into the house in silence, one I had so much appreciated after everything that happened today.


    He pulled the umbre together the moment we reached the door. I pushed the door open and held it out for him to enter. We shared an ufortable stare as he stepped in, cing the umbre by the side of the door. I fought back the urge to grab my dress by the side as the cold breeze swished in through the slightly parted door. "Mommy!"


    "Uncle Liam!" The kids chorused as they rushed toward us. A smile immediately curled at the edges of my lips. The sweaters Diana had worn for them made them look bulky. My kids had low tolerance to cold which is something I find strange. My tolerance level to cold was still average while their father''s was okay but them... only the Moon goddess where they got that from.


    I spread my arms wide for them to hug me but imagine the shock on my face when the three of them evaded me and ran toward Liam who lifted them in one scoop. They ignored me? Disappointment gnawed at me as I tried to maintain a sweet, proud smile.


    "What did you bring for us, Uncle Liam?" Kylie asked, pushing away the strands of hair on his forehead. He grinned, putting them down.


    "How about you greet your mother first?" His brows twitched as he signaled to me with his head. I felt like I was a girl that was refused her favorite lollipop.


    They all turned to me and grinned like they didn''t refuse my hug and ran to me. I epted them even though the pain was still there. Why was I sensitive now? They were just kids!


    I embraced them and warmth settled in my guts as I crouched down to their level. "Mommy, we missed you!" Kai said.


    The smile on my lips widened as we pulled apart. "I missed you too. Hope you are not feeling any cold?" I asked, checking them.


    They shook their heads. "Not at all, mommy. Miss D. made sure we bathed with warm water and drank the hot soup she made." Kyle exined.


    I nodded, satisfied at how Diana was caring for the kids.


    "Okay." I rose and they returned to bugging Liam with so many questions like what they wanted for their birthday and all.


    "Uncle Liam, hope you didn''t forget about our birthday?" Kylie asked.


    "Of course! How could I forget your birthday? I have it all prepared, alright? It is a surprise and you don''t expect me to give you full details." He made a funny face and the kidsughed.


    After a while the kids were summoned by Diana and we were left alone. Liam''s phone beeped. He brought his face and his eyes narrowed slightly before he clicked the phone off, lifting his gaze up to meet mine. "Maurene-"


    "Liam," I cut in. "The meeting went well. I was shown the piece ofnd that was intended for the hospital building. It is quite vast and it appears to be the best. If I may ask, why did you choose Nathaniel ''s pack for this project?" I asked. This question has been in the back of my mind for a long time. Actually since we went to his ce for the first time.


    He pursed his lips. "What about you freshen up and change your clothes first?"


    His words reminded me of the fact that I still had Nathaniel ''s shirt.


    "Whose shirt is that?" He groaned, fumbling as he expressed his jealousy. I blinked, gulping hard as the rain tter with the zinc sheet.


    Friends are allowed to be jealous right?


    "It is Nathaniel ''s." I mumbled. Liam moved swiftly towards me, closing the distance between us.


    I unbuttoned the shirt and he pulled it off my body. I said nothing as I took a step back, feeling the heat of his body close to me did things I did not want to think of.


    I nced up at him. "Let me go and take my bath."


    I did not want for him to say anything in response as I literally scurried away from him, the awkwardness in my head clearing.


    Immediately I entered my room, I clutched my chest as I mmed the door shut. I bit my lower lip, my heart hammering against my chest. I exhaled and inhaled, trying to regte my breathing. After a while, I rose to my feet and dragged my feet to the bathroom where I had my bath.


    Not long after, I had gotten into warm clothes and headed downstairs where I knew Liam would still be waiting. He had drawn his sleeves up his forearms as he discussed on the phone with someone I didn''t know. He looked quite serious and formidable.


    Was it the contract that was making me behave like this?


    I trust Liam. He would never do anything to hurt me or harm my children.


    He turned around, freezing the moment he saw me before blinking in recovery.


    He muttered something before disconnecting the call.


    "Maurene," He called my name so softly that I almost gasped.


    I strode to the dining room, taking my seat casually as I reached for the banana.


    "I''m really sorry I sent you to Nathaniel ''s ce alone." He apologized.


    I paused, facing him with a clear expression. "My boss sent me to do something, of course, I must. Even though it means facing my fears." My lips curled into a quick and unhappy smile.


    He let out a sigh before moving closer to me and sitting adjacent to me. He took my palm into his, staring at me with the most innocent look into his eyes.


    "I know. That''s why I had to rush down there immediately when I saw the rain. I tried to-"


    "What business have you been getting yourself into that I, your secretary, does not know about?" I questioned him and color drained from his face.

 Chapter TWENTY ONE: Amandas Wrath

    Amanda''S POV


    My face was stoic as I stepped into the night club, anger swirling inside of me as I took a seat before the counter. The server moved toward me. "What do you want, sexydy?" His eyes roamed my body and I red daggers at him. "If you don''t want to lose your job, you had better give me a shot and mind your business." I sneered at him.


    His lips lifted with a smirk as his eyes glinted. "Spitfire it is." He mixed everything before finally pouring it into a cup and pushing it toward me.


    "If you need a man for the night, you can call me." He winked before turning to other customers. I let out a loud hiss, downing the content in seconds. "Amanda!" A feminine shriek came from behind me and I rolled my eyes at their attempt to familiarize themselves with me.


    "Hey bitches," I feigned a smirk as they sat close to me.


    "What are you doing here?" One of them chewed gum noisily as she nced back at the bar.


    "That is unlike you, huh, Amanda!" Nadia said, giving me a stink eye. They were thedies I used to model with even though they stuck to me, knowing fully well I was thedy every man wanted and they wanted to use my influence. "C''mon, let''s go! There are big men at the club tonight. Let us go fish." They dragged me to the center of the club which was booming with music. Strippers danced, humping disgusting men who sttered money on the und ass and bre. asts. Most of them could be married like that. They would abandon their wives ande to the club to spend the money they refuse to spend on their wives ondies who justed wanted to ruin them. I scrunched my nose in disgust as we took seats, a waiter walked up to us and ced the wine sses before us.


    Tania was the first to reach to take a sip while Miranda leaned closer to me. She was more of the cunning one, always trying to win my favor.


    "What happened? You look really angry today." She yelled over the loud, booming music. I cut her a re before looking away. Wasn''t it enough that I was angry?


    Nathaniel had warned me to stay off that Maurene ''s case. I just needed one thing and that was evidence that she was the real Maurene. I had seen it in her eyes when I spoke to her that night. It was obvious but why was she trying to hide that she was not the one?


    I let out a deep breath and reached for my wine ss to take a sip when I felt my hairs on my neck stand at alert and I paused mid-air. Someone was watching me. My eyes moved in their sockets as I slowly ced the wine ss to my mouth, drawing a sip from it.


    "Martin Taylor, son of business mogul, Frey Taylor is at the bar." Nadia announced, signalling to a guy to be enjoying his lone time. No one neared him and the guards stood at the front. My eyes narrowed at him and he lifted his gaze, our eyes shing.


    Nadia gasped in reaction as she dropped her ss in reflex, wine sshing on the shiny silvery gown she wore. Miranda and Tania rushed over to her and they tried to clean it off. One of the suggested going to the bathroom and I could not remember what happened next. All I knew was that this Martin had attention captured.


    Someone''s voice cut through my hearing senses and I flinched. I turned my head, facing them through the disco light. A bulky man towered over me, extending his hand. "Boss asked me to give you."


    I was reluctant to take it from him so he ced on the table before me. I looked up to the ce Martin had sat and I noticed he was gone. I jerked to my feet and nced through the club, only to see him at the entrance of the club, looking at me as well. With a wave and his mouth tilted in a smirk, he stepped out and the bulky men that surrounded him disappeared before the door closed. I contemted going after him but I needed to save my face. My gaze dropped to the card on the table and Nadia''s whining sounded close. I instantly picked the card and ced it in my purse, closing it into ce. The three of them stared at me and I cocked my head to the side. "What?"


    "You..." Tania trailed off before Nadia let out a hiss.


    "Martin is gone!" She shrieked so loud that the music couldn''t hold her voice within the walls. Even some people nced at her. She rushed toward me and grabbed my arms. "Tell me you spoke with him." She begged, her eyes wider as she looked into mine. I jerked my hands away from her.


    "Why will I do that? Do I know him? He is not my type." I mumbled before heading to the counter. I would pay for the wine we took.


    They followed me and I stretched out my card but the server from earlier came back, the smirk on his lips still there.


    "You don''t need to pay. Someone already did for youdies." He informed us. My eyes narrowed on the server as my mind drifted back to Martin. Did he-


    "Wait, tell me. Who paid?" Nadia rushed forward and leaned on the counter. The server smiled this time, even though the smile didn''t reach his face. "I''m sorry but the person wanted to be anonymous and again, we do not give out our customers confidential information." He replied.


    I let out a scoff. "But you gave our invoice to him to pay for us." I arched my brow in question.


    His eyes glinted with an unusual glow as he shook his head. "Take it like he only rendered a favor to you, beautifuldies." His smile was deceiving. Was I the only one that noticed?


    I insisted that I paid again and they returned the money to whosoever had paid for us but Nadia refused it, obsessively saying she knew who had paid it and ironic part was she gave the server her number to give the man. I knew it from the way her eyes moved in their sockets. She thought it was Martin. It could be anyone practically. I didn''t say anything though.


    As we led each other out of the club, Nadia did not stop bbing about how she had been pining for Martin and Tania was doing a great job at listening to her while Miranda was watching me.


    I met her stare and she offered me a sweet smile. The smile she always used to get clients. I didn''t fall for it though.


    Just as I turned to leave, Tania caught me by the hand. "You still haven''t told us why you are so cranky like this?"


    I trailed my gaze from the ce she held me to the her face. The cab I had ordered for parked before me and the door opened.


    "Someone I despise is back and I want to ruin her." I gritted out. With that, I got into the cab and let the door close. They watched me drive away while I settled into the seat.


    My mind was torn between Martin and ruining Maurene. I brought out the card and stared at it.


    Who is Martin?

 Chapter TWENTY-TWO: A Bad Client

    Maurene ''S POV


    Liam has been avoiding me. The message he just sent to me confirmed that thought. Since the night that I asked him about what business he had been doing, he totally evaded it which I honestly let him because I did not want to bug him with so many questions.


    We were not in a rtionship, and yes, we have a contract binding us. We were not in a really marriage so I did not expect him to be ountable to me but he was my best friend so I knew he would tell me when he wanted to. And there were boundaries also in our friendship. I would not cross them. I respected him to that extent.


    He wanted me to meet with a client to discuss issues with a contract they sent. Apparently, you cannot rip Liam off, he would find out. Sometimes, I wondered how he did it and was able to find loopholes in their contract.


    A sigh escaped my nostrils as I clipped the belt into ce around my waist. He has been sending me on errands like these and I did not quite get why he wanted me to meet these people by myself when he could juste. He was the boss. Maybe I would have to tell him that but what can I say? He was my boss and he was paying me.


    I stepped out of the house as usual and boarded a cab to the location of the ce. It was a reservation made in a quite expensive restaurant, apparently. I headed for the entrance and met with the receptionist. She guided me to the ce and added me the key to the reserved area.


    The ce was shy and quite the money. How Liam got his connection to these people still baffled me. My mind shed to when we had met with the vampires. Gosh, I did not want to meet them again. He should not make me.


    A guard stood outside the ce and I halted to a stop, hiding in the corner as I watched him. I felt like a their that wasing to raid them. I shook my head, gribbing the key in one hand and the files in the other. As I approached him, he turned in alert and waited till I got close.


    "I am here to see-"


    "You can go in." He cut me off and I gave him slowly nod as the door creaked open and I stepped in.


    My heels clicked against the floor as a man who appeared to be in his forties sat at the top of the desk, going some files too. Okay, he was busy.


    "Good day sir. I am Maurene Crawley. Liam Ferdinand''s personal secretary." I introduced, only to earn to response.


    I waited. For the past five minutes I''ve been standing and watching as this egoistic man typed away on hisptop like I did not have my work to do too. I said nothing as I swallowed hard and stood my ground.


    I waited again and yet this man paid no attention to me. I thought of introducing myself again but then I realized he was not deaf. I dropped the papers on the desk and tipped my chin.


    "I am here to discuss with you the terms of the contract. In use five where you said you wanted the entire profits from the building to be given to you, I am very sure you didn''t discuss that with Mr. Liam and..." I continued as I exined to him, not caring if he listened or not.


    Sometimes, you just have to treat some clients like they didn''t matter. After I was done, I paused. "So with this, we would like you to review the contract and send the actually discussed one. Thank you and have a nice day." I turned and walked out of the reservation area, not bothering to nce at the guard who watched me disappear.


    Immediately I stepped out of the building, my phone beeped with a message alert and I glimpsed at the sender. It was Diana.


    Why was she sending me a message?


    I clicked on it as I stood by the road side. My eyes narrowed as I read the message. It was abouting home early to have dinner with the kids. I rolled my eyes at her message, clicking the phone off, only for it beep again and I pulled it out to check what else she sent but this time the sender was different. It was Liam but I did not have this contact of his saved. He had indicated it up.


    Hi, This is Liam. Meet me at the Fab''Tique immediately you are done with the meeting.


    My brows twitched. Why does Liam want me to meet him at a boutique? Gosh, he was starting to do too much. I think I would have to caution him because all of these does not matter. Nathaniel is not even here to watch us.


    I shook my head and got into the cab that had brought me. I gave him the address of the ce and kept my focus on the road. My mind aimlessly wandering back to the man I had met earlier. Who was he and why did he behave that way? People are just weird sometimes. We soon reached the front of the boutique and I could see Liam''s car at the front. I paid the cab man and stepped out. Walking into the boutique, I was ushered politely into the ce and it was cold. Goosebumps pricked my arms as I strode into the inner part of the ce where Liam seemed to be discussing with ady.


    He nodded as she told him some things I could not hear from here with a smile that held hidden meaning. As if he could feel his gaze on me, he turned and his eyes brightened when he saw me.


    "Oh, Maurene. You made it here. Quiet early." He nced at his wristwatch with furrowed brows. I smiled and moved closer to them.


    "Hi," I greeted thedy. Thedy eyed me from toe to head before trying to fix me a smile. I almost rolled my eyes at her failed attempt to hide the fact that she liked Liam and didn''t like the fact that he was smiling at me like. Liam snaked his arms around me.


    "This is Maurene, my-"


    "Can I see you for a brief second?" I cut him off. His eye twitched but he gave a reluctant nod before turning to thedy with red lipstick.


    "We will be right back." He said to her as he led me away from her. We stopped at the ce close to the dressing area.


    "You came quite early." He noted.


    I shook my head. "Don''t you think it is wrong for you to tell her I am your wife? It is obvious she likes you and I don''t want to be the reason you won''t find someone who would be your soul mate." I tried to reason with him. His face contorted into confusion before it rxes and he burst outughing.


    Why was heughing? Did I say anything funny?

 Chapter TWENTY-THREE: Get Her A Dress

    Maurene ''S POV


    "Stop it, Liam. I''m being for real this time." I cautioned him with a direct re, my hands around my waist. He continuedughing before slowly stopping, coughing slightly.


    "What do you mean?" He asked, his eyes glinting with something I could not decipher. "Are you jealous?" His brows arched yfully.


    I let out a gasp, looking away from him sharply as I shed with the gaze of thedy before slowly dragging my gaze back to Liam.


    "Honestly. She looks quite good to me. She is your type." I noted.


    He wiggled his finger right in front of my face, shaking his head. "No. Not at all. Stop that." He said.


    "Stop what? Liam, try to find love. You have been single for too long." I scoffed.


    He rolled his eyes and in a blink of an eye, he reached out to me and pulled me into him, my body flushed against his. "Liam," I tried to wiggle out of his grip but his grasp tightened further. "Have you forgotten that you are my wife for the next one year? Even if I want to consider the crush she has on me, I am only allowed to do that after the contract ends, Maurene." He exined.


    I blinked, biting the inner of my cheeks. "No, I cannot be the one to hold you back from finding love. You know what, what about we cancel the contract?" I suggested.


    He let out a snort. "Maurene, stop-"


    "Or you can exin things to her. My kids need an aunt as well." I pouted.


    Something shed in his eyes as he licked his lower lip. "What your kids want is not an aunt but a dad." He told me.


    Everything I was thinking disappeared from my head as I went cold in his arms. He must have noticed because he released, muttering how sorry he was.


    "I''m sorry, Maurene. I didn''t mean to-"


    "No, it''s alright, Liam. You are right." I tried to offer him a smile but failed woefully.


    He tried to hold me but I stepped back from him. "Let us leave." I moved forward but he ran to my front, obstructing my way.


    "What, Liam?" I pursed my lips.


    "I want to get you a dress." He said, retracting his extended arms.


    "For what?" I folded my arms, staring at him and trying to ignore thedy''s re at me.


    "There is a partying up soon." He informed me. I narrowed my eyes on him.


    "My birthday party or the kids?" I questioned. I did not like birthday parties at all and he knew that.


    He shook his head. "Not at all. I will give you the full details when we get home but for now, let''s try some dresses and I will have Loretta make the necessary adjustments to them and send them over to your ce, cool?" He dipped his chin. After a while, I resigned and nodded. "Sure." I was already tired. We went to the dressing room and Loretta tried getting Liam''s attention. I did not know if he was doing it intentionally or unaware, he was fully ignoring her and searching for dresses for me. I tried giving him the signal that he should speak to her but he refused. She didn''t give up still as she led us to the ce where the dresses would be reviewed.


    With every dress that I changed into and came out, she would describe how it was made and the quality of the dress. I wouldn''t lie, Loretta had vast knowledge in what she did. She seemed like she enjoyed it. She was Liam''s type. Brilliant and smart. Someone I want for him.


    Liam kept refusing and refusing the dresses I wore. He ced his finger on his chin as he watched me closely, scrutinizing the dress before he shook his head in disapproval again. I did not know when I let out a frustrated groan and red at him.


    "What about you stepping into that dressing room anding out like ten times wearing different suits only for me to tell you no every time?" I red at him. It was starting to be tiring. He let out a sigh and lifted his shoulders in a shrug. He rose to his feet as he appeared to be thinking. "I want my wife to look wless and elegant." I let out a slight cough at the term he had used for me again. My wife. He sessfully ignored me and I caught a look on Loretta''s face before she blinked it away.


    He turned to her. "All of these dresses just bring out the minimal in her. I want a dress that will entuate her beauty and make heads turn to her. Is there that kind of dress, Loretta?" He asked.


    Her lips curled into a smile even though it didn''t reach her eyes. "Definitely, Mr. Liam. I can create one for her. Just give me the inspiration you want and I will have it done within days for your... wife." She nced at me as she said the word. I maintained my neutral look as I stepped down, walking toward Liam. "You don''t really need to do that. I have so many dresses at home. I could just pick from any of them." I mumbled.


    He shook his head. "Not at all, Maurene. You will understand what I mean by the time you get to the party but for now," He faced Loretta. "I am counting on you."


    She nodded. "Definitely, Mr. Liam."


    I went back in to change and we both exited the boutique. "Honestly, you don''t need to get me a dress, Liam," Iined.


    I was not okay with the way he was starting to do these kinds of things for me.


    "You are my wife. Of course, I should get you a dress." He responded casually. I caught his hand as he opened the door for me. Looking into my eyes, he must have seen what I was trying to tell him. A reminder that this was fake. I did not want my fragile heart to start thinking about these things. It would only hurt us more since we are best friends. Things like these should be avoided.


    He ced his other palm on mine and pursed his lips. "Whether it is real or fake, Maurene, I will always do this for you so now get into the car."


    I knew I would not win the argument this time so I stepped into the car while he closed the door before circling the car to get into the driver''s seat. He slipped the key into the keyhole and paused before muttering something under his breath. "I will be right back." He stepped out and rushed into the boutique. I noticed Loretta moved toward him and I tried to see her facial expression but Liam''s build hid her. Not long after, he turned around and exited. I tried to catch the expression on Loretta''s face but Liam opened the door, his jaw tightened as he turned on the engine.


    "What? You told her to not make the dress anymore?" I snorted.


    He nced at me. "She will make it. Just had to rify on some matters." With that, we were en route back to our house.


    The drive back home was filled with the kind of silence that I appreciated so much. We walked into the house after Liam had parked in the garage. I slumped down on the couch immediately after I entered the living room, letting out an exasperated breath.


    Today was such a long day.


    "Oh, yes. What about the client you went to see today?" Liam asked, pouring himself a ss of wine.


    My brows raised as I racked my brain for what happened. Oh yes.


    "I discussed the terms with him." I simply said.


    "Huh?" He asked. "You did?"


    I shrugged. "Yes but is the man dead or dumb?" I asked.


    He choked on his drink and I straightened in rm but he waved his hand, shaking his head as he downed the content.


    "He didn''t say anything?"


    "Not at all but I told him that you were not okay with the use in the contract and that he should edit it before he sent the final one for review," I informed him.


    He inclined his head to the side. "And he didn''t do anything to you?"


    I was starting to feel fear. "What? Was he supposed to?" I sat up, straight at once.


    He shook his head, letting out a nervousugh. "Not at all but..."


    "But what, Liam?" I was genuinely scared now. Had I messed with the wrong client?


    "Rx." He cooed me as he gripped my shoulders. "You did well. Anyway, I will speak to him. Thank you so much for helping me."


    I gazed into his eyes, not knowing what I was searching for but the feeling of worry gnawed at me.


    What have I done?

 Chapter TWENTY FOUR: Visiting A Friend

    Maurene ''S POV


    I was going to visit Evangeline today. She has been bugging me for days now and I kept postponing the day I would do to visit her. Honestly, my reluctance came from not knowing her closely and secondly, the fact that I never visit people in the homes. We could meet at the cafe or restaurant. That was it.


    She has been pleading with me that she was bored and her husband was not letting her out of the house. I was almost tempted to advise her against her husband but I understood from his standpoint. His wife was almost killed. It was worth locking her in. Again, I wondered who her husband was.


    Was he a billionaire that had many enemies? That was the only possible thought for me right now.


    I began to imagine the kind of house she would be living in. Was it a mansion? Do I have to dress up to meet the standards or dress minimal since I was meeting a friend?


    Gosh, these are the reasons I don''t leave my house. The thought of picking what to wear everyday scares the living day out of me.


    I went for the blouse and jeans trouserbination. I was not going for an official meeting. Just some casual visit. I packed my hair in a bun before applying a little make up to hide the dark circles beneath my eye bags. I have been difficulty in sleeping. I did not know the reason at all. I have been finding myself being at alert and sometimes, I would go and check on the kids and make sure every door was closed with the windows locked too.


    Sometimes, I would just stay awake, alone in my room and trying hard not to reminisce on my meeting with Nathaniel. He was totally new person when Liam was not around. As I thought back, he was unusually gentle to me. The way he tried to keep me away from the rain. I could have been convinced that he had a soft spot for me.


    After I was done, I stepped into one of the sandals I wore casually and headed straight for the living room. Diana and the kids had gone to get new toys and even though they want me to follow them, I had to excuse myself.


    Taking a rxing pill from the tablet, I downed it with a ss of water. I needed to calm down. I headed outside and Liam''s car came into view. I let him step out and he lifted his gaze from his phone, his eyes taking me from head to toe before his brows twitched.


    "You''re going somewhere?" He asked, directing a look at my purse.


    I bobbed my head in response. "Going to meet a friend."


    His left brow arched. "A friend? If I remember clearly, you were going to meet a friend when you got attacked too." He gave me a dissatisfied look.


    I lifted my shoulder in a shrug. "The attack was not meant for me and again, I will be back soon." I tried to convince him.


    "The only way I would be letting you go is if I take you to the ce myself. That way I can be at peace." He said.


    I fought back the urge to roll my eyes. "Stop it, Liam. I am not a child anymore. I can take care of myself. The kids and Diana will be back soon. You can wait for them." I patted his shoulders as I moved to the road but he walked after me. "Maurene, let me take you to the ce. I don''t want to -"


    I faced him, the breeze blowing my hair gently and I reached out to tuck it behind my ears. "I know you are worried about me but you don''t need to be. I am an adult. I can certainly take care of myself and if I feel threatened, you will be the first person I will ring. I promise. Huh." I offered him a sincere smile.


    He dropped his extended hand and nodded. "Alright. Update me on your movement, okay?"


    I nodded before hailing at the cab and getting into it. I watched Liam from the side mirror and he waited till we drove out of his sight. My phone beeped and I clicked it on.


    It was from Diana. She wasining about the doll Kylie wanted to pick. I shook my head and replied that she should get it for her. I would give my daughter anything she wanted.


    I remembered I hadn''t given the driver the address of the ce so I called it out to him. He nodded, saying he knew the ce. I fell back to the chair and let out a deep breath. I let my eyes feed on the scenes outside through the window. After some minutes, we entered into what looked like an estate and he stopped.


    I looked around with scrutiny. "Are you not going to enter fully?" I asked.


    He shook his head. "This is where we are limited to, Ma''am." He responded.


    I resigned and handed him his fare before stepping out of the cab. I reached for my phone to contact Evangeline when a masculine''s voice made me pause.


    "Who are you?" I twirled around to meet a man that appeared to be a body guard and he red down at me. He arched his brow ro ascertain himself. I blinked, spit forming in my mouth as my palms turned sweaty. I did not know if I was on prohibited area.


    Was this the right ce?


    "Erm... I... I am Maurene Crawley. I am here to see Evangeline." I stuttered.


    He seemed shocked at what I said. He let out a scoff. "You want to see who again?" He dipped his head.


    "Evangeline?" I grimaced.


    Or did she give me a fake name?


    He narrowed his eyes. "I know your type. You are here to steal. You want to steal? Huh?" He used me.


    "What? No!" I began to shake my head. There was no way I would do something like that. I wanted to add. He moved toward me swiftly and reached to grab me when he suddenly paused. He ced his hand to his ears, listening to what was being said through the gadget in his ears. His eyes lifted to me before he muttered something again.


    I quickly typed in my phone to alert Evangeline that I was there.


    Her response was instant. I''ming.


    The bodyguard kept quiet as he stood, probably knowing that Evangeline wasing. What kind of person was Evangeline?


    Not long after, she arrived, her mouth widened in her usual cheerful smile and her eyes glinting with happiness. I was so tempted to return her when I noticed that she was not alone. My mouth went wide at the cohort that followed her. "Maurene !"

 Chapter TWENTY-FIVE: Meeting The Bad Client Again

    Maurene ''S POV


    Her happy shriek made me flinch slightly as she rushed toward me, the guards behind her moving swiftly to camp around her. I watched them with a confused expression. She pulled me into a smooth hug. She uttered a snort, waving her hand in the air to dismiss their presence.


    "Don''t mind them. Alex can be funny sometimes." She scrunched her nose. Did she mean over-protective?


    She must be talking about her husband. Alex...


    I blinked away the confusion as she led me further into the estate. The guards trailed behind us like we were two kids that they had to babysit. I did not think I would like if my husband was like this. Don''t get me wrong. I like it when my man is all protective about me but this... it was too far and too much. I had not even used up to an hour here and I was already suffocated. Gosh.


    "Did you walk into the ce?" She asked.


    I shook my head. "Not at all. The cab stopped and informed me that he could only go this far." I exined.


    She hummed a response. I nced back at the men who trailed after us and noticed they were watching us like hawks. My steps were ordered carefully as Evangeline began to ramble on about what happened that day. I just bobbed my head in response and we soon reached the entrance of the mansion. The guard rushed forward to pull the gate open for her. They treated her like a queen. Who was her husband by the way?


    He gave her everything she could ever wish for and yet... she was barren.


    I followed her into the ce and when we got to the entrance, a guard stopped me, demanding that he has to examine me. He ced some gadget on me before passing me. I pursed my lips, this was too much.


    All for what? To protect his wife? Did they think I was here to hurt their boss''s wife? I felt like a criminal right now.


    I peered a look at Evangeline and she offered an apologetic smile. I shook my head slightly in response that I was not vexed.


    I tried not to let jealousy seep into my heart as she led me into the mansion. I was fascinated by the art work that hung on the walls as we strode into the living room. They looked like what would be sold for millions of dors. Her husband must definitely be rich. Everything was put into ce that if anything went missing, it would be known.


    "Have your seat," She grinned as she slumped down. The guards walked in and took their positions around her. Okay, this was way too much.


    She ignored them but her eyes glinted with happiness that I was finally here.


    "Do you care for wine?" She asked.


    I bit my lip, reluctant to take anything from her. I didn''t know her to be able to eat or drink anything at her ce.


    She smiled, even though I caught the quick sh of disappointment. "If you don''t want to, you don''t have to. Do you care for water? At least." She dipped her head.


    I nodded, letting out a deep breath as she pped her hands. The maids rushed forward and she asked that they bring water for me and orange juice for her. Not long after, they returned and ced it before us. I took a quick gulp before dropping it. My phone vibrated in my purse and I did not bother since I knew it would be Liam.


    Evangeline managed to get me interested in a conversation and it was about the art works. How her husband got them for her during an auction. She added that he liked art and I did not know when I rose to my feet to stare at a particr one. It was a Lycan Wolf. The eyes were of different colors; one was gold, the other looked red or blue. I narrowed my eyes on the image as I felt oddly attracted to the painting. The hairs around its neck appear to be totally different from that of the soft fur of a wolf. Even for a Lycan. There was a crescent moon attached to it forehead and a ring with ancient lycan writing around it.


    What is this exactly?


    "The Lygrande Lykan Painting. Drawn by a local painter in the mountains. Do you know how far Alex had to go to get this painting?" Evangeline''s voice asked from behind me.


    I lifted my hand to touch it, to feel it. She quickly reached for me and I met her stare. She shook her head. "I don''t think my husband would appreciate your touching the painting. He loves this painting a lot." She grimaced in warning. I blinked and pulled my hand away. "Why does your husband have a wolf painting in his house?" I asked before I could stop myself. I doubt they were aware of the supernatural realm.


    She smiled again. "What do you think?" She crossed her legs as she sipped her juice. I said nothing as I continued to nce through the painting on the wall.


    "You might as well open an art gallery at this point." I mused.


    She chuckled. "Alex like to collect every beautiful piece of art. Well, we need some bit of life in here, right?" She inclined her head to the side, her brows jutting upward. I narrowed my eyes briefly as I tried toprehend what she meant and I did.


    I nodded, taking my seat. "Yes but tell me, how do you do it? I''ve been curious. No child and he is not demanding?" I asked before gasping as I realized what I just did.


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean toe as direct and sharp as that." I apologized quickly. She waved her hand in the air, dropping the ss of juice.


    "It is nothing, Maurene. You are not the only curious one." Her lips pulled a small smile. "All that matters is that I love my husband and he loves me as well. Besides, I am already taking drugs to help me get pregnant. We are just praying it works out for us too." She exined. There was no anger or pain in her words. She just appeared satisfied and contented. Something in my chest called out to her.


    I wish I was like this when I was still with Nathaniel. The peer pressure and the fear that ate me slowly everyday didn''t help matters and the way Nathaniel was uninterested in me, I was almost driven into depression but I had to be strong for myself. Well, it was until I found out about my pregnancy and Nathaniel came back home one day, only to tell me that we were getting divorce. I found outter on that he had somehow contacted his ex and they were back together. Nathaniel and I''s story went a long way back. It was not a story for today.


    Alex, her husband, must be satisfied with his wife because men always demand that they want kids. Nathaniel never cared though. In fact, he hardly touched me and people med me for being barren. Thank goodness that I left when I did. I will not lie. I loved Nathaniel but he never did to me.


    Just as I opened my mouth to speak, the guards shuffled up and chorused. "Your Royal Highness."


    I froze in ce.

 Chapter TWENTY-SIX: Alpha King Who?

    Maurene ''S POV


    My back stiffened as I did not dare turn my head to the back. There was this powerful and authoritative aura in the air that had not been there and just in the presence of this man, everywhere became saturated with power. I felt the urge to rise to look this person in the eye. I felt like I was not to cower in the presence of this man. Even more, he was to bow to me. Strange is it?


    I bit my lip as I fisted my palms beside me. Evangeline''s face lit up in a different happy smile as she rose to her feet and moved swiftly towards the man.


    "Babe," Some kissing sounds echoed in the air and his deep rumble made my ears tingle. I swallowed hard.


    "How are you?" He asked.


    "Perfectly fine." She responded and yet I did not still lift my eyes up to stare at them.


    "Seems you have apany, huh?" He said and they both stepped forward to stand just beside me.


    "Yes, you know I''ve been telling you about meeting someone called Maurene. I managed to get her to visit me today. Maurene," She called my name and I forced my brain to interpret that my lips need to curl in a smile, not caring if it was happy or sad. Just smile. I lifted my gaze to meet her husband and my eyes went wide as my bones tensed in shock. Shock crippled me into ce as the man narrowed his eyes on me, his head to tilting to the side as if he recognized me. There was no way he would. He didn''t even pay me any attention that day, right?


    "You..." He trailed off, probably trying to remember where he knew me from.


    I quickly rose to my feet and stered a smile on my face. This was Liam''s client. It would be bad business if I didn''tport myself now.


    "Maurene, meet my husband, Alex. And Alex, meet Maurene. My only friend." Evangeline introduced. As an act of courtesy, I extended my hands out for an handshake but this man''s arched his brows in question as he blinked.


    My smile faltered as he didn''t take it. Evangeline tugged at him but he didn''t bulge. Okay, I retracted my hands and pulled my lips tightly together. Maybe I should leave and tell Liam not to bother with this client. I would dly pay any for any losses we may have incurred.


    The man still didn''t speak as his eyes were fixated on me.


    "Babe," Evangeline called and he turned his head to her before staring at me again.


    "Nice meeting you again, Maurene." He finally spoke. I tried to smile but failed badly.


    "Again? Have you met?" Evangeline nced between the two of us.


    I offered her a nervous smile. "Not really. We just-"


    "Yes. She was the one I was talking about the other day. Thedy who didn''t have any ss whatsoever." He said the dry, painful words in his mouth and I almost snickered.


    "You were the one who didn''t acknowledge my presence when I entered. Come to think of it, is that how you handle business partners?" I asked, uttering a snort as I held my waist.


    I was already over this man''s attitude.


    I faced Evangeline, who was watching me with what seemed like amusement. "Tell me, out of the one billion men in this world, you chose to marry him? Oh, cut me some ck." I eyed him as I scoffed. Liam has lost this man. He should not bother.


    Alex''s mouth parted to speak but nothing came out. Evangeline reached to hold his shoulder as she smiled up at me. "Maurene -"


    "Of course. She has to choose me. You don''t get to speak to me like that, you lowly... I am her husband. I am her mate-"


    "Alex." Evangeline cut him off and I stilled as I let thest word register in my head before turning to him with widened eyes. Mate?


    "You..." I nced between them. "Did you just say mates?" I asked, dipping my jaw low to hear properly.


    Evangeline''s face morphed into an apologetic look as she moved forward. "You don''t understand that, do you?"


    I covered my mouth before I let out a gasp. "You are mates!"


    Quickly, I reyed the memory of him entering and what the guards had called him. Your Royal Highness.


    Wait, he is the-


    I lifted my head as I regarded him from head to toe. He... he... I looked up to meet his eyes. "You-"


    "Yes, Maurene. Meet Alexander Drayton, The Alpha King of Farrow Lands." She introduced and my legs wobbled, my knees almost giving out in utmost shock.


    I had just spoken to the Alpha King like he was a nobody.


    "I''m sorry," I murmured, immediately cowering away from him. This is what standing up for someone does.


    "You are not doing it right." He said.


    I looked at Evangeline for help and she grinned, tapping Alex on his chest. "Stop ying with her. She is my only friend. Do you want me to be abandoned again?" She arched her brows. He rolled his eyes. Wait, did the Alpha King just roll his eyes?


    "I can be your only friend, Evangeline." He grumbled, snaking his hand around her waist as he pulled her closer to him, her chest flushed against him. He leaned closer to kiss her but Evangeline was quick to clear her throat.


    "We have an audience here." She wiggled out of his grip as she turned to me, still wearing her smile. "I guess you must have known who I was then. I am Evangeline Drayton, the Luna Queen Of Farrow Lands. We prefer the words Lands instead of Pack." She rified.


    I bobbed my head gently, trying to process everything that just happened.


    "How about you sit down to process this?" She inclined her head as worry etched on her face.


    I waved my hand, swallowing hard as I reached to pick up the ss of water to quench whatever thirst had suddenly made my mouth dry. "I think I should get going." I picked up my purse but Evangeline stopped me, her eyes pleading with


    me.


    "Please, don''t go." She begged then twirled to Alex who was still standing there and watching me with hawk eyes like I was here to kill his Luna Queen. The one I want to kill exactly is him.


    "Apologize to her!" She stomped her foot on the floor like a young girl as she pouted. "Just because of your behavior, I''m about to lose a friend!"


    Her husband uttered a scoff and folded his arms. "She is supposed to apologize to me. She was rude to me." He argued. She red at him harder and he threw up his hands in the air.


    "Alright." He made a noise deep in his throat as I anticipated his apology, watching him with close scrutiny. "I''m sorry." He said, shocking the living daylight out of me. Did he just- What has Evangeline done to this man to apologize to me just because she said he should?


    I did not know what to say so I blurted out, "I''m sorry too."

 Chapter TWENTY- SEVEN: The Party

    Maurene ''S POV


    I smiled as I thought back to the time I had spent with Evangeline back at her house. She was really bubbly and told me stories about how she and Alex came to be mates, how she didn''t want to be Luna Queen but Alex had to make her. In fact, for the first time in years, I felt happy to be in another person''s space where all we did was chit and chat about life.


    I really enjoyed myself at her ce. She had even invited me to the kitchen to make meals for Alex. I did not know if I was the only one but I got to see a different kind of air between them. In their house, they were not the Alpha King and Luna Queen. They were just Alex and Evangeline. Two people who loved each other and wanted to ignore the worries of the world.


    I saw the way Alex stared at her like she was his safe haven, the only thing that mattered to him, and everything should be tuned out. He listened attentively to her as she rambled about how some character from a book she was reading was stupid. I just helped her clean the ce up as a friend before I left.


    Liam had rang my phone so many times but I didn''t pick it up at all. I needed space away from him, in fact, I thought I had done a great job of ignoring him throughout my entire time in Evangeline''s ce. He was quite angry by the time I got home and we got into an argument. He imed he was really worried about me and only added to it when I did not pick up his call. I did not apologize to him because I was not obligated to tell him about what was happening to me when he seemed to be keeping things from me too. He got angrier and stomped out.


    I let out an annoyed hiss at the thought as my phone beeped with a message alert. I stared down as my phone shed brightly. Dropping the tangerine I was taking, I licked my lower lip and tapped on the screen.


    Liam: Get ready by 6:30 PM. The party is happening tonight.


    I didn''t bother to reply as I returned to eating more tangerine. I waited till I had had enough before rising to my feet. I headed to my room where I had kept the gown Liam had gotten for me alongside the ne. Loretta sent the dress to me some days ago for fitting because I was unable to go which was part of the reasons he was angry. I would not lie she did a great job in creating such masterpiece.


    He wanted me to dress like this. This dress didn''t define who I was. He wanted to present someone I was not to the public and like the dutiful wife I was, I would do as he said.


    I let out a deep breath and got dressed before I gave in to the thought that was trying to convince me not to do as Liam had said. I stopped before the mirror and stared at my reflection. This was not who I was. I was not ady that had a ss. I was...


    My phone pinged again and I was distracted as I stared at the message alert on the screen.


    Liam: I''d really appreciate a response.


    I contemted not replying but I gave in to that part where he was my employer and was saving me from Nathaniel. I definitely cannot be behaving like this toward him. Maybe I would need to define our rtionship again and set stronger boundaries.


    I picked up my phone and typed. Definitely. I''d be ready by then!


    I dropped it and did not bother to check it as I got myself busy with my makeup and doing my hair. I checked for pint. erest for any inspiration on how to style my hair.


    Immediately I was done, I heard a car honk and I could catch Diana speaking with someone I knew would be Liam. I quickly snatched my phone and purse before heading out to meet him. I took hurried yet careful steps down the stairs as I approached him. He stopped talking with Diana immediately when he noticed my presence. His eyes raked over my body from head to toe and I caught a sh of something I could not decipher in them. "Liam," I called him.


    He blinked before turning to Diana to smile at something she had said before.


    "Wow! Maurene, you look... so elegant in this dress," Diana remarked. A blush crept into my cheeks as I tried to stop myself from beaming a smile.


    "We should go." Liam cut in, scattering the sweet air as he swiveled to walk out of the house.


    He didn''t even greet the kids, huh?


    "He''s angry," Diana whispered to me on my way out. I lifted my shoulder in a shrug. I was angry too. I trailed behind him as we settled into the car, he didn''t even bother to open the door for me. The drive to the venue was quiet and I did not bother to engage him in any discussion whatsoever. He needed to think straight and I would not be helping him do that.


    We soon reached the venue and like before, he stepped out. I did not bother to wait for him to open the door because he did not. He waited for me at the entrance. I got myself busy with ncing around the ce. Different luxurious cars were parked and people of different sses chatted with each other. I stared down at my dress and then realized that it was perfect for the asion.


    I smoothened the ce around my waist as I walked to meet Liam who appeared to be impatient. His eyes didn''t hold the warmth they always held whenever we were together. I get it, we were not real couple. "Stick to me, Maurene. Don''t wander." He said into my ears and I looked up at him as we walked on the red carpet, earning the gaze of people around. The door opened and as if they knew Liam was entering, they all turned their heads to us. I tried not to allow my eyes to roam about but as I moved my eyes, I shed my gaze with that of Nathaniel''s and my steps wavered immediately.

 Chapter TWENTY-EIGHT: A Sight To Behold

    Maurene ''S POV


    His eyes raked over my body with a forbidden emotion in them. I caught the struggle in his orbs as he licked his lower lip. I fought hard to drag my gaze away from him but he held it in ce. Ady appeared beside him and I nced at her. Amanda. Her mouth tilted in a smile that didn''t reach her. She came here as his date as well. She slowly curled her arms around his arm.


    Liam held my hand tight as we walked forward. People began to murmur and I didn''t know what they were talking about. From what I could sense, there were Alphas and Lunas in this hall. Liam dealt with all kinds of them but I noticed there were very few of other supernaturals. I nced around the ce and noticed the vampire we had to visit. Mr. Galen. He was also staring at me. I blinked and he waved at me, offering me a smile I could notprehend. I tried to force the muscle around my lips to pull a smile but I failed badly. I eventually sent him a wave which he gave a nod of his head in response to.


    Liam led me away and we went to the ce where the wines were served. The server poured some wine into two wine sses and ced it before us. I reached out to take mine but Liam tapped my hands away, giving me a subtle re which I returned into full force too.


    "What?" I asked him through gritted teeth. He said nothing as he picked the drink and ced it close his nostrils before he took a sip. He nodded and handed it to me. Why was he behaving like they could kill me in this ce? They could actually but... the behaviour Liam was exhibiting is strange.


    I didn''t bother to take the drink and as we stood, side by the side. People sent silent nces our way. Was it because we were the only humans in the hall?


    "What is the party all about?" I asked Liam, looking around the ce and how everyone seemed to chatting with one another.


    "A business party." He replied, the first normal words he had said since we came.


    "Oh," My mouth parted.


    "You know what? What about you go meet Mr. Galen to talk for some moment, huh?" He suggested.


    I blinked twice. Wasn''t he the one who said I should stick to him?


    I said nothing as I nodded, walking away from him. I would obey him. He was my boss, I reminded myself. Not far from where Galen was, somedies I did not recognize appeared before me and I halted to a stop, confused at their sudden intrusion on my path.


    "How may I help you?" I nced between them.


    They shared a surprised look amidst one another before one of them turned to me to speak. "You are Liam''s secretary?" Her perfectly drawn brows arched in question.


    I stared at her for a second before bobbing my head once in response.


    "I see. Nice meeting you. I am Loretta''s friend, Daphne Gates." She introduced, stretching forth her hand. I gaped at the hand before taking it.


    "My pleasure."


    I ignored the twodies who were with her. From her introduction, I understood why they came to me.


    "I know her work when I see one," Daphnemented, her eyes roaming the gown on my body. "And you have a very nice model body to show her masterpiece." She added.


    I blinked. I did not understand what they were here to tell me. Appreciate Loretta or... threaten me to leave Liam.


    "Daphne, just hit the nail on the top. She is not just a secretary, she is also his wife." One of thedies hissed, flipping her dark brown curls to the back. I would have admired her but the way she was eyeing me with so much jealousy and hate in her eyes made me utter a snort.


    "I am not here to discuss some petty matters with you. Please, I will take my leave." I said, walking past them.


    "What? She is so rude!" I heard the one who had spoken spit behind me. I rolled my eyes as I squared shoulders.


    If they wanted to fight for their friends, they should do it better and not in the midst of these people. Galen looked up at me even before I got to him and his lips curled into a smile instantly. I wondered what always made him smile every time he saw me. I returned his smile, stopping before him as a waiter passed by me. I quickly picked up a ss, remembering what Liam had done earlier. I did not drink it.


    Galen''s eyes followed my action and his smile widened. "I see Liam is grooming you well." He said, taking a sip of the wine with his eyes watching me.


    My brows twitched at what he said. He has never been direct with his words. Always staring at me with amusement. What was so amusing about me that even I, I''m not aware of it?


    I put his words behind my back. "Been a long time." My lips twitched in a smile.


    "Yes, Maurene. Didn''t think Liam would want to bring you to a gathering like this. This is so much suffocating air for a human." He sniffed in the air before scrunching his nose in irritation.


    Truth be told, I was not feeling anything weird. I didn''t feel suffocated at all. Just the usual feeling of being in the midst of people who worked themselves to be at the top of the society. Either by scrupulous or wicked ways. Either way, I did not feel any bit of envy toward them. Since I can embody such a masterpiece, let me be who Liam wanted me to be today.


    Galen leaned closer, enough for him to ce his mouth close to my ears. I clenched my fist as I stilled myself to listen to what he wanted to say. "You look elegant in that dress. Are you aware that all the men here are ensnared by your blinding beauty? Take a look around."


    That was when I saw it. I nced around the entire hall and realized I was at the center with Galen.

 Chapter TWENTY-NINE: A Reminder Of The Past

    Maurene ''S POV


    I gasped as the realization dawned on me. Everything blurred as the only thing I could hear were the murmurs. The voices that were directed at me alone. Galen''s wife walked toward us, dressed in a long holding a ss of wine as she smirked at me and offered her husband a look. Immediately, I turned away from them and fastened my steps to the toilet. I locked the door as my chest heaved with rapid breathing. I rushed toward the tap and turned it open. I ced my hand beneath the rushing water and just let it be there since I could not rinse my face.


    What was Galen trying to do back then?


    I lifted my gaze to stare at my reflection in the mirror. Fear and anguish shed against each other as one struggled against the other to gamble supremacy. I was back to that time again where I let fear eat at my guts still I couldn''t breathe. I needed someone. Someone tofort me. Someone to hold me before I fall into the deep dark pit.


    I gripped my chest as I began to shake my head. A knock on the door made me flinch and I whirled around immediately, gripping my chest as the person on the end fumbled with the door knob before knocking again. My chest heaved with rapid and quick breaths as numerous thoughts twirled in my head.


    "Who... who is that?" I asked amidst broken words.


    "Open, b*tch."Amanda''s voice broke through and shook my head instinctively as if she could see me. I didn''t need to see her right now. She was one the I wanted to see right now. At least, not in this state. I tried to think of what to do but I only stood rooted to the spot, afraid that if I went further, I might let the wolf in and break me even more.


    "Maurene !" She hissed again.


    I quicklyported myself and schooled my face into indifference. I was not going to let her to win today. My legs moved on their own ord and I opened the door, meeting her ring eyes. "What took you so long?" She eyed me hard as she stepped in, jamming the door loud as she stalked me.


    "What do you want?" I asked, surprised that my voice didn''t even shake a bit.


    A smirk appeared on her lips as she stopped, folding her arms as she eyed me. "Maurene, do you recognize me?" She asked.


    That caused me to narrow my eyes. "I... I don''t think I understand what you are trying to say. If there''s nothing else to say, please take your leave, I would like to be alone now." I said to her.


    She uttered a scoff, ncing away before closing the proximity between us. She leaned closer. "Did the ident cause you to lose your memory too?" She asked.


    "ident?" I asked. What ident was she talking about?


    She shook her head, retreating as she lifted her chin. "If you think you belong to this society, let me tell you, you don''t. You are nothing. If Nathaniel didn''t choose you then, he will not choose you now! So know your ce and stay out of parties like this. It is not for a mediocrity like this." Her eyes raked over my body in disgust. The dress suddenly felt like rag and the urge to pull it off overwhelmed me but I clenched my fist tight. If she wanted a reaction from me, I was definitely not going to give her that.


    She stared for a second or two before she turned around on her heels before walking to the door and pausing. "Stay out of the sight of people. You are a sore to the eye with that dress you wore." She threw it over her shoulders. Her words with milked with jealousy and envy.


    I bit my lower lips as she walked out. I swallowed the huge lump in my throat and turned to the washing hand basin, surprised that the tap was still running. I turned it off and contemted going back home or going back to the hall. The door creaked open and my eyes trailed from the well polished shoes to the pair of well ironed trouser to the unbuttoned suit before meeting Nathaniel''s eyes. We didn''t say anything for some moments.


    "I know I''m not supposed to be in here since it belongs to thedies but I brought you tissues. I figured there was not any one in here," He extended it out to me and I dropped my gaze to the tissues packed in his hands. I didn''t really need but I collected them.


    "Thank you." I muttered. He answered with a nod.


    He still didn''t leave. I peered a look at him and his mouth opened to speak but he mped them shut again. He opened it again but shut up again. I watched him closely, not saying anything. He scratched the back of his neck in nervousness. "Anything else?" I raised my brows. He was definitely not the one I was expecting. I was expecting to see my best friend and not my ex-husband.


    If Nathaniel didn''t choose you then, he will not choose you now!


    I remembered the words Amanda had spat and for once, I begged to differ. Here was Nathaniel obviously nervous of something before me.


    "You look different, Maurene." He finallymented and I tilted my head to the side.


    "How different?" I asked. His eyes widened briefly at the tone of my question before his lips pulled a small smile.


    "The dress. You are the right model to wear it." His eyes trailed every curve of my body and I suddenly felt self-conscious.


    Did Nathaniel justpliment me and my body?


    I must have widened my eyes with the way he looked like he said something he was not supposed to say.


    "You look elegant in the dress, that is what I meant. Loretta made it perfectly just for you." He added. I could feel blush creeping into my cheeks as I quickly reached up to feel them. Everyone knew Loretta''s works. I needed to check her up. I turned away from him and stuttered, "T-Thank you." I brushed my hair to my back, stupidly and I indeliberately exposing my neck. I quickly brushed it back into ce.


    "You really don''t need to feel bad. The men are mesmerized by your beauty and the way which tje dress entuated your body, it is enough to have men flocking around you." His words were mixed with a tinge of jealousy. Why was he jealous?


    "You should not feel inferior. You have the same right to be here just as they do." He said in constion.


    Were my ears hearing right? Nathaniel was trying tofort me?


    What has gone into him? did he still think that I am his Maurene ?


    The one I wanted toe tofort me didn''te and now Nathaniel...


    I did not know what to say so he took the silence and offered ast smile before stepping out. I exhaled deeply and turned to the mirror. Remembering his words, hope and courage lit in my chest and I beamed a smile. I am a strongdy so men are attracted to me.

 Chapter THIRTY: A woman every man wants

    Maurene ''S POV


    I stepped out of the toilet, feeling more refreshed than I was when I came in. I nced around the hall and noticed no one in sight. Walking majestically to the main hall, I let the words Nathaniel said to me be my new drive. For the first time in years, he had said something that I needed at the moment. He surprised me. I looked around the hall for Liam but couldn''t find him. I should not bother. If he didn''t notice the stunt Galen had pulled earlier on then why should I worry about him?


    I lifted my shoulders in a shrug and waddled through the hall.


    "She is Liam''s secretary. At a point when I was discussing with him, he referred to her as his wife." I heard someone say from around me and I halted to a pause.


    What??


    "Wow! So he got her first. I wish I had met her, I would have asked her to be mine." Another man''s voice replied. My mouth parted in shock at the convenience they used to talking about me.


    "That man does not deserve her at all. Maybe I should approach her. What do you think?" The first asked.


    "Stop it! She looks quite decent to me and would not want to get involved in dirty things like that." The second man replied to him.


    I listened to their conversation as one of them talked about woman who was in the same hall that had slept with more than five men in the hall and she was still married to her husband. Reason? Because she was the owner of the properties and her husband was greedy and couldn''t bear to leave her. When I could no longer listen to them, I faced their direction and our gazes met. One of them raised his hand to greet me, I ignored him and walked away. I was not going to be a prey to men like these.


    Where was Liam? I scanned across the hall and yet there was no sight of Liam. Where did he go to?


    "Maurene ?" A familiar voice called out in surprise and I faced her. There she was, Evangeline looking as pretty as ever. I let my eyes run over her body and I knew exactly why she was the Luna Queen and Alex was obsessed over her. "Evangeline?" I did not know when her name dropped from my mouth before I shut it. "Luna Queen," I corrected myself and she chuckled even though she directed a yful re at me. I had joked with her that I would be calling her Luna Queen and honestly, I was happy that they didn''t probe me further for how I was familiar with the supernatural realm.


    My heart leaped with dness as she held me and pulled me into a hug. I let myself feel the warmth in her arms before we pulled away. She stared at my dress, smiling brightly.


    "Everyone would know whose work this is, you know that?" She wiggled her brows and I blinked, surprised that she even knew about this too.


    Who was Loretta?


    I shrugged casually. She gasped at the way I did it so casually.


    "Don''t tell me you don''t know who Loretta is?" She asked, ncing around to see if anyone was listening to our conversation and it might lead to me brinb imprisoned.


    I shook my head. "No, Liam just-" I paused. I hadn''t told her about Liam yet. In fact, she did not even know who my husband and I didn''t tell her that I was divorced. We hadn''t really gone that deep into things.


    "Liam? Is that the name of your husband?" She asked, giving me smug smile as her eyes glinted with anticipation.


    I wanted to say no since we were not officially and that she was my friend. I should be able to tell her but in this ce, even the waiters are being paid to eavesdrop on conversation.


    "Later, we will talk about it." I told her and she grinned.


    "Definitely. Is he here at the party? Will I get to meet him?"


    I bobbed my head gently, remembering that I still hadn''t seen him anywhere. I looked around and caught Nathaniel''s gaze on me and... Evangeline who seemed happy to be here. I arched a brow and he sipped his wine, looking away.


    What was wrong with him?


    I dragged my gaze back to Evangeline and beamed a tight smile. "Yes, it is likely but i don''t see him anywhere in sight right now." I told her honestly.


    Her mouth formed an ''oh''. We continued to talk about her dress and how Alex had insisted that she wore this particr. That prompted me to ask where he was, I was taken aback by how casually I had asked of him like he was some friend to


    me.


    She smiled sweetly. "Doing Alpha King''s duties." She replied with pride in her words.


    "And you? What are you doing?" I wiggled my brows as I looked down at her. She waved her hand in the air.


    "No, I just want to be. Not like anyone know I am the Luna Queen. If they knew, they don''t want to talk to me." She exined.


    My brows twitched. "But you are the Luna Queen. They should want to flock around you." I argued.


    She raised one brow. "You think so? What if as a Luna Queen, I did not want to do things that Luna Queens do?"


    "Well, it is choice. You own the position but you being inactive does not speak well for you and not to talk of Alex." I said.


    "You are wrong." Alex''s voice came from nowhere and he appeared me before linking his arms around her waist and drawing her closer to him to nt a peck on her cheeks. She didn''t fight him as she let him. He looked at me, that particr sh in his eyes was also there. What exactly had Loretta done to make men stare me like that?


    "I would do anything for my Luna Queen even if that means holding Luna Banquet for her." He said, offering a smile that showed his affection for her. She shook her head as she blushed badly.


    Gosh, I felt so jealous. Where was Liam?


    "Anyway, you look in that dress." Alexplimented. I was surprised because Evangeline nodded alongside him, not even jealous at all.


    Wow!


    "Thank you." I said with a bright smile. It felt good to beplimented.


    "What? you came here alone?" Alex asked, looking behind me.


    I shook my head, angry that Liam was not here at all. How could he even leave me all by myself when he asked me to be close to him and not wander? "Not at all. I apanied-"


    "Maurene," Liam''s voice cut in and I whirled around, suddenly happy that he came. "You-" He lifted his gaze to Alex and Evangeline and he froze in ce instantly.


    The smile on my lips faltered as I noticed this and tried to introduce them but the shocking look on Evangeline made me pause.


    What was happening?

 Chapter THIRTY-ONE: Strange Tension

    Maurene''S


    POV


    Evangeline looked every bit shocked and surprised. I did not know the reason behind her shock because she quickly recovered from it and nced briefly at Alex who kept his gaze fixated on Liam. I noticed Liam''s hands subconscious snaked around my waist and he pulled me to himself. An unreadable expression on his face.


    "Hello, nice meeting you." His lips pulled a tight smile as he acknowledged Evangeline who just bobbed her head, looking at him with some sort of expression I could not decipher.


    "I guess you must have recognized who this is." I faced Alex who didn''t have an amodating look on his face at all as he looked at Liam dead in his eyes.


    "Yes, I do." Liam replied, his tone tight and not willing to offer more information. He extended his hand out to Alex who dropped his gaze to his hand before reaching to take it even though it was quick and brief.


    "Is... is he your husband?" Evangeline asked, dragging her gaze from Liam to me, her eyes clearly stating something different.


    I tried to muster a smile and think of the best way to reply her without lying when Liam spoke up, closing in on me and his voice sounded close to my ears. "Yes, I am. We are married." He replied, a proud and yet strange smile curled on his lips as he intertwined our fingers. I looked at him, shock evident on my face.


    What was Liam trying to do? I hated lying to my friends! I would rather exin things to her even though I would not say it fully.


    "Oh," Evangeline bobbed her head gently as she tried to assimte it. There was a skeptical look on her face as she tried to offer me one of her usual smiles but failed. Thankfully, Alex came to the rescue of the awkward air that rested above us. "We will leave you two." With that, he led Evangeline away from him and I watched them. The way he gripped her hand ina quick reassuring way. Confusion gnawed at my guts as I instantly pulled away from Liam not caring if Nathaniel was staring at us at the moment.


    "What was that about?" I questioned him immediately.


    He shook his head, signaling to me that we were outside and I should not do it but I was adamant. "I don''t care. Answer me." I curled my lips in disgust.


    His jaw hardened before he nced around. He scanned through the crowd before reaching me and he practically dragged me out of the hall. The moment we got to the ce our car was parked, I jerked my hand out of his grip, ring at him.


    "Answer me, Liam." I demanded as I looked him in the eye.


    "Tell me, who did you go to visit? That was all I asked, Maurene. You even switched off your location and I could not find where you are! Tell me, did you go to see Nathaniel ?" He asked.


    I reared back in shock at what he asked. Me? What??


    "W-What?" I stuttered, blinking up at him in surprise.


    "Tell me, Maurene. Was that why you switched off your location? If you wanted to visit him, you could have told me without having to hide it!" He used.


    My mouth opened to defend myself but I could not bring myself to answer so my hand moved quickly, pping him across the face and watching his head swivel to the side. "How could you?" Tears clouded my eyes as the ce turned blurry with colorful lights flickering.


    "Maurene," He called, moving to hold me but I stepped back even further.


    Something like realization dawned on him and he blinked through hisshes. "Is she the friend you have been going to visit?" He asked, realizing the obvious. I hadn''t even told him that. Don''t tell me.. Liam... I did not reply to him. "You..." I blinked back the tears.


    "I see it in your eyes, Maurene. She is your friend because you let her be that. I should have known. You have made her your friend. You did not want to lie to her." He brought the thought of my mind into words and yet I narrowed my eyes on him.


    "Yes, I have been visiting her and not Maurene. How did you know that?" I replied, folding my arms. He scoffed and looked away briefly.


    "You don''t grin at strangers, Maurene." He pointed out smugly.


    "Don''t." I shook my head, waving my hand in the air. I was not going to let him turn the tables. "I asked two questions, Liam and I want replies." I tightened my jaw. I was not joking when I said I wanted to confront him.


    "You have been acting weird for days. All because I didn''t give you a call and switched off my location. That was quite petty of you and tell me, what is this that I keep hearing about us? I told you, it was supposed to be a private thing, Liam. You don''t go around announcing private news!"


    His brows furrowed before he uttered a snort. "Do you know how worried I was about you? You told me you were going to visit a friend and I requested the address which you didn''t bother to give me and you expect me not to be mad?" "After what happened in visiting the same friend. How scared I was and yet I let you go. I have every right to be because the kids were so restless as to where their mother had gone and I had to lie that you woulde back soon, even when I didn''t know. Tell me, don''t I deserve to be that angry?" He retorted.


    I gasped at the rush of his words, taking two steps away from him as I stared at my best friend who just offloaded the grudge he has been keeping to himself.


    "And yes, do you expect me not to say you were my wife?" The title sounded so bitter in his mouth that I almost cringed at being called that.


    "You know that I am not truly your wife." I stated, my gaze not wavering for a bit.


    The side of his lips lifted in a ridiculous half smirk, the ce I had hit red. "These men were practically ogling you the moment you stepped into this ce and you expect me not to do that. These men are all worthless. They have so many scandals throughout the entire inte and you think I would not protect you from them, even when you are not there."


    "It would be so bad if you were to be caught in any scandal with them, I am just trying to protect you, Maurene. Can''t you see it?" His brows knitted together.


    "No," I shook my head. "No, Liam. You are not. This is... I... Liam, see. I am a grown woman and I can make my own decisions too." I did not like the way I kept having to remind him that I was not that scareddy that time when we had met. Now, I didn''t even know if he was truly worried about me or...


    "Maurene." His voice was filled with pain as his eyes appeared to be stricken with hurt. "Don''t get me wrong. I..."


    "Stop, Liam. Maybe we need to give each other space. I will do anything you ask me to do as my boss but for now, I would like to be alone." I said.


    I was really hurt. Even my best friend thought I was going to my ex-husband! How could he?

 Chapter THIRTY-TWO: Meeting Her In Tears

    Maurene''S POV


    I walked away from him before he could say anything. The memory of him reaching out to hold me was blurry. All I knew was that I had hurried my steps away from him. The tears I have been trying to hold back escaped traitorously as I continued to wipe them off. I bumped into someone, muttering my apology and not bothering to look up.


    "Maurene?" Nathaniel ''s voice called me and I halted to a pause immediately. My eyes twitched as the tears rolled down, staining my cheeks. I quickly wiped them off andported myself before turning to him, and offering him a tight smile. "Nathaniel." I bit out, hoping I had appeared to be okay.


    "You..." His eyes keened on me as he took one step further. "Are you okay?"


    "I am okay. You don''t need to worry-"


    "Babe," Liam''s voice interrupted us and I flickered my gaze to him. His chest heaved with rapid breaths as he paused to sh his eyes between Nathaniel and I. I flickered my gaze to him and he swallowed hard, taking moderate steps toward me as he stood beside me and snaked his arms around me. The urge to puke at the word he just called me filled me to the guts. I held his hands in ce as I frowned slightly, ducking my head to hide my face.


    Nathaniel ''s gaze was fixated on the ce Liam held me for a moment before Liam cleared his throat. Nathaniel looked up, his jaw hardened as he red at Liam before casting a soft look on me.


    "Alright." His tone was clipped and tight as he turned to leave. The moment he stepped out of sight, I moved away from Liam and red at him before walking away to the hall. The ce was still bubbling with people who were still drinking and chattering.


    I wanted to go home. I needed thefort my home brought to me. Right now, I thought that was what would help me. I wanted to stay far away from the ce Liam or Nathaniel was. I needed a breathing space away from these men. Men!!! I nced around the hall for Alex and Evangeline and noticed they were not in sight. Have they gone already? So quick?


    I was alone now. How do I navigate this?


    My prayer was answered in the reversed way because Amanda was heading my way now. I wanted to run away but it would only put me out as a coward so I watched her with nk eyes until she reached me. The smile that curled on her lips are venomous as she twirled the drink in her wine ss.


    "What is it? Your man is definitely not ogling me right now or is he?" I looked around for Nathaniel but couldn''t find him either.


    Where were they?


    Amanda uttered a scoff. "You remember?" She narrowed her eyes on me and I looked at her bluntly, not bothering to reply to her. She has been suspecting me. I did not me her. She was not quick in deriving conclusions.


    When I did not reply, she took a step closer to me and just on cue, a waiter passed by us. She pushed her feet out and in the blink of an eye, the content of what the waiter was carrying emptied on me, the cups ttering to the floor. I froze into ce, my mouth parted in shock as Amanda let out a fake gasp.


    "Maurene!" Two masculine voices called out as steps rushed toward me. I skimmed my gaze between Liam and Nathaniel who both reached to hold me. I looked up to see Nathaniel staring at me with a worried look. He bombarded me with questions. If I was okay. If I was not hurt.


    I stood rooted to the spot, not knowing what to do. My brain was telling me to step away from him but the way he was essing to see whether I was fine made me still. I caught sight of Liam, not really far from me as he watched Nathaniel. He did not even move close to me.


    What a best friend! So much for being my best friend.


    "What kind of carelessness is that?" She yelled at the waiter who scrambled. I flinched back into reality, looking around to see people gathering and watching us. Watching me.


    I instantly stepped out of Nathaniel ''s hold as he also seemed to realize what he did. The worried expression on his face intensified as he wanted to move towards me but Liam walked faster.


    "Maurene." He pulled me into his grip as Nathaniel ''s hand paused mid air. He seemed like he was struggling with his thoughts before he took steps back, swallowing hard as he turned on his heels and walked out of the hall. Pain clouded my eyes as I peeked a look at his retreating back. Grayson joined him, none of them speaking a word to each other.


    "Maurene." Liam brought my attention back to the hall and the waiter had already been dragged away. I looked down and noticed the red liquid in the midst of the wine. Blood. The waiter must have bled because I was not feeling any pain. Looking down, I noticed my dress was already stained at the edges and I suddenly regretted wearing the gown.


    "I don''t know what is wrong with these people! They don''t know their ss at all." Amanda hissed through her teeth before stepping away from the scene. I caught a ghost of a smirk on her lips as her eyes glinted with satisfaction. She had done this! I wanted to yell out but the crowd began to murmur, pointing fingers at the waiter who was crying at the corner, her finger was bleeding.


    I swiveled and walked toward her. Staring at her bleeding finger, I faced the other waiter standing close to her and consoling her. "You should get her the first air box." I suggested this to her friend who eyed me hard before snatching her friend and taking her out of the hall. I suddenly felt bad as I was the only one left.


    "If Loretta had known, she would not have made the dress for her!"


    "Exactly! Thedy is not even careful with the dress. Doesn''t she know who Loretta is?"


    I heard the murmurs as they poured out. A while ago, everyone was ogling the dress and wanted it for themselves. Now, Amanda had managed to ruin the dress. I immediately rushed out of the hall and went after the waiter. I noticed them at the ce where the bus was and I strode towards them. They stilled when they saw me. The friend was already applying a patch on the finger and she frowned when she met my eyes.


    "What do you want? Isn''t the humiliation enough, huh?" She hissed at me. I was shocked at her outburst.


    "Stop," The waiter who had been insulted cautioned her by holding her hand but she shrugged her off, ring at me as if I was behind her misery. The friend stepped forward and dropped her head in a bow.


    "I''m sorry." Her apology threw me off guard.


    "For what?" I stuttered.


    "For being greedy." she bit her lips nervously. My heartbeat fast at the next answer.

 Chapter THIRTY-THREE: Ignoring Him

    Maurene''S POV


    "I honestly didn''t mean to. But... but... she..." She stuttered. Several possibilities of what might have ensued twirled in my head as I stared at her keenly. I dipped my head lower to let her see I was listening to her. She nced at her friend who arched a brow in question at what she was saying.


    "Lovelyn, you don''t need to apologize to her. They belong to high society of course, they think they can downgrade us." She pulled her friend behind her but the waiter whose name is Lovelyn quickly stepped forward, holding her friend back. She eyed her to stop what she was doing.


    "I''m really sorry once again. She... She threatened me that if I did not do as she said, she will report me to my boss and make sure I get fired. I know... I know... It was very bad of me to do that but..."


    "What are you saying, Lovelyn?" Her friend asked, this time talking into line just beside as her friend dropped her head in resignation.


    She twisted her lips as remorse coated her face. "Im sorry. I would have suggested to pay for the dress but after I heard where you had gotten it from, I regretted giving into her and now..."


    "Who is this person you are talking about?" I was surprised that I was able to keep a soft tone even though anger was starting to boil within me.


    "She... she wore a golden dress and her hair was done in a bob. She..."


    "I know her." I cut in. It was Amanda. She had worn a wig to the party. She knew that Nathaniel liked short hair.


    "Lovelyn! How could you do that?" Her friend reprimanded her. "How?"


    "I''m sorry, okay? I need the money to pay for my mother''s hospital bill and I cannot afford to lose my job now." She apologized.


    "It wasn''t my fault. She threatened me even when I thought I could bargain with her since I needed money to take care of my mother. All she did was threaten me more and more and I had to give in. Please, tell me what to do to earn your forgiveness. I don''t have any money. Please."


    I swallowed hard, filling rage poured through my veins as red shed in my vision. How could she? How could Amanda stoop low?


    Her friend began to express her disappointment in her as I backed away from them, marching toward the hall as the only thing that was in my mind was to p Amanda and make her apologize to me. Immediately, I passed through the threshold of the hall, a hand gripped me and the first rm in my head blew, thinking it was Liam because I did not need him right now. I was very sure the way my eyes were hardened, it was enough to send the person holding me away but Grayson didn''t bulge as he looked at me nkly.


    "Let me go." I bit out, signaling to the ce he held me. I tried to snatch my hand out of his tight grasp but he held me back. I tried again, he refused and then hauled me out of the hall.


    I tried struggling against him but he was just too strong. He finally let my hand off and I winced slightly, annoyance causing a crease between my brows as I looked at him.


    His face was schooled into a numb expression as he gave him a nk stare. It was what he was good at.


    "What do you want?" I demanded, not caring if my tone was rude. He had stopped me when I was on my way to do something very important.


    He looked away from me briefly before saying, "Nathaniel asked me to drop you at your ce."


    I twisted my head to him slowly, wondering if I heard him correctly. Nathaniel what?


    "Asked me to get you home" He replied. I must have said that out loud.


    I did not know what to even think at this point because this definitely caught me off guard.


    "Why?" I found myself asking. I did not know why. Not like it could bring us together again, anyway.


    "Because of what happened to you. He said you would like to be driven home straight." He exined.


    In as much as Nathaniel was right, I still knew I could not take this from him. I swallowed the huge lump in my throat. I knew Grayson would not try to convince but I still went on to say it.


    "Thank you so much for that but I don''t think I can ept it. I would be going with my husband and it would be very wrong for me to leave him behind." I tried to maintain a poisedposure but this man just tilted his head to the side, arching a brow. I was quite surprised because Grayson never gave any expression away.


    "Do you want to do a rethink?" He asked, cing his hands into his pockets.


    I bit my inner cheeks. Liam would still be waiting for me inside. If he found out that I went home with Grayson, it would only add to the argument we were still on.


    I bobbed my head in a nod. "Yes. I really appreciate Mr. Nathaniel''s help. We are business partners and he has been utmostly kind. I really do. But I can''t." I took a step back. Grayson watched me intently before nodding once and walking away.


    The anger I was feeling earlier has dissipated. I snorted. What was it I wanted to do before?


    Hit her? She deserved it but I would not stoop to her level.


    I walked back to the hall in search of Liam. He would still be waiting for me. I was even disappointed he didn''te after me after the entire ident. I ignored the stain on the dress as I scanned through the numerous people in the hall but I didn''t catch a nce of Liam. Where was he?


    My ears strained as some women behind me were talking about how careless I could be and didn''t know the worth of the dress. I turned to them, ring daggers at them and they cowered and recoiled. They were taken aback by my confidence. I snorted and walked away. After searching for Liam in the hall and didn''t see him, I went to the parking lot and halted to a pause when I saw the ce where he had parked his car was empty.


    Don''t tell me... wait, my phone... I gulped when realization dawned on me. I didn''t bring my phone to the event.


    Could Liam have... Definitely not. He couldn''t have left me in the ce he brought me. A ce where no one knew me. At least, not after everything that had happened to me. He could not just abandon me like that, right? Maybe he parked his car in another ce. I should check.


    As I turned to start for the other side of the parking lot, a ck car drove before me and the window slid down. Grayson''s face appeared as he casually said. "Get in, Maurene. Your husband already left fifteen minutes ago." A bell rang in my head. Wait, what?

 Chapter THIRTY-FOUR: Shocked As Hell

    MAURENE''S POV


    I must have heard wrong. Liam did what?


    I stood rooted to the spot in full shock. When did he leave? He left without telling me?


    "Maurene, you can consider taking a cab but the weather forecast today is that there will be heavy rainfall tonight. So it is either you enter now, or you let me leave." Grayson made an annoyed noise deep in his throat as I figured out what to do next. I should give Liam a benefit of doubt. He could still be inside.


    Right?


    "You should go." I told Grayson who for the first time appeared to be taken aback by my response. "W-What?" He stuttered, making me blink.


    "I trust Liam. There was no way he would leave me behind. He cannot." The look etched Grayson''s face said it all. Maybe I was just trying to console myself that Liam could do something like that to me. Even if we had an argument with each other. He could still wait for me since he brought me here.


    "Have you gotten dumber?" Grayson asked before he could stop himself. He let out a sharp hiss as he turned on the car''s engine. The first raindrop on my forehead prompted me to step forward.


    "Wait," I extended my hand to stop as he eyed me hard. I quickly rounded the car to the passenger''s seat. He reluctantly pushed the door open and I quickly got in before the heavy downpour started. The rain drops glistened the windscreen as people began to scramble around for shade. I was going to take my chances. If Liam was still inside the hall, he could still find his way back home since he had a car. I did not.


    I said nothing to Grayson as we hit the road. I thought back to what he had said earlier. Have you gotten dumber?


    Does Grayson know that I am only pretending that I didn''t recognize them?


    I looked at him, his focus was on the road but I still narrowed my eyes on him. There was no way Brian would have told him to take me home if he didn''t know who I was. I bit my lower lip, suddenly feeling like a fool to think they would not recognize me. I closed my eyes briefly to swallow down the hurt of the past. Grayson hadn''t said anything that day when he demanded that he left his house.


    "Should I turn to the left or the right?" His question made me stutter. "W-What?"


    "Apparently, I don''t know where your house is located, so will you direct me?" He asked pointedly before turning his gaze back to the road. I did not like the way he made me feel like I was his younger sibling. I directed him throughout the whole drive even though it felt like he already knew the way. The rain continued to pour down. I nced outside through the window and the lights blended with the drops of the rain on the windscreen.


    Grayson used the windscreen wiper to clear the raindrops and the gliding sound it made me scrunch my nose. I did not like the sound at all. We soon stopped before my house and I wasted no time in stepping out because there was no umbre. Grayson did not offer me one. Just as I opened my mouth to say thank you, the door closed and the window slid up then he drove away, leaving me confused and shocked.


    What?


    I could only watch him drive away. I was soaked from head to my feet. I definitely cannot wave at him. It would be strange and he would not respond. When he got out of sight, I let out a deep breath and walked into my house. Diana steered awake the moment I stepped in and I took note of time. It was past twelve already. She squinted her eyes and rubbed them.


    "You are back," She let out a yawn and I bobbed my head as I quickly reached for the jug of water. After gulping a few, I licked my lips.


    "The kids have gone to bed. They waited but... I exined." She twisted her lips to the side.


    A shadow cast on my eyes as I nodded in response.


    "I promised them to wait for you. That''s why-"


    "Did Liame here?" I asked her.


    She shook her head. "I don''t remember. He did note here after both of you left in the evening." She said.


    I bit the inner of my cheeks. So he did not evene here. That meant that he abandoned me.


    "Thank you. You can go and get some sleep. I would still be awake. I have some work to do." I tried to offer a smile that would not let what I was feeling within me show but she was Diana and she knew when something was wrong and bothering me.


    I began to take strides to the stairs before she could ask any question but her voice stopped me. "Maurene."


    I paused and turned to her, a clear look etched on my face. "Yes?"


    "I know. It might not be in my ce to say it but can I ask a question?"


    I did not have a choice so I bobbed my head for her to go on.


    "I noticed something between you and Liam. Is there something going between you too?" She asked.


    Normally, she should be the first I should tell about the contract between Liam and me but I did not want anyone to know what was between us. It would be dangerous if anyone gets a hang of it. My reputation would be at stake. Liam''s name too.


    I let my lips curl into a tight smile. "Not for now." That was the only reply I could give her. Not like there was anything else to say. At this point, I was even starting to regret doing the contract with him.


    She stared at me for a few seconds before she nodded. "If you say so. I know you might think the kids want a father and you might feel hurried, just rx and let a man love you first." She advised me. A tentative smile curled on my lips. I did not tell her about my past, not the full story but she was still like the mother figure I never had.


    "Thank you. Goodnight." With that, I walked up the stairs as she went to her room. The moment I stepped into my room, the first thing I did was kick my shoes away before catching a nce at myself in the mirror. Gosh, I looked miserable. I hurriedly got out of the dress and went to dump it in theundry basket before going into the bathroom for a quick shower. I did not feel one bit of regret for what happened to the dress because it was not what I wanted. It was what Liam wanted. I should refund him.


    I returned to my bedroom and packed my hair in a bun beforeunching my tired body on the bed. I began to reminisce on today''s event. Oh, yes! My phone.


    I reached for my phone and my lock screen was filled with missed calls from Liam. My brows etched closer as I put in my password. He only called. No messages at all. I let out a loud hiss.


    What did I expect? That he would drop a message.


    He didn''t bother to search for me after I left and he only called?


    Such a good friend.


    He didn''t even think to look for me before leaving. Like?


    I switched off my phone and rolled to the other side of the bed. I wanted to forget most parts of today but my phone beeped again.


    I picked it up, only to see a message from an unsaved contact. The person attached it with a picture.


    "People should learn to stay in their ss. High society is sometimes not easy to fit in. Definitely not you. You looked horrible in the dress by the way."


    I knew who it was before I finished reading it. Amanda! How did she get my phone contact?


    The urge to respond to her with the same energy she used overwhelmed me but then I remembered what Grayson had done to stop.


    His message was silent. Don''t stoop as low as she did.


    I wanted to. I should show her that I could also confront her but I knew she was doing to rile me up and show who I was. I was not going to let do that. So I tapped on the block button and blocked her then deleted her message. She was not worth it to me.

 Chapter THIRTY- FIVE: Keep Fighting

    Maurene''S POV


    I woke up the next morning with a bad headache. I winced slightly as the pain sunk deeper into my head. I reached for the drawer close to my bed and pulled it open. Taking a tablet of paracetamol, I took two then gulped it down with water. I rested for a while before scrambling down the bed. I dragged my feet out of the room and went downstairs to meet Diana serving the kids breakfast. Their birthday was tomorrow. My phone reminder had reminded me yesterday. An happy smile took over my lips as they looked up to me with bubbly expressions on their faces. They made me remember Evangeline. I had not even called or chatted her up yet since she went missing with her husband. I stopped before the kids, grinning. "A good morning to you, guys!"


    They all beamed a smile. "Good morning, mommy!" Kylie and Kyle chorused as they chewed on the bread while Kai focused on his meal. He was always in a mood a day before his birthday so today''s attitude didn''t really bother me. I just offered him a small smile when his eyes looked up to me.


    I took my seat as Diana proceeded to serve me. I held her hands and shook my head. "I can do that by myself."


    She tried to resist me but I held her down, shaking my head in disagreement. She gave up and went to take her seat.


    "How does the food taste, Kylie?" I asked as I poured some some beans into my te. She grinned up at me.


    "It tastes nice, mommy." Then she began to tell what part of it was perfect and where Diana should work on. Diana took the advice with a nod of her head and a grin on her lips. Kylie had always known about tasting of food. Maybe that was a gene she got from Nathaniel because my taste bud were just normal but for Kylie, it was totally different. I knew one day she would be a chef or venture into any culinary work. I will support her fully.


    I smiled at her and dug into the food. One by one, we finished and it remained Kai who was sluggish with food. Diana and I shared a look and I pursed my lips.


    Diana asked if she could feed him but he shook his head and continued to eat. I knew that if I asked, he would stop eating and leave the food so I let him do as he wished. God knows where he got this attitude from because it definitely wasn''t from me.


    I helped Diana to clear the te and we both headed to the kitchen to clean them up. She was busy arranging them in the rack when Kai entered and saw that I was the one doing the dishes. He walked up to me and extended the te to me. I took it and asked him to wait. He did surprisingly.


    I rinsed my hand and crouched down to his level. "Tomorrow is your birthday." I reminded him like he didn''t know. "What do you want?" I asked softly.


    I remembered what he had asked before for his gift but I could not give him that.


    He remained silent before mumbling under his breath. "A lego."


    Relief washed through at what he said and I beamed a smile which he did not return.


    "I will get it for you!"


    He left the kitchen and went to meet his siblings while Diana and I remained in the kitchen.


    "Are their father alive?" Diana asked suddenly from me. My hands paused mid air with the ce I washing in my hand. Just as I opened my mouth to respond, the door creaked open and Liam burst through the door, announcing his presence by popping a balloon. The kids all cheered loudly.


    This was what he always do every day before their birthday. Bring balloons and they y it by using pins. They could do that for half a day before Liam suggest that they go out. As usual, the balloons flow into the living room and the kids began to jump on them. They made a popping sound. I rushed with the dishes and cleaned my hand against the apron before leaving Diana to finish up while I went to the living room.


    Liam paused when he saw me, a sh of an emotion rushed across his face before he blinked it away. The kids greeted him and he did the big uncle''s duty as usual. Kylie went ahead to tell him what he had nned for their birthday but Liam shook his head, gesturing to his mouth that it is sealed. Her liped formed a sad and disappointed pout as she looked up to him. He did not bulge even at that.


    "I won''t tell you because it is surprise, Kylie." he told her, lifting Kai into his arms as he ced Kyle on his neck.


    "Carry me too." Kylie jumped to him but he walked past her.


    "Only men, Kylie. Go and meet your mother."


    Kyle made a scene of sticking his tongues out to her and she rolled her eyes in jealousy. She didn''t even turn to me. She marched to the couch and sat down, folding her arms as she muttered some things to herself. Liam stopped right in front me and greeted, "Good morning."


    After giving him a long look, I responded. "Good morning to you too."


    The wave of anger I feltst night was back again in full force and I clenched my fist. He went ahead to y with the guys and looked for ways to pacify Kylie whoter softened up to him after he promised to get her ice cream. She loved ice creams and chips a lot.


    All I did was watch them and during that moment, I went upstairs to have my bath and returned to them. This time, the kids were already on their own ying with their toys.


    I poured myself a ss of wine and waited to stand on the veranda. I maintained a spot as I sipped from the wine. I heard his footsteps before he fell into line beside me, dipping his hand into his pockets.


    "We should resolve whatever argument we have between us for the sake of the kids." He said, ncing at me.


    I snorted. Resolve? For the sake of the kids? Was he their father?


    "You abandoned me at the partyst night." I used him.


    His brows etched in confusion. Oh, why was he confused? He should not be at all.


    "What?"


    My brows went up. "Really? You brought me to a supposed party to meet our business partners only for you to leave me behind." I tried to keep my voice low so that it would not attract the kids. Or even Diana. "I didn''t. I called your phone so many times and I thought you didn''t want to see me or you might even have gone after what happened to your dress. I even felt disappointed, Maurene. How could you?" I keened my eyes on him, setting the wine ss down on the small table ced there.


    "How could I what?"


    "How could you let Nathaniel touch you like that?" His jaw hardened as he gritted the words out. A crease formed between my brows and I uttered a scoff.


    "Did I throw myself into his arms? He ran up to me in concern and you... You just stood there like a statue and watched him. So much guts for you to think that!" I did not even see the need to rify that.


    Did he think I threw myself into Nathaniel ''s arms because we were having a fight?


    What exactly does this man think of me?


    "How did you want me toe to you when he was holding you and touching you to see if you were harmed?" He tried to justified himself but I was not having it. "And besides, what were you people discussing when I came to meet you that time?"


    I knew he was going to ask about it. It was just a matter of time. I looked away from him. "Nothing." I replied with a clipped tone. "Really, Maurene?" He asked.


    "Liam, I think we should set more boundaries. Tell me, why are you jealous? If Nathaniel still wants me, you are doing a good job of letting him know that I would never go back to him but you... You really need to stop telling people I am your wife when it is not rted to Nathaniel. What happens when we end the contract? What would people think when they find out I have kids?"


    "Would they think they belong to you when they see their striking resemnce with Nathaniel? Liam, my entire reputation is at stake here. Just stop... stop whatever it is you are doing with this contract we have signed. It is wrong." I said all in one breath. I was already tired of bottling up these words.


    "You are hiding something." He breathed, pinching the bridge of his nose.


    I shook my head. "The one who is hiding something here is you, Liam. Because why did you leave the party early? Tell me, if I may ask, where were you rushing to? I asked a waiter and he told me you left the hall with a phone in your ear. Tell me, Liam, where did you go to that you forgot you came with someone?"

 Chapter THIRTY-SIX: My Daddy Is Alive

    Maurene''S


    POV


    Liam didn''t reply to me. He rushed away from me like a coward and his actions only confirmed to me that he was hiding something. I could not ce it but I knew that he didn''t just leave the party because he thought I had gone.


    How could he even think like that?


    Anyway, I was seated with myptop. I needed to finish up a lot and yet the only thing I could think of was what Liam was probably doing. I shook my head, blew a breath out, and typed Loretta''s name on the inte. I began to surf. She was a top selling fashion designer. Narrowing my eyes on her picture, it showed she has been divorced for over five years now and has no child. Wow. No wonder Liam didn''t take her for real.


    It still doesn''t matter. Being divorced did not mean the end of the world, did it?


    I went through her business page and saw the dress she had made for me. I did not even see the price tag. Clicking the link to her site, there were so many limited sales and I noticed how people piled to get them. Catching sight of the blue dress, I clicked on it and when I saw the price, I froze in my seat.


    1. 3 million dors!! What?


    How... Liam bought a dress for me with 1. 3 million dors and yet I was here saying, I would pay him back. There was no way in the world I would be able to pay him because even my savings was not up to that.


    I forced my parted lips close as I looked through the price. No wonder the people at the party were angry that the dress was spoiled. I would be angry too if someone had ruined the dress. But what was Liam thinking when he decided to get me a dress worth that amount?


    Gosh, I palmed my face and groaned into my palms. What do I do now?


    The kids were taking their afternoon nap and I knew I had to be subtle so as not to wake them up. They didn''t even know when Liam left.


    §­§­§­§­§­§­


    I busied myself all day with ordering what I wanted to get the kids for their birthday. Of course, Liam''s surprise would always surpass mine but the love of a mother is enough too. Later that day, they woke up and as usual Diana prepared lunch before we all decided to go out to the park.


    The thoughts of what Nathaniel had done at the party twirled around my head as I watched the kids. How could he have lost all restraints and rushed up to me like that?


    I was even starting to think that he still thought that I was his Maurene. I did not even know what to think anymore.


    Was my contract with Liam stupid?


    And Grayson again...


    As if on cue, someone slumped down on the seat close me and I moved to shift.


    "They are bubbly kids. They look so much like him, you know."I stilled in ce as Grayson''s voice sounds beside me. Shock and fear coursed through my veins, I clenched my fist tight as I slowly twisted my neck to look at him, conveniently sitting down and giving me a casual look.


    My lips twitched in a lop-sided smile. "I... I don''t understand what you mean." I said. My shoulder tensed up and I could only grip the edges of the chair.


    He tilted his head to the side, his brows raised in question. "Really? You don''t?"


    I shook my head, hoping I appeared to be indifferent but this was Grayson. He knew I was lying.


    "Kylie. Kyle. And... Kai?" He clicked his tongue, staring ahead at them. I followed his gaze and he was looking at them directly. He had followed me.


    Why would I have thought that Nathaniel would not try to find who I was?


    "You..."


    "Sending my birthday greeting to them." He ced a bag I hadn''t seen in his hand on the space between us. "I have three different packages for them." With that he rose to his feet and I quickly caught his hand. He looked down on me, arching his left brow.


    "You... does... Does Nathaniel know?" He already knew so what was the use of pretending. Not like I would deny my kids in front of them.


    He gently removed his hand from my grasp. "You don''t need to worry. He does not."


    "Why?" I found myself asking him with my eyes narrowed on him. He looked away before ncing at me, evading my question sessfully. "Should I give you a piece of advice?" He turned to the direction of where the kids were.


    "Protect them and tell Nathaniel before he finds out." He turned on his heels and walked away, leaving shocked and afraid.


    If he said Nathaniel did not know, he was not lying then but how did he know?


    Wasn''t I careful enough?


    I scanned around the ce to see if there was anyone else watching me. I jerked to my feet franctically then signaled to Diana that she should bring the kids over. I could see Kylie grumbling and refusing toe but Diana said something and she agreed. We hurried to get a cab. I knew Diana must be confused as to why I was being frantic and frightened. She could not understand.


    Grayson had known that I had Nathaniel ''s kids since the beginning and he didn''t tell him. There must be a reason behind it and I must find out why Grayson was keeping such a big secret from his Alpha. It was totally strange to me because Nathaniel trusted Grayson even way more than he trusted himself. Imagine when Nathaniel finds out that he has been not one but three secrets from him. "Mommy, why are we going home so early when we just arrived at the park?" Kyle asked from the back seat. My baby was looking so innocent.


    I stared at through the front mirror, pulling my lips in a tight smile. My palms were slick with sweat. Gosh, finding out about Grayson only heightened my fear.


    What if Nathaniel finds out about the kids? Would he take them away?


    No way! I will never let him take my kids away from me. The fear I felt from the first time I met Nathaniel again filled me and I tried not to let it show on my face as the can stopped right before our house and I paid the fare.


    We headed for the house, and Kylie kept talking about how she wished she rode on the Mary go-round. Instant regret gnawed at me. I was the one who stopped them from having fun. I twisted my mouth to the side, wishing I hadn''t taken them out today.


    That night before we all retired to bed, I went to Kai''s room. I had noticed his mood had kind of lightened up since we returned. It had me worried. Why was my little baby so happy?


    He must have seen something or heard something that made his mood change.


    "Kai," I called him and he looked up at me through his hazy eyes. Was he about to sleep?


    "Mommy." His voice was so soft that it cleared the fear in my heart briefly.


    We stayed in silence for a while. I decided to sing him his favorite luby. He soon began to doze off but then he opened his eyes, they glinted with so much joy that I had to ask him. "You are happy?"


    He nodded. "Yes, I met Uncle Grayson. He told me my daddy is alive!"


    My shoulder tensed up and my eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. Wait, what? Grayson met the kids behind my back!

 Chapter THIRTY SEVEN: Birthday Surprise

    Maurene''S


    POV


    Today was my kids'' birthday. As usual, they woke up so bubbly. Diana and I had done a great job of decorating the house with balloons and sters of their pictures from when they were infants till now. The way my heart swelled at the joyful grins on their lips made me grin too. I was always satisfied when I see them happy. This was yet another day to remind me that I didn''t get to tell Nathaniel about them before he chased me out of the pack house that day. Maybe it was good. Who knows?


    "Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you!" Diana and I chorused as the three of them stepped into the living room, rubbing the sleep off their faces. Their lips split into grins as I crouched to their level. "Happy Birthday to you, my babies!" I pulled them into a hug and I heard Kai groan before rxing into my arms.


    We pulled apart and Diana greeted them as well. They looked around the ce, obviously not really surprised about the decoration. Sometimes, I wished I could something different but their academics responsibity were taking a toll on me. I had refused Liam''s help several times and the fact that I had just recently paid for the house fully ate up an huge chunk of my savings so I just had to do this little for them. I hope they appreciate it.


    "Mommy, where is my gift?" Kylie asked, scanning through the packaged boxes Diana arranged on the table. I smiled and pursed my lips, pretending not to know the one that we had designed for her. "What about you choose yourself, huh? It is your birthday. Not mine." I replied, mimicking her tone.


    She scrunched her nose in snort before turning it the box. Tapping her index thumb on her jaw, she scanned through the boxes. Her eyes caught the wine packaged box but she shook her head, probably thinking that it was not the one. Well, she was right. That belonged to Kai.


    She turned to the yellow one and shook her head in disgust. She hated the color yellow and that was why I chose to the color to package her gift. She reached for the purple one and I waited for her to pull it open. A look of confusion shed across her face as she nced at Diana before meeting my gaze.


    "Is this mine?" She asked in a tone that said the opposite of her question. Hope this was not mine.


    I lifted my shoulder in a half-shrug. "You chose it yourself. It is yours. Do you like it?" I asked, attaching a smile. I tried so hard not tough at the expression on her face.


    She didn''t know if she should shake her head or drop the box. She just bobbed her head in a nod, staring at the knitted scarf inside the box once again. Something like cold sadness banged against my heart. What if that was what I could afford? Would she ept it?


    Kai made a sound that dragged me back into reality and I smiled when I saw him holding the wine box that was for him. He didn''t seem like he was eager to open it but he did. A look of relief, not satisfaction, appeared on his face as he pulled his lego. Kyle reached to touch it but he ducked away from him, shaking his head negatively. Kai was possessive when it came to his things.


    Kyle didn''t mind as he retuned to searching his box. "Mommy, where''s mine?" He asked, touching the boxes faintly.


    "You have to pick it for yourself." I told him the same thing I said told Kylie who was still moody about her birthday gift.


    He nced at Kylie and shook his head, probably not wanting to make the same mistake as she did. As if he knew, he picked the green box that belonged to him. My smile widened as I pped excitedly. It was game of guessing their gifts. I had thought of this idea days ago and asked Diana about it. She agreed and we executed it together.


    His eyes glinted, happy that he didn''t pick another one. Kylie mumbled something beneath her breath as she eyed his gift. He stuck his tongue out to her and then scoffed at Kai who was busy arranging his lego. He opened it and the way his eyes creased in happiness as he saw his favorite car toy before him. These things I had gotten them had worth a lot but I had to do it.


    Not wanting Kylie to be in a bad mood in the morning of her birthday, I reached for the yellow packaged box and extended it to her. She lifted her gaze to me and tried to shift away from me but I sat down before her on the floor then opened the box. Her lips which were pulled in a sad pout widened into a big, bright smile as I brought a beautiful pair of white shoes I had gotten for her. She had always wanted to have this particr brand because she saw it on girl in a movie. I had to get them for her.


    I would do anything to make sure they were happy. If I don''t get them gifts, who would?


    I noticed Kai was trying to send Diana away from helping him. I knew if I went to him, it would even be worse so I let him busy himself with arranging it tighter. I signaled to Diana to let him be.


    Kylie got into the shoes and began to jump in them with excitement. I watched them happy with their gifts, their faces filled with fascination and the fact they got a new stuffs. I rose to my feet, pping my hands. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, the door knob twisted loudly and I knew who it was before he entered. Liam was here with small bags in his hands. I wanted to scoff. The content in those bags in his hands was more expensive than the ones I had packaged for them. "Uncle Liam!" Kylie yelled loudly as she ran to meet him. Liam grinned and picked her up into his arms.


    "Happy Birthday to you, Little Angel." He wished her and a blush stained her cheeks. Kyle went up to him and he ruffled his air. He looked at Kai who was busy trying to fix his lego. He looked back at me, I shook my head with my lips pursed, telling him that he didn''t want anyone helping him. With the way, he was doing, he wanted to do this by himself and it could take weeks.


    I let out an exhale.


    "Happy Birthday to you, boys." Liam''s voice echoed as he took a seat, cing Kylie on hip. Kylie stared at the bag in his hand expectedly. I felt a faint pinch in my heart. She hadn''t looked that expectant when she was picking her gift. Why was this things getting to me now when it never did in the past?


    Liam didn''t wait for her to ask about her gift, he opened the first bag which was for Kylie. There was a box. He slowly opened it, making Kylie crane her neck forward to catch a glimpse of it but he closed it back instantly. She pouted sadly. Poor Kylie, we have been keeping her in suspense.


    "Wow! I love your white shoes." He looked down on the glittering shoes and then gave me a brief look, knowing I had gotten them for her.


    "Uncle Liam, where is my gift?" She grumbled, folding her arms.


    When he saw that she was not having it, he opened the box and a silvery ne that had her name customized. She let out a happy shriek as he picked it up gently and ced it round her neck. She was a blushing mess by the time Liam hooked it from behind and turned to look at her.


    "Beautiful." Heplimented her and her head fell on his shoulders. Was my daughter blushing too hard right now?


    He turned to Kyle and opened his bag too. Bringing out a gold jewelry from the box with his name inscribed, Kyle could not help but beam a happy smile. Liam helped him with it and he came to meet me to show me.


    I nodded, smiling even though jealousy was eating me up from within.


    "Kai," Liam called. I almost rear back in shock as Kai has been looking at us since. He rose to his feet. Sometimes, I wondered why he obeyed Liam.


    Liam smiled at him before ruffling his hair. "Good boy. Take and open it yourself. You can tell me if you don''t like it, I will have it changed. Okay?"


    Kai opened the box and imagine the shock crossing my face when I saw the content inside.


    "No!" I found myself eximing before I could stop myself and snatched the box from Kai.

 Chapter THIRTY EIGHT: Refusing The Birthday Gift

    Maurene''S


    POV


    Pearl beads. Kai had once said he wanted something like that. I thought he was just saying it casually. Pearl beads were expensive, especially this one. It is the one of its sort and I did not need to be told this would be worth millions. Tony can never buy the minimum. He always would buy luxurious things.


    Kai stared at the gift in my hand like he had been expecting it. Actually, Liam had jokingly said he would get it for him when he saw it. I thought he was bluffing. I did moy know he still had it in mind to get it for him.


    "No, I don''t think you should gift him this." I disagreedpletely. He rose to his feet, his figure towering over me as he arched his brows.


    "Maurene?"


    I looked up to him, shaking my head. "This... This is too expensive for a young boy. I don''t want them wearing things that would attract rubbish." I told him.


    He nced at the kids before taking me by the hand and leading me out. He closed the door and Diana took that chance to engage the kids even though I could feel Kai''s attention on us.


    "Maurene for gods'' sake. I just got him what he has always wished to get for them. Why are you making this hard for us?" He asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.


    "No. I am not saying you cannot get them what they want. All I am saying that when it goes above what I can afford, I do not want it for them." I stated.


    I want them to learn to be contented with things. The more he stays on the fact that he is satisfying their wishes, the lore they make wishes that even I won''t be able to fulfill them. I had checked the price of the pearl beads out of the curiosity. When I saw the price, I had always decided that my kids would not use such an expensive jewelry. I can make him ne with beads if that is what he wants but this... I won''t ept it from him.


    "Maurene, you keep making this hard. It is their day. I can get them anything and besides, I have been getting them thing and you have neverined so why is it different this time?"


    "Because it is way too expensive to spend on someone who is not even your child." I snorted. His left arched, taken aback.


    "They are my kids too, Maurene." He whispered.


    I shook my head. "That is not what I mean. What I meant to say is that-"


    "I am more of a good father to them than their biological father who does not even know that they exist. Don''t you think your kids are suffering?"


    I whirled around in shock at the words he spat.


    "Don''t you think that they also want their own father? Like they never craved to meet their father? And here I am trying to fill that void for them and you are holding me back. I see it in Kai''s eyes, he longs for a fatherly love and that is just what I am trying to do here." He said all in one breath and I could do nothing but watch him throw my past into my face with just this quick summary.


    "Liam," I did not know what else to say. He...


    "Maurene, you should cut yourself some ck. You keep telling not to do this for the kids. Not to do that for the kids. You are not even motivating me. I feel like most times you just don''t want me involved in your life. You feel like I am not worthy enough to do it. Like-"


    "I have never thought." I whispered.


    He snorted. "You have, Maurene. Then tell me why I can''t get things I want for the kids. I see them like my kids too. I do things I will do for my kids to them. But no, you want to bear the burden all by yourself. Let me help you, Maurene." He moved closer but I held my hand out to him.


    His jaw hardened, a muscle ticking. "You still want him. You still wish that he knew about the kids. You wish that he was the one doing all of these for the kids. That is why. That is the reason you don''t want me to do it. You still want Nathaniel back!" I did not know how it happened. The only thing I knew was that his words were pushing that part of me that I had buried years ago back into the surface. My hands were visibly trembling. In a sh, my palms stuck to the flesh of his cheek, his head swiveled to the side. I retracted my hand like his skin burnt me.


    "Get out! Get out now, Liam!" I gritted out at him, grinding my jaw.


    His eyes hardened as he stared at me, gripping the sides of the kids.


    "I said get out of my house!" I pointed to the entrance. He was seething. He clenched his fist and turned on his feet, maintaining a rxedposure for the kids. I watched him through the transparent ss. He picked up his phone and was about to leave when Kylie reached for him, smiling innocently up at him. I entered the living room and marched toward them.


    "Where are you going, Uncle Liam?" She asked him.


    A shadow crossed Liam''s face as he looked down on her. He opened his mouth to answer but nced at me and did not say anything.


    "Uncle Liam has to leave. He has some work to do." I offered her a smile that didn''t reach my face. If only they knew the chaos that was rolling within me. I clenched my fist to stop myself fromshing out at her. She pouted sadly. "Why? Today is our birthday and you want to leave? You hurt me, Uncle Liam. Please stay, please please." She begged him and he turned to me for permission.


    Just as I opened my mouth to speak, Diana''s voice cut through. "Of course, Uncle Liam can stay. You can spend your day with him today." She smiled at the young girl who didn''t know what was happening.


    I nced at her and she offered me a smile before moving forward to tell Kyle something. As I turned to leave, Kyle grabbed me and said, "Mommy, stay with us."


    I tilted my head to the side. "Do you know you still have to take your bath so that you can cut the cake?" I said.


    Kylie gasped. "There is a cake?"


    That alone brought a smile to my face. I bobbed my head in response. She quickly rushed off with Diana, ruffling Kyle''s hair. It was just Liam and I that remained in the living room. None of us attempted to say anything to each other and I was okay with that. I went upstairs to my room to have my bath also.


    By the time we were all done, we returned to the living room and Liam was still there, typing away on his phone.


    Diana went ahead to bring the cake out from where we hid it. I overheard Kylie telling Liam how she thought that there would not be cake for them today. I felt sad for a brief moment. Why would she think that?


    Liam just offered her a tight smile. I knew he did not like the fact that we were in the same space right now. I did not like it too but I had to tolerate his presence for the sake of my kids. What was I thinking when I told him to leave? And he also wanted to leave.


    I need to stop thinking about Liam and focus on my kids'' big day. Wide grins appeared on Kyle''s and Kylie''s lips as they pped their hands in anticipation.


    Diana shook her head at the yfulness. cing the knife in ce on the cake, I went to set up the camera so that we would capture the moment.


    I tried to fix it on the stand but it seemed too tight for it to set in. Why was it doing this? This was not the first time I would be using it with this stand.


    Did someone touch it? I wanted to ask but I felt his presence behind me even before I turned to him. He collected it from me and I let him. I could not do it does not mean I would be stubborn and force myself to.

 Chapter THIRTY-NINE: A Call To Leave

    Maurene''S POV


    I let him fix it and walked away to assist Diana with adding the drinks on the table. The kids gathered around the table and I chuckled, shocked that I actually did with everything that was happening. It has been quite a long time since I was overwhelmed with emotions like this. I was just happy that my kids were celebrating their fifth year birthday. It has been five years. Five years since their father sent me out of his house and I had to survive on my own. They ced their hands on the knife and Diana reached to light up the candle on the cake. There were just three candles that were ced at a good distance between them. I figured my kids would have different wishes. Like Kylie, she might wish for a unicorn while Kyle could wish for a new car then Kai, I knew it would definitely be his father toe back.


    I smiled at the triplets and said, "Now, it''s time to make a wish and blow out the candles. One, two, three, blow!" They leaned forward, their cheeks puffed out, and blew out the candles with gusto. ps echoed in the air as Kylie grinned from ear to ear while Kyle sneakily picked up a batter with his index finger into his mouth. He knew that I caught him and he smiled in return, his eyes glinting. I gave him a yful reprimanding look.


    "It is time for pictures." Diana said and I rushed over to stand behind the kids. Somehow I managed to keep my hand on theirs as Diana took the picture. Diana came to join me and Liam took it. Diana stepped away, leaving room for Liam who gave me a skeptical look.


    For the kids...


    I told myself. He walked up to us and managed to keep a distance between us as Diana urged us to smile. How could we smile when he said something as horrible as that to me?


    She took the picture and I was quick to cut the cake into pieces. Serving everyone, I took a piece for myself.


    "Wow, mummy! This cake is yummy." Kylie smiled with her cheeks full of cake. I returned her smile, happy that I had learned how to bake even when mother told me not waste my time. Sadness crept into my chest as the thought let memories I had sealed up flood into my head. I quickly shut it beforeore could enter. Not today. Definitely not today.


    I shook my head. As usual we managed to get the kids y games randomly and we were all starting to get into the air of asion when Diana asked Kylie who her favorite person was.


    "Uncle Liam." She answered innocently. The smile on my face faltered as she replied. Wait... Liam was her favorite. How? Wasn''t I...


    Why was I jealous? I should not be. He was the one who provided them everything they wanted. I gave them everything they needed. I was their mother. I was supposed to be their favorite. My jaw hardened as my fist clenched tight. I covered my pain with a smile as Diama turned to Kyle who chose Liam and her- Diana. Not me again. I managed to cover it again with a smile that didn''t reach my face.


    It was Kai''s turn. He nced at me before he said, "My father."


    I stilled immediately at his response while Liam looked at me in shock. I blinked, parting my lips slightly, not knowing what to say at all.


    The silence that followed his response was thickening but thankfully, Kylie broke with a scoff. "Kai, you keep forgetting the fact that our father is dead. If you keep saying that he is your favorite, you... you are just a creep." She twisted her hair with her finger. My left eye twitched as I broke into a forcedugh.


    "Kylie, don''t call your brother a creep." I told her before turning to Kai.


    "Sure. Sure. You can have your favorite person as your father." Not me. I did not say it.


    I peered a look at Liam who seemed to be calcting something. What was he starting to think in his head now?


    I shook my head. I didn''t have the time to think about him right now.


    Kai said nothing as he left for his room. Diana managed to get to do more games. Kylie was told to drag anyone to the center to dance and for the first time today, I prayed that she should not choose me and she didn''t. She went to choose her favorite person. Liam didn''t know how to dance but he could sway his hips so he was perfect for this.


    Just as Diana hit the y on the music, a phone''s ringtone reverberated through the air and we were confused for a while. I knew it was not my phone because we were using it to y the music. Noticing the shlight from Liam''s pocket, I folded my arms as he fished it out, his eyes narrowing briefly before he turned to Kylie. He crouched to her level and apologized, saying that he had some work to sort out. Fatah tried to hold him back but he told her that he was needed. I was moved once to ask him what the business was all about but it was none of my concern. He was the boss. He either tells me or he does not, it was his decision to make.


    He picked his suit and strode out of the house, making Kylie''s tiny arms fall to her sides as she watched him leave. She didn''t even look at me. She walked to the room while Kyle continued to y the games. I knew my son, he didn''t have any issue. He was carefree.


    I let out a deep sigh. Again, Liam has managed to turn a lovely day into what he wanted. I clenched my fist so tight that it almost whitened. How could I have been so careless? Perhaps, I needed to meet Grayson.

 Chapter FORTY: The Headlines

    Maurene''S


    POV


    I dimmed my eyes, remembering what Kai had saidst night. I had gone to him to ask him if he wanted the gift Liam gave him and I didn''t expect the response he gave me at all. What was I doing that my kids didn''t even recognize me as their mother?


    I swallowed the hard lump in my throat as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.


    He got it for me so I should keep it.


    I even went further to ask if he really wanted his father, he nodded in response. I knew it would be hard trying to tell him that he could not have his father. I had never told them anything about their father. They never asked and I was okay with it until Kai began to ask me about him. I didn''t like refusing my kids when they asked for things but still, not his father. That I cannot give him. I wish I could just tell him like that but it was not as easy as it sounded.


    It would be like I wanted to break his heart. Maybe I should have painted the picture of their father dying then. I was already starting to get frustrated at the way Nathaniel was breaking through every area of my life. He should not be doing this to me, at least not after we separated.


    I let out a deep exhale. What should I do?


    "Maurene!" Diana''s voice yelled out as she rushed into my room, her phone''s brightness glimmering on her face. I looked at her, almost frightened at the way she had called my name.


    "What?" I answered softly.


    "You..." She nced at her phone and then up at me. What was on her phone?


    When she didn''t speak, I reached for my phone to check it. Diana has never hyperventted. She was always calm and cool. As I switched on my phone, she quickly snatched it from me. I peered a surprised look up at her. "What happened?" I asked her. I was starting to get worried and worked up.


    "You..." She swallowed hard, clinging the phones to her chest as she bit her lower lip. "You should go to bed. Early." Her lips tried to curl in a smile but she failed woefully.


    "My phone," I demanded. Whatever it was she wanted to hide from me must be about me and I should see it. I was curious. What exactly could be on my phone that she didn''t want me to see?


    Could it be about Liam? I won''t be shocked if it was him who sent a message though.


    "Diana, my -"


    "No, I don''t think you should see this now. You should rest early. Maybe tomorrow you can-"


    "Just give me my phone." I snatched it from her and unlocked it. The first notification I got was from the news site I used to follow. I didn''t even bother to read it as I went to my message box and didn''t see anything there.


    I looked at Diana whose face was scrunched up in pity.


    "What is -"


    Ast nce at the headline on my home screen made my hands tremble and my eyes widened, almost bulging out of their sockets. What??? I...


    Maurene CRAWLEY: The Lady Who Managed To Have Two Men Pining After Her!


    My mouth parted as my chest heaved with rapid breaths. Who did this? I quickly clicked on it and imagine the shock on my face when I saw the pictures from the event Liam had taken me to when he had abandoned me. This picture was even horrible because both Nathaniel and Liam had their hands stretched out toward me as if they wanted to save me.


    Oh my god! No! No! No!


    I scrolled down and thements had almost stumbling but Diana reached to hold me.


    "I told you that you should go to bed early." She said softly. I turned my head slowly, my lips trembling.


    "I... when..." I stared at the likes on the headline and it was over two hundred likes. What??


    Who did this? I thought that night was over.


    I should call Liam. Wait, he should have called me.


    "Maurene, I don''t think it is a nice idea for you to go through the inte tonight. You should just -"


    I dragged my feet to my desk and pulled open myptop. I tuned out the entire world as I took a seat and started scrolling through the inte. At one point, I knew Diana dropped a tray with a ss of water and some painkillers or maybe sleeping pills.


    I got myself busy with reading each and every headline about me. The pictures from the time I had arrived with Liam to when my dress was stained. Everything was ced on the inte with blogs earning more traffic.


    THE LADY WHO WORE LORETTA MANAGES TO CATCH THE ATTENTION OF THE TWO HEARTTHROBS OF NYC!


    NYC LADIES ARE HEARTBROKEN! AN UNKNOWN LADY STEALS THEIR MAN!


    NATHANIEL HALE TRIES TO SAVE A PRINCESS IN DISTRESS!


    My eyes scanned through thements under the blog post.


    I see it in his eyes. Does he like her? Is it because of the dress? I like the way it was stained!


    No way! No one can snatch Nathaniel from me! I will never allow it!


    Who is thisdy? See how ssless she is looking!


    She does not even deserve Nathaniel !


    My legs began to shake as I fed myself with more hatefulments. Some were even telling me to go and kill myself. How could people be so wicked?


    Tears gathered in my eyes as I read more and more till I began to cry, broken sobs breaking out of me.


    Maurene CRAWLEY! The Seductress!


    No, I will never do that. I will never try to seduce men.


    She looks lowly to me so it is not hard to believe that she is trying to seduce Nathaniel ! I know!


    I wanted to scream. I mmed myptop shut and ran to the bathroom. I let out a muffled scream, not caring if the kids heard me or not. I looked into my reflection in the mirror and the sorrowful shadow that was cast over my face. I clenched my fist as I thought of what to do. There was no way I could respond to every one of them even if I did it overnight.


    If Liam is not willing to help me, I will have to do this on my own then. My phone rang in the room and I quickly went to check who it was. It was an unknown number.


    Could it be any of the people who wanted me dead?


    I swallowed down the hard lump in my throat. I dropped the phone and bit my finger nails, shaking to the core. It stopped ringing and relief washed through me but it was short because it started to ring again.


    I picked it up and clicked the green button before I stopped myself. "Yes, I am thedy but I will not kill myself. Do you hear? That is what you want me to do, right? But I will not satisfy you! I will not do it! I did not do anything wrong so you can keep hating on me and-"


    "Maurene," Grayson''s voice cut through and I paused immediately. "Grayson?"


    <>>< >


    There were reasons I hated being popr and this was one of the reasons. I did not like being popr. I liked keeping a low profile and enjoying myself in private. I didn''t expect Grayson to call me. From the blogs, there was apparently no dent on Nathaniel ''s name so I was quite surprised when he called me.


    "Nathaniel asked me to handle this. He is quite busy with other things. So tell me, where can we meet to discuss?" He asked me.


    Thement I had read where the person had said if she met me, she would stab me to death made me grip my phone tight.


    "Let us just discuss this over the phone. I don''t think it is safe enough for me to step out for now." I told him.


    "Maurene, you know you are safe right? You have Liam, you can bring him along if you don''t feel safe." He said.


    I blinked, remembering that Liam and I were not speaking terms.


    "No," I said quickly. "This is about me. Let me do it."


    "Alright." His voice held suspicion but he didn''t say anything else as I awaited the solutions he was going to send to me. If Liam was not going to help, I will help myself!

 CHAPTER FORTY-ONE: A Birthday To Remember

    Maurene''S POV


    It has been six days since the rumors were spread and today was my birthday. I did not even feel the air. I did not care. What had happened discouraged me. I could not even think of what to do today at all. All I just wanted is that everything that was posted about me was deleted and never to be spoken about.


    Liam didn''t even try to call me to even know how we would deal with them. He didn''t even care to wish me on my birthday. I was really pained at how he just left me like that. He was mad. I was mad. My entire image was in jeopardy here and yet he didn''t offer to help me. He was my best friend and he was not behaving like one.


    Nathaniel had reached out through Grayson but I had refused their help. They have done the barest minimum they could do by bringing down the blogs and post but it had already gone viral. Everyone now sees me as thedy caught between two men. Two men that were sorted after by women, whether young and old. I licked my lower lip as I picked up the scarf on the arm of my chair.


    I haven''t heard from Evangeline and I was desperately worried. I decided that I was going to see today even though Diana had tried to convince me that I should not. She was worried about me. She had also seen the blogs and tried to warn me that it was dangerous to go. That was why I was going to use a scarf. My friend was in danger, who knows. I needed to make sure she was okay. Even in the midst of what I was going through, Evangeline has been on my mind for a while. I needed to check on her. After I was done tying the scarf to hide my face, I got into my t and headed downstairs. A childish squeal made me paused briefly before I craned my neck forward to look who had caused little Farrah to scream like that.


    Funny how I had known who it was before he appeared into his well-ironed tuxedo. He grinned at Kylie who let him lift her into his arms. He threw her into the air and sheughed out. I climbed down the stairs carefully, stopping at a distance from him. He noticed me and dropped Kylie before his lips tilted into a smile. I arched a brow at how weing he was. A week of giving each other''s space and he could smile like this?


    I didn''t return it. I just watched him.


    "Happy birthday!" What he said caught me by surprise. He remembered?


    He remembered that it was my birthday?


    I wanted to smile to ept it but I could not. When he saw that I didn''t bulge, he moved closer to me and looked into my eyes, trying to reach for my hand to hold them but I stepped back. "Can we meet briefly?" His eyes pleaded with me.


    I let my indifferent mask fall upon my face as I replied, "No, I have somewhere to go right now." I looked away from him.


    "Maurene," He pleaded, his voice strained.


    My left eye twitched as the way he called my name made me nch. I peered a look at him and sighed. "Not more than five minutes."


    I knew myself that we might exceed that time but again, this was boundaries. He nodded before I followed him to the yard. We both stopped at the center where the kids would not hear anything and Diana was doing a good job of distracting them.


    "So what?" I folded my arms, staring at him with a nk look etched on my face.


    "Maurene, the headlines..." He started. I maintained my indifferent posture. So he wanted to talk about it now, huh?


    "Liam, you don''t need to talk about it. Nathaniel reached out to me to see if we could clear it but it had already gone viral and what they could do was just limited." I said. I didn''t want him dwelling on it at all. It still made me feel ufortable and it was even yet to be totally resolved.


    "But Maurene, we have to." He insisted.


    "To you, you have to because where were you when the entire world was sting for trying to take away the potential bachelors from them. Do you even know how scared I am to step out of the house?" I asked him. I didn''t want to tell him that I had once done it and the end was extremely bad because I was almost mobbed. That is what you get when you try to get two men that the country loved.


    "Liam, we have pending argument and you adding this one to it won''t help at all." I stated.


    His eyes dimmed a little. "Maurene, actually, I wanted to apologize: I should not have spoken those words. It was insensitive of me to do that. I just felt like you were deliberately stopping me from doing something I wanted to do for the kids. I was scared that..." He hesitated, looking anywhere but me. "I was scared that you were already getting back with Nathaniel."


    It was my turn to narrow my gaze on him. Why was he scared? I should be the one that is scared. Nathaniel was doing too much and it was starting to scare me. Why him?


    "And why did you think I would ever want to get back with him?" I asked him, tilting my head to the side.


    "You... you both... the way he looked at you and... everything. See, I know it is all in the past but let me do what I want for the kids and-"


    "And what if what you want for the kids are against my standards and values? What if I don''t want to raise my kids that way?" I asked him.


    His throat bobbed. "Maurene, I would never do something to harm you or your kids. You all have always been my top priority and I would always protect you all. You need to believe me." He pleaded, a painful look etched on his face.


    I did not know what to say or even think. "Alright." I whispered, wiping my palms on my dress.


    "But Maurene," He stopped me. "You should not switch off your phone location. It is dangerous nowadays," he said.


    I nodded, biting my inner cheeks. My guts gnawed at me about letting him go like this without a fight. After everything he said and did to me, yet I forgave him like this.


    I felt disappointment thawed at my heart but I clenched my fist as a smile crossed Liam''s lips.


    "I brought you something special. And please, promise me you would ept this gift." His brows went up in expectation.


    My eyes ran over his body and I released my cheeks before nodding slowly. There was nothing that he would do again that would surprise me. If he gets me another house, I would not be shocked. Even if he gets me a car, I would still be- "Congrattions, you have be a car owner too." His grin widened and my eyes went wide. My lips parted and I quickly reached up to palm it.


    "W-What? I was just..." I really didn''t mean that. He dangled the keys right before my eyes and I tried to speak but nothing was forming. I searched my head for words and it waspletely nk. He really got me. I honestly wasn''t expecting


    it.


    "Liam," I managed to say his name.


    "It''s yours, take it."

 CHAPTER FORTY TWO: More Surprises

    Maurene''S


    POV


    Liam finally exined everything to me. The hidden work he needed to sort out and why he always had to leave with a call. He was doing everything to make sure the car was imported into the country and that nothing went wrong. There were times when he was called and he had to sort out some papers. I finally understood him. Somehow I knew Liam wouldn''t do something that would hurt me. All these while he has had me in his mind and he wanted to do something that would make me happy.


    "Do you like it?" His voice brought me back into reality and I blinked up at him from the shiny Lamborghini that was parked right before me. He had gotten this for me.


    It was too shiny and shy but still, he got it for me. My head bobbed on its own ord as I was mesmerized by the ck beauty radiating before me. I had always had it in ns to get myself a car but expenses keep swallowing the money. Liam getting me a car had helped me to cut costs. I would be able to use the money for something else.


    "Yes, I do. Thank you." I told him, still trying to get into the reality and this belonged to me.


    "You should enter it," He went ahead to open the door for me and I bit my lips nervously as I headed to the driver''s seat. I knew how to drive, even before I got married to Nathaniel.


    Settling into the seat, the new air of the car swifted into my nostrils and I exhaled deeply, gripping the steering wheel tight. I was doing this. I was doing this!


    I dipped the key into the keyhole and twisted it. The first revving into life made me grin wide. I now own a car. As if on cue, the kids and Diana rushed out and Farrah was the first to scream as she saw the radiant sight.


    "Mommy! Is this for you?" She asked as she came close to me. I smiled as I nodded, knowing that with the excitement bubbling within me, there was no way I would say words without them jumbling together.


    "Wow, it''s so pretty. Now you will be able to take me to school." She said, jumping and pping excitedly.


    The boys also came forward and they admired the car as well. After everything, I stepped out of the car and stared at Liam with nothing but gratitude.


    "Thank you so much." I said to him.


    He waved his hand in the air, shaking his head. "I should be thanking you instead. Even on the days when I was difficult, you dealt freely with me. This is just a small token from me to you as a birthday gift and let me tell you it doesn''t end there." He said, making my brows crease together.


    "Uncle Liam, you got mommy a car and you didn''t get us one." Kylie interrupted, using him as she folded her arms in fake annoyance.


    "Okay, okay. I still have more surprises for you. I know I need to make up for leaving you guys on your birthday so I got tickets to have a vaacation in Anta!" His lips twisted into a grin and Kylie gasped in shock, ncing at me before meeting Liam''s eyes who wiggled his brows. She immediately ran into his arms and he lifted her up into the air. Kyle made a satisfied sound while Kaijust watched us like none of this was his business.


    Liam got my kids exactly what they wanted. He also got me what I wanted and now he wanted to make it up to us by bringing us ti Anta. Gosh, how would I ever be able to pay him?


    "You don''t need to pay me back, Maurene." Shoot, I had said that out loud. "We are best friends, remember?"


    Why did my heart skip at what he just implied?


    I managed to let a smile curl on my lips as I turned back to the car. We continued to check the inner part of the car and Liam urged me to drive all of us around the city and as someone who has always wanted to do that, I agreed without so much convincing.


    We dropped by to some ice cream for the kids and we headed back home. The happiness on everyone''s face was an evidence of what can be done when arguments are resolved. I noted.


    Liam walked up to me, holding a ss of juice. "I already have the paper work ready. You just to need to put your signature and that is all."


    He passed me the file and I put my signature without checking at all. He definitely cannot ask me to sign my life over to him, can he?


    "The file will be sent back to you and you can keep a copy of it. You own the car now." He said. I still couldn''t believe that I now owned a car. It was a dream that I didn''t know what going toe through for a while. I had held myself from having such dreams. I was a mother so I needed to be concerned about caring for my kids even if it cost me some luxury. It was for my kids. I would anything and everything for them to be happy. I realized quickly that I didn''t need to be jealous of Liam or Diana.


    I was the one who had them and brought them to the world. I would always remain their first favorite in the entire world before anyone else. They weren''t just saying it.


    I smiled to myself. But why did it feel like a voice is trying to tell me something? Like it was trying to warn me but I was already happy. Liam and I already reconciled.


    He walked into the kitchen, taking the initiative to wash the cup he used and cleared his throat.


    "What happened?" I asked him.


    He dipped his hands into pockets. An act that he does when he wanted to talk about something ever important. I dropped the tes I was arranging and focused on him. "Any issues?"


    "I should meet Nathaniel." he said.


    My brows knitted together at what he said. "Why?" I found myself asking out of dying curiosity.


    "Because we needs to discuss the headlines."

 CHAPTER FORTY-THREE: A Birthday To Remember

    Maurene''S POV


    Somehow I was grateful Liam told me me before meeting Nathaniel. Maybe he was going to change. He had already spoken with Ged who told him Nathaniel was busy with some other issues. I had overheard him speaking with him. I wondered what other issues he was dealing with. No wonder he had not been able to meet me.


    I let out a deep sigh, slightly ncing at the car key on the table, the thought of the everything Liam nned for me was still new and the feeling was yet to subside within me.


    He had shown me the tickets he got and we were to go in the noon. I had wanted to ask why he chose the noon time but he replied before I asked. He said that he knew that he was going to tell us about it veryte so he wanted us to get the chance to pack. I appreciated his initiative.


    A smile crossed my lips as I dropped my shoulder in relief. Maybe my birthday wasn''t that bad at all.


    "Yes, we agreed to talk with some bloggers." Liam stated, drawing my attention.


    "About what?" I asked.


    "The blogs that would be deleted. Except there is this one big agency." His eyes narrowed.


    My brows twitched. "An hidden agency?"


    He nodded, pursing his lips. "Yes. Nathaniel has been trying to find the one behind the agency but there has been nothing. I have called my manager to look into it but from the look of it, I doubt he will get anything on the agency."


    "Can people really run such agency without the government involvement? I mean like-"


    "And that is where things start to get dangerous. But you don''t have to worry about it. Mr. Lee will take care of it. Just make sure you prepare for the trip tomorrow. I know I didn''t forget about getting you a cake this year." He smiled brightly as he picked up his suit.


    "I have to leave now." He turned to leave. I caught him by his and beamed an appreciative smile.


    "Thank you so much Liam for getting me this gift. Thank you." I told him with sincerity dripping with every word.


    He patted the ce I held him and smiled before exiting the house. Diana walked in, cranking her head forward. "He left already?"


    I bobbed my head in a nod. "Yes. We have a trip to prepare for."


    For some weird reason, I was happy that I was going on this trip. I did not know why but I know this trip will bring me a lot of goodies and I cannot wait to receive them.


    §­§­§­§­§­


    Sleeping throughout the night was hard and even though my guts had warned from going through the inte, I did, going against it. Thankfully, most of the blogposts have been cleared all thanks to Liam. There were just few of them which were still running their mouths to pull traffic to their sites. I didn''t really care anymore though because Liam was now here with me.


    Diana and I had made sure to pack everything the kids would be needing during the trip because I didn''t want Liam spending extra cash and taking out of my budgeted savings.


    As if on cue, he entered into the house, his face bright like the morning sun.


    "I want to believe you are all ready for the trip." He said, wiggling his brows at Kylie who hugged him.


    "Definitely." I told him, hauling the suitcases downstairs. Diana helped me with some too. I was the type of person who didn''t like having so many loads with her whenever she traveled. I had even tried to cut some loads but they were all just important that I couldn''t leave them behind. The only thing I was unsettled with was the many boxes.


    "Alright." He pped his hands. "Time to leave."


    We all followed Liam out of the house with Kyle talking to him about some basketball game I didn''t allow him to watch because it was alreadyte at night and I didn''t like any of my kids staying awake thatte. They were still too young. The thought of when Nathaniel used to stay awake to finish pack paper works and I would try to massage flowed into my head. I could not help but smile faintly at the way he used to refuse me.


    I shook my head, I should not be thinking of things like that. Liam sorted everything we needed to do at the airport and we were soon moved to the aerone. The shock on my face when I realized that it was business ss. On a normal basis, we travel with the business ss but now... We were just going for a vacation and again it was not just the two of us this time. Sometimes, his deliberate actions always made me wish I had met him before I met Nathaniel.


    Kylie tried engaging him during the entire flight while Kyle kept talking to Diana about some things I doubt she was knew about and Kaiobviously sitting beside me and uttering nothing as he yed with his lego. We had decided that each kid will sit with one elder each even though Liam tried to go against it. He got the fact that I was doing for the protection of the kids. Maybe he knew how scared I was about Nathaniel finding out about the kids and then he tries to take them away from me.


    We soon got to Anta and as usual Liam did the checking out. A cab was already waiting for us and we got into it, with another carrying our bags and boxes. I didn''t expect that we would stay in a penthouse. Kylie who had been asleep through the drive to the penthouse let out a yawn as Liam lifted her into his arms. She paused when she saw where we were.


    "Wow." Was the first word she said.


    "You owned this?" I asked Liam, helping Kyle out of the car.


    He nodded. "I had to get it since we wereing here. I didn''t want us lodging at an hotel since we were bringing the kids along with us."


    That was why he insisted that Diana came with us.


    For the next few hours, we tried to settle into the ce. Liam had assigned duties to some men who helped us with taking our bags to our respective rooms. I was too tired to arrange anything at the point when Liam walked into the room, his phone screen brightness illuminating on his face as he looked at me.


    "What now?" I was already tired. I cannot do any work right now. That was what I wanted to tell him but he was my boss. I cannot.


    "I think I have found a way to divert the attention of the press while looking away from that site." He said. I sat up straight, that was one of the things that would be give me a great joy right now. "And what is that?"


    "Let us upload the picture of you and I getting married."

 CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR: Proof Of Love

    Maurene''S POV


    My brows furrowed first before my lips parted to speak but nothing came out. He beat me to it as he sat on the couch, pulling his trousers up by the knees.


    "I know you are thinking that it is not wise. I know too but apparently, this is the only way. We can''t keep letting the traffic go to that site. My clients are going to be badly affected and they might even start second-guessing if they want to invest with me. What do you think?"


    I blinked once. Then twice. This really caught me unaware.


    "Well," I swallowed hard. "Can''t we just release any letter to the press and ask that Nathaniel does the same?" I asked him. I didn''t really want us to go that far. The kids didn''t even know what was going on between us yet and the fact that we had to dress up like the couple that we were not, not just that, we will have to upload the pictures too.


    What would my kids think of me?


    "Letter about what?" He asked, raising his brows.


    "Like the fact that nothing is going on anywhere and that I do not know him. My reputation and my name are at stake here. I knew deleting those blogs wouldn''t do anything. I suggested it to Grayson and he asked that I tell you. He didn''t know we were not on speaking terms then." I told him.


    His eyes held skepticism as he nodded. "I will discuss it with him and see what we can do about that but still, we might have to resort to what I suggested if this site keeps trying to spoil your name."


    I nodded, not fully agreeing but I offered him a tight smile. I wanted to tell him that we were taking this thing too far but this moment was not the time. We just resolved our fight. It would be bad if I brought this up again. Gosh, when will I be free from all of these?


    I headed for the kids'' room and noticed Diana had already settled them in. I sent her an appreciative smile and she returned it with hers as Kylie kept bbing about the view outside their room. I left them to go to my room. It was at that moment I realized what was going on.


    The door creaked open and I swiveled to look at Liam who paused, oblivious to what was happening.


    "Oh," He muttered as he dragged his gaze to the queen-sized bed at the center of the room. "I wanted to tell you about it. There are just two rooms and one guest room in the penthouse."


    Which meant that Liam and I would be sharing the same room. My grip around the edge of my suitcase tightened.


    "But..." I trailed off, not even knowing what to say.


    "Maurene, rx." he walked up to me and ced his palm on my bare shoulders. "Not like I can harm you. Maybe I should reach out to Mr. Lee to check if there are any penthouse vacant with a few rooms. What do you think?" "Diana is going to stay in the guest room. It is a small room. I would have suggested that you stayed there with her or maybe you and her can stay here while I stay at the guest room." He turned to leave but I caught his hand, shaking my head.


    "I don''t want you to be ufortable. I brought you here because I wanted you to feel at ease. I can just ask Mr. Lee to look for a nice and big ce." His eyes held deep concern.


    I shook my head, waving my hand in the air. If he does that, it would only mean another cost which will make me feel guilty. He has done enough for us. I should do this for us too. I will just manage. That''s it.


    I walked deeper into the corner to start arranging my dress in the wardrobe. I nced behind me and noticed he was busy on his phone. Sometimes, I wondered what he was always doing. He never used hisptop. Just his phone.


    I exhaled deeply. I was already tired and I was starting to feel sleepy too. I went ahead to take my bath and returned to take a nap.


    AAAA


    I woke up to a note ced on the table just close to the bed.


    Be ready at six.


    My brows twitched. What was Liam nning?


    I scrambled down the bed and caught sight of a blue gown ced just beside the window. A smile instinctively crossed my lips. What was he thinking?


    I went to the ce and felt the material against my palm. I caught my reflection in the mirror. Was it Loretta who designed the dress?


    I shook my head and headed downstairs to where Diana and the kids were discussing things I did not know about.


    "Mommy! I am enjoying my time here!" Kylie told me, waving her doll in the air.


    I smiled, nodding in response. I sat with them and yed with them, talking about random things. After a while, I realized that Kaiwas not in the living room with us. The smile on my face fell as I excused myself from their midst and made my way to their room. There he was, ying alone by himself with his Lego.


    He looked up and adjusted for me to take a seat.


    "Why are you not with the rest in the living room?" I asked, ncing around so that he would not see how sad his detachment from people hurt me.


    He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. "Nothing, Mom."


    I pursed my lips, the air above us was dry and I tried to think of what to say to lift the mood but my son here was enjoying hispany. His drypany. Why couldn''t he be as bubbly as his siblings?


    "Fahrenheit, let us go to the-"


    "You promised me, mommy." He cut me off, his eyes clear in confrontation. "You promised me that you would take me to Uncle Grayson." He reminded me.


    Wait, what? I what?


    "I promised you?" I ced my hand on my chest, my eyes widened in shock. "I did not promise you, Kaiand besides, Uncle Grayson is always busy. I don''t think he will be able to meet you now." I wanted to tell him not to talk about him so openly. What if his siblings hear of the name? What would I say to them?


    "He told me to tell you that you should call him and he wille." He stated.


    I bit my lip, thinking of what excuse I could give him.


    "I... I don''t have his phone contact."


    "He gave it to me. He wrote it for me." He said, his eyes glinting as he reached for it in his pocket. It was a ruffled paper and he opened it, the numbers written on it obvious as he extended it out to me.


    "Take mommy, this is his phone contact."


    My hand froze into ce as reluctance caged me on the spot. How... How... Oh, no!


    Just as I reached to collect it, my phone beeped with a message alert. Ready yet? I''ming soon.


    My eyes almost bulged out of their sockets when I realized that I was supposed to be ready for whatever Liam was nning in the next thirty minutes. I bolted right for the door, collecting the paper from Fahrenheit. "Mom, I-"


    "I will call him, okay? I have to.... I have to-"


    I rushed to my room to get dressed. I checked the time, my chest heaving with rapid breaths and looked down at the ruffled paper in my hand. I ced it in the drawer.


    I needed to meet Grayson and warn him. He was doing way too much and I was not okay with it.

 CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE: A Date With Him

    Maurene''S


    POV


    Liam''s car was parked right before the penthouse. I didn''t even know when he left the house. He was leaning against the car with his arms folded as he watched me exit the penthouse. My eyes ran over his body, taking in how d he was in a well-tailored suit which was obviously expensive. Liam knew how to dress like a man and how to navigate the attention of women to himself.


    I twisted my lips as I walked to him, suddenly feeling conscious of the dress he had gotten for me.


    "You look beautiful in the dress. I knew it would look perfect on you!" He grinned up at me and blush crept unto my cheeks.


    What was happening to me? Why was I blushing?


    He opened the door for me and I stepped in, without questioning him. I knew Liam would always want the best for me.


    He circled the car and settled in the driver''s seat, making sure he put the seat belt in ce and I did the same as well. "So where to?" I asked him, wiggling my brows.


    I had managed to have my makeup done within that thirty minutes even though it was rushed. I didn''t want any fight again because I knew he mightin about beingte.


    He turned his head to me, a look that told me that he didn''t n on telling me etched on his face. I let out a snort and looked away.


    "It is still your birthday. So I need to make up for the time we were quarreling." He pursed his lips as he inclined his head to look at the mirror. I bit my inner cheeks, feeling like an eighteen-year-old who was being taken on a date. I fidgeted with the bracelet I was wearing as Liam led me through Anta. If Kylie was here with us, she would have kept rambling about the ce and the people.


    I shook my head. Even now, I still can''t help but think about them. Even in the ''me'' time, my children still filled my thoughts. They were my thoughts. My drive. There was no way I would want to be selfish and ignore them, even for a second. They were my life and I lived for them.


    The car slowed down and it was then I realized that we had reached where we were heading to. Liam turned off the car''s engine and retrieved the car key. He unplugged his seat belt and smiled up at me.


    "We are here." I tried to catch the name of the restaurant but he stepped out. I quickly removed my seat belt and grabbed my purse as he opened the door like a gentleman. I muttered a thank you to him. He extended his arm out to me and I gazed at it.


    Not having it in me to refuse him, I hooked my arm around his and he led me to the entrance. The air inside hit me first and for a second, I felt like I was in paradise. The ce smelled like one. I nced around the ce. Few and yet wealthy people lingered around the ce. Gosh, I even forgot to read the name of the ce.


    "Come with me." He told me. I tried to speak but the moment we entered the inner ce, I was awed to the core. I palmed my mouth, making sure I didn''t stain my palm with the lipstick. The ce was ethereal. "How did you-"


    Liam cut me off as he led me through the stairs and we were now standing on the rooftop where music flowed like currents in the air. I beamed a smile, the tuneing from the violin speaking to my soul as thedy ying it seemed lost in the melody she was ying.


    Liam slid his arm down and gripped my hand. We moved forward and men in suits began to hand me roses. My mouth parted in shock as I was led through the center. We reached the end of the red trail and Liam pulled apart from me. The violin was still ying as he slowly pulled his hand out, extending a bouquet of roses to me.


    "Happy birthday to you, Maurene." He said. I didn''t know why he was still wishing me that even when yesterday was my birthday. He wanted to make it up to me so I will let him.


    I took it from him, suddenly feeling like I was being proposed to. "Thank you." I turned to the people who gathered.


    "Thank you." I dropped my head in a bow. The music slowly came to an end and the Lady rose to her feet.


    "You are pretty. I hadposed the song just for you, based on Liam''s request." She informed me. I nced at Liam who frowned slightly at her. There was a hint of familiarity in her tone and that of the yful frown on Liam''s face. Did they know each other?


    "Thank you," I told her.


    She stepped forward and picked some from behind her then she stretched out a rose to me. "From me to you." I Collected it from her, overwhelmed by the love from these people I didn''t know at all.


    "That is the title of the music. I will have the version recorded in the studio and sent to Liam so that he can give it to you."


    I nodded. She led the men out of the ce and it was just Liam and I that waited behind.


    "Let us have dinner." He said quickly before everything turned awkward. I sat down, setting the roses aside.


    "Melinda sings well, right?" He asked and I looked up for him to rify what he was talking about.


    He nodded to the entrance. "Thedy who yed. She is Melinda."


    "Oh, yeah. She ys well. How did you know her?" I asked, pulling the dishes open. They had brought them in when Melinda was still ying.


    He shrugged. "At a bar."


    My brows knotted together. "Bar? Really?"


    He waved his hand in the air. "I haven''t met you then and I was not really close to her. I was enjoying my time alone at the bar at that time and she walked up to me to hand me her card. I just collected it and didn''t know that I would call her for tonight." He smiled as he poured the wine into my ss cup.


    "Wow! That was bold of her. She likes you." I told him before I could stop myself.


    His eyes glinted as he scoffed. "Why do you think so? You told me Loretta liked me and now Melinda? If you are jealous, just say it." He snorted, giving me a yful look.


    There was no I would be jealous. I have no reason to be jealous. I wanted to tell him but I just reached for the meal before me. If he wanted to evade it, I would help him. I knew there would be a time when he would have his soulmate and he would not do these things for me or the kids and I was starting to prepare myself for that time. He just didn''t get it.


    "And besides, I like someone else." He said and that caught my attention. I quickly had a few sips of the wine.


    "Really?" I straightened up as I leaned closer to listen.


    He chuckled. "No." He said.


    I snickered, falling back to my seat. "Why? You should find love."


    "Why? I have you." my heart skipped at what he said and it must have been evident on my face. "And the kids too. I don''t need to seek for something like that when I have you guys." He added quickly.


    I smiled. "Still. Probably, I will remarry too but you are getting old."


    I couldn''t believe we were talking about something like this tonight.


    A shadow cast over his face as he looked at me before looking away. "Let us eat."


    Iplimented the meal and we discussed how he has discovered the ce. Apparently, the owner of the ce was someone he knew and he had paid to have the entire rooftop booked. No wonder the ce was empty.


    The dishes were cleared by the waitress and another music was being yed. He offered his hand and I took it. I was not a good dancer. In fact, I didn''t know how to dance but Liam could so I was not afraid to take his hand. He would always cover my ws. I let him hold me by the waist as we both swayed to the music.


    He held my gaze captive as he pulled me to his chest. Lost in our world, we stopped at the center, the music slowlying to an end. I watched his eyes drop to my lips. Mine did the same. Somehow, in a sh, he leaned closer and imed my lips in a kiss.


    Every rm in my head began ring. I was kissing Liam Ferdinand. I was kissing Liam! I was kissing my best friend!


    A growl from someone I sensed as familiar made me jerk away from him, my chest heaving with heavy breath as I cut my gaze to the person standing and watching me with nothing but pain in his eyes. Nathaniel.

 CHAPTER FORTY-SIX: You Are Mine

    Maurene''S POV


    I bit my lower lip as anxiety rolled through my veins in great measure. What was he doing here? He should not be here! I thought Grayson said he was busy with something.


    I looked up at Liam who turned around, stepping beside me as he snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. Nathaniel''s eyes followed the movement and I noticed his fist clench tight. How did he know I was here?


    "Alpha Nathaniel." Liam acknowledged, adding a tight smile.


    Nathaniel''s eyes were nk as he stepped forward. "I didn''t think I would be meeting you here." He nced between the two of us.


    I lifted my chin, ying along with Liam. He smiled, looking at me with emotions I dared not ept. "My wife''s birthday was yesterday and I thought to bring her on a trip to this ce. With what happened, I could not risk leaving her in NYC." He stated.


    Nathaniel''s brows jumped up briefly before he nodded. "I will leave you to enjoy your moment then. Happy Birthday by the way, Maurene." He added a smile that didn''t reach his eyes even though a shadow cast over his face, telling me that he didn''t believe that it was my birthday.


    I cleared my throat as I pulled away from Liam''s grasp. "I need to use the toilet. I will be right back." I informed him. A look of concern etched on his face.


    "Do you want me toe with you?" He asked me. If Nathaniel was not here, I would havemended him for being the best at acting because he was doing his job really well.


    "Actually, thedies and the guys'' toilets are apart. I don''t think you are allowed to enter." Nathaniel cut in, jealousy dripped with every word as he slowly dipped his clenched fist into his pocket.


    I offered him a nervous smile, mumbling a thank you to Liam as I brushed past Nathaniel who stood there, gazing at Liam. I walked down the stairs and asked one of the waiters standing by where the toilet was and he directed me to the ce. Making sure I closed the door, I opened the tap and let the water rush freely, gazing at my reflection in the mirror.


    What was going on, Maurene? You cannot keep letting Nathaniel affect you this way! He abandoned you! Left you with the kids!


    I balled my fist as I tuned out everything. The sound of the door creaking open had me jerking and turning in alert. My muscles tensed up as a masculine foot stepped in. My heart leaped to my throat, thinking it was Nathaniel but when Grayson appeared with his indifferent posture, I ckened my shoulders a bit. He leaned against the door.


    "Did you miss your way? It is written outside. What if I was... busy?" I reminded him. He did not say anything nor did he react. He let out an exhale as he folded his arms.


    "I knew you were not going to do anything. You just wanted to escape the chaotic air up there." He pointed to the ceiling. I gulped hard, not really surprised that he knew me that well.


    "So what do you want?" I asked him with a pointed tone.


    He shrugged. "Tell Nathaniel who you are." He said in a casual way that I could not help but snort out augh.


    "What did you say?" I asked, a ludicrous smile on my lips.


    He gave me a nk look. "You heard me. Tell him. Then maybe you can continue this contract thing with Liam and eventually marry him."


    My eyes went wide in shock as I slowly lifted my head to meet his stare. He knew? He knew?


    "Y-You knew?" I stuttered.


    "Yes. Let the kids know who their father is. That''s all." He added.


    "You must be kidding me, Grayson. And yes, I''ve been meaning to speak to you. Stop seeing Kaiand stop feeding him the gibberish that he would meet his father soon. His father is dead. I told them that." I warned him. "I am only doing what is right. Do you know? Do you know that boy is the next Alpha in line? How long are you going to keep him away from his father? He is going to be the Alpha. He needs to understand how-"


    "My child is no Alpha!" I cut him off, fear mixed with anger flowed through me. There was no way Nathaniel would take any of my kids away from me. That was why it was already bad enough for Grayson to be aware of their existence. "Keep telling yourself that. You saw the signs and you know it. That child is the next Alpha in line. You know the danger when an Alpha born is not close to the father. It is dangerous, Maurene. Nathaniel is still-"


    "Stop it!" I shunned him, closing my eyes because I didn''t want to listen to anything. "Please leave. I don''t want to listen to anything you have to say. They are my kids and I treat them the way I choose to. You don''t dictate how I train my kids." He nodded, pursing his lips as he jerked forward, twirling to the door. "I see. And yes, Maurene, this is the male''s toilet. You made a mistake." He told me and I quickly rushed forward but he was gone. I quickly returned to close the running tap and as I picked up my purse to leave, I knew it was him before I met his eyes.


    "Nathaniel," I mumbled. He said nothing as he strode to me and pulled me to his chest, longing evident in his eyes as he locked my shocked gaze captive.


    What was he going to do?


    My heart hammered against my chest as I ced my hand on his broad chest. "Nathaniel, you-"


    Currents coursed through my body as Nathaniel captured my lips in a kiss. I red at his closed eyes. I tried to struggle against him but he caught my hand and pushed me gently against the wall as he deepened the kiss. He forced his way past my lips and slid his tongue further. The rms in my head were ring loudly. Nathaniel was kissing me! I was kissing my ex-husband.


    That was the strength I needed. I wiggled my hands out of his grip and pushed him away with every power I had. He stumbled backward and I red daggers at him.


    "How dare you!" My palm collided with his cheek and his head swiveled to the side. "How dare you, Nathaniel?" I gritted out angrily.


    He held the ce I had hit as he looked at me, hurt shing through his eyes. "Why? Why are you doing this to me, Maurene?" He asked, his voice dangerously collected and calm.


    I feigned indifference. "I do not understand what you are talking about." I insisted.


    He scoffed out augh as he looked away, tears glimmering in his eyes. "What? Do you still think I am a child? I have let you do what you wanted. It is my turn now, Maurene." The way he called my name was so personal.


    "Why won''t I recognize you from first nce, huh? No matter what you tell me or pretend not to know me, I will always know that you are my Maurene. You are mine, Maurene. Mine and no one else."

 CHAPTER FORTY- SEVEN: A Psychopath

    Amanda''S POV


    I let out an annoyed hiss as I stared at the stupid blog posts again. They won''t stop making silly posts about Nathaniel and Maurene. I didn''t really care about Maurene but Nathaniel, it was affecting his reputation. Why did that bitch have toe back anyway?


    She could have just disappeared into thin air like she did years back. Aish, she just had toe back to ruin things.


    "Amanda, you need to rx. I think Nathaniel got it under control." Miranda told me, dropping her ss of wine as she leaned back on the chair. I tucked my hair before my ears as the breeze blew softly.


    I let out a scoff. Nathaniel hardly came home nowadays and it has been three days since Grayson and him left the pack house without saying anything. I even tried asking him where he was going but he ignored me. "Why do these bloggers think they can post anything they want? Gosh, I wish I could sue them!" Annoyance was evident on my face.


    "We all know you don''t really care about what bloggers post. You are just mad about it including Nathaniel and that... woman. If it was about men flocking around you, you would be happily reading thements under the post about them gushing about you." Tania said, giving me a pointed look as she disposed of the gum she was chewing.


    I ignored her. Thankfully, Grayson had managed to some sites under control but there was one that just appeared to be intentional about Nathaniel and Maurene altogether and it infuriated the hell out of me. No one should be seen with Nathaniel aside from me!


    "What else? She even went ahead to pay people to post hatefulments and threats under the post." Miranda added.


    "Stop it! Stop talking like I am not here. And so? Nathaniel is mine and any woman that is trying to snatch him is my enemy and she should be yours too. Why are you taking her side?"


    "We are taking your side too. We obviously shared the site links everywhere for you using our private ounts." Tania mumbled.


    "And not just that, we had to pay the bloggers for more exposure." Miranda sighed. "Not like you didn''t cause the separation between the both of us."


    I sneered at them. They were not helping matters at all.


    "No way!" Nadia shrieked, making all of us turn to her. "Martin posted! Martin posted! Martin posted!" She threw her arms in the air as she eximed giddily. Yeah, she has been a stalker on the man''s page. Liking every one of his posts and I knew he must have noticed her.


    She reminded me of what had happened at the party that night.


    Nathaniel had left me to discuss with some business partners. I knew I could not insist for him to stay with me since I had to literally beg my way to be his date for the night. I wanted to use the medium to show the men who always messaged me for a night that it was Nathaniel I wanted. I knew somehow I was pulling enemies together toward him but he was stronger than them all. I knew it, I felt it every time I was with him and other Alphas. He was a threat to them. They considered him as someone who should not be seen in their midst, like he was greater than them even though he was an Alpha like them.


    I was ring at the wine before me. Nathaniel had warned me not to drink any of the wine. I wanted to know what was probably there. Poison?


    I let out a scoff. Who would poison someone in an open area like this?


    I looked away from the drink, feeling bored already. I nced around the crowd in the hall and snickered. They were more fake smiles than genuineughs. This is what it meant to be in a high-ss society. Maurene didn''t know that. That was why she didn''t fit into the ce perfectly.


    I was the kind of woman Nathaniel wanted. Someone he could bring to parties like this and feel at peace instead of watching out for her like a hawk. I liked my space and that was what I was enjoying before a man stepped into my vision, obstructing my view of a Luna talking to the Alpha of another Luna. Some women could be annoying sometimes, their cheating asses.


    My brows twitched as my eyes fell on a man who wiggled his brows before offering me a bright smile. If I did not know any better, I would have returned it. The smile wasn''t a friendly one even if it was bright. It was a smile that was obviously backed with wicked ulterior motives.


    "You didn''t call me." He said, not even bothering to introduce him and speaking so casually.


    My left brow went up in a curve. "What? Why should I?" I inclined my head to the side, folding my arms around myself.


    Amusement danced in his eyes as he chuckled darkly. "Feisty, huh? You look beautiful by the way." Heplimented me.


    I bobbed my head in return. I was not impressed by him, nor the Patek Phillipe he was wearing nor the Dormeuil Vanquish II he donned on his body.


    "You know Dormeuil?" He asked, wiggling his brows.


    I shrugged. Who doesn''t?


    I liked luxury, of course, I would know.


    "Look Martin, I don''t like you. I don''t even know you. Why did you give me your card?" I asked him, facing him.


    His lips tilted in a smile as he set the wine ss in his hand down. "Because you caught my attention, Amanda. Rarely do I ever get attracted to ady like I am to you." He said as if he was trying to tell himself that.


    Still, I was not moved. I know he must have something he was hiding. I knew people and how cunning they could be. Martin however was lying through his wicked smile and I could see through it. "Really? I am not surprised. Men are usually attracted to me." I replied dryly.


    His eyes twinkled with amusement. "Feisty. I like it." He clicked his tongue as he moved closer. I watched him with keen eyes.


    What was it that he wanted from me? I was suspicious. Men like Martin did not just approach me I caught his attention. He has a reason and I would find out.


    His phone beeped with a message alert and his brows creased together before he looked up at me. "See you around, Amanda." He winked before waltzing away from me.


    "You should not be stalking that man." I hissed, disgusted by her behavior.


    She red daggers at me. "Oh, please give me a break. At least, I am not hovering over a man that does not belong to me." She retorted.


    I gasped and rose in anger. I reached to drag her but Miranda held me back.


    "How dare you?!" I yelled at her, my nose red in anger. She scoffed.


    "Focus on winning Nathaniel and leave Martin alone." She snickered before flipping her hair to the back and picking up her bag then exiting the ce. I red daggers at her. She wanted Martin. She will never get him. I will make sure of that.

 CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT: Fighting Rivals

    Nathaniel''S POV


    "Why won''t I recognize you from first nce, huh? No matter what you tell me or pretend not to know me, I will always know that you are my Maurene. You are mine, Maurene. Mine and no one else."


    I remembered what I had told Maurene. I was already getting of her lying through her teeth that she was not the one. I knew she was the one even from the first time I had met her. There was no way I would not. I had watched theme into the restaurant. I was confused, even though I barely believed the story of their marriage. I knew Maurene, she would not marry Liam.


    I finally understood what the manager had said when he told me that someone had rented the rooftop. Normally, we used the ce for a special event for lovers because of the view, and when I was told that someone had offered to pay triple, I was skeptical. I thought to check the person who was singing because her voice was nice and soothing, only for me to see Liam and Maurene dancing like a couple. The shock on my face must have been obvious and I didn''t bother to hide it. He was pushing me and if he was not careful, he would get bitten. He knew I was the owner of the ce and yet he brought her here.


    After she made the excuse that she would love to use the toilet and watching the fool act like he cared to go with her, relief washed through me when she rejected him. I walked up to Liam, snickering and trying to keep my hands to myself. "You came. Finally, after all these times when she was being murdered on the inte. Where were you?" I asked him. I had been frantic when I saw the news. I didn''t care that I was there. I was used to it but seeing Maurene there was different, I spent the entire night calling every media corporation to take down posts and sites.


    I didn''t want to talk to her because she would have thought I was doing too much. The surprise I felt when Liam didn''t call me to ask how we would go about it and she seemed to be struggling too. She had tried to cover up for him but I knew he ignored her the whole time when she was being ndered on the inte.


    He inclined his head to the side, adjusting his sleeves. "Why do you care to know?"


    I scoffed. "I should not? Apparently, the woman you called your wife was being ndered and you didn''t even try to-"


    "Nathaniel, don''t you think you are crossing the line, here? She is my woman. You don''t need to worry. Oh," He looked away. "Do you think she is your wife? The one who left? Let me tell you, Maurene and I are married and she is not thedy you lost. Even if she is, you lost her already. Move on, man." He patted my shoulders as he brushed past me.


    "Such a caring husband that you are! Who knows if you truly love her?" I snickered. He paused and then turned to me.


    "Jealousy doesn''t look good on you. You should find another person to vent on." He winked then walked away. I rushed to the toilet where I knew I would meet her. She seemed startled when I entered.


    Somehow, I had the gut feeling that this fucker was ying with her.


    "Tell me, Maurene. Tell me that your marriage to that fucker is not true." I begged her. I would swallow the pain of the p but she should rify this to me. I looked down at her finger and didn''t see a ring on it. Was their marriage a sham? Her eyes held indignation. "Mr. Nathaniel, I think you are taking this too far. I do not see any reason to rify anything concerning the matter regarding my marriage. I know we are both involved in aplicated scheme by the media. I would implore you that you should not get swayed by them." She stated. Her words were so professional that it hurt my heart.


    "Maurene," I stepped forward to hold her hands but she jerked them away and took steps away from me before turning for the door.


    "Please, let us be professional. The only thing acquainting us is the project and nothing else. As for the rumors, Liam and I would work hard to bring that site down. I think you stopped what you are doing. We will continue from there. I appreciate your help." She said before exiting the ce, leaving my heart shattered as a tear slid down my face.


    The memory of when we had just divorced shed through my mind.


    "I miss her," I told Grayson who arched a brow, questioning me on whom I was referring to.


    "Maurene," I told him.


    His arched brow twitched before he looked away. "You divorced her. You wanted freedom and brought Amanda. You should not miss her and besides, we don''t know where she went." He said.


    I nodded slowly. Moon goddess, bring Maurene back to me and I promise, I will be by her side. I prayed inwardly.


    I straightened my back as I stepped out of the toilet. Exhaling deeply, I headed for outside where Grayson was waiting. From my peripheral, I caught Liam leading Maurene into the car. They stopped by the door and he said something to her. He opened his arms and pulled her in for a hug. Hot jealousy ran through my veins as I watched him pat her hair. He looked in my direction and smirked, patting her even more gently.


    I said nothing as I opened the door and stepped into the driver''s seat. Grayson settled beside me, clicking the seat belt into ce.


    "Find out everything about Liam Ferdinand. I want to know."

 CHAPTER FORTY- NINE: Tears and Regret

    Nathaniel''S POV


    "Why won''t I recognize you from first nce, huh? No matter what you tell me or pretend not to know me, I will always know that you are my Maurene. You are mine, Maurene. Mine and no one else."


    I remembered what I had told Maurene. I was already getting of her lying through her teeth that she was not the one. I knew she was the one even from the first time I had met her. There was no way I would not. I had watched theme into the restaurant. I was confused, even though I barely believed the story of their marriage. I knew Maurene, she would not marry Liam.


    I finally understood what the manager had said when he told me that someone had rented the rooftop. Normally, we used the ce for a special event for lovers because of the view, and when I was told that someone had offered to pay triple, I was skeptical. I thought to check the person who was singing because her voice was nice and soothing, only for me to see Liam and Maurene dancing like a couple. The shock on my face must have been obvious and I didn''t bother to hide it. He was pushing me and if he was not careful, he would get bitten. He knew I was the owner of the ce and yet he brought her here.


    After she made the excuse that she would love to use the toilet and watching the fool act like he cared to go with her, relief washed through me when she rejected him. I walked up to Liam, snickering and trying to keep my hands to myself. "You came. Finally, after all these times when she was being murdered on the inte. Where were you?" I asked him. I had been frantic when I saw the news. I didn''t care that I was there. I was used to it but seeing Maurene there was different, I spent the entire night calling every media corporation to take down posts and sites.


    I didn''t want to talk to her because she would have thought I was doing too much. The surprise I felt when Liam didn''t call me to ask how we would go about it and she seemed to be struggling too. She had tried to cover up for him but I knew he ignored her the whole time when she was being ndered on the inte.


    He inclined his head to the side, adjusting his sleeves. "Why do you care to know?"


    I scoffed. "I should not? Apparently, the woman you called your wife was being ndered and you didn''t even try to-"


    "Nathaniel, don''t you think you are crossing the line, here? She is my woman. You don''t need to worry. Oh," He looked away. "Do you think she is your wife? The one who left? Let me tell you, Maurene and I are married and she is not thedy you lost. Even if she is, you lost her already. Move on, man." He patted my shoulders as he brushed past me.


    "Such a caring husband that you are! Who knows if you truly love her?" I snickered. He paused and then turned to me.


    "Jealousy doesn''t look good on you. You should find another person to vent on." He winked then walked away. I rushed to the toilet where I knew I would meet her. She seemed startled when I entered. Somehow, I had the gut feeling that this fucker was ying with her.


    "Tell me, Maurene. Tell me that your marriage to that fucker is not true." I begged her. I would swallow the pain of the p but she should rify this to me. I looked down at her finger and didn''t see a ring on it. Was their marriage a sham? Her eyes held indignation. "Mr. Nathaniel, I think you are taking this too far. I do not see any reason to rify anything concerning the matter regarding my marriage. I know we are both involved in aplicated scheme by the media. I would implore you that you should not get swayed by them." She stated. Her words were so professional that it hurt my heart.


    "Maurene," I stepped forward to hold her hands but she jerked them away and took steps away from me before turning for the door.


    "Please, let us be professional. The only thing acquainting us is the project and nothing else. As for the rumors, Liam and I would work hard to bring that site down. I think you stopped what you are doing. We will continue from there. I appreciate your help." She said before exiting the ce, leaving my heart shattered as a tear slid down my face.


    The memory of when we had just divorced shed through my mind.


    "I miss her," I told Grayson who arched a brow, questioning me on whom I was referring to.


    "Maurene," I told him.


    His arched brow twitched before he looked away. "You divorced her. You wanted freedom and brought Amanda. You should not miss her and besides, we don''t know where she went." He said.


    I nodded slowly. Moon goddess, bring Maurene back to me and I promise, I will be by her side. I prayed inwardly.


    I straightened my back as I stepped out of the toilet. Exhaling deeply, I headed for outside where Grayson was waiting. From my peripheral, I caught Liam leading Maurene into the car. They stopped by the door and he said something to her. He opened his arms and pulled her in for a hug. Hot jealousy ran through my veins as I watched him pat her hair. He looked in my direction and smirked, patting her even more gently.


    I said nothing as I opened the door and stepped into the driver''s seat. Grayson settled beside me, clicking the seat belt into ce.


    "Find out everything about Liam Ferdinand. I want to know."


    Maurene'' S POV


    I felt filthy and dirty. Two men... two men kissed me tonight and I allowed them. All I just wanted to do right now was to wash my body off every touch from Nathaniel. I rushed to where Liam was waiting for me and by the time I reached there, I was already crying. I didn''t know why. Maybe because I was taken aback when Nathaniel told me that he was not convinced that I was married to Liam.


    I thought I was doing great at acting. Gosh!


    Liam pulled me into a hug. Something I needed right now. After a while, he pulled the door open for me and I entered.


    "Do you want to go home straight?" He asked me, dipping the key into the keyhole.


    "Yes. Just take me home." I said to him and rxed, positioning my head to rest.


    Thankfully, he understood better. The drive back home was silent and somehow I regretted going out today. I was running away from him and somehow we always meet. I hated it. I wish there was a ce in this world I could go to and not meet him.


    We soon got to the penthouse and I was the first to step out of the car and then walk inside. The kids were asleep, I knew judging by the silence in the house. I muttered some greetings to Diana before heading for the room. I quickly got out of the dress because it was starting to irritate my skin. I dumbed it in the basket before hopping in the bathroom.


    Staring at my reflection in the mirror, my mouth spoiled in a cry. How could I allow Nathaniel to touch me like that? After what he did?


    I was angry. I was angry at myself for being so unguarded. If I was with Liam, he would not have touched me like that. Why didn''t I take Liam''s invitation toe with me?


    "Maurene?" Liam''s voice called from outside and I stared at the door, wishing he could see how tired I was.


    "Maurene?" He knocked on the bathroom door.


    "Yes?" I managed to say amidst my sob.


    "Are you okay?" He asked, worrycing his voice.


    Wasn''t this a man who cares? Why didn''t I meet him first? Why? Moon goddess, why? Why did you have to make me marry Nathaniel when all he would ever do to me was break me? Why? You could have protected me! I knew I loved him. It was not wrong to love him, right?


    Why didn''t you tell me before I epted?


    All my life, I have been putting people first. First, it was my foster parents who sold me to Nathaniel''s grandfather for a favor they owed him. Second, it was Nathaniel whom I showered with so much love, and what I got in return was hatred and hurt with a divorce.


    Gosh, the painful past made me clench my fist tight.


    Nathaniel would be back from his trip today. I should prepare something delicious for him. Being a Luna meant that you must be good at everything, that too cooking. I have been working on improving my culinary skills because I wanted to impress him. Although he has neverplimented my cooking but I knew today it would change. My cooked meal coupled with the news I was going to share with him, I knew he would be so happy. That I could guarantee.


    I walked into the kitchen, wearing my apron with so much enthusiasm and ordering the maids to set the thing I would use to cook in ce. I was going to make different dishes. I got to work and as I did, I kept checking the time. After I was done with thest dish which was a bean porridge, I washed my hands and the maids cleaned the ce up. I took the initiative to ce the dishes on the dining table while Grayson walked in first, gazing at the dining table like it should not be done like that.


    "Where is Nathaniel?" I asked him and he nced at me before moving away from the door.


    "He-"


    The door creaked open and my husband stepped inside. I smiled brightly as I moved to take his briefcase from him but the door pushed open further, making my brows furrow in confusion. Did they bring anyone?


    First, it was the glittering heels and the long legs, my eyes trailed up to thedy. I stumbled back as my eyes went wide in shock at thedy who stood beside my husband. McAmanda. She was back! "Nathaniel, what is she-"


    "I brought her back." He responded simply.


    I opened my mouth to speak but words could not form in my head at all. "Why?" I whispered, surprised that my voice was even audible a little.


    He sighed. "Because I had to. See, Maurene, you and I know that our marriage was not meant tost long. You know it but you decided to ignore it and I let you."


    "But Nathaniel, your grandfather-"


    "Yes, he liked you. I don''t know what you did. Maybe you seduced him, who knows? But anyway, Amanda is back. You were the reason we had to separate. She is back now. Leave." He told me. Tears peppered my lids at the way he spoke so casually about us. How could he?


    Did he think I married him because he was the Alpha of the pack?


    "Nathaniel, I-"


    "I don''t care, Maurene. I have brought her back and I don''t want to see you. I wondered what my grandfather saw in you. He is dead now, you don''t need to pretend anymore. If you want money, I will give it to you. Leave at once." He said, pulling Amanda''s hands along with him as they ventured inside.


    "No, Nathaniel!" I stopped him, rushing to block the way. I shook my head. "I don''t want your money. I just want you to know that I am-"


    "Know what?" He hissed. "You know I didn''t want to give you this tonight but I think I would have to." He opened his briefcase and brought a file.


    Extending it toward me, he said. "This is the divorce paper, sign it and leave!"


    "What? Nathaniel, I-"


    He turned to Grayson. "If she is not out of the pack tonight, you will bear the punishment." He told him and dragged Amanda with him. I didn''t miss the wicked smirk on her lips as I was left alone there, shocked at the fact that my husband just divorced me and I wanted to tell him something that would change our lives. News that would have brought us closer together. It would have made us a force to be a reckoned with.


    I was carrying his child. Yes, I was pregnant for Nathaniel.

 CHAPTER FIFTY: A Family Outing

    Maurene''S POV


    I walked out of the bathroom, feeling lifted a bit. I realized that there was nothing I could do. So what if he knew I was the one? What if I was the real one?


    I did not care because there was no way in the world I would get back with him. Not after he rejected me before his pack and Amanda. I sniffed in, packing my hair in a bun when Liam entered the room and I lifted my gaze to him. The kiss we had shared reyed in my head and I let out an exhale.


    Thank goodness, none of us spoke about it.


    He held a tray containing a ss of water and some tablets. "I brought this for you in case you were feeling any kind of pain." He dropped it beside the bed.


    I didn''t know how to appreciate him so I offered him a small smile. "Thank you."


    Maybe I was wrong about him. Liam has been watching out for me and the kids all this while. He has been that pir we didn''t think we needed.


    His lips pursed in a smile. "Maurene, you know you can always talk to me, right?"


    I bobbed my head and then said, "Liam,"


    He turned to me. "Yes?"


    "I think we should do what you suggested. A photoshoot that will convince the people that we are married." I said. I have thought long and hard about this when I was in the car. I wanted to ruin every chance of Nathaniel and getting back together.


    "Maurene, you don''t need to feel pressured to do this, you know?" Still, he cared about me. My eyes drooped a little, shaking my head.


    "I want this. It is the best option now." I didn''t tell him that I had told Nathaniel to stop working on it. Ironic, I had epted Nathaniel''s help because Liam was not with me, and now... "Let us do it. The person behind that blog will have no choice but to take down the post and delete the link." I added.


    He stared at me with keen eyes and I was forced to look away. "Was it Nathaniel?" He asked.


    My brows twitched at his sudden question. "I don''t understand."


    He seemed like he wanted to ask but he stopped himself. I was discreetly grateful that he did.


    "Goodnight, Maurene." He went into the bathroom and I turned to the tablet he had left. Taking the pills, I settled into my part of the bed. Throughout the night, I didn''t feel the bed dipping or Liam''s presence beside me on the bed.


    ~~~~


    "It is morning, wake up!" Liam''s sing-song voice cut through my sleep and I let out a groan, throwing a spare pillow at the ce I knew he was standing because he had split the curtains apart. I turned around to face the ce that was still shadowed. The traitor went there too and opened the curtain, even going ahead to open the window. I split my eyes open. I did not want to wake up not to talk of stepping out of bed today. I just wanted to stay in bed. Was that too much to ask for?


    "Liam," I whined and he directed a look at me.


    "Out of bed, Maurene. We have an outing to do." He told me.


    My brows creased as I lifted my head and stared at him. "Outing? Where?"


    His left brow rose, tilting his head to the side. "Did you think you came just to enjoy the serenity of the penthouse? The kids will be going back to school. I want them to have something they would discuss with their friends so now, stand up." He pulled the sheets off my body and I let out a groan.


    "No, you can take them out on whatever adventure you want to take them on. I''m not going. I just want-"


    "You are not wanting anything. Stand up and meet us downstairs in twenty minutes'' time, Maurene." He cut in and walked out of the room, leaving me to scream into the pillow.


    Can''t a young woman have her space?


    I dragged myself off the bed after a while and proceeded to the bathroom where I did the usual. I turned to start my skincare routine when I noticed a little bruise on the side of my lips. The feel of Nathaniel''s lips felt real again and I quickly shook my head. I didn''t let myself get into the kiss even though I wanted to. I wanted to lean into it and let him kiss me like his life depended on it but the past... was a block.


    I shook my head once again. It was a nice new day and I should not be thinking about my ex-husband. I exited the bathroom and went through my wardrobe to pick a dress that would suit the sunny atmosphere. I wanted to be free so I added a little adornment to my hair and picked my purse, got into a pair of brown sandals, and walked out of the room.


    I heard the kids giggling downstairs and an instinctive smile took over my lips as I climbed down the stairs.


    "Mommy!" Kyle called.


    I grinned at him and his smile widened. "You look pretty!" Heplimented me. Pink blush stained my cheeks as everyone turned to look at me.


    I noticed they were all dressed in flimsy clothes too. Kyle and Kaiwere wearing the vintage and cargo pants I had gotten for them while Kylie was dressed in a floral gown, just like mine.


    I took a seat, scanning the food on the table. "And which should I eat?" I mused.


    "Mommy, I want to ask you something." Kylie chipped in, dropping her spoon.


    "Uh, good ahead." I picked up the spoon to take some rice and reached for some soup in my te, making sure I ced it well.


    "Are you married to Uncle Liam?" Her question threw me off guard and I stilled immediately, my hands hanging in the air and ncing up at Liam who also raised his head in shock. Did he tell them? After I told him not to?

 CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE: Family Outing II

    Maurene''S POV


    I turned to Liam, demanding answers from him with a re directed at him. He fumbled with his spoon, pursing his lips as he shook his head.


    "I didn''t. I only told them that-"


    "We saw it on the inte, Mom." Kylie cut in and I faced her, my brows etched closer.


    "How did you see it?" I asked her.


    "When Miss D. dropped her phone to go check on Heit, we saw it and thought it was fake. Is it fake news, mommy?" She asked, her big eyes optimistic.


    I didn''t know what to tell her. One way, it was true, the other, it was not. That was the reason I had told him I wanted it away from the kids. I didn''t want to confuse them especially when I fall in love with a potential person. I did not Liam as someone I could marry. He was doing enough and it would feel like I married him to repay him which I didn''t want.


    But wait, how did that-


    I picked up my phone and the first news I saw was the picture of Liam and me on the roof, holding hands and staring into each other''s eyes like nothing else mattered to us. When did he -


    "Liam, you-" I showed him the phone and he bobbed his head in response.


    "Yes, I actually had the photographer take us. I didn''t mean for it to be posted, initially but after you told me to-"


    "Yeah, yeah." I cut in, nodding. Diana was already me a different look that the kids were here and that we should not be discussing things like that before them.


    "It is alright," I mumbled even though we would still talk about thister when the kids were not close to us.


    Thankfully, he got what I did but throughout the entire dinner, I was awfully quiet and it made him ufortable which was way too obvious.


    "But Mom, you are not married to Uncle Liam, right?" Kai Asked me, looking at me with his amber eyes that made me remember Nathaniel fromst night. I must do everything to make sure Nathaniel does not meet Kai Because it is then he will know the secret I was hiding.


    "Mom?" Kyle called my name and I jerked back into reality.


    "Y-Yes, I..."


    "Kids, let''s start going!" Liam said, picking Kylie up in his arms as he led us out to the car. During the entire drive to the park, I was quiet. I didn''t utter a word. I caught Kai Looking at me through the mirror and my heart skipped.


    I felt like the only one who was concerned about this news was him. I was scared as to how he would take it if it were true. Would he have wanted to have Liam as his father?


    No, not when he knew that his father was still alive.


    I closed my eyes tight and Liam brought the car to a halt. Stepping out, Liam rambled on the rules the kids should follow and that they should stick to him. We got to the gate and we were asked if we came as a family. "Yes," Liam quickly responded.


    "No, he is not my dad," Kaistated and I cut him a look that said that he should keep quiet.


    He looked away, annoyance etched on his face. He definitely didn''t like Liam being called his father. After we were given our tickets, we entered and the kids were the first to find the spot they wanted to have fun. As I watched them, Liam was helping Kylie into the bouncing castle. He looked like the great father figure in their life.


    Ady beside him smiled up at him and he returned it with a bob on his head. He was always good with people, knowing how to keep rtionships. The potential man for women but not me.


    "You are a good father. I am sure your kids would love you." I read her lips and I almost rolled my eyes. She was doing bad at flirting with him.


    Gosh. I was even scared to check the blog posts. What if the n backfired?


    I let out a sigh as I brushed my hair to the back, hating the feeling in my chest. I nced around, searching for Kaiand panic coursed through me immediately. Where was he-


    A girl''sughter caught my attention and I saw my son standing before her, staring at her like she was a mystery and sunshine.


    "Fah-"


    "Mom! Come here!" Kyle urged at me and I was caught between my two sons. I finally gave in to helping Kyle as I kept my eyes on Kai who was talking to the girl. The girl grinned again, showing him her doll which he stared at.


    He said something about his sister having the same doll too and I recognized it as the one Kylie had bugged me to get for her. After a while, the girl''s mom came to get her and Kai walked up to us. I said nothing as we went to the ice cream bar. There was a picture stand so Liam suggested that we took pictures. Kylie was excited so she quickly agreed while the rest of us just dragged our feet into the ce.


    "You look great as a family." The female photographer smiled in admiration.


    Just as I wanted to rify what she said, Liam cut in. "Thank you!" He collected our pictures and Kyliemented on the ones that were pretty. Kyle looked around while Kai and I were in a different world entirely. A world that was filled with confusion and chaos.


    He wanted his father and yet I could not give him that because I didn''t want his father. He didn''t want Liam as his father, I didn''t also. I only admired Liam as a friend. I didn''t want us to go any further other than this and the kids should not have happened. I must have been carried away by the things he did in the course of three days.


    "Maurene," Liam cleared his throat as he sat down beside me, watching the kids y around the field with other kids.


    I didn''t look at him as I licked my ice cream.


    "You know I didn''t mean-"


    "You should have told me that you were doing it and I had prepared for it. You just throw the bomb on me like that and not expect me to feel the heat. I would." I said.


    "I''m sorry. I just wanted to act fast so that the site would stop publishing rumors about you." His brows creased together in concern.


    I understood his standpoint but at the same time, he should have told me.


    "I''m sorry." He apologized again, moving closer to me.


    I didn''t know what he was trying to do but I stood still.


    "And yes," He coughed out slightly. "I looked into the site and pondered on who might be behind the site." He exined and I turned to him, listening to him.


    Since the rumors came out, I have been thinking about who could be running the site. At least, a ghost could not be running a site, could it?


    "Who is it?" I asked in anticipation.


    "It is not confirmed yet, Maurene." He breathed out.


    I shook my head impatiently. "Tell me." Let me know the person that was after my life.


    "The person is..." He gazed at me as he added, "Nathaniel."


    And the te of Ice cream in my hand dropped.

 CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO: I Want You Again

    Maurene''S POV


    I didn''t want to believe what Liam told me. There was no way in the world Nathaniel would do that. He was heartless and sometimes ruthless but I knew Nathaniel, he would never stoop so low. Then, why was he wasting his strength if he was


    behind it?


    Why would he try to help me if he was the one spreading the rumors?


    I wanted to believe it for once but then... I gave Nathaniel the benefit of the doubt. I noticed Liam didn''t take it kindly when I told him that Nathaniel would never do that.


    He said nothing in response and just added, "I would look into it better when we return to NYC."


    He reminded me again that we would soon be going back home. I tried to enjoy myself during the outing but the fact that anyone could recognize me and it could lead to another thing entirely scared me so I was careful. Thankfully, we finally finished and Liam led us to his car. His eyes twinkled and I knew he was nning another thing.


    "What is it this time again?" I groaned out, pinching the bridge of my nose.


    He smiled. "We are going to a restaurant." He informed me.


    My brows etched closer, worry settling between them. "Have you forgotten about-"


    "I know, Maurene. But this restaurant is different from the other one we went to. Besides, you would not be meeting Nathaniel, this time. I promise you." He offered a small assuring smile.


    "No, Liam. We can go to any other ce other than a restaurant. Why don''t we-"


    "Mom, I want to go to a restaurant with Uncle Liam." Kyle cut in from the back, I could see Kylie pouting her lips and I closed my eyes. They knew my weak point. There was nothing I would not do for them.


    "Okay," I mumbled and they let out a cheer. Liam pped with Kylie who giggled happily. Of course, it was a nned work, one that excluded their mother.


    He took a turn and drove to the ce. As he said, it was quite different from the one he had taken me to before. We stepped out and he led us inside. The reality that we looked like a family made me halt.


    Liam noticed that I was not moving with them, he looked back and urged me toe. I forced my legs to move on their own. There was no way I would marry Liam truly. It was not advisable. I was not against best friends dating or marrying but... I felt more indebted to him.


    The interior part of the restaurant didn''t help at all because it looked like a family setup. That was when I understood what Liam was doing. He brought us here to make it feel like we were family. I closed my eyes, knowing I could not turn back at this point. He found a space at the corner and led us to settle there.


    The waiter approached us, smiling politely. "What would you like to order, Sweet Family?" He asked. Shock masked my face as I lifted my gaze up to him.


    "We are not-"


    "These." Liam handed him the menu. He showed me the card before me. I nced down at it. Sweet Family was written at the center. I almost scoffed. There was nothing sweet about a family that is not. "What did you order?" I asked him.


    "You will like it, I promise." He told me. He has made lots of promisestely. Did he notice?


    Some minutester, our meal arrived. Kylie pped her hands in excitement as they were ced gently before us. The table was carved in a way that we could turn it around. Liam was asked to sign the invoice. I tried to see the amount we were spending but the waiter moved away.


    I was not okay with that. I didn''t want to ask Liam because I knew he would not tell me either. Liam brought his phone and suggested that we take photos. We did that for like five minutes before we began to eat. I served the kids and ced the handkerchief around their necks before I dug into my meals. No one was allowed to speak while eating so the moment we were done, Kylie let out a satisfied noise.


    "I like this ce. I want us toe back here again, huh, Uncle Liam!" She told him.


    He nodded. "We would, don''t worry."


    I suddenly felt pressed and excused myself to go to the toilet. Liam had suggesteding with me but I stopped him to look after the kids. As I made my way to the toilet, I tried not to let my instincts tell me that I would be meeting Nathaniel. I wanted to avoid him, at least from the time he found out about me being Maurene.


    I let out a deep exhale as I entered the female toilet and eased myself. I rinsed my hand and moved to step out when I bumped into someone.


    The person let out a curse under his breath and I gasped. "I''m sorry. I should have been careful with the door. I didn''t think it would hit you. I am sorry." I apologized quickly. His cologne first registered in my head and I froze in ce. I gazed up at him, shocked as hell. "B-Nathaniel," I stuttered.


    "Maurene?" He called out as if he wanted to confirm that I was the one standing before him. I thought Liam said I would not be meeting him. Then why was he here? Oh, the kids!


    I was dumbfounded as I stood rooted to the spot, scared that he would find out about the kids. I should try to distract him.


    Panic coursed through me and my hands began to tremble. He quickly reached for me but I stepped out of his touch. "No," I stated.


    Pain shed through his features. "You are shaking, Maurene. Rx, I''m not going to hurt you." He said to me like he didn''t do that in the past, leaving me with scars.


    I ground my jaw. "You don''t need to worry about me, Nathaniel." I bit out.


    He reared back at my tone. "Maurene, I didn''t know you would be here. Are you with Liam?" He asked, ncing behind me.


    "It is apparently none of your business," I said, lifting my chin.


    He exhaled. "See, Maurene. I really want you toe back to me and Liam, he is not who you think he is. He is-"


    "What? He is what? Nathaniel?" I cut him off.


    Did he think I was going to let him talk badly about Liam while I stood before him?


    "At least, he didn''t send me out of his house on a rainy night, did he?" I asked him, leveling him with a re.


    His eyes went wide slightly before he moved forward. "Maurene, I..."


    I raised my hand, shunning him before he continued. "I don''t want to hear anything from you. You have done enough damage already. Just let us pretend like we don''t know each other. It is best that way." "Maurene, I knew you were pretending. You should listen. I can exin. I..."


    "Exin what? Don''t. Stop it. I will never ever return to you so clear every thought of that happened because it would never happen. Goodbye, Nathaniel." I walked out on him.


    He looked like a lost puppy and I did not know if I should be satisfied that I told him my true identity or happy that he wanted me back. Either way, it is never going to happen.

 CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE: A Mysterious Man

    Maurene''S POV


    I did not tell Liam about my encounter with Nathaniel in the toilet. I did not know why I kept meeting him in a ce like that. Funniest part was that I had had an inkling that I was going to meet him there and I did. Gosh, couldn''t this man just let me go?


    I shook my head, tired of seeing him. Couldn''t we just return to the time when I didn''t have to bother about meeting him again?


    When I was just living my life, concerned about raising my kids. Taking care of them to the best.


    I let out a deep exhale, knowing fully how impossible that was. We were destined to keep meeting over and over again and it was starting to get on my nerves.


    Another thing that helped me not to think about him was our viral photos. Liam had made sure that it went extremely viral and there have not been any shenanigans from that site. Probably, the person in charge cowered in fear. I tried asking Liam if he was involved and he dismissed me with, "Why will I waste my attention on someone who is earning a living based on ruining people''s lives?"


    He was right which was the reason I wanted to meet this person. As usual, there were still hatements but they were reduced now. My mental health was at stake. Didn''t these people think that they were fucking with my mental health? Some people just do things that want to make you strangle them.


    I chose to ignore them since they were not worth my time. Work would be starting soon and I would have to face my fears.


    Facing my fears in the sense that I would be meeting Nathaniel soon. I could not forget the look of shock on his face like he was not expecting to ept the fact that I was Maurene but I had to. He had pushed me and was scared when he saw the result.


    A part of me was still scared about what he thought of me now. Would he still work on the project with us or make us lose Alex like before? Well, I knew Liam would not me me since Alex was the one at fault in this context. He had been borderline arrogant and dumb, permit me to say. In fact, I think Liam is going to be happy if we don''t get to work with him.


    My eyes scanned through the shelf. I wanted to get a sanitary pad. Apparently, my period decided toe this morning and it was not funny because Liam had carefully sent me the lists of things we would need on the trip. He included the sanitary pad too but I chose to ignore it. That was how he did every time we went on trips.


    He searched through the inte for things we must bring along on a trip and brought them together then pasted them to me. He was a life saver sometimes. He had even suggested going for me today but I told him I would go by myself. I needed the air where he was not there.


    I groaned out remembering how he had reprimanded me when he told me. I scoffed at him and hurried out of the house. I picked the brand I liked from the rows and thought to get fruits. I tend to want fruits and chocte anytime I am on. I was still checking the date of expiry date on the pack of chocte when I bumped into a thick chest. I winced, rubbed my forehead, and red up at the man who refused to apologize for blocking my way. Surprise coated my features as Ged appeared.


    "Grayson?" I called out surprised.


    He blinked just once to let me know that he could hear me and I should speak.


    "What are you doing here?" I asked.


    He nced around, silently asking me the question, What do peoplee here to do?


    I rolled my eyes, stepping back and giving him a ridiculous look.


    "I think you came just in time. I want you to stop meeting Fahrenheit." I said, a frown crossing my face.


    His brows jumped. "I can''t. He is my Alpha''s son and I have to make sure he is doing well even if my Alpha does not know about it." His voice was dry.


    I looked away, trying to tamp down the anger I was feeling. Grayson could backflip me and I would meet myself on the ground, no one would be able to save me.


    I weighed my options. "You don''t have to do it. I can take care of my kids just on my own. It is unnecessary of you to continue doing that." I cautioned him.


    An emotion I could not decipher shed in his orbs and I narrowed my eyes on him.


    "See, Grayson. You should not -"


    "You should tell him about the kids now that he has found out about you being real." He cut me off.


    I snorted. "And why should I do that? Because of what? I don''t need to and he does not want to."


    "And who said that? Nathaniel would have to ept the kids one way or the other when the DNA has been done. You don''t need to worry about that. Nathaniel would -" "Not know about the kids." I cut in. "You will not tell him and he would not know. Period!" I cut him off, my chest heaving with rapid breaths. Panic was twirling in my belly.


    He looked me dead in the eyes. "I can only keep quiet for a little while, Maurene." With that, he walked away, leaving me trembling in anger and fear. Nathaniel has taken away everything that I was. I would not allow him to take away my kids too!


    Nathaniel this! Nathaniel that! Even after the divorce and being out of his life, he has refused toe out of mine. I wanted to scream out right now.


    I angrily took a turn in the section and bumped into someone, the oranges I had picked into my basket out of anger poured on the floor and I let out a curse under my breath, bending to pick them up.


    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to-" The person I had bumped into apologized and his hand appeared in my vision with an orange in his eyes. I lifted my eyes to meet the most hypnotic eyes I had ever seen. Something shed through those orbs and I was taken aback. My entire body stilled in ce as I tried to look past the mysterious man''s gaze.


    "Sorry, youngdy." He drawled, rising to his feet and I followed. He signaled to the orange in his hand I was yet to collect. I blinked, taking them from him and he offered a smile before he walked away.


    I was left there, hypnotized and gobsmacked.

 Chapter Fifty-Four

    Maurene''S POV


    Thankfully, the flightnded safely and Liam had already arranged for a cab that will take us to my house. Sitting in the front seat while Diana sat at the back with the kids with Liaming behind us in another car, I stared outside through the window, still finding it hard to forget that man''s eyes. He looked like someone who had hidden intent and I was attracted to him. He needed to ask Liam if he knew him.


    Kylie kept talking about how she wished she coulde to Anta every year and I shook my head, scoffing her daydream. She rambled on how she enjoyed every bits of it and Diana engaged her. We soon reached our house and we carried the bags inside, Liam settled the driver who thanked him and drove away. He looked up at me and we both entered, Diana had already taken the kids inside before.


    I went to my room and dropped my bags before heading downstairs back, my new car key jingling in my hand and giving me the satisfaction of the sound I have always wanted to hear all my life. I smiled up at Liam. "Thank you so much. For the trip and everything!" I told him and he arched a brow. "What?" I asked.


    "You have been thanking me since we left Anta. I''m getting tired of it already." he groaned, shaking his head and pinching the bridge of his nose as if he was some sort of pain.


    "Are you alright?" I asked him, moving closer to him.


    He dropped his hand, waving it in the air. "I just need some rest and it would be gone."


    "Are you sure?" worry formed lines between my brows.


    He sighed. "Yes, Maurene and now don''t worry yourself. Work start soon. We will have to start supervising the project especially that of Mr. Galen''s." he informed me and I straightened up. Gosh, can I work without having to work?


    "Alright if you say so." I pursed my lips before remembering I was yet to thank him for the car. "Liam," I called his name and he looked up to me with clear eyes.


    "Yes?"


    "For the car. Thank you. I truly appreciate it. I know you will say it is bing too much but I still have to thank you for it. You made me so happy even though... Just thank you! For the publicity." I said with sincerity. Fortunately, the post about Liam and I being loved up had turned the tables. They didn''t see as someone who seduced her way into Liam''s heart.


    The headlines were now; Liam FERDINAND AND AN UNKNOWN LADY LOOKING SO LOVED UP IN RECENT PICTURES.


    I think Liam hired some people toment because there were somements that hinted that I was his secretary. I did not want to be demanding because I did not like the spotlight. I was not one of the people that fed off the spotlight but at the same time, he had done so much for me.


    "You are wee. I would have loved to stay but I have some things to finish up. Bye. Take care and rest well." I froze in ce when his lips connected with my forehead. I blinked twice, thrice, not knowing to react as he picked up his suit and walked out of the ce. Liam pecked me on the forehead and I have never had an issue with that but this particr one felt too personal. Way too personal.


    "Diana, hope the kids are settled?" I asked her and she bobbed her head.


    "Kylie fell asleep not long ago." she informed me. I shook my head, she was busy talking in the cab and now fallen asleep so quick.


    I let out a deep exhale and went to my room. I needed to start arranging some things back to their space. I sat down and opened the bags I had brought back. Liam had allowed me to get some clothes and shoes for myself. I used my money by the way.


    I ced the shoes on the rack and got busy with arranging the dress. My eyes caught a wine box hidden between my dresses and my brows creased closer in confusion. Opening it, my wedding ring came into sight and I gasped. I was shocked, frozen to the spot as I stared at the glittering ring in my hand. Howe I had kept it?


    The ring was so pretty and elegant.


    A small smile curved on my lips on how happy I had been when Nathaniel ced the ring on my finger, vowing words he went against himself. I had been an excited youngdy who finally got her crush to marry her. The way I had squealed the I do, snickers had sounded from the background but I ignored them, focusing on the man before me except he had nned to break my heart from the very beginning.


    I closed the box, hiding it in the deepest corner of my wardrobe. The moment I pushed the drawer in, the door creaked open and Kai appeared beside me. I rose to my feet and watched him walk toward me, his face nk as usual. "Kai." I called his name and his footsteps stopped before me. "What do you want?" I asked him so sweetly.


    He pursed his lips and immediately, I knew what he wanted to ask but I let him.


    "I want to see my daddy. Uncle Liam is not my daddy." he told me.


    It was at that instance I realized that there was no way they would ept Liam even if we get married legally and really.


    "Fahrenheit, we''ve spoke about this and I have told you that your father cannot-"


    "I will search for my father myself if you don''t, mom." he cut me off and my heart slipped to my throat.


    I did not know but what I remembered was that I didn''t respond and he walked out of the room. The aura that oozed out of him was a great deal of Alpha authority and for another time I was scared that I was starting to lose my son. I remembered Grayson''s words. He is an Alpha. He needs his Alpha to train him and his wolf is starting to want more power.


    I need to introduce him to Nathaniel, sooner orter. That thought scared the living daylight out of me.

 CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE: Pain Triggered

    Nathaniel''S POV


    I couldn''t control myself. The way the fucker had been holding her and he even kissed her. He knew I would be at the restaurant because I owned it. He had asked the manager for a favor and I had been confused as to why someone would request that the upper roof be totally cleared out. I had gone there to see for myself, only to see her kissing him and staring into his eyes like he was her safe haven. I wanted that too. It was meant for me and not him. She should have looked


    at me that way.


    I was her... I was her what?


    I closed my eyes, letting out a muffled groan as I stared at the file before me. I was yet to find out the one who was behind the attack on the Luna Queen. It felt like at every point that I got to, the trail was cleared and I had to start again. That was why I went to Anta to meet a Lycan who was skilled in trailing.


    I definitely could not give up since my pack was on the line. Justst week, I received a call that the feedback was yet to be received and I felt like I was being incapable of finding it. It was annoying the fuck out of me.


    I hissed, dropping my sses to the desk and staring at the door, the looming presence of my Beta making me sit alert. The door creaked open and his eyes shed with mine, no reaction from him as he closed the door and stepped further. He sighed. "I looked through it. The owner of the restaurant is an old man who lives far away from New York but..."


    "But what, Grayson?" I asked him. I was already getting tired of these things. I had other things to focus on. Things like getting back my ex-wife and Luna.


    "He is dead." And now, that was it. Every time! Every damn time!


    "What-" I stopped myself before I would shout at him. He was not one behind the attack, I should not take it out on him.


    "Actually, what I think is that... the old man might not be the owner of the restaurant. It could be some sort of camouge by the real attacker." He said, taking his seat. I exhaled deeply, tugging at my tie and loosening it.


    This person was driving me crazy and I hated it.


    "And who do you think it might be?" I asked.


    He shrugged. "We have evaluated those pompous Alphas, even went as far as spying on them. There is no Alpha in this area we have not searched. Except for the Alpha King. We have yet to go close to him," He answered.


    I shook my head. "No, the Alpha King is out of reach. There is no way he would harm his Luna Queen. He seemed all too loved up with her at the party." I clicked my tongue.


    Or could it be true?


    No, there was no way. Maybe I needed to meet the Alpha King.


    "Set up a meeting with the Alpha King. I have to discuss some things with him." I said, picking up the file once again.


    We discussed other things concerning the pack and he left to deal with them. I sat in the office, trying to evaluate the entire issue. Who would daree to my territory and make a mess of it?


    I must not catch this person.


    There was something else that was baffling me. The site that had been stubbornly going after Maurene. Initially, she had asked for my help, and I had Grayson attend to her because I was busy with this issue. Now that I think back to it, there was something fishy about the site. I needed to know who was behind this site. At least, even if it was some sort of stupid high school student who was a growing psychopath, I should know. Maybe somedy who was jealous of Maurene.


    Maurene has been keeping a low profile since we... separated. From what Grayson had managed to gather about her, she had not made any social media appearance which could only mean that the person was taking advantage of that. I picked up my phone and dialed some developer''s numbers I managed to get at the party from fellow businessmen. I knew they would have since they had them to clear out rumors or turn the tables around. It rang for some seconds before a crack sounded through.


    "Hi," The feminine voice caught me off guard. I was expecting a deep baritone voice.


    "Hello, am I unto Fisher Code?" I asked.


    "Yes, you are. Alpha Nathaniel." She replied, taking me by surprise.


    Did she know me?


    "You know me?" I asked her, suddenly sounding like an idiot.


    She chuckled on the other end. "You wish to deal with the rumors spreading about you and your ex-wife, isn''t it?" She asked and I could hear a little tilt of her lips in a smirk.


    She shouldn''t know that. Gosh, my heart was hammering in my chest.


    "You..."


    "I was expecting you to call since it broke out but anyway, it is all the same now."


    "Are you the one behind that site?" I questioned carefully.


    She snorted. "I wish I was but I don''t make people''s lives miserable that way. I save people and make sure their mental health is in ce." She replied, her words dripping with sarcasm. "Okay. I want to know who is behind the site." I stated my request.


    She scoffed. "If you want to know, you would have to employ the services of some greater securitywork because that particr site is guarded heavily by codes. I tell you. If you discuss it with other people, they might try to deceive but I will tell you. They cannot do it so have a nice night, Alpha Nathaniel." She didn''t wait for me to speak, she disconnected the call and I stuttered in shock.


    Really? There was nothing I could do? What did she mean by the site being guarded by codes? Was she trying to say that it was someone influential that was behind it? Definitely, an average person would not have the money to finance a site that was aimed at ruining people.


    Gosh. I was going crazy already.


    I rose to my feet and exited my office. I walked to the sitting room and saw Amanda who seemed to be mad about something on her phone, at the same time, my phone beeped, and I checked the headline, Liam FERDINAND APPEARS TO BE LOVED UP IN NEW PHOTOS WITH UNKNOWN LADY.


    Another beeped, Unknowndy revealed to be his secretary named Maurene Crawley. The phone trembled in my hand as I growled angrily, my chest heaving. That fucker was trying to take what is mine!

 CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX: Jealousy Tested

    Maurene''S POV


    It was Monday and Liam had already informed me that we were visiting Mr. Galen, the vampire king. I didn''t know why Liam was getting himself involved with so many supernatural elements. Didn''t he know that it smelled more trouble for him?


    I would not lie. It felt like he was trying to build some sort of alliance. With the way Mr. Galen had ordered his guards to let him when we got to the entrance, it felt strange but I kept quiet. His wife was not anywhere in sight by the time we took our seats and he was smiling as usual. Like a snake. Vampire were said to be hypnotic. That was how they were able to suck and turn their objects. I grimaced at the thought of Liam offering me to him as an object for his fangs. "So yes, what do you say?" Liam asked, leaning forward and mping his fingers as seriousness took over the air. I sat up straight and brought out the files. Sliding it across to him, he leaned over and picked it up. He flipped through the pages, his brows arching as his eyes scanned through the letters. What I did not know about vampires was if they had fast reading or assimting ability.


    He sighed. "Okay. Deal. I have arranged thend already. Although you might want your people to be careful. It is the full moon night soon and I would not advise that you send your people over. Just wait till it is all over." He said, dropping the file and picking up the ss of wine... or blood to sip from.


    My brows creased together. Full Moon Night? What was it about?


    I did not near anything like that when I was still at Nathaniel''s ce. I nced at Liam who pursed his lips, bobbing his head as he tried to think about something.


    He looked up at Galen who strangely was avoiding my gaze. "I was thinking if you lend us some of your men and-"


    "Mr. Liam," Galen cut in, wiggling his finger in the air and shaking his head. "No, I can give you space on mynd to build something as important as the orphanage but not using my men." He disagreed.


    Liam nodded, not even arguing any further. He turned to me and signaled that it was time to leave. I packed the rest of the files back and left the one Mr. Galen was to sign.


    "In the next two weeks, we will return to take the signed file and start working," Liam told him and we both rose to our feet at the same time.


    Galen smiled, rising to his feet. "Don''t forget your end of promise too, Mr. Liam." His brow twitched as Liam''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    That was suspicious. What did he promise him?


    "I won''t. Thank you for agreeing." They shook hands and Galen faced me, an amused look on his face. He must have seen the recent news about us... about me.


    The memory of what happened at the party shed across my vision and my jaw hardened. I tried to gulp down the lump in my throat as he held his hand out for a handshake. My hand trembled as I took his. He gave it a tight squeeze before he released and stepped back. Liam guided me out with his hand ced on my lower back. We soon reached the car and we settled inside.


    The moment Liam clicked the seatbelt into ce, I asked, "What does he mean by full moon night?"


    He looked at me like I had just asked a question that even a newborn baby would know the answers to.


    "What?"


    "You don''t know? Well, the full moon night is the night when the moones out in full." He exined. I narrowed my eyes as I tried toprehend what he said.


    "But what do you-" I met his gaze and noticed the way he was struggling to hold back hisughter. "You-" I pointed at him usingly and he burst outughing.


    "Eish! I should have known! How dare you?" I wanted to hit him but he was driving so I kept my hand to myself, scoffing in annoyance.


    "Okay, okay. I''m sorry. I didn''t mean it that way." He apologized, briefly ncing at me. "The full moon night is when all supernaturals will be out in their supernatural state. Well, it is dangerous for the vampires because they are in their most vulnerable state and any human in sight could.., well, be taken as an object of satisfaction."


    Wow, I didn''t hear about this at Nathaniel''s ce.


    "What about the werewolves?" I asked him.


    He lifted his shoulders in a half-shrug. "It is better for them. They are caught between wolves and humans. Most of them actually get to find their mates, an exception to when they clock a particr age." "Another thing is that Alphas tend to re-mark their Luna." He exined.


    Oh, yes! Nathaniel never marked me because he had imed that I was not his Luna and he would never do such a thing. Was Amanda his Luna?


    I shook my head. Definitely not. She did not look like it. Then who is his Luna?


    "What if an Alpha who had a mate before loses her before the night but she is not dead? What would happen?" I asked him. My curiosity was getting the best of me.


    "Hmm, well, he will search for her throughout the night, and if he does not find her, he will be locked up by his Beta because he is the only one who can handle his Alpha''s energy at that point even though he is going to be hurt but well, who wouldn''t want the best for his Alpha?" He swerved to the other side and I nodded, swallowing everything he said.


    Nathaniel didn''t mark me so there was no way he would seek me. He never did for the past few years, he would not now. I lifted my gaze to the road and asked, "And where are we heading to?" My heart hammered in my chest. This didn''t look like the way to the house.


    Liam smirked. "A restaurant."


    He has made it a habit of taking me to restaurants. Not like I was against it but it felt way too intimate. I knew he wanted to use it to help me but still... we had lunch. Just as we were about to leave, a shriek echoed from behind us and I turned around, confused as to why a person would be shrieking in a ce like this. Except she was looking at us and that was when it set in.


    She ran toward Liam and hugged him instantly. I was taken aback, shocked to the core. Who just runs into people and hugs them? What if there was a detonating bomb tied around them?


    I stared at her disgustedly. She rambled on how she loved the way he dressed and everything about him. Liam gave me the look that I should save him but I looked away. He met a fan. He should pay her full attention.


    "Alright. Alright. My wife and I have somewhere to be. Thank you." He wrung himself out of her hold. As we turned to leave, I did not miss the look of despise on her face. I fought back the urge to roll my eyes.


    "You should have acted like you were jealous, you know? It would make it look more real." He said to me.


    I shrugged. "I won''t stop you from finding your soulmate, Liam," I said.


    It was true. Just because he was helping me does not mean I would stop him from finding the one his heart wanted. I will give him space to find his soulmate because this will end someday too. I did not want to ruin his marital life. It would leave a huge scar on me and I didn''t want to be responsible for that.

 CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN: Jealousy At Its Peak

    Amanda''S POV


    I wanted to scream out in joy. Finally, someone was doing what I wanted. My lips pulled a satisfactory smile at the hatements under the post. Would be she crying now?


    Or she will choose not to leave the house? That way she would not be able to meet Nathaniel. Good! They should keep posting stuff like this. I had even clicked the notification bar to be notified anytime they posted. I wanted to follow every part of this. It was good, this way she would not try to do anything funny with Nathaniel.


    "Amanda is so happy with what they are doing to Maurene," Tania said, dusting her acrylic nails like she didn''t just have them done this morning. She had a shoot she was scheduled for tomorrow and she was here, sitting with us. Maria was absent as she had to go with her boyfriend on a trip.


    I peeked a look at her, dropping my phone. "What are you trying to get at?"


    She flicked her gaze to me before sitting up straight. "I think we need to look at it this way. What if you were the one in her position, would you be d that she is grinning at you being ndered and defamed?" She asked.


    I narrowed my eyes at her. "W-What?" I stuttered.


    Tania was the ass-licker and she just took me by surprise with what she said.


    "We are friends does not mean I would not tell you the truth. Just with the way Natalia is obsessed with Martin and he has never given her his attention is also the same way you are obsessed with Maurene being ruined." She exined. My brows twitched. I didn''t get what she was saying.


    "You are the reason they broke apart and still, if we look at it, you have been unable to make Nathaniel yours which could only mean that he still loves her." She said like she was some sort of professor.


    My jaw hardened and dread twisted like a knot in my belly, my heart pumping fast as if it understood how true what she said was.


    "You... just shut up." I sneered.


    She uttered a snort and gave me a knowing look. "I will tell you the truth, Amanda. Why don''t you leave Nathaniel and ept Cooper''s-"


    "Stop there!" I cut her off, shooting daggers at her. "Stop whatever it is you are saying. Cooper? Do you think he is my type? And what makes you think you have the guts to speak to me on things I should do and not do?" I asked her, giving her a ridiculous look.


    "You don''t even amount to who I am, Tania. You are just-"


    "Amanda!" Natalia quickly dropped her phone and rose to her feet. "You need to stop right now. You know she is just a newbie." She mumbled thest part as I stared at Tania like I could strangle her.


    She raised her brows. "I will tell you the truth, Amanda. Anyway, I am out of this ce. I feel so fake and suffocated." She fanned herself and walked out of the pack house. I red at her as she mmed the door. That was why I didn''t bring people home. She definitely wouldn''t have told me this gibberish outside.


    I pulled away from Natalia. They were all fake.


    She took a seat, pursing her lips as she batted her eyes. "Amanda..."


    "What?" I asked.


    "Hmm.. Actually, I wanted to ask if there was a way you could set up a meeting with Martin for me. Okay, I saw you discussing with him at the party." She pulled her lower lip in, looking innocent.


    I scoffed, looking away. "I don''t think I can help you with that. You want him so you do all the work yourself. I don''t like interfering in what is not my business." I said to her and rose to my feet. "You can leave at any time you want." I threw over my shoulders before heading for my room.


    Hourster, I walked back to the living room to see that Natalia had gone already. I took my seat and brought out my phone to see any updates on the site but there was none. In fact, it seems the traffic on the site has lowered. I went through the inte and noticed the site where the new traffic was.


    The headlines have changed. I stared at it. Liam and Maurene? I knew who Liam was. The billionaire who was quite picky about who he invested in. I was even surprised when he came here to propose a project on the packnd. They were married.


    I narrowed my eyes on the pictures. This looked like it was deliberately uploaded in order to change the narratives. I knew Liam woulde to her rescue. God knows she did to have the man at the tip of her fingers. She would have seduced him too, the way she did to Nathaniel.


    I snorted, sliding down to thements section. The narratives had truly changed because people who were once against Maurene now gushed about how perfect she was for Liam even though there were some who still stood their ground that she didn''t fit him.


    I switched to the unknown ount I had created just for things like this. Imented.


    She does not deserve a man like him!


    She is nothing but a seductress!


    She should kill herself. This world doesn''t want her!


    I hate her!


    I typed with the speed of light when I heard a growl and I froze in ce when I looked up to see Nathaniel ring at his phone screen as if he should smash it.


    I quickly switched off my phone and went to him.


    "Nathaniel, what happened?" I asked him.


    He red at me before walking past me, leaving me shocked. Was he angry about the turn of events?

 CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT: Evangeline’s Predicament

    Maurene''S POV


    I stared at my face in the mirror. I had just woken up. I didn''t know if it was a nightmare or a sweet dream but the only thing I could remember was Evangeline''s bubbly face. I was once again reminded how much of a bad friend I was. After the party, I had not even made any attempt to talk to her or call her. I had even noticed the way she left without anyone noticing.


    Could something have happened to her?


    If something had happened, she would have texted me. Would she?


    I shook my head. I needed to visit her to see for myself. I rushed through my usual routines in the morning and had breakfast with the kids. Liam was now staying over his ce.


    "I am heading to a friend''s ce. I will be backter." I informed Diana who gave me a strange look. Yeah, I understood it.


    I have never told her that I had a friend. Apparently, Evangeline had managed to break through the cold walls of my heart and made herself my friend.


    "I will update youter. Bye." I nted pecks on my kids before exiting the house. I got into my car, and the feeling that I now owned a car was settled anew within me. Inserting the key into the keyhole, the engine revved into life, making me grin happily. I drove out of the garage and headed for Evangeline''s house. As usual, they had me drop off my car, and even though they knew I was her friend, they still inspected me and asked her for permission to let me in. These security measures were a lot but I did not me them. Being Alpha King and Luna Queen came with lots of burdens and that included being heavily guarded.


    I walked to the entrance and again there was a guard who contacted her once again. After he gave me the go-ahead to enter, I shook my head and stepped in, thinking in my heart that I was going to tell Evangeline about how these things were too much.


    She was not downstairs by the time I had settled and I decided to call her when I heard footsteps from the stairs.


    "You have now made it a habit ofing to visit without telling me, huh?" She wiggled her brows, smiling.


    I snorted. "I knew you would be bad at me for not contacting you after the party. I got pre-upied and all. And besides, you just left like that and I got worried." I said.


    "You don''t need to be." She waved her hand in the air as she took a seat. "Happy bted birthday to you." She wished me and my eyes widened briefly.


    "How did you know that?"


    "I saw the headlines and the pictures. There was the happy birthday sign behind so I knew since Liam''s birthday is quite far." She shrugged.


    I sighed, nodding firmly. "What of Alex?" I nced around the ce. A shadow seemed to sh across her face before she cleared her throat.


    "He is fine. He is taking some rest. You know Alpha duties here and there." She exined.


    I bobbed my head in understanding but I noticed the little crease between her brows.


    "Are you alright?" I asked her, moving closer.


    She waved her hands in the air. "Yes, I am. Just a little bit tired."


    I furrowed my brows. "You are tired? I thought you didn''t work?"


    She lifted her gaze to me and let out a deep exhale. "Tell me. How did you and Liam meet?" She evade the question.


    I blinked, obviously caught off guard by her. I didn''t know she would still remember him. "Actually, he happens to be my best friend and... well, husband."


    "You mean he went on his knees to ask you to marry him?" She arched her brows.


    I was caught between lying to her and telling her the truth. She was my friend, of course, I should be able to tell her things.


    "Tell me the truth. You and Liam never dated. Is he the father of your kids too?." She asked, tilting her head to the side. The way she called his name sounded familiar, like she knew him personally.


    I bit my lower lip. I did note here to be interrogated by her.


    "Yes. We didn''t. Okay, let me tell you something you don''t know about me. I..." I trailed off. "I am divorced," I said, surprised that it came out easy.


    "You''re lying." She whispered, looking at me strangely.


    I shook my head. "I''m not lying. You see that day when I found out I was pregnant, I was divorced by my husband and kicked out. Liam was the one who found me and helped mee this far." I exined in short to her. She appeared puzzled. "He helped you by getting married to you?"


    "No," I swallowed. This was the first time I would be talking about this to someone. "Recently, I met my ex-husband, and out of fear, I begged him to help me so here we are married." I spread my arms.


    "I still don''t get one thing. Wasn''t there a way he could have helped you other than proposing marriage?" I could hear the fact that she was not okay with it.


    "There were not-"


    "I don''t like him. He looks fishy to me. You should be careful of him." She cut in, giving me a dead look.


    "Thank you, I appreciate your concern but Liam has really helped me," I said. I didn''t want to talk to her rudely. So that would do.


    Her brows twitched, "If you say so but as your friend, I would tell you that you should be careful. Don''t be all too trusting. There are some people who appear to be good to others and are quite maniptive to the rest." She advised. I nodded. "Thank you."


    I still refused to see Liam in that light. I remember Nathaniel saying the same thing. I could actually ount for Nathaniel''s own that it could stem from jealousy but what of Evangeline''s? Why did she sound like she knew him?

 CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE: Rechecking Your Feelings

    Maurene''S POV


    After visiting Mr. Galen, Nathaniel was the next. Normally, I was supposed to go alone but I had pleaded with him that he shoulde with me. He tried to exin his way out but he finally epted. We were seated in my car and he was driving even though I had suggested that I should. It would be an insult to me. His words, not mine.


    I hummed along to the music ying on the radio. I was going through the file we would finally be signing and tried to see if there were any mistakes. Thankfully, I stayed all night to format and print it out. Liam would be very d. Honestly, I was nervous. I was going to meet Nathaniel again, that was why I got myself busy in order to hide how uneasy the thought made me. I knew it was inevitable that we would meet. I had thought Liam would take pity on me and meet him in my stead. He told me before that I would be dealing with a few clients and I thought he was joking. He has even signed me up with some clients whom I will discuss within the course of the week. I did not know why he was doing this but he was helping me. I could not shake away the feeling of being indebted to him.


    We soon reached the pack house and we stepped out of the car. Holding the file firmly in my hand, I followed him keenly from behind. He opened the door for me to step in and he followed immediately after. Meeting Grayson first did nothing to calm my nerves.


    We exchanged pleasantries and he led us to Nathaniel''s office. My heart leaped to my chest as the door sprung open. Seeing the empty chair, I exhaled a deep breath. Both men stared at me and I offered them a nervous smile. They must know the reason.


    We had our seats and got into business straight away. Liam didn''t speak at all. He let me do the speaking and exining. He was really intentional about this. Grayson signed the file and I kept our part. We discussed how the project would be starting and how men should be permitted to work.


    "You should know clearly that our pack is not just opened fully. We will have days chosen for them to work." Grayson said, his face nk as a sheet of paper.


    I nced at Liam who seemed to be watching Grayson closely. He knew that he was being scrutinized yet he didn''t act like it. Sometimes, I wondered how Nathaniel met him. How he became the Beta. The thing was I never truly tried to know the history of Nathaniel''s pack. I was only about Nathaniel and had never tried to be a Luna. Even if I was interested, no one would reply to me.


    Liam gave a nod of his head. He leaned forward, sighing. "Yes. We would agree to five days as this project needs to be done as fast as possible." He said. Grayson scoffed. Wait, did he just smirk?


    I watched him closely. He saw it and an indifferent mask covered his face. He looked away briefly before speaking up, "Five days in a week is way dangerous for the pack''s safety. Three days at most is all we can guarantee." He stated. Liam''s jaw hardened and I gripped his thighs. We should agree. I had known how Nathaniel was so intentional about his pack''s security. He just didn''t allow anyone to enter. That was why they never held parties at his pack. Liam''s brows rose. "Alright." He rxed.


    "What is next?" I asked him.


    "As you know that the full moon night is approaching, you will have to hold on starting." He said. We nodded at the same time.


    We were soon done and still, Nathaniel didn''te at all. I was tempted to ask about his whereabouts but I mped my mouth shut. It was none of my business.


    "I did not see Alpha Nathaniel around. Is he at the pack house?" Liam asked the baffling question.


    Grayson answered, "He is not. He is busy with other things. You don''t have to worry. We had discussed the things before I agreed."


    Liam hummed a response, dipping his hand into his pocket. Was it that Nathaniel was intentionally avoiding me and didn''t want to see me? Well, I should thank him for making it easy for us both.


    I did not look where I was going as I bumped into someone who let out a shriek. I looked up to meet Amanda''s angry gaze. Her eyes raked over my body as she red daggers at me. She shifted her gaze to Liam who watched her keenly. A scowl masked her face as she let out a hiss before walking away.


    "I apologize for her behavior, please." He directed the apology at Liam who shrugged.


    Like he didn''t care and yes, he should not. She was not worth his attention.


    "Thank you foring." I could feel how strained those words were as Grayson uttered them. I gave the house onest nce before stepping out and the door shut behind me.


    "Do you really Nathaniel was busy?" I didn''t know when I asked Liam that question.


    He peered a look at me. "Shouldn''t he be busy?"


    I blinked, swallowing hard as we settled into the car. "So where to?"


    "Office," He responded and my eyes went wide. We never visited the office. He didn''t like being suffocated in a space. One fact is that he often worked at him and hearing that we would be going to the office made me want to run away. I wish. "W-Why?" I stuttered.


    "Because someone wants to meet you." He responded, barely giving me a look.


    Who wanted to meet me?


    We hit the road and noticed how grumpy Liam had turned. I wanted to ask him what was wrong but I knew it would backfire so I kept shut and pretended to go through my phone. The posts about me seemed to have reduced and I could not be more d. I hated attention being on me. It was unnerving and I didn''t like it.


    I checked through my dead social media apps. Funny how I used to be excited to post then before I married Nathaniel, and the moment we broke up, I stopped.


    I truly loved Nathaniel.


    The car suddenly screeched to a halt and I jerked forward, thanks to the seatbelt whichheld me back.


    "Liam." I called out.


    Liam suddenly drove the car to the road side and asked, his knuckles whitening, "Do you still love Nathaniel?"


    I did not know how to react at all. "What?" I stammered.


    He faced me, his eyes steely gray. "I said do you still love Nathaniel?"


    "I... I... Liam, why are you suddenly asking this question?" I asked him, wide-eyed.


    "It is just a simple question, Maurene. Answer," he demanded.


    "I..."


    My lips were parted in a mouth-splitting grin as I looked at Nathaniel dressed up like a man. It was our wedding ceremony. No one needed to know that we had just metst week instead of the ''we met a few months ago and clicked right away'' narrative we told everyone. Nathaniel was everything I wanted in a man. I met his cold gaze and it didn''t freeze the smile on my face as I said, "I do."


    His chest rumbled lowly before he grumbled his ''I do'' too. I knew there was no way he would harm me. We were pronounced husband and wife and I let out a happy shriek before we went ahead to receive the blessings of our parents. Nathaniel''s mom died during childbirth and his father went missing suddenly so his grandfather brought him up. Minutes after greeting, my parents disappeared and Nathaniel was nowhere in sight. I didn''t even see his Beta at all.


    "He wille around." His grandfather told me and I gave him a sad smile. Nathaniel had made it known that he was only getting married to me because of his grandfather who suggested it. I had taken it in my heart as a mission to win his heart and that was what I did for the whole three years, yet he never looked at me like I mattered to him. He ignored me and our marital bliss. He made a gossip topic among the pack members and the maids were not excluded. I had tried. I really did. To be the Luna he wanted but no, he just... Didn''t love me.


    "No, I don''t love him, Liam."

 CHAPTER SIXTY: Be His Fake Girlfriend

    Amanda''S POV


    I did not know how Martin managed to get my contact. He had called me but I declined his call. How did he get my phone contact? Could it be that Natalia gave it to him since she was a fool for him?


    Gosh, these girls were really driving me crazy and it was getting on my nerves. He sent me a text message that I should unblock him. I didn''t listen. I choose whose contact I allow on my phone. Whether I choose to save your contact or not, it was my decision to make.


    Then he said he would like to take me out on a date. I was disgusted. How could he think that I would actually go out with him? He was a pompous prince and I hated his likes. I did not even know what Natalia saw in him. I refused but after he told me that he could offer me an assistance I knew billions would have to move the people in charge, so I epted. It was just a date. I convinced myself. I definitely was not going to pass on this offer, even if it was from him.


    I did not tell Nathaniel since he seemed to be busy with the preparation for the full moon night. Even if I had told him, I know he would have convinced me not toe. I was not needed at the pack since I was human. It involved just the werewolves and I did not believe that I would ever find my mate. Every time anyone told me that, I just let out a scoff.


    I did not need a mate. Nathaniel was enough for me.


    Then why are you here? The voice asked. I blinked, taken aback by the question. I did not want to think about that. I was doing this for my growth. Nathaniel would be happy for me.


    I got to the address Martin had sent and was surprised to see an extravagant restaurant. What did I expect?


    The moment I stepped in, his eyes fell upon me, roaming over the red satin dress I had donned on. I walked to him and as a gentleman that he was, he pulled the chair back for me to sit. As I took my seat, I didn''t give him any acknowledging look. I muttered a dry thank you under my breath.


    "I did not expect you toe," He smiled, taking his seat opposite me.


    My left brow twitched and I let out a deep exhale. "A good evening to you too."


    He snorted augh before reaching for the menu. A waiter approached us, beaming a polite smile. "What would you like to order?"


    I looked around the ce and shrugged casually. I was not going to spend Martin''s money even though that was what he nned. "Just wine," I responded.


    The smile on Martins'' lips faltered before he tilted his head to the side slightly. "Just wine?"


    I nodded softly. "Yes, just wine. Non-alcoholic." I added.


    "Okay." He drawled, his eyes staring at me intently as he ticked something in the menu before passing it to the waiter who left us.


    "You didn''t look like someone who will drink just wine on a first date." Hemented.


    "First date?" I asked, my eyes raking over him, hoping he caught it.


    His lips pulled a smirk then he wiggled his finger between us. "Yes, of course. This between us is a date and since it is the first time. It is a first date." He exined.


    I agreed without uttering a word. Not long after, the wine was served and opened right before me. I did not eat or drink things that were not prepared in my presence. At least, an incident in the past taught me that lesson.


    The waiter poured the wine into the wine sses and excused himself. I was conscious of the wine and just took a sip of it. Martin seemed to be watching me closely and I would not lie, this guy felt like a creep to me. I needed to be wary of him.


    "Let us get to business, Martin." I didn''t like the way he was gazing at me.


    He dropped the wine ss and sat up straight.


    "What do you want in return for helping me?" I stared at him dead in the eye.


    He shrugged. "Nothing much, Amanda. Just a little help in return." His eyes narrowed.


    "And what is that?" I wanted to know. I hated owing people debts. That was the reason I never promised people.


    "I will help you to meet Bille Gates, the top fashion designer of Wools and in return, you, Amanda will be my fake girlfriend for three months." He proposed.


    I must have heard wrong. Fake girlfriend? Martin wanted me to be his girlfriend. What gave him the audacity to think such a thing?


    He must have seen the amused look etched on my features because tell me why Martin was smirking.


    "I already said you were different and I liked it." He said.


    "Why?" I ignored what he said.


    "Huh?" he lifted a brow in question.


    "Why do you think I would be the best for you to propose such to? I mean, there are manydies out there who won''t hesitate to climb your bed. Why did you choose to ask me this?" My keen eyes were on him as a chuckle rumbled in his chest.


    "Amanda." My name left his mouth with a soft snort. "I already said it. You amuse me and besides, I feel like you are not like every otherdy. I just need some... social presence and you are the best person to help me with that." If I was a casual person, I would have been blushing and smiling as he gave me his reasons. I knew people like Martin. They would give you reasons you want to hear and not their ulterior motives.


    "No." I picked up my purse.


    "W-What?" He stuttered. Martin just stuttered.


    "No. I don''t involve myself in shady agreements like that. If you need a girlfriend, you should go through the process of asking her out before moving into other steps." With that, I rose to my feet and walked out of the ce. Anger coursed through me. Who did he think I was? Someone who would opt for an opportunity because of what?


    He really underestimated me.


    I let out a scoff and went to the bar where I knew the girls were waiting for me. I had asked Natalia if Tania was there. She gave me a negative response. It was better like that because if I cast my eyes on her, she would pay back for those words she spat the other day.


    I walked into the bar, the ring bass and the smell of alcohol making me want to run back to the pack house. At least, there was quietness there.


    I strode to the ce where I knew the girls would be and as they would have it, they were there except Tania was present also.


    "What is she doing here?" I yelled over the music.


    Natalia winced,ing to me and then pulling me to their center. "Amanda, you don''t need to be angry, you know. We would have our fight here and there but we have to forgive each other, you know." She tried to pacify me. I let out a snort, taking my arms off hers.


    "She did not deserve my forgiveness after she spat that gibberish from her stinky mouth." I hissed.


    Natalia tugged at her that she should speak but I guessed the new gig she got had gotten into her head that she didn''t know her ce. "Don''t bother yourself, Natalia. She woulde back." I said to her, my eyes cast on Tania''s stubborn attitude.


    "So what now?" Maria asked, dropping the ss of alcoholic wine on the table before us.


    Just as Natalia opened her mouth to speak, a bulky man approached us. I knew him. He was one of Martin''s men.


    I was expecting him to call me but when his eyes moved past me thennded on Natalia who seemed confused.


    "Our boss requests for you." He informed her and Natalia jumped to her feet.


    "Who?" She asked, ncing around.


    "Martin." He responded and she let out a scream, the music doing nothing to cover her voice.


    "Really?" She asked, shaking her hands in the air in excitement and then facing us. "My dream came freaking true!"


    She rushed behind the bulky man. My jaw hardened. I knew the reason he was doing this. I cannot let Natalia take that from me.


    "At least, Natalia''s dream came true. I am sure Martin will make her his girlfriend and she will ept immediately."


    Never! I will not allow that to happen. Not on my watch.


    I picked up my phone furiously and clicked on his number.


    "Okay. I agree! Let''s meet and discuss the terms." I sent it to him and stared at the ce he had reserved. The light shone behind the curtains and he didn''t seem to read it for long before he dropped his phone. Fucker was enjoying this.

 CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE; Full Moon Night

    Nathaniel''S POV


    Everywhere was glistening with lights. The pack house was filled to the brim. The pack members were back for the full moon night. Usually, they were always in the city, trying to make ends meet. Tonight was special. It was a night when you get to meet your mate and bond as well. So the mateless covered the poption of the ce. There has been some sort of trendtely where the members of the same packs get mated together. The usual urrence is that they would be from different packs but I was praying to the Moon Goddess on behalf of them. They wanted their mates. She should just give them.


    Ironic how I have never felt the connection of a mate. Not once, not twice. I never did. Somedies imed I was their mate during those days when I was yet to get married, and after I got married and divorced Maurene. I knew they saw it as an opportunity but I only had my eyes on Maurene. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I finally understood what they meant.


    I regretted my decision to divorce her the moment she stepped out of the pack house. I was overwhelmed by what Amanda had told me and didn''t listen to her as she tried to exin herself. I had searched all over the city for her but Grayson had reported that she had left. I didn''t want to contact other Alphas they may use it as leverage and kidnap Maurene. Now that she was back, I vowed to win her trust back by all means.


    It was my grandfather''s decision that I should marry her since I was rotting away like a young man. He had constantly refused the attraction between Amanda and me thereby leading to her being sent away from the pack.


    I was angry back then, furious to the core that I promised myself that I would never show her what it meant to be loved and I am in a pool full of regrets because of that decision.


    Tweaking the pen between my index finger and thumb, I stared at the door, the urge to go out gnawing at me. I usually buried my head in work while I let Grayson do the duty of coordinating the pack members but tonight, I felt different. Like I was supposed to be out there. I nced at the moon that was slowlying into a full rise.


    Why haven''t I been bothered that I had no mate for years? Was it because of my love for Maurene?


    Did you even want a mate? The voice asked


    Surprisingly, the answer came so fast. No.


    I did not want a mate because the person I wanted was Maurene. Only her.


    I let out an annoyed hiss, rubbing my forehead and massaging my creased brows. I have so many things to do and I have yet to get a response concerning the meeting with the Alpha King. I wondered what was stalling that meeting. It was urgent.


    The air in the office seemed to suffocate and I tugged at my tie. I needed an out. I just wanted to be out there. Why was my wolf showing such hormonal changes? Usually, he was always down and ready when we went for a run but now, he seemed restless.


    What is happening?


    Beads of sweat broke out on my forehead and I swallowed hard, my Adam''s apple bobbing as I dropped the pen and adjusted myself on the seat. I gripped the desk with a tight grasp, my knuckles almost turning white. I have never experienced this.


    I used to hear stories of Alphas going wild on the full moon night because they couldn''t find their mates or mark them. I have never marked ady. Always held myself back from touching Maurene during our marriage days and now, more regret seeped into me.


    As the Moon rose to the full, my shadow was cast on the wall and that was when I saw it. I dropped my gaze sharp to the desk and noticed my ws had elongated and my fangs were out.


    I had shifted!


    I rose to my feet and staggered my way out of the office. It was like fire was burning every part of my body and I wanted to w at my skin. My breathing turned heavy with every step I took. I nced around the living room and no one was in sight. They were all outside.


    Where was Amanda?


    I closed my tightly, willing myself into control. I was not going to sleep with anydy who was not Maurene. I let out a painful groan as my ws dug into the soft couch.


    Where was Grayson?


    A howling sound echoed from outside and I knew the ceremony had begun. Hot puffs of air escaped my nostrils as I watched from the window. My eyes scanned through the females there and none was to my liking. I needed the touch of a mate. Of my mate.


    No wonder people were always prepared for the full moon night because it was the night when beasts roamed around in their feral and primal form. I wanted something. My beast wanted someone. Her touch to soothe him. Was she my mate? I thought.


    If she was, then where is she?


    My vision blurred and I reached to hold the wall to stop myself from falling. My golden eyes reflected through the ss and it was at that point, I understood what was happening. My hard bulge was evident from the outlines of my pants. I was not even thinking of having sex. What sort of thing is this?


    I should-


    The door creaked open and I swiveled around in a fast and inhumane reflex. Grayson stilled in ce as his eyes roamed over my body. "You..."


    I swallowed hard and ground my jaw. Maurene''S POV


    There was a weird feeling in my chest. I did not know how to ce it but it was just like the feeling of being empty and the want for a touch or affection. I was dumb to emotions like that, I had made sure of that the night Nathaniel had sent me out of his house on a cold and rainy night.


    I bit my lower lip, refusing to have the memory of that night rey in my head. Tears glistened in my eyes as the realization that I hade this far hit me. All thanks to Liam who never gave up on me during my pregnancy days and now... I didn''t know where to head to. I had thought telling Nathaniel about the pregnancy would bring us closer. I did not know that he would bring that Amanda girl back home. I had actually heard some of the maids in the pack gossiping about it and I refused to believe it. Even though Nathaniel never once looked my way in a loving manner, he still would never bring anotherdy to the house we slept in together. I was a fool. What did I think?


    My jaw hardened as I stood under the shade of the pouring rain. I didn''t even have a house to go to. My foster parents had cutmunication with me the moment I said I do to Nathaniel and their daughter had never tried to get in touch with me. I didn''t me them. They used me in returning a favor they had to Nathaniel''s grandfather. As the good daughter that I was, I had agreed except they were only waiting for the chance to let me go and enjoy the money Nathaniel''s grandfather gave them again.


    I should save up instead of buying Nathaniel expensive wristwatches. I did not regret that actually but... my hands instinctively palmed my belly. I was pregnant, finally but what was the glory there now? I was no longer Luna. Cars sped across the wet road, their lights blinding my vision. I stared down at my empty hands and looked forward. What was next to do?


    A car drove past me and I watched it slowlye to a halt. It reversed and paused before me. I watched the window slide down and a man''s head peeked through.


    "Do you need a lift?" His question caught me off guard. My guard instantly went up and I stepped back, holding my belly in defense. His eyes followed the movement and I swallowed hard, my hair clinging to my face. "Are you... Pregnant?" He asked softly.


    I did not respond instead I nced at the pouring rain and quickly hurried into it, running away from the man. I knew people would want to take advantage of me.


    The car''s door jammed behind me and I nced back, only to see the man out in the rain rushing after me, dressed in a well-ironed tuxedo. My eyes roamed over his body and stopped on his face. His hair was already wet and his chest heaved with rapid breaths.


    "You don''t have to run away from me. I mean no harm." He raised his hand in a surrendering manner and I rxed a bit.


    "What do you want?" I managed to ask him.


    His eyes gleamed a bit when I finally spoke to him.


    "You are pregnant. Only a useless man will let his wife roam around in this heavy rain. Come, I will drop you anywhere you want to. Please." His brows twitched as he pleaded with me.


    I did not know if I should go with him but there was warmth in his eyes that promised me safety so I agreed and stepped into the car with him. Minutester, the man introduced himself as Liam Ferdinand.


    That was how I befriended Liam. How he came to be intentional about me. He was my savior when Nathaniel gave up on me. That was why I would never let anyone tell me otherwise about Liam. I havee to understand something about life and it is that your attitude cannot be the same to everyone.


    Some people deserve a part of you to know their boundaries.


    A stter sound echoed from the balcony and my heart leaped to my chest as I straightened in alert. My kids!


    The light in my room was turned off and a shadow cast on the wall. It was a man.


    I picked up a torch and tiptoed cautiously to the ce, then I switched it on. First, it was the sky-blue orbs and a scream broke out of me. I stumbled back in fear and steps rushed toward my room.


    "Maurene?" Diana called urgently from outside.


    I exhaled through my parted mouth as I red at Grayson''s figure.


    "Maurene?"


    He nced at the door and I cleared my throat and replied. "Yes, I am okay! Thank you! Go to bed." I rushed the words, rising to my feet.


    After confirming that she had returned to her bedroom, I faced Grayson who blended with the dark perfectly.


    "You should turn on the lights." His voice had a mix of his human and something primal tone.


    I did as he told me and that was when I saw the state that he was. It was a full moon night! What was he doing here?


    "Grayson-"


    "It is not what you are thinking. Someone needs your help." He told me.


    I narrowed my eyes. "Who?" I asked even though I already knew the answer to that question. I wanted to hear it. Never have I ever thought there would be a day that my help would be needed. Usually, I always needed people''s help and hoped that one day I would be deemed worthy to be asked for help.


    "Nathaniel."

 CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO: A Day After

    Nathaniel''S POV


    I peeled my eyes open, letting out a groan. The sun peered through the parted curtains and I squinted my eyes to adjust to the brightness. I slowly slid up and tried to remember how I ended up in my room. I did not remember going to my bedroomst night. I tried to rack my brain for how I had ended up here but there was nothing. I nced around the ce, looking for trails of someone but nothing was in sight. Everywhere was neat, arranged properly, and just how I had left it in the morning but meeting myself here made my brows furrow in confusion. I slid down the bed, raking my hand through my hair, and stepped out of the room.


    The Full Moon night was yesterday and as usual, Grayson led the run of wolves. The pack members were quite okay with it the first time after Maurene had gone. Grayson just had the same power as I do but his rank was lower. "You are awake?" His voice sounded from beside me and I looked at him.


    I hummed a reply, taking strides to the dining room, and sat.


    "What happened?" I asked.


    His head tilted to the side before he responded, "You fainted."


    My brows twitched. "I fainted?" I questioned to be sure I heard well.


    "Yes, you did. Don''t you remember anything?" He leaned over, his eyes roaming my face.


    I shook my head, trying to see if I could remember again.


    "You should not force yourself if you do not remember." He said.


    I swallowed, bobbing my head in a nod. "Tell me, what happened?"


    He shrugged. "Nothing. I was already done with opening the night for the run when I came in to get water for a pup and I saw you." He exined.


    "What was I doing?" I narrowed my eyes on him.


    "You were lying on the floor, looking so tired. Maybe it was the stress from work too much." He added, lighting his shoulders in a half-shrug.


    "Did you just say I was lying on the floor?" I asked.


    He nodded. I looked away from him and went into deep thought. I did not know why I could not believe what Grayson said. There was no way I would have fainted due to fatigue. I was stronger than that. There was something else, my guts was telling me. I tried to reach for my wolf''s memory but it seemed he did not know too.


    "I don''t think so... something must have happened and I fainted. I will check the CCTV camera." I rose to my feet and he followed after me. We got to the room and the men in charge all bowed. "Alpha," they chorused.


    I acknowledged them with a nod. "I want to see all the coverage fromst night, Charles." I demanded.


    They began to go through the monitors, showing me videos from the beginning when I had entered my office, Grayson leaving to start the ceremony. The man in charge, Charles, scrolled past the other coverages and it got to the part where my office door was shown and everything went nk. He clicked on the mouse to open it again but nothing was showing. I moved forward to take the mouse from him and reyed it. It was the same. Nothing came up.


    "What is happening?" I asked, my eyes fixed intently on the screen.


    "We do not know, sir. I think something must have happened to the CCTV." The man responded.


    "What could that have been? Any instances?" I nced at them.


    "Probably, the connection went off or the wire was removed." He exined.


    "What? It has never happened before so why would someone think of doing that?"


    "It is not known for sure if that is the case, Alpha," Charles said.


    "Then go and check." I told them.


    He assigned two of his men to do that and while they were gone, I went through the coverages again and it was still the same. They returned not longer after, bowing as one of them gave the update. "The wire was not severed. Everything is inplete ce."


    That alone was enough to keep on the edge. We need to increase the security of the pack.


    "Assign more guards around the pack and you," I turned to them. "If the coverage was not severed then could it have been deleted?" I asked.


    Charles'' eyes widened for a bit. "Alpha, if what you are trying to say is we ckened in our duty then I would like to tell that we have been up all night. People who took turns did their work and I have been here. If anyone came to delete it, I would have known and brought it up with you." He said.


    I stared at him for some seconds, his words sounded so convincing. "Alright. Keep trying to see if you can recover it. I need the footage."


    They bowed as Grayson and I stepped out of the room.


    "Why do you need the footage?" Grayson asked from behind me.


    "Because something must have happened." I faced him. "On the night of full moon, formally, I do not suddenly faint as a result of fatigue. I am usually up and strong, even to the next day. I need to know what happened this time. Are you sure you do not know anything, Grayson?" I asked.


    He shook his head gently.


    "Good." I said, leaving him as I headed back to my room.


    I did not know this gnawing feeling. It was like there was something else. A puzzle I was missing. Minutester, I was done with dressing up and I went out to see few of the pack members. There was joy on their faces as they told me that they met their new mates. There were two instances that had met their second-chanced mates. I was d for them.


    Their Alpha didn''t have a real mate or even a second chanced mate. I congratted them and kept it in my mind to send them some gifts. I returned to my office and Grayson was already waiting for me.


    "Make sure to send congrattory gifts to the newly mated. There were so happy." I said, looking distant.


    He nodded. Silence descended in our midst and I sighed. I was angsty and it was unlike me.


    "Have you ever thought of having a mate, Grayson?" I asked, breaking the silence. "Yes, I have. I had one." He said, making me look up at him in shock and surprise. "Y-You have a mate?" I stuttered,pletely taken aback by the revtion.


    He nodded, his throat bobbing hard. "I had one which means she is dead."


    My mouth formed a ''O'' and I slowly bobbed my head, my eyes moving in their sockets.


    "When I went to University, I met her and we were friends for a while. I already knew since the beginning but I wanted a normal rtionship so we did it the normal way. Until a particr day when she called me and someone spoke through, muttering something before slicing her neck on call." His jaw hardened as he looked outside through the window.


    "I''m sorry." I said softly. "Howe I didn''t know?"


    He cast a look at me. "Because I was busy being your Beta. You don''t have to me yourself."


    "I think there is a spy in the pack," I told him. I felt like there was something tost night that I was supposed to know and I am not. It was eating me up and I hated it.


    "Yeah, I have strengthened the security just as you have ordered. I will keep tabs on them. Don''t worry."


    "Alpha!" A feminine yell from outside made me sit up straight. Grayson bolted for the door and muttering on calming down echoed outside. I did not move to go but Grayson returned in not longer after, his face definitely not the look of good


    news.


    "What is it?"


    He handed the tab to me and I stared at the headlines. TOP SUPER MODEL Amanda GIVES UP ON Nathaniel DELUXE AND DATES ANOTHER. IDENTITY YET TO BE REVEALED.


    My head went in reset. Amanda was in a rtionship? Since when?


    I looked up at the time the article was posted, it was done yesterday. What exactly was Amanda getting at?


    "What is this? Call Amanda toe now!" I ordered, clenching my fist.


    "Okay." Just as he turned to leave, he paused, facing me again. "Maurene is here. Along with the men who will begin the construction." And that was something I did not want to deal with it now. Not today. "I will meet with her. Just call Amanda."


    I exited my office and went to meet Maurene where she was. She folded her arms, not bowing or even showing me any respect. There was no reason to feign anything since I already knew who she was.


    "We are here. Just as we have agreed with Grayson, we have to do things legally, in case you choose to send us out of the pack suddenly. This is Daniel O''Briel. He is in charge when I am not here so you will grant him the permission as you will I." She said, keeping her eyes clear and nk, holding authority and power.


    "Maurene, you don''t -"


    "You have signed it and that is how it is going to be. Nathaniel." She turned away from me and began to delegate duties to the men. I walked toward her and gripped her by the arm, seething as I looked into her eyes.


    "You are not going to tell me what I should do or not in pack. Do you get it? Now, tell Liam, except it is you or him, no one is stepping into my pack!"


    She tilted her head to the side, narrowing her eyes before jerking away from my grip. "You should have thought that before you let us in." She walked away from and I watched her.


    Oh, Maurene was making a great mistake.

 CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE: Shocking Headlines

    Amanda''S POV


    "You will pretend to be my girlfriend and I will make you meet him." He said with a smug smirk. Anger streamed through me at his arrogantface. He knew what was he doing and I had no choice than to give in. Natalia was too dumb. Did she think I was going to let her take him from me?


    She was dumb. So dumb.


    I walked back into the pack house, feeling so tired and down. I needed to catch some rest since I had stayed all awake in the night to meet Martin who was still stupid in his own way.


    Walking into the living room, I noticed the maids muttering amongst themselves before they dispersed after noticing my presence. Was something wrong with my face?


    That fucker Martin had promised that he would not do anything to me. I marched angrily further, feeling dirty and used.


    I bumped into one of the guards and he bowed. "I was just about toe to your room." He informed me.


    "And why is that?"


    "The Alpha seeks your presence now." He ryed the message and I thought about going to take a bath but thought that if Nathaniel requested for my presence, then it must be important. I walked to his office, exhaling deeply as I knocked on the door.


    "Come in." His order came and I walked in.


    "Nathaniel." I called.


    He dropped his pen and looked up at me after a while. "So tell me, what is that all about?" His question made me furrow my brows.


    "What do you mean?" I asked, stepping closer to him.


    His brows went up as he slowly rose to his feet, his hands syed on hisps as he seemed controlling himself fromshing out. "You," He pointed at me, letting out a deep exhale as he looked away.


    "Your new rtionship. You didn''t care to tell me that you finally fell in love!" He hissed out, his nose red up in anger.


    I stumbled back in shock, freezing in ce as I stared at him, wide-eyed. "W-What did you say? How did you know? Did you keep spies around me?" I yelled at him.


    His brows knotted together. "Spies? Amanda, did you just ask if I kept spies around you? Truthfully, I ought to do that but I didn''t. I trusted you to be safe and not get into some shady rtionship some unknown man!" He sneered.


    "And why are you angry? Years after years, you have refused to ept my love for you. Am I not supposed to find someone else?" I asked him, swallowing the hard lump in my throat. We locked gaze, my chest heaving with heavy breaths as I watched Nathaniel almost lose control over his anger.


    "Amanda!" He yelled, heavy breeze swished past me and I flinched, tension holding my veins taut. "How dare you? You should better than anyone that you are not supposed to be in a rtionship. At least not now." He said. I blinked, looking away.


    "Who is he?" He asked, sitting back and looking up at me.


    I faced him. "Martin. His name is Martin. We met at the party the other night. I swear, he is a good man." I told him. I lied. Martin was not a good man but I didn''t want Nathaniel knowing that. He would go after him before I got what I wanted. And that was not what I needed right now.


    He tilted his head to the side, hue eyes scrutinizing me. "Need I remind you that I know you, Amanda and that stupid lie you told just now, I don''t believe it."


    I knew it! He would not.


    I blinked. "See. I like this guy and I can''t keep waiting for you. You once told me to follow my heart and that is exactly what I am doing, Nathaniel."


    "Amanda." He called my name softly that I wanted to remind myself I had fallen in love with him again. "You should know better than anyone why I am doing this. But anyway, if you insist that you want to be with him, it is for the better. You can take your leave and make sure you are safe." He said.


    After giving him a long look, I turned around and exited the office. I bumped into Grayson on the way and he gave me a look before walking away. I heard some voices outside so I went to peer through the window connecting the pack house to thend beyond. There she was standing, issuing orders and holding papers like she was the damn Luna. Maurene.


    Hot breaths oozed out of my nostrils as I red at the back of her head. She was back to take Nathaniel from me and I would not let her!


    Marching to my room, I pulled off my dress and my phone beeped with a message. I looked at the bright screen.


    It was a message from Martin.


    Gotten home yet, girlfriend?


    My jaw hardened as I remembered. How did the fact that I just started dating him get outside?


    I picked up my phone and dialed his contact. He picked it on the first ring.


    "Girl-"


    "I thought you want to keep private." I gritted out, gripping my phone tight.


    "Easy there, girlfriend. I don''t know what happened. But for someone to publish something like that, they must be stalking you." He stated.


    I narrowed my eyes. "Stalking me?" I asked.


    "Yes. Stalking you but don''t worry, since you are my girlfriend now, I will make sure that they don''t get anywhere close to you. One of the many advantages of being my girlfriend." He said and I could imagine him smiling. "Alright. If you say so." I disconnected the call and dumped my phone on the bed. His message enteredter.


    Not a good way to end the call on your boyfriend.


    I hissed and went into the bathroom. ¦¡¦¡¦¡¦¡¦¡¦¡¦¡


    Two dayster, Martin took it upon himself to send me good morning texts and made sure to wish me sweet dreams at night. I did not know why I felt moved by his act of romance. He sure pretended to be a good boyfriend. I still had not taken a step nor clear the confusion on the inte. I read thements which adamantly refused that I had gotten over my crush for Nathaniel. They were right. I was only using Martin for a little time before I make Maurene disappear.


    A maid came to tell me that my friends were around. All three of them and I was here making sure I wore the best make up. The news must have hit them in the guts, I guess.


    I stepped out of my room and trailed down the stairs. They watched me like hawks and I smiled the moment I got to them.


    "So you finally let go of Nathaniel?" Tania asked, a skeptical look etched on her features.


    I nced at her. "Yeah. A man managed to capture my heart." I drawled, flicking my fingers in the air at the expensive diamond ring Martin had forced on me.


    "And who is this mysterious man?" Nadia asked, regarding me with a look that dripped with suspicion. My lips curled into a smile and I let out augh.


    "This mysterious man that has managed to capture my heart is... you will know very soon." I said, twisting the ring on my finger.


    "It was bad of you not to tell us about it, you know. We would have given our two cents about the man." Miranda twirled in the wine in her hands. Since she returned from her trip with her boyfriend, I guessed she had found out what a cheating ass he was.


    It was none of my business. I did my part to send the pictures of them both but she was too much in love and she trusted him. Poor thing. She just trying to hold up.


    "So you are trying to say I am the only in a rtionship in this friend group? Huh. That''s bad. You lot should find men." I snorted.


    "Well, if not that you have managed to keep a mysterious man in your hand, who knows if you have finally stopped your obssession with Nathaniel?" Tania asked.


    I ground my jaw. "You will watch your mouth in my home. Do you understand?" I bit out, shooting daggers at her.


    "Isn''t it wrong?" She nced at Nadia and Miranda. "The moment you left your rtionship and Martin kind of rejected you, our dearly beloved Amanda got into a rtionship with a mysterious man." She fixed an using look at me. I narrowed my eyes into slits at her. "Coincidence. It was not my fault Miranda couldn''t keep her man and Nadia got rejected by Martin. Is it?"


    "Martin didn''t reject me, girls!" Nadia snapped.


    We turned to her, waiting for her to exin.


    "He proposed to me."


    My eyes widened instantly. What exactly was Martin ying at?

 CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR: Liam HERE?

    Nathaniel''S POV


    "She said his name is Martin. Find out everything about him. And also, watch that Daniel O''Broom." I gritted out.


    "It is O''Briel, Nathaniel." He corrected me.


    I still have not been able to find the one behind the attack on the Luna Queen and there have been several reports of such attacks happening around neighboring packs. It got me wondering who could be doing this. Who was waging wars against innocent packs and finding pleasure in it?


    Ever since the night of the full moon, I have been unable to rest. Going to and fro at every mention of trail found, I was starting to go crazy. I racked my head throughout the night, trying to figure out who could be an enemy. I had Alphas who envied my packnd. There were so many rogues who would do anything to invade my pack and the ironic part is that I have not had a rogue invasion in years after signing a peace treaty with them a century so yes, we are back to the question, who was this cloaked person who could do as he pleased in my territory?


    Grayson stepped into his room, bowing as he ced a file on the table. "Alpha Rnd sent this. Two of his warriors were found dead with their hearts ripped out tragically. The person behind it is yet to be known." He exined. So this was not just happening to me alone. I guess they could now see that I was not after the Alpha King''s throne. Even though I knew some Alphas would still have their heads in their asses thinking I wanted to be King. It has never even been a goal of mine. I have several things to do like bringing my pack to a level where we cannot bepared and well, making Maurene mine again.


    "So what? He wants me to help him. After he had gone against me at thest meeting, oh, he should have thought hard that tables turn too. It started from the Alpha King and it slowly spreading." He clicked my tongue, picking up the bottle of whiskey and pouring it in the cup.


    Just as I lifted the cup to my mouth, Grayson ran to me in a sh and gripped my hand. "You don''t want to be reeking of alcohol when you meet the Alpha King today, do you?" He downed the content and moved to the seat before me. As I looked at my Beta, I couldn''t help but think if I truly knew him.


    He looked at me, cocking his head to the side. "What are you thinking?"


    My eyes twitched and I looked away. "Nothing. Just weary of this construction of a thing. I have warned the pack members to steer clear of the ce and I have also made sure to tell Maurene who owned the pack."


    His eyes narrowed. "You are worried?"


    "Yeah, I am, honestly. I know as an Alpha I am not supposed to voice it out but I am getting anxious by the seconds, knowing fully that there is a threat out there that is either close to us or far from us and he is doing as he pleases. Anxiety is killing me and the fact I do not know what happened on the full moon night didn''t help matters at all." I said all in one breath.


    "Am I the only one who finds it weird that this same site that once ndered Maurene has brought Amanda into focus?" He asked, his left brow drawn up.


    "Do you think it might be the same person?" I questioned.


    "I don''t know but I will keep looking into it. You should leave for your meeting with the Alpha King. I heard he does not take kindly toteness." He said.


    After sorting out a few things and fighting the urge to go and meet Maurene at the construction site, I finally found my way to my car and drove for the Alpha King''s mansion. As expected, he had a tight security and I saw why they had to wait for his Luna Queen to leave before she was attacked.


    "Alpha Nathaniel." I told the bulky man who looked down at me like I was some ant.


    "I know." He ran the detecting stick around my body before asking me to follow him. I took note of the environment and noticed how put in ce things were. Unfortunately, I haven''t heard about them having kids.


    I felt the air of authority the moment I stepped into the living room where the Alpha King sat with his Luna Queen by his side, holding him there. I noticed the look of fatigue on his face. It was pale and looked sickly. Did the full moon affect him too?


    "Alpha King," I gave him a curt bow.


    "Take a seat and go straight to the point." He said nkly.


    I said nothing as I took my seat, feeling the hawk eyes of his wife, Evangeline, on me.


    "If you want me to be direct, you know who might be behind the attack of your Luna Queen but you are not giving up the answers which might make me question your motives, Alpha King." I leaned closer, narrowing my eyes on him. He scoffed. "Do you think I would kill my Luna Queen? What nonsense!" He hissed but his wife held him in ce, preventing him from ring out.


    "No, I see how protective you are of her. What if you didn''t want your hand stained and employed the hand of another to-"


    "Mind you are spewing, you shallow Alpha!" He growled, his eyes shing with golden color. His wolf was on the edge. Something was wrong.


    He began to cough incessantly and his wife jolted to her feet in panic to get water. I watched them closely. She hurriedly made him drink it. When he calmed down, she faced me and said, "Stop it. I know what you are trying to do. Alex will never kill me. Although I think you would have to keep investigating."


    "I am right. You know who the enemy is." I spoke up. "You want to use me to fight him off."


    "I wish. But the enemy is amon one. He has been even before your grandfather reigned. He was there when your father died at a young age and the Alpha duty had to fall on you, Nathaniel. Look around you and who might that be." She exined.


    I looked, contemting what she said. "And why should I believe you since the Alpha King had refused to divulge such information?"


    She raised her chin. "You should be thankful that I as the Luna Queen haven''t decided to ask you why you do not have a Luna yet since it is against the traditions for an Alpha to be single for too long." She directed a look at me. She was ying a game now to protect her husband. I knew it.


    "But-"


    "The Alpha King would like to take some rest. You should take your leave, Alpha Nathaniel." She cut me off. I didn''t want to fight so I rose to my feet and have the Alpha King wasst look.


    "Alphas are losing their pack members and the Alpha King is holes up in his mansion. Good." I uttered a ridiculous snort.


    "You know nothing." Evangeline bit out, her nose red up.


    "Then make me know something." I retorted. I didn''t want to leave without seeding. I hated it.


    "You cannot get what you want from us, Nathaniel. Find the source of the attack on me or you lose your pack and your right as the rightful heir to the Alpha position. That time, you would not need a Luna after that." She took her husband upstairs and I had no choice than to leave. The moment I stepped out of the mansion, I looked out of the corner of my eyes.


    The Luna Queen was protecting the Alpha King which could only meet one thing. She has taken up the position. Was the Alpha King dying?


    As I moved to leave, Liam appeared in my sight and I paused, giving him a skeptical look. "I didn''t think you would have special affiliations with the Royal family." I mused.


    He snorted. "What are you doing here, Nathaniel?" He asked.


    I smiled. "What an Alpha does. Goodbye, Liam and yes before I forget, the name under which you signed thatnd on cannot be found. So I would really appreciate it if youe by today because I have issued a warning to Maurene, the supervisor that all works must be paused with immediate effect."


    "You didn''t -"


    "I did and you will exin to me who that name belonged to." I didn''t wait for him to say anything as I walked away from him. I had seen the name and Grayson had also pointed it out. Apparently, Maurene didn''t know and it annoyed the hell out of me.


    How could she be so naive?

 CHAPTER SIXTY- FIVE: A Supervisor

    Maurene''S


    POV


    Nathaniel was a prick. I had known but I was just realizing. I gritted my teeth as I got into the car. After he had sent the order that all work must be stopped with immediate effect, I thought he was kidding until Grayson came to stop it really. The fuss was between him and me. There was no need to drag Liam''s work into this but no, he was being unreasonable and at the same time refused to meet me. I was hurt but I had to hold myself high.


    I had to be the woman Liam wanted me to be and I would be just that. Liam told me to check on Galen''s ce in order for us to start. Hopefully, Galen does not make us stop working like Nathaniel. As I got there, Galen''s guards followed me to the location, and I was quite satisfied with the move of things here. They were fast. I instructed most of the men, Liam had helped me with that. Ordering them that they listened to me only made my job easier. He has always made my job easier.


    After a while, a guard approached me and I faced him. "Anything else?"


    "Sir Galen would like to have lunch with you." He informed me and it was then I realized I have been on the site for hours.


    "Alright." I responded. After issuing a few instructions to the men, I started for the entrance to Galen''s mansion. On entering, his voice greeted me with a p of his hands.


    I fought back the urge to roll my eyes and strode to him. I looked at the array of dishes on the table and took a seat.


    "You didn''t even wait for an invitation." He noted.


    I scoffed. "I already got one the moment you sent the guard to me and besides, we can''t let food like this waste, right?" I smiled.


    Galen was tricky. I knew him. After the trick he pulled at the night party the other day, I knew better than to trust him and yet I wondered if Liam didn''t see it. He was so busy with his business that he didn''t pay attention to me.


    "You must forgive me. You are human and I heard you have so many tastes for things unlike us, we only thirst for blood." His smile was as creepy as the glow in his eyes but I maintainedposure. He was not going to get to me. I peered a look at him, inclining my head to the side and awaiting his invitation to eat.


    "Oh! We may eat." He finally ushered, flicking his fingers as the maids served us. Just as she moved to pour the wine into the cup, I held my hand up for her to stop and she stepped. A te of steak and a decorated collection of leavesid on my te.


    I looked around. "What of thedy from the other day?" I asked.


    He paused before giving me a look then he blinked in a unanimately manner. "Well, let us say she disobeyed me and paid for it." He shrugged.


    I could sense a bit malicious intent in his tone so I did not question any further. I didn''t want to know what he was up to. I didn''t care. I picked up the fork and knife to cut the steak. Oh, the man was rich.


    "You are a wise girl, you know. Sometimes, I wondered where Liam met you." He said. "Oh, under the rain. So soaked and in tears at the pain of rejection." I stilled in ce as shock shed through my orbs at the uracy of his words. I faced him, the fork and knife hanging in the air as he gave me a wicked, sly and cunning smile which me recognize this man sitting before me. He was no good man. He was a psychopath, a very bad one at that and Liam just sent me to him. "Oh," If there was one thing I learned when I was in Nathaniel''s pack, it was recovering from shock almost immediately because the drama should moy surprise you. "He told you?" I pursed my lips and put my focus on the steak. Cutting it into pieces, I contemted eating it and scared that he could have poisoned it. He would not do that to me. Liam would not let him be.


    "No, not at all. He didn''t need to tell me before I know, did he? Not like I was the one that helped him figure out where you were." I narrowed my eyes on him. This man was psychotic.


    "You know sometimes, all you just have to do is open your eyes and you would see. See past the betrayal of the people you loved, hurt from people you cared for and pain-"


    "From someone you wanted and could not have." I cut in, ncing at him slowly. "You could describe it like that."


    He beamed a pretentious smirk. "If that is what helps you to sleep at night but you have to listen to me. You have an energy that the enemy wants from you and the only way they can do it is if you give it willingly. Which birth the question is "what is that energy?" He asked, the glint in his eyes warning to run away from him but I stayed. I sat and listened to him as he rambled on some energy I possessed and why I must cultivate it.


    "See," I cut in, dropping the fork and looking up at him. "My ears are hurting and I am tired of sitting here as you rambled on with some sort of energy which clearly I do not possess. Except you are wrong in the head, of course." I red at him.


    He didn''t say anything for the next couple of seconds as he watched me keenly, augh rumbling from his chest. "Remember this when ites. You know, I warned you. Did my part since you are such a good soul and you do not deserve what ising for you or what is close to you." He leaned over.


    I dumped the handkerchief, feeling uneasy about his words already. "Thank you for having me for lunch. I will make sure to extend your regards to Liam." I pushed the chair back and moved but the guards around stepped. I threw a look over my shoulder and with a snap of his fingers, they returned to their positions and I stomped out of the ce.


    I thought Nathaniel was worse, maybe Galen was worse. I did not bother going back to the location because I didn''t want to pour out my anger on the innocent men working.


    I went to a restaurant and had my lunch since Galen didn''t help during lunch. After paying, I walked out, and the minute I entered my car, the passenger''s door spilled open and Grayson settled in.


    "What?" I snapped. I was on an edge. It was already enough that people yed me with their words.


    "I will say you should stay away from Nathaniel for a while." He said, looking pointedly at the sign of the restaurant.


    "Oh, I don''t need that now. I have taken heed even before you came. It is the only thing I want to do right now." I hissed, running my hand through my hair. "You seem worked up." He pointed out the obvious.


    "Well, yes, that''s why I need to get home to catch some sleep so if you would excuse me," I dipped the key into the keyhole and the engine revved to life.


    "You do not understand what I meant. The night of the full moon this time was different on Nathaniel, Maurene. You need to-"


    "Well, you are his beloved Beta and you know, Grayson, I am confused. Whose side are you on again?" I asked him, facing him fully.


    This time, he twisted his neck to me. "I am loyal to my Alpha. He wille looking for you soon, make sure you are ready." He unlocked the door and I watched him disappear into thin air the way he came. I say rooted in my seat. Nathaniel wasing for me.


    Why?

 CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX: A Dinner With The Mysterious Man

    Amanda''S


    POV


    Meet me here at 8 PM. Wear nice clothes.


    I didn''t need a soothsayer to tell me who sent this message. Of course, it was my two-week-old boyfriend who had finally decided to take me out for dinner. Could it be that he would bring the designer with him?


    Uh! Please, I was starting to ce this man in high esteem. One he didn''t deserve after the shit he pulled on Nadia.


    She had told us that he didn''t break her heart which surprised me because if he didn''t do that, then what did he do? There was no way he would be dating two friends. Even though I did not love him or I was not obsessed with him like Nadia, I would never do such. Well, I could not say the same for Nadia. She was desperate for his attention so this was a matter I needed to straighten out with him tonight. Unfortunately, my little friend group has stopped discussing in the main group chat and I am left to readments on the posts that did not involve me.


    There was still time to prepare for the dinner date and my mind went back to my time with Nathaniel the other day. Never have I thought that there would be a day when I would lie to Nathaniel but he should not me me. I needed power and I was going to get it. He knew me and yet decided to keep me. He should not me me if I decided to look out for myself.


    I have noticed that Maurene has not beening to the pack and it was quite baffling. Just weeks back, she was here handling out orders like she was the boss and now she was nowhere to be seen. I knew she would be back soon, I just want to know what conspired between her and Nathaniel. A knock on my door made me lift my left brow. I had told them earlier that no one was to disturb me. Apparently, people liked being punished.


    I dragged my feet to the door and pulled it open. Peeping my head through, a guard stood with boxes in his hands. Oh, please don''t tell me-


    "These boxes arrived earlier from some Martin Taylor." He informed me, extended them to me and I collected them.


    Martin really didn''t have to do this much. I knew he liked tovish his money to make his name known but I was not someone who would fall it.


    "You can leave." I closed the door and dumped the boxes on my bed. Noticing a card at the tip, I took it and read,


    Wear this beautiful dress. I would like to see you in it. Girlfriend.


    That was the pet name he uses for me. Girlfriend. I hated it.


    I opened the boxes, a blue satin dress came into view and the shoes that matched them almost made me want to wear them instantly. The ne he had gotten. It was like a set and only someone who knew fashion deeply could put all of these together.


    I was strange. If it were to be other girls who were sent these things, they would have been head over heels in love with Martin but I can''t help but be weary of him. His manner of approach spelled deceit and lies and... danger.


    I ced the boxes in the wardrobe and brought the dress I had intended to wear for the night. I was not an obedient girlfriend. He needed to know who he was dealing with. After I was done with my routine, I got in my dress and sat to do my make up. I wanted it bold and attractive, after all, it was our first dinner date officially as lovers.


    Adding my perfume, I looked at my reflection in the mirror with satisfaction. I picked up my bag and I exited the room, looking down on my wrist watch. Oh, just thirty minutes to go. I reached the living room and saw Nathaniel and Grayson talking. They both turned to me and I slowed down my steps, biting my lower lip nervously as my heart pounded in my ear drums. Nathaniel said nothing as he watched me and I walked out, not wanting to kill my confidence with their words. I was going to do this my way.


    I entered into the car he had sent for me and I settled, staring outside through the window and trying to calm my beating heart. Not long after, we reached there and the chauffeur informed me. Stepping out, I made my way to the entrance and once again, Martin didn''t disappoint. De''Lacore. A restaurant that even the rich think twice before theye to.


    I entered, the smooth sound of music caressed my skin as I made my way further into the ce. It was not a busy ce, instead it was the ce in movies where someone can be shut dead and the cops wille three days after because they were not aware.


    I could recognize Martin anywhere, even in my dreams. I went to the table and he smiled up at me but it seemed to falter when his eyes ran over my body. Oh, I think rich mommy''s boy is annoyed. Damn!


    "You-" Standing to pull the chair out for me, an act that did nothing to waver me, he returned to his seat, a muscle in his jaw ticking as he red at me.


    "Good evening to you too." I smiled, cing my bag on the table as I looked up at him, my eyes glinting with defiance. He must know. I was not easy to deal with.


    "You are not wearing the dress I got for you." He said, his eyes expressing his displeasure.


    "And we didn''t agree that the inte would find out about my rtionship." I retorted, leveling him with a re.


    He snorted. "So this is what all of these is about?" He asked, pointing at my dress.


    I looked away, not saying a thing.


    "At least, the stalker didn''t know I was the one and-"


    "What if he knows that you are the one and he is just stalling?" I asked, cocking my head in question.


    He opened his mouth to speak but mped them shut. "It is our first dinner date, girlfriend. Don''t let us start on the wrong foot, please." He signaled to the waiter toe and we ced our orders.


    I drank just wine because I didn''t want to eat anything that would affect my weight. And I didn''t trust Martin not to have drugged the food. He came earlier.


    After we were done, he cleaned his mouth. "See, I I am sorry about that. I will try to see if the post can be brought down." He apologized, taking me by surprise. I was almost moved and I decided to y his game as well. "Apology epted. So what next? And yes, what is it you n on doing with my friend?" I questioned, giving him a skeptical look.


    "Which one of your friends?"


    I narrowed my eyes into slits.


    "Oh, Nadia? Actually, I sort of like her and I just told her that we could be fuck buddies." He smirked. "Not like you would satiate my intense needs, Maurene." His eyes raked over my body, drinking in the little cleavage I had left open.


    I didn''t move to cover it, instead I lifted the ss of wine to my mouth. Nadia would happily ept to be anything for Martin. A cleaner, a driver, a whatever, for as long as she was close to him, she would do them. Martin knew that and he was using it his advantage.


    "You are right. I should not be worried. She chose to ept but wouldn''t it be wrong for us to be in a rtionship if you two are fucking?" I asked him.


    He smiled, dropping the ss of wine and leaning over on the table. "Well, you are worried if your stalker would find out and put on the inte, the narrative can be changed, you know?" He winked at me.


    I twisted my head to side, trying to understand what he meant.


    "Erm, well, we could say that your friend seduced me and aimed at snatching me from you. That way the public interest would be on her and you will be pitied by the people." He summarized and I could not help but be amused at his level of thinking.


    He sure did know how interest can be worked to his liking.


    "So she will be at the disadvantage." I mused.


    "I hope you are not furious at what I said?"


    I shook my head. If Nadia wanted to be a scape goat, I will let her be. After all, I did warn her on giving this guy an opportunity. Obsession only gets you killed.


    "Let usmemorate our first dinner date, shall we?" He raised his wine ss up and we cheered, the sses nging together.


    To months ahead of us.

 CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN: The Man Behind The Name

    Nathaniel''S


    POV


    Only God knows how satisfied I felt when I told Maurene to stop working. However, the fact that Liam went to meet the Alpha King still baffled me. I mean, why would he meet him? For what reason?


    I knew it was none of my business of a business man meets with the Alpha King but the look etched on his features that day said otherwise. Like he was there fight his way into the mansion if he was not let in. Not to add the way the Alpha King looked pale and Luna Queen was frantically anxious.


    I have been invested in these things in my thoughts that I knew I had to unravel it. If the Alpha King was not speaking about this threat that has been even before grandfather started ruling the pack, I would have to stand up to do so. Grayson stepped into my office, puffing air through his nostrils.


    "What happened?" I asked him, ncing up at him.


    "Well, there is nothing just Liam barging into this ce to ask to meet you." He replied.


    "Oh, let him in. I sort of told him about the name error, you know." I smirked. His eyes narrowed, his brows rose as he moved closer.


    "You told him?"


    "Yes, I had to. Apparently, I would not allow him build a hospital on my packnd and let it be under some unknown''s man name. Would I? Now, invite him in." I said, clearing the files before me. Not long after Grayson left, Liam entered. I craned my neck forward to see if she came with him but she didn''t.


    I fell back, not bothering to stand up.


    "Have your seat." I pointed to the seat before me and he sat, giving me a clear look.


    I returned his re and leaned on the desk. "I will cut to the chase, Liam Ferdinand, what exactly are you up to? Acquiring and in an unknown name, thinking I would not see it? You must think me a fool." I arched my brow as I gave him a questioning look.


    After regarding for some seconds, he exhaled and sat up. "You see, I did not mean toe off as a fraud but the project was given to me by a person and I am only a business partner in this. I get my shares." He rified but I was not satisfied. "Did this business partner of yours happen to be the Alpha King?" I stressed.


    If so then it would exin the fact that Liam has managed to fix himself deep in the werewolf world. I won''t be shocked if he happens to be the first human alpha.


    "I do not know what you speak of but... I can have the names changed to mine today if you don''t mind." He stated. That only added to my suspicion. Why was he in a hurry to change it?


    "That was unexpected. I think you need to tell me this person that wants to own and on my pack or else-"


    "Or else, what? Alpha Nathaniel, you signed all the nessary documents and one of the rules in the contract talks about how much you are going to pay for refusing to give us ess to thend acquired." He drawled.


    Rage coursed through my veins and I jerked to my feet. "I am the Alpha!" I hit the desk and Grayson rushed in. "I decide what goes on in my pack, contract be damned, Liam!" I barked.


    Something like fear flickered in his eyes as he looked up at me. I guess he was not used to sight like this.


    "You need to rx and you will not be needed," He directed at Grayson who waited for me to signal to him to leave.


    "Leave him. He is quite aware of the issue. Why should he excluded?" I sat back, signaling to Grayson toe closer. I did not think I would be able to control myself when all I could think was this fucker''s lips on her, staring at her like she was his. The only thing I wanted to do now is rip out the fucker''s throat.


    "I have told you. I also signed the necessary documents of confidentiality with him. Don''t worry. He is a good man." He tried to assure me. I watched him keenly as disgust churned my belly at the dirty words he spewed.


    "What did you say? This man in question is a good man? You must be joking with me! I am revoking your rights to build on mynd!" I sneered.


    "You would not dare, Nathaniel." He seethed in return shooting daggers at me.


    I uttered a scoff, rising to my feet and moving to the window. "Escort Liam Ferdinand out and make sure you return the payment he made." I said over my shoulders.


    "Nathaniel, you don''t want to do this." He gritted out, the chair creaking as he rose to his feet.


    "You must have forgotten that there was another rule that if there was any sort of malicious, hidden or sly motive, your rights is going to be revoked. Help him out, Grayson." I said.


    All these while I watched him do what he did. Lying through his teeth and through the paper. I knew something was wrong when he came with Maurene the other day and I just could not ce it.


    "Does she know?" He halted to a stop instantly. "Does she know that you are working with a good man because if she does, I don''t think she will be working for you?" I turned to him.


    His mouth trembled as his hardened eyes red at me. "You will not say a word of these to her, Nathaniel."


    I smiled. "I am the Alpha here, you don''t tell me what to do. It is none of my business but I would advise you to tell her. Maurene does not deal so well with people she trust and the same goes for someone who deceieve or lie to her." I advised him.


    He scoffed. "Like you? The way you are groveling at her feet to make her return to you. Listen, I am her husband and she is my wife. If this is about her, then I tell you, you don''t know what ising for you." He yelled.


    "Liam," Grayson called and after giving ast look, he stomped out of the office and Grayson returned not long after.


    "Was that necessary?" I asked, looking at the distantnd.


    "It was. It is better than allowing them do what they wanted." He replied and I was relieved.


    "But she will hate you." He added and my heart jumped.


    I closed my eyes. "I have to protect my pack. If anyone spelled like an error on my pack, I will eliminate that person." I promised. "Grayson?"


    "Yes." His reply was curt.


    "Find out who Liam Ferdinand is. Beyond the wealth he has acquired, connections he has made. I want to know who he is and how he came about to be." I assigned to him.


    "Okay!" And he marched out of the office, leaving me to my thoughts.


    In all honestly, I had wanted to prolong their involvement with me because I needed to find out if truly she was my Maurene and she turned out to be. Now, all I have to prepared for is her rage. I needed to take advantage of that. He knew about our history and it hurt that she would tell him. It hurt me that she gave him a chance to love her. She gave her heart to him. Why couldn''t she see that I was paying for my mistake?


    Amanda walked into the room and palmed my face. I looked up at her and pulled her hands away from me.


    "You should go to your room. It iste at night already." I said, moving away from her as the raindrops sttered in the roof.


    "Nathaniel, I know you need someone with you tonight and I will be just the one person for you." She whispered.


    I looked at her. "No, you don''t understand it." I mumbled, picking my phone and exiting the room. I thought by the time I finally divorced her, I would be free and my feelings for Amanda would be revived and I will live the life grandfather didn''t want me to live. Except I was wrong and now, I did not know how I was feeling.


    I wanted to feel satisfied that Maurene was not longer in my life. I should celebrate it for fighting the fate grandfather had crafted for me. I wanted to feel happy and free but I was drawn to her. Maybe I should not have sent her out tonight. "Nathaniel, where are you going?" Amanda called out from behind me.


    I paused, my chest heaving in restlessness. "To find her." I hissed and exited the pack house. I walked under the rain. She would not have gone far. That night, I checked every where in pack for any sign of Maurene, both in wolf and human forms and I did not see her. Fear consumed me in full as several possible thoughts ran through my mind. What if she was eaten up by a rogue?


    No... I ran through several woods to look for her but my Maurene was finally gone. Since that day, I was not myself. I searched every nook and cranny for my Maurene, connecting with Alphas from far and near, even to Anta. Until the moment she walked right through the gate of my pack and I felt her for the first time in years. I almost found myself falling at her knees to plead with her to return but when she came with a man, I held myself back and maintained the heartlessposure she saw me as.


    Now I have realized that I wanted her back. She now viewed Liam as a savior and the one she needed at this point of her life. I needed to make her see that I was genuine with my feelings. It was after she left I realized one thing. I had been in love with her from the very start but covered with my obsession to deliberately fail my grandfather that I hurt her in the process.


    I just hoped it was not toote now. A tear slid down my cheeks and I exhaled deeply.


    I was going to get my woman back. I turned to leave but Grayson entered again, his face looking like he bore bad news.


    "There is an Alpha meeting and the Alpha King was not invited."


    Oh, danger.

 CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT: Alpha’s Meeting

    Nathaniel''S POV


    "We all know that this can be considered treason. Do you want to wrath of the Alpha King on you?" I asked as I stepped into the hall where the meeting was held.


    I had been shocked when Grayson had told me that there was an Alphas'' meeting to which the Alpha King was not invited or informed. I knew it would only spell trouble. The Alphas turned to me and I went to the seat I knew was designated for me, slightly ncing at the seat that was meant for the Alpha King.


    It could awry if the Alpha King found out about this. Didn''t they know this?


    "Well, we are the ones facing the attack. The Alpha King is tucked away in a ce we don''t know and we are facing a great danger. Even though I do not like you, I still agree that you should be called." Alpha Ronald spoke up.


    I scoffed. "Well, forgive me if I am trying to make you understand that the Alpha King is needed at this meeting. Do you think he will let you all go Scot-free for this?" I asked them, looking at each one of them in the eye.


    "We have written several letters to the Alpha King, demanding that he helped us with the issues. The other day, his Luna Queen was attacked in your territory and, you are yet to give any response on it. I would say you should sit down and let''s discuss how to save our pack." Alpha Damien added.


    I eyed him. Two of his pups went missing and his Luna was yet to be found. Actually, the person behind this had been doing it low-key for a while before he extended it to the Luna Queen and other important figures in the pack. The thought that Maurene might have been endangered all because of me scared me to the core but I shoved it to the side.


    "If you say so." I took my seat and the knowledge that these Alphas could turn against me at any moment dawned on me.


    We discussed the pressing issues and I listened. If the person behind the attack on the Luna Queen is the one doing all of these then he must certainly have a reason and motive. What if it was to draw us out? Remembering what the Alpha King had said, I knew there was more to the issues. What exactly did the Alpha King that he was scared to divulge?


    Also, what was happening to the Alpha King? I really needed to know because we were treading dangerous paths now and I needed rity. With every trail I find, I am led to a dead end, making me start all over again. When does it end?


    "Alpha Nathaniel?" I jerked back into reality as Alpha Glory called me. I blinked, facing him. His eyes narrowed on me. "I have been calling you for the past five minutes. Anything you have to add to what we have said?" They all turned their focus to me and I swallowed, "Well, let us all be vignt. Tighten out the security and make sure we keep in touch with one another. In this, the only thing that can stand is unity." I stated. "And we have started making one mistake. Please, don''t let this kind of meeting happen. Alex is our Alpha King and we should ord him with that respect." I added.


    I still stood on the fact that it was really wrong of us to hold meetings without the Alpha King.


    "I knew he would never be able to give us solutions! That was why I totally disagree that we brought him here!" An Alpha who I didn''t recognize hissed from the back and I lifted a look at him.


    "You are totally right. It is because none of his members have gone missing yet because if they have, he would open his fucking mouth and provide solutions to curb these fools!" Another agreed with him. Murmuring poured out in the hall and all I saw was fear and anxiety. Whosoever was doing wanted them to live in fear.


    "Alphas! Don''t let us be like this. I want to believe that Alpha Nathaniel here has given us enough tips to help us in the meantime. It is also our duty that we watch ourselves. Let us do as he said and we should keep in touch. That is important too." Alpha Kevin rose to his feet and addressed. The murmurings reduced and I clenched my fist.


    "If that is the end of this meeting. I would like to leave. Thank you." I didn''t wait for anyone to stop me as I made my way out of the ce. If they didn''t want my help, they should not have reached out in the beginning. I also have my pack to protect. I signaled to Grayson to follow me and we soon reached the car.


    "Alpha Nathaniel!" Alpha Kevin called from behind and I stopped, turning to him.


    "Please, don''t be so crossed. I know how things are. Actually, I just wanted to say that I have something that might help you with the investigation of the attack on the Luna Queen." He said.


    My eyes twitched. "What is it?" I dipped my hand into my pockets, gazing at him.


    He nced around. "I don''t think that I can say here. I will pay you a visit soon." He told me. I gave him a sharp nod before stepping into the car.


    "Where to?" Grayson asked, looking at me through the front mirror.


    "The Alpha King''s mansion," I replied, pulling out my phone and staring at the message I had gotten during the meeting.


    The Alpha king was aware of the meeting.


    The guards led me into the mansion and I was no longer surprised at the numerous checking. As expected, the Alpha King was not on seat. It was his Luna Queen. I heard the Luna Queen didn''t care about the politics. I was somehow baffled at why she suddenly got interested.


    "I want to believe that you all discussed the preventive measures to stop the attack on your packs." Her lips pulled a smile that didn''t reach her eyes as she poured herself some wine.


    I said nothing as I watched her.


    "Yes? No? Well, I will thetter. No." She took her seat and crossed her legs, peering a nk look at me.


    "You know you seem oddly familiar thest time I saw you." She said, dropping her eyes down to the ne hanging around my neck. Her eyes narrowed, confusion shing across her face. "Why do you have that?"


    "Well, it is a wedding gift from my wife," I responded, not knowing why I did. Maurene had taken it upon herself to get me a wedding gift even though I had adamantly told her not to. The way pain had shed on her face was still very vivid in my memories.


    "Really? A friend of mine has the same." She muttered, dropping the ss of wine.


    She has a friend?


    "Where is the Alpha King?" I asked, not wanting to waste much of my time here.


    "Well, you see, that is the reason you are here. Have you forgotten the fact that you were given an ultimatum to find the one behind the attack on me and you, Alpha Nathaniel, have not given any response yet? Don''t you think it is only right that we remove you from your position and put someone who is more than capable there?" She questioned.


    A muscle in my jaw ticked as I fought back the urge to re at her. "Well, I have been trying but it seemed that the one who attacked you didn''t want to be found," I replied.


    "But-"


    "Or maybe because it is a fight between you and him and he didn''t want me involved? Who knows?" I shrugged.


    She watched me with scrutiny. "You think so?"


    "Yes, I know so. You want to use me to fight your enemy and see," I leaned over, meeting her gaze. "You and I husband, Alpha King or not, you must be forting with this. Lives are being lost and you both are just cramped up in here while we are out there, trying to find solutions. So don''t me them if they decide to meet without the Royalty present." I bit out. I was getting restless day by day. Scared and anxious about what the future holds.


    This looked like a threat that only involved one person but innocent souls are paying for it.


    She uttered a scoff. "You know nothing, Alpha Nathaniel. You can take your leave. I have a visitor." She downed the content of her wine and I ground my jaw. I could not disobey her. I rose to my feet and buttoned up.


    "I have told you. I will not fight your battles for you." I moved to leave but her voice stopped me.


    "Then your Alphaship will be taken from me." She hissed from behind.


    I snorted. "No, it would not." I headed for the entrance when the door opened. It was her scent first before my heart skipped and my stomach dropped. Maurene was standing in front of me, her eyes holding animosity she could not hide. Our eyes dropped to the ne around our necks and something shed in her eyes.


    "Maurene," I moved to hold her and she stepped back. Evangeline''s voice called from behind us.


    "Evangeline!"


    Oh, she was the friend she was talking about. So she kept the first piece of the ne. Maurene stepped away from me, ignoring me.


    "You are here!" She grinned at her. Jealousy gnawed at my throat as I wished that grin was for me but no, I ground my jaw and exited the house. I saw Grayson from afar and he watched me as I marched towards the door, mming it shut as I settled into it. He knew the issue so he didn''t bother to ask about it.


    I needed to do something before losing her.


    "What are the updates on Liam?" I asked.


    He peered a look at me through the front mirror. "Still investigating. I will bring feedback soon." He responded.


    I nodded. I needed to know who Liam was.


    It was the night of our wedding night and I was angry. I knew it because I didn''t want any of these. The woman, the reason, and everything. I hated it all.


    "You have officially be the Alpha of our pack, son!" My grandfather grinned as he patted my shoulders. I didn''t bother to hide my disgust from him. He knew I didn''t want to do this but after he had threatened that my rights to the position were on the line, I agreed.


    "She is a good girl. You should love and take care of her," he advised, staring at Maurene who was talking to someone at a distance. Her smile was too real and I didn''t want to believe that anyone could have such a beautiful smile.


    I excused myself from my grandfather and went to the balcony to feel some fresh air. I heard some footsteps and I looked out of the corner of my eyes.


    "Nathaniel." She softly called.


    "What do you want?" I bit out coldly.


    She gasped slightly but moved closer.


    "I got something for us." I looked down at the box in her hand. "It is my wedding gift to you." She informed me with a sweet smile.


    "I told you that there was no reason to get a wedding gift."


    She shook her head, opening the box and a pair of nes came into view.


    "I wanted to get it for you. Allow me to wear it in you." She pulled one out and I didn''t fight as she locked it around my neck and did the same for herself.


    She looked up at me sheepishly. I looked away, feeling ufortable. "You should leave. I have paperwork I need to go through."


    "But are you not-"


    "You know, Maurene. This... I didn''t want it so don''t expect me to be like what you fantasize about."


    Maybe I should have been what she fantasized about.

 CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE: Confrontation

    Maurene''S POV


    I didn''t expect to meet Nathaniel at Evangeline''s ce. Well, then I thought about it and realized that he wa Alpha Nathaniel so definitely, he could meet the Alpha King anytime, anywhere.


    Evangeline has changed. It was obvious on her face and the way she looked stressed. I had asked to meet her outside the mansion but she said she could not. I had assumed that it was because of Alex''s protective ass but seeing her now, I knew that was not the reason. I wanted to ask her but as usual, she evaded it.


    "You know, I really want to know something, Maurene." She came to sit beside me.


    I tilted my head to the side. "What is that?"


    I think I already knew what she was about to ask but I let her ask anyway.


    "Alpha Nathaniel is the Nathaniel that broke your heart and divorced you, right?" She leaned closer as she watched me.


    I bobbed my head. "Yeah. He is the one."


    She hit the couch and I flinched.


    "What is it?" I asked her.


    "I should have removed him from the Alpha position the moment he walked in here." She mumbled.


    I scoffed. "You don''t have to do that. Not like we would ever get back together." I shrugged.


    "No, you will not. Why is it that you have bad luck with men?" She mused.


    I smiled. "Well, some people fall in love with the wrong people sometimes." I reached for the wine she poured for me, sipping a little. "And yes, why do you want to remove him from his position?" I asked her. She snorted. "Well, do you still remember that day I was attacked?"


    I nodded.


    "I was attacked in his territory and my dear Alex gave him the responsibility to ount for it or else he will be questioned for wanting to kill me. It has been over two months and yet he has not given any response. He is suspicious." She exined.


    I tried toprehend what she just said. If what she said was right, it must have been during that time when the pictures of the night party had leaked on the inte. So this was what he was busy with. "Don''t." She wiggled her hand in my face.


    "Don''t what?" I scoffed.


    "I know that look on your face. Don''t try to justify him." She rolled her eyes and picked up her ss of wine.


    "I was not going to actually. You see, Liam and I, are working on some sort of project on his packnd and I can tell that he has been trying to find out, at least I know from the number of times he has been absent from our meetings." I recounted the times when I had personally gone to the pack and didn''t meet him.


    Evangeline gave me a long look before taking her gaze away. "It is much moreplicated than that, Maurene."


    "How so?" I arched my brows and rxed to listen. "And tell me the reason someone would attack you." it didn''t make sense. Evangeline was an easygoing person. She avoided Luna meetings and didn''t even boast around with her position. Why would anyone want to kill her?


    "Well, don''t be surprised. For as long as you are in that state of power and authority, you have countless enemies who want your head on a tter." She drawled, not even showing any ounce of fear.


    "You see. Ever since I got mated to Alex, I have learned to ept it and not fight it. What was there to fight when it woulde chasing after you?" She scoffed. "Only stupid people would do that. Embrace it. It is yours." "Where is Alex? I have yet to see him since I came, considering how protective is of you." I smiled.


    "Hmm, he is quite busy. Alpha king''s duties." She rolled her eyes but I could see that she was forcing herself to be normal around me. Maybe she didn''t trust me enough. She said it herself that we should embrace it.


    We discussed other matters before I took my leave. I had another ce to go to and it was Nathaniel''s pack. I got into my car and hit the road, my fist clenching around the steering wheel, my knuckles almost whitening. Rage had coursed through me when Liam told me via text that we had canceled the project on his pack. I asked him for the reason but he didn''t respond. Today, I had nned to meet Nathaniel. I did not know I would meet him at Evangeline''s ce and it was not a ce to discuss our matters.


    I soon reached his pack gate and honked. A guard came and didn''t open for me. My brows twitched. Was this about the attack on the Luna? Was exactly is going on?


    He stepped out and stopped before my door. I slid down the window and peered a look at him outside.


    "I want to see Alpha Nathaniel."


    "Do you have an appointment?" He asked.


    My eyes narrowed. "So we would need an appointment to meet with him?"


    "Yes." He replied with a curt nod.


    "Well, I do not have an appointment with him because I am his... Luna." I hesitated. His eyes widened briefly before his eyes zed over. He opened the door not quite long. I parked the car in the garage and stomped towards the pack house. Opening the door and not seeing him anywhere in sight, I marched to the only one ce I knew he would be. His office. I didn''t bother knocking, I pushed the door open. "Nathaniel, you-"


    Except it was Grayson who was here.


    My chest heaved with deep exhale as I ground my jaw. "Where is he?"


    "At the pool."


    I marched to the pool side and I saw him there. His entire body was in sight as he yed around in the water.


    "You still know your way around the pack, Maurene. I am not surprised." His voice boomed, not even sparing me a nce.


    "You are petty! Do you know that?" I gritted out and he swiveled to me, an amused look on his face. "You really didn''t need to stop the project. Whatever happened is between you and I. You don''t have to involve Liam. He worked so hard for us to be able to start this and you just ended it. Because of what?"


    "Nathaniel, see I get it. But this is between you and me. You honestly don''t have to include Liam." I breathed heavily as he didn''t say anything.


    The amusement in his eyes died as he turned away and waddled in the water. "So you are here for your fake husband, huh?"


    "We are not fake!" I blurted out.


    "Oh, oh! Do you want to believe that? Well, you can." He scoffed.


    "Nathaniel, you need to call Liam and continue this project. It is also going to benefit your pack. You will have ess to the hospital easily. Can''t you see that? Can''t you see the bigger picture?" I yelled. My anger was getting out of hand. My hands were trembling and my nose red up at the way he was so casually waddling in the water.


    "Nathaniel, I am talking to you and you will give me a response -"


    "Maurene," He bellowed and I flinched. He Ross to his feet in the pool and stared at me.


    "What bigger picture is there? You know what, tell me. Describe it to me and maybe, just maybe, I will reconsider since you came all the way here to fight for your petty fake husband."


    "So this is what it is about. The fact that I re-married?"


    "You are not even married really." He scoffed.


    "Nathaniel, see." I calmed my tone. I knew if I was going to win this against him, I needed to be rxed. "I will do whatever you want me to do. Just agree that we should continue the project." I said.


    He came out of the pool and stood before me. Water dripped from him and I fought the urge to look at his ripped body.


    "What if the only way is toe back to me?" He asked, our gaze locked as his hot breath fanned my face.


    My lips trembled. "Then you can do to hell for all I care." I bit out.


    He snorted augh. "Maurene, I am doing what is best for my pack. You should go back to your fake ass husband." With that, he walked away, leaving me.


    What exactly did Nathaniel want to say but he held himself back?

 CHAPTER SEVENTY: The Designer

    Amanda''S


    POV


    I did not know what was recently wrong with Nathaniel but he seemed off. He was always busy. Rushing off to somewhere in the morning anding backte has been his routine recently and I found it fishy. The only time Nathaniel does this is when something is wrong and he needs to set it right.


    I walked into his office and met only Grayson who seemed to working on a file. He looked up at me the moment he sensed my presence. Grayson and I never had a prolonged conversation. In fact, the only time we had talked was when Nathaniel wanted to see me and there was no guard in sight he could order to call me.


    "Where is here?" I asked, slowly stepping closer.


    "As you can see, he is not in the pack house." His response was dry. I fought back the urge to scoff as I let out a deep exhale.


    "Alright. If he returns, please inform him that I came to check on him." I said softly. He didn''t respond so I took it as a yes and stepped out.


    What exactly was going on? Did it involve that bitch called Maurene?


    My phone vibrated against my palm and I jumped in fear. It was Martin. I didn''t save his contact but I recognized it by the numbers. Rolling my eyes, I walked away from Nathaniel''s office to my room and locked the door. I clicked on the green button.


    "What?"


    "Don''t tell me you have my number saved on your phone." He drawled.


    I scoffed. "Why are you calling me? I thought we agreed that there would not be any unnecessary calls?" I asked him, slumping on my bed.


    "Well, it is necessary if I say that you will be meeting with Bille Gates tonight." He announced.


    "What?" I jerked to my feet and screamed


    "Oh, please be quiet. My ears are quite sensitive, you know." He snorted.


    "You must be joking, Martin. There is no way you would... I don''t even have his dress and... I am not even prepared.... I still have to-" I began to panic.


    "You need to rx, Amanda. Bille is not a tough man. Just be yourself." He advised, making me stop hyperventting.


    "Even a man tough gets pleased when he see a beautiful object." I let out a deep exhale, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Why are you just telling me now?" I wanted to cry right now. "Well, apparently, his call came in just now and he informed me that he would not be avable any day apart from today. And here it is, me, fulfilling my part of the deal." He replied.


    If there was one thing I still have not understood is how he was able to convince Bille. If ever, Bille was a busy man and he hardly ever met any insignificant person.


    "Tell me, how were you able to strike this deal with him?" I asked.


    He snorted. "Well, he sort of owed me a favor and I called it in. And yes, don''t bother asking what favor because I will not tell you. I have fulfilled my part of the deal so yes, it is your turn." I gulped hard. Truly, I was half expecting him to be deceiving me but he was being real right now, and I...


    "Alright. Send me the address of the ce and-"


    "No," He cut in and my brows creased together. "What?"


    "I aming to pick up up." He imed.


    "No, Martin. You cannot. I will meet you there and -"


    "I told him that you were my girlfriend and imagine the kind of way he would think if he sees using at different times. Maybe you were not as important to me after all." He mumbled.


    I thought about it. He was right. We needed to present a good impression that we were in love anding differently would not portray that.


    "Alright. I will send you the address of the ce you would pick me up. Is that alright by you?"


    "Yes, anything you say, princess. You know this is the longest we have discussed on the phone. What do you say? That we should speak more on the phone?" I could visualize his eyes growing wife in anticipation. I uttered a snort. "No." I hung up and dropped the phone on my bed. Now, I needed to find the perfect down for the asion. My phone pinged with message. It was from Martin. What did he want from me again? I forgot to add. Wear something that is un-Bille like. Not something that his rivals produce.


    A ghost of a smile yed on my lips. At least he took the initiative to share the tips. I wanted to type a thank you but what would happen to my steeze?


    So I turned to my wardrobe and began to bring out every piece of dress. Still, I did not see anything that would be un-Bille like. I had liked this man and his models that I always made sure to recreate them. What do I do?


    There was no way in the world I would suddenly call Nathaniel that I needed a dress. Wait! The dress Martin got for me and I didn''t wear. I didn''t even check the dress. I just dumped it in the loweryer of the wardrobe. I quickly searched for it an brought it out. Dropping it on the bed, I brought out the shiny gown and a grin split on my lips as I stared at the reflection in the mirror.


    Martin definitely has some good taste.


    I dropped the gown and quickly got into the bathroom. Damn! He didn''t even tell what time he would being.


    I did the usual and put some mild make up. I didn''t want to appear like I was begging for attention. A model must be simple yet elegant. That was my motto.


    Just as I got into the dress, a knock rapped on the door and I flinched a little. I was a little nervous and I was on the edge.


    "Miss Amanda?" Grayson''s voice came from outside and I gasped. Wading through the bunch of clothes littering my room, I opened the door and his left brow twitched as I pulled the door close to me so that he would not see the mess that was called my room.


    "A man is outside, waiting for you." He notified me.


    My mouth parted in a O. "Thank you." I tried to smile but the way he was looking at me told me he was here for something else. His neck craned over my head and I swallowed hard, feeling self-conscious that he had seen my room like that. If there was one thing Nathaniel''s Beta was capable of doing, it was eliciting fear in you.


    His eyes then ran over my body before he looked away and turned to me like he was struggling from sort. "Nathaniel said you should be careful."


    "Where is-"


    Before I could finish, he already walked off and I exhaled. I quickly put the zip up and picked up my purse. Taking a few mirror selfies and videos, I made my way out. A smile reced the nervous scowl on my face as maids gushed about my appearance.


    Of course, they would admire but would never be.


    I soon reached outstide and Martin was there, leaning against the car like the gentleman that he was not.


    He must have noticed me because he turned around to approach me. His eyes glinted with satisfaction on the gown I had chosen to wear.


    "You wore the gown I got for you." He mused, as if he couldn''t believe what he was seeing.


    I rolled my eyes. "You told me to wear something un-Bille like." I clicked my tongue.


    He smiled like he knew I was lying but I was not. I was, however, thankful that he got me the dress in the first ce.


    We soon the hit the road and during the ride, Martin briefed me on the kind of person Bille was. What I should say and should not say. I listened attentively because I was not going to ruin a good opportunity because of clumsiness. We soon reached the restaurant and it was so like Bille. Martin led me in, his hand holding mine in a way that was intimate and real.


    Bille sat in the corner on the farthest part of the restaurant and I breathed out deeply, trying to calm my nerves. I was finally meeting this man. The closest I havee to this man is through the television. Even though I was a top model, he still never reached to me so I took the initiative to reach out to him.


    He looked up and didn''t smile. okay, this night was not starting on the smiling level. I used to hear that Bille was always funny with his models but this one I was seeing was different. Was he a clone?


    "Good evening to you, Bille." Martin greeted, his voice tight as he squeezed my cold palm. I sqeeuzed back and he helped me to sit. I smiled a little, not too much, not too showy. Just natural. "Good evening," That was all I said.


    He didn''t even respond but with the way Martin watched him closely, I knew whatever favor he called in didn''t involve goodness.


    Anyway, I held my breath until Bille finally spoke and I released it. Happy that he said something. We discussed all through the night and he was offering just one word response each time. Martin would add something too so it would not seem like I was the only one rambling. Honestly, he was truly my partner, I would have nted a peck on his cheeks.


    At the end of the dinner, Bille expressed that he didn''t want another model added to his collection as he already have a few but he would be up for coboration. I was so d and could hardly contain my happiness when he handed his card


    to me.


    "Nice meeting, miss-"


    My smile faltered. He didn''t even remember the name I had told him in the beginning. "Amanda. Amanda." I added for him. He didn''t extend his hand out to me for a shake and I swallowed my pride as I watched him rise to his feet and walk out. I didn''t stop gushing on how I had manage to take his card. By the time I was done eating with Martin and he took me back home, the moment I stepped through the gate, realization dawned on me.


    I didn''t send my address to Martin Taylor. How did he know?

 CHAPTER SEVENTY ONE: The Daring Truth

    Nathaniel''S POV


    I was told Amanda went on a date with her new boyfriend. I was not jealous. In fact I would be damned if I was. But I was worried for her. I didn''t know this guy and weirdly I was weary of him already for her. Maybe I should tell her that I would like to meet him. Funny part was that he came to pick her up from the pack. I should confront her but I was busy with going after the trail I got. I went to the ce of dead man that was said to own the restaurant. I didn''t meet anyone but just as I was about to leave, I happened to bump into a youngdy that she quite shocked to me. From her expression, I knew she knew who I was or what I was.


    "Rx." I extended my hand, gesturing her to calm down.


    "What are you doing here?" She asked, her eyes wide in alert.


    "I mean no harm." I raised my hands in a surrender gesturee, taking slow steps toward her. "I am just here to -"


    "Ask about my grandfather who your kind killed." She hissed.


    My brows knotted together. "What do you mean by that?"


    She snorted. "So you are trying to tell me that you are not aware that they made him to sign his name under that stupid restaurant he never built and kill him?" She gave me a ridiculous look.


    I narrowed my eyes. What exactly was she talking about?


    "Can we sit?" I asked her.


    She gave me a long look. "Not like I am scared of you. You can kill me. I don''t really care." She shrugged and went to sit on the couch. I followed her and took a seat opposite her.


    "So tell me. What exactly do you know?"


    She gave me a weary look but continued. "Months back, some men in a ck with eagle and a crescent moon emblem on their forearm approached my grandfather."


    "I was scared so I didn''te out of the bedroom I had hidden in. The men talked about some favors being repaid and my grandfather agreed since he was grieving his wife who had recently died as well so he agreed to do as they said. Signing his name as the owner of the restuarant." She looked haunted as if she was remembering that night.


    "So..."


    "They killed him instantly and left after getting the file."


    "Didn''t the bosse with them?" I questioned.


    "He didn''t. Maybe he did but I only saw the men through peeping. It was the emblem I caught and they left the old man''s body. I took it upon myself to bury him." Tears slid down her cheeks. I didn''t know if I was permitted tofort so I just rxed on my seat, trying to contemte what she just exined.


    If the old man was killed by the men she just said came, then should they take her as well?


    She said my kind was the ones that they killed. They would definitely be trained and their senses would be heightened so they would know that there was someone behind the closed doors, except they left her here for a reason. She was tasked to tell me this.


    They didn''t to be kept hidden. They wanted me to know and thisdy, my eyes fixed on her, would be the key to my meeting the people so I needed to y the game ordingly.


    "Okay. I''m really sorry for your loss. I would like really to visit his grave." She flicked her gaze to me and slowly nodded.


    "Sure." We exited the house and she led me to the ce where the old man was buried. It looked like something she could have done. After talking about the times they have spent together and few tears shed, I held her arms tofort her. We soon got on our way back. I pitied her. I didn''t want to leave her here at all.


    "Okay. I know you hate my kind but I think you shoulde with me. What if theye back here and they kill you the way they did to the old man?" I asked her. I watched her keenly. She didn''t act scared.


    I was confused. Has she really given up on being alive or was she acting ording to the way they had asked her to? I knew the game and I was ying.


    "I don''t think so. The old man expected it. In as much as I would have love to avenge his death, I know he would not want it." She sniffed.


    "Well, I also know that he would not want the fact that you are left here alone all by yourself. Soe with me back to my pack. I promise you that no one is going to harm you. I will make sure of that." I promised her.


    She swallowed hard, fidgeting as she cast me a skeptical look. I stared into her eyes, trying to decipher what she was thinking. Fear, pain, agony, trauma. I saw it all in her eyes. I was right.


    "If you say so but remember you invited me." She bit her lips nervously.


    I smiled softly and she went to the take the little things she had in the house and while she was gone, I went through the portraits of the old man in and nothing seemed familiar. She soon returned not longer after and we headed for my car. The moment we settled, i inserted the key into the keyhole and the engine revved into life. Hitting the road, I headed straight for my pack. Grayson''s call kepting in but I could not pick it when I was driving.


    I soon reached my pack and led the girl in. That reminded me that I didn''t even know her name.


    "Hmm, what is your name by the way?" I asked her, slowing down to hear her.


    "Le. Call me Le." I nodded and pushed the door to the pack house open.


    "Nathaniel, where have your phone been? I have been trying to call you to give you updates on -" He stopped talking when he noticed the petite figure beside me. His eyes twitched slightly. ''Who is she?'' He asked through the mindlink.


    ''A long story.'' I sighed in response.


    "Help Le here to rx in one of the guestrooms and meet me in the office." I told him and went to my room to change before walking to the office to get on with the things on myptop. Grayson came in not long after.


    "She is Le. I met her at the old man''s house and she told me about his death." I didn''t wait for him to ask more questions. I went further to tell him the things the girl had exined to me and he took his seat. "Then who is she to me?" He asked.


    "Now that is what I do not know. I didn''t ask her and she didn''t bother to tell me." I exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of my nose. I have been concerned with knowing the entire truth that I didn''t ask her. "What if she was some sort of instrument the enemy is using? We just brought her into our pack." He stated the obvious and what I was thinking as well. That was the reason I liked Grayson. He was fast to think and strategize. "Well, there is only one way to find out. Make sure the CCTV coverage in her room is active all the time and it is on record. I do not want to hear that it got deleted or severed." I warned him.


    He gave me a curt nod. "So how do we deal with this if it turns out to be true?" He leaned on the desk.


    "We will just have to trace them and if we are unable to, she will lead us to them. I have a feeling that there was a reason she was left behind and that this person wanted to meet me and I will give him that honor." I said.


    He sighed, shaking his head, definitely thinking about the whole matter. "That means that whatever is going on has started even before the attack, right?"


    Then I remembered what the Alpha King had said. Even before my grandfather ruled.


    "Yes. That is why I must get to the root of this matter. Now tell me what is it you wanted to tell me." I nced up at him, retrieving a file from drive.


    "I found out about Liam." He announced.


    I clicked on a button and focused on him. "And what is that?" I inclined my head to the side because this suddenly interest me.


    "He is the Alpha King''s step brother who was sent away to abroad when he was young then he returned." He pulled out a file and slid it to me. I picked it up and went through it. It consisted of when Liam had lived in New York then he moved. That was why he seemed to casual when visiting the other day.


    "What was the reason behind his movement?" I pulled another file out.


    "Well, from the hospital I had gotten the information from in Germany, I was told that he was bipr and that he often exhibited a violent behavior." He gave a hospital report.


    "So you are trying to tell me that my wife is staying with a bipr fucker?" I ground my jaw.


    "He returned six years ago and has kept a low key profile since then, well, till a year ago when he began to attend social gatherings and made connections which aided him."


    No wonder he knew the way of the supernatural realm.


    "Then how did he meet Maurene?" The questions were to myself.


    "Okay." I dropped the files. It was starting to cause my head to ache. "You did a good job on this. And yes, I want to you find out about a particr emblem." I described the emblem Le had said earlier. He nodded curtly.


    ****


    Later that day, I went to see Le in her room and saw that she was already getting familiar with the environment.


    "I see you arefortable already." I said, pressing the socket.


    She flinched and turned to me. "Well, the other guy helped me settle well inside. He is quite cool though." Her purse lips formed a smile.


    I hummed a reply. "I just remembered that you didn''t tell me how you were rted to the old man." I covered it up with a smile that didn''t reach my eyes.


    "Oh, really? I didn''t? Well, I am his foster granddaughter. I was brought in to take care of the both of them."


    "Which means you were there when the old man lost his wife and he died too?"


    "Yes, ironic. He was barely surviving. I think he was happy to finally die so he could meet his wife early."


    Well, that made sense. The old man could have been depressed but he couldn''tmit suicide because of the girl.


    "I kept encouraging him that he would meet her soon and I know I should not say this but I will, I think I was happy when he died. He had nothing else he was living for and he finally found peace so..." "Have you ever heard if they had kids of their own?"


    She gave me a long look. "If you had brought me here to interrogate me like this, I think it would be better if I returned back to where I came from." She began to pack up.


    "And risk the fact that they coulde and kill you?"


    "At least it is my death and not yours. Don''t tell me you think I would kill grandfather and I was lying?" She keened her eyes on me.


    "No, I do. Just that the old man''s death is important. But if you are not going to speak, I will not bother you." I quickly brought myself back. I should not push her too much or she might push back. "Alright. You can continue with what you are doing." I implored her and exited her room. A smirk formed on my lips as I walked back to my room.


    She was a spy and she has just confirmed that now.

 CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO: Changed Supervisor

    Maurene''S


    POV


    Liam hasn''t texted me since thest time he messaged me about the issue with Nathaniel. I wanted to know the reason Nathaniel would suddenly cancel our contract with him. I knew Nathaniel was not a spontaneous man. He would either have had it in mind since the beginning or there was something that made him do that. Damn! That was what I should have done the other day when I went to meet him, now he would not let him in.


    I tried calling Liam but he would not pick it up. The kids would not stop asking after him and I would always tell them he was busy with things. Even Diana had asked me that since Liam was busy, why was I at home?


    It happened also that the project on Galen''snd was also paused. It was not from Galen but from Liam. It seemed the project that was supposed to be done affected it. Right now, I didn''t even know how I could help Liam. I have thought of ways to help but none of them seemed like it was the best. I really wanted to help Liam but his not answering my call was not helping issues at all.


    Maybe I should see Alex. At least, he had sent me to him one time. He must know what to do, right?


    I quickly went to my wardrobe and picked out a pair of denim trousers and a white T-shirt. I wore it quickly and picked up my ck purse, exiting my room in a hurry. I climbed down the stairs and bumped into Diana.


    "D, I will be back soon. I just need to see-" I halted when I saw Liam standing before me, looking as confident as ever. My eyes narrowed. Was I seeing something wrong? "Liam?" I didn''t dare call his name out loud.


    "Yes, it is me, Maurene. Come with me. We have somewhere to be." He said immediately, turning on his heels as we both headed outside. I caught up with him.


    "Liam, don''t you think you owe some sort of exnation or whatever?" I asked him and he didn''t respond.


    "We will not be taking your car. Enter into mine."


    He ignored what I had said and got into the driver''s seat. I wanted to refuse him but I entered, understanding that he was not in the mood for any sort of argument but that did not mean I would let it slide.


    He hit the road and I noticed the road was quite familiar. It was the route to Evangeline''s mansion. What was Liam going there to do? Did he also think of the Alpha King like I did? We were thinking alike after all.


    I rxed on the chair and stayed in silence as we reached the mansion. As usual, the guards escorted us to the entrance. The only surprising thing is that they didn''t search us like they usually do.


    I swallowed, feeling the tension oozing from Liam as we walked into the house. I was expecting to see Eva in the living room and thought Liam was going to stop but instead, he moved further into the house like he owned it. "Liam, you know we cannot-"


    "Liam." Eva''s voice called out and I stopped, my throat bobbing as I saw the interior design of the ce. It was... spectacr.


    "Eva?" Her name dropped from my mouth. I nced between them before my eyes fell on Alex who walked in on us. "What-"


    "Rx, you will understand soon. Just calm down." She assured.


    What did she mean by that? I could not even think of anything that could be a possibility to prepare my heart. I just listened to the pounding of my heart in my ear drums. "Liam," He didn''t answer me.


    "Maurene, you should rx. There is no reason to panic. You are safe here." Alex guaranteed. They kept saying that and none of them was saying anything further.


    "What is going on here? Why am I in my best friend''s house and my husband seemed to know the house so well?" I asked, my eyes hardening into a re.


    "Well, Liam here is not who you think he is-"


    "Evangeline." Liam tried to cut in.


    "You will shut up when my Luna Queen speaks." Alex shunned him as his nose red up in anger.


    Evangeline exhaled deeply as she faced me. "You see, Liam Ferdinand, is... Alex''a step stepbrother and... Before you say anything, I wanted to tell you but you looked away too happy for me to do that. That was why I had Alex tell him to confess. There was no way he would keep lying to you and I would watch." She revealed.


    I think I was hearing wrong. There was no way Liam would be rted to the Alpha King. He never mentioned it to me. In fact, he made me believe that he was not rted at all and that the only way he knew the Alphas was through business and nothing else.


    Was the years we shared filled with lies also?


    Tears brimmed my eyes as I looked up at him, feeling my heart shattered.


    "Liam,"


    "Maurene, you see. I have always wanted to tell you and -"


    "And he didn''t," Evangeline added. Anger shed through his face at the way he interrupted her. I should have known. That day at the party. The way they looked at each other and Evangeline had warned me of him. Yet, I refused to allow her to change my perspective of him.


    I trusted him. I truly did. I told him everything about me and yet, he didn''t even for once tell me the truth.


    "Anyway, the entire meeting is not for the both of you to talk shit. Apparently, I own apany and I had put Liam in charge because I wanted to see how worthy he would but then... he lost the ess to Nathaniel''s pack and you... Maurene, are going to help us get in there again."


    I narrowed my eyes at what they said.


    "Come again." The pain I was feeling cleared out immediately.


    "I said I want us to continue the project on Nathaniel''snd. I was the one who picked thend. So since you know Nathaniel, you will help me get back into his pack because I want a part of hisnd as mine, Maurene."

 CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREE: Betrayed Trust

    Maurene''S POV


    I sat in my room, mute as a dead person and staring at nothing in particr. I was hurt by the person I trusted the most. He has been pretty evasive since the start whenever I asked about his family. No wonder he wanted to live differently. If he wanted to stay with us, he would have insisted but no, he stayed away. I should have known. I should have suspected. I did suspect but he did his work by making me forget it. That trip to Anta was a lie too. Everything he did for us, was all a lie. How do I tell my kids that their favorite uncle has been lying to us all this while?


    I saw the way he smiled when I had just given birth to the triplets. He stared at them like they were his own. The nurses were even gushing at how lucky the kids were to have a father like him. At that point, I had wished that he was their father and Nathaniel wasn''t. I harbored a deep hatred for him since he sent me out that night.


    "They are so small," Liam said, watching them like they were some kind of wonder. I was also fascinated when I saw them. I didn''t know that I could carry three of these little things.


    During my pregnancy days, Liam has been helping me with every craving I wanted. He would get them for me and over the years, I got to trust him and gave him ess to my kids'' lives. He became the father they didn''t have unknowingly and uncle they could call at any time to take them out to the amusement park.


    I liked him for them. I defended him even when Nathaniel had tried to tell me about him. Even Eva did. Gosh, I have been yed.


    "You will be the new supervisor. It seemed like Liam had been annoying the men in charge for a while." Alex said, taking his seat. I watched his every moment.


    It was stiff but still, he managed to hide it as he met my stare.


    Oh! Shoot! The Alpha King is sick.


    "What do you have to say?" He tilted his head to the side.


    I blinked, not bothering to look at Liam who didn''t speak anymore. I think they had some sort ofplicated rtionship.


    "Are you doing this because you know of the rtionship between Nathaniel and me?" I asked them, peering a look between the couple.


    "Well, if you want to put it that way. But no."


    "Then my answer is no," I responded.


    "Maurene," Eva cautioned.


    I narrowed my eyes slightly on her. "Did you befriend me because you wanted me to do this?"


    Her eyes widened before she shook her head. "Never. I will never do that. It is just that," She gulped hard. "It is quiteplicated to exin. Just that, Liam here cannot-"


    "I do not want his position and I am not returning to my ex-husband''s pack. First, god knows what you people did that warranted him to cancel it in the first ce. You know what? I am out of here!" I hissed and stomped out of the house. The bite of betrayal was about to set in Evangeline called from behind me with guards rushing after her like she was some kind of princess who wanted to save her doll.


    "Maurene, you cannot leave." She begged, trying to catch her breath.


    "Why?" I questioned her, looking at her in the eye. "Well, I am not the one who approached someone just to do what? Make her the supervisor of apany she didn''t know existed?"


    "Maurene, that is not it either. You just have to rx and listen. As you must have seen, my husband, Alex is sick and I don''t want to tell you this before but... Liam cannot be trusted. That was why I had Alex make him tell you the truth. I didn''t want to look like a friend who would watch her friend in danger and not do anything. I''m sorry that you had to find out this way."


    "He had said that he would tell you but when I saw that he didn''t, I had to step in." She exined.


    My jaw hardened. "I think I would need some space," I muttered, trying to stay away from her. It has been a long time since I felt this kind of betrayal and I had already healed from it but a new one... I was scared of how I would take it. She quickly reached for my hand. "At that party the other day, Alex had apse and I had to rush him out of there. Liam does not know that he is sick terminally. Don''t let anyone else know, I beg of you." She pleaded. "And he has been trying to remain strong in front of these stupid Alphas who keep having meetings behind his back. And to top it all, I have to be with him in this. I would have loved to sit you down and make you see that I did it for your best but... Please you can go and think about it."


    "One piece of advice I will give you, keep Liam close. I know you are hurt but... keep him close."


    She had told me that and I did not know what she meant. I was still thinking about it when my door was barged open and Diana appeared, panting heavily. The look on her face triggered fear in me and jolted me to my feet. "What happened?" I asked


    "Well, Kai has gone looking for his father." She lifted the note into the air and I didn''t know but I felt myself falling back with Diana yelling out.

 CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR: The Site Owner

    Amanda''S POV


    I didn''t know how I was going to tell Nathaniel about meeting Bille. I knew he would find it suspicious. He knew the things I could do. The things I did in the past but was not proud of. The things he helped me with at the expense of his marriage to Maurene. I have been in my room all day constantly checking my phone for Bille''s message. He had told me that he would be the one to contact me but it was taking way too long and I was starting to believe that he lied to me. Was that possible? Unless he did that, there was no way I would be continuing this rtionship charade with Martin. Talking about Martin, he has been quiet these days. Not disturbing me with messages that didn''t matter. I guess he must attend to his business


    too.


    Just as I rolled to the other side of the bed, my phone beeped with a message alert and I turned back at the speed of light, rushing to pick it up from the light stand.


    Running my pin through, the phone''s home screen appeared and I quickly searched for my message box. Clicking it open, I nced up at the first message and a hiss tore through me. Talk of the devil.


    It was Martin who had sent me a message, asking if I was missing him too much. I uttered a scoff, almost moved to send him the hateful message twirling in my head right now. I clicked the phone off and rolled over to catch some sleep when it beeped again. I let out a groan as I rolled over and opened my phone.


    We should meet tonight at my ce. Martin.


    I narrowed my eyes. He wanted us to meet?


    No. I typed back.


    Amanda, you agreed. Remember? He texted back.


    I groaned, remembering that I did exactly. Now I would have to step out of the house. Bille has yet to schedule a day with me and here Martin was demanding that I see him. Rising to my feet, I went to my dresser and picked a simple gown. After I was done dressing, I exited the house and drove straight to Martin''s house.


    It was as if he knew I woulde. He already stationed a guard to wait for me outside and the bulky man led me into his mansion.


    "I only came because you helped me to meet Bille and even yet, it is not done. He has not scheduled my meeting with him and I am... well, can you do something to that?"


    "A good evening would be better, Amanda." He said, giving me a side eye as he poured himself some wine and nced at me again before pouring into another wine ss.


    He extended it to me but I shook my head. I knew better than to drink it. His left brow went up in scrutiny.


    "You think I would poison you? Or drug you?" He asked as if it was something ridiculous.


    I lifted my chin. "Who knows?"


    He scoffed, shaking his head. "I would not do that. You are helping me, Amanda. If I poison you or drug you now, the entire press will be after me and my poor father so no," He said, dropping the wine ss beside me before passing by me to take his seat.


    I eyed the wine ss, contemted, and took it into my hand then went to meet him.


    "So why did you ask me to meet you here?" I asked, still not sipping from the wine.


    His eyes dropped to the wine and he clicked his tongue. "You either drink that or just dump it. You''re making it look like I would kill you." He snorted, downing the content of his wine. A shadow shed across my face, if only he knew. I took a careful sip from it and dropped it before. "Sipped it, okay now? So tell me. Why am I here?"


    "My father-"


    "No!" I cut him off before he could say anything else.


    He furrowed his brows, tilting his head to the side. "W-What?"


    "Meeting your father was not part of the agreement. This is not even real. It is going to end soon immediately you... You.. Wait, you what?"


    He shook his head. "If only you would let me finish up. My father saw the news about you and I and he said he wanted to meet you but I refused."


    "I know him. He can be... persistent at times and we might actually have to meet him." He said.


    My mouth hung open in shock. "What? Don''t you think introducing me to your family is way too much? Can''t you make up some excuses that I am a busy model and that I cannot make up time to meet him or something?" He smirked. "My father can have your schedules canceled for him to meet you, Amanda." He said smugly.


    I let out an aggravated noise. "Then you would have to hurry Bille up. If Bille does not his part of his agreement, I won''t be meeting your father." I told him, grinding my jaw.


    His eyes glinted. "Fire. I like that fire in your eyes. Exactly what I needed and wanted."


    I didn''t understand what he meant so I ignored him.


    "You should drink that up." He pointed at the wine ss.


    What? Is he some old man who gets angry at every waste of food?


    Just as I carried the wine ss, a guard entered and I nced at him. The guard whispered something into his ears. His eyes flicked to me before nodding to the guard and then signaling to him to leave.


    He rose to his feet, sighing. "I know I said I wanted to meet you tonight but apparently, I have to attend to some things. Can you wait?" He asked, taking me by surprise.


    I shrugged. "Turn on the television before you leave," I said, looking away. He smiled and did as I told him.


    "Martin," I called him and he halted to a stop.


    "What? You just called me by my name." He smiled.


    I offered him a fake smile. "I would like the wine."


    He didn''t seem shocked but instead, it was like he expected it. He nodded before getting it for me and then leaving.


    I got myself focused on the entertainment news but then my ears pricked. Martin was yet to be back which was strange. What did he have to attend to when he nned to talk to me?


    I rose to my feet, dropping the wine ss and bottle on the desk. I had drunk enough. It would be bad if I got drunk in his ce. A muffled scream reached my ears and I halted to a stop. Who...? Who is that?


    I stood, rooted to the spot, unable to move or make a sound.


    "You will shut up and listen to me, understood?" Martin''s grave voice came and I gasped in shock. I looked in the direction of the ce where the voices wereing from. Dragging my stiff legs to the ce, dread filled my stomach as I got to a door that seemed locked from the inside.


    What were they...?


    "I will never tell you!" The person seemed to spit at him.


    "You won''t? Okay."


    After that, silence rang out but it was short-lived when the sound of a gun being shot followed by the shocked scream that was cut off. I swallowed down the hard lump in my throat. Did Martin just...?


    "Clean the ce and dispose of the body as usual." Shuffles of feet rattled on the floor and I quickly rushed back to the living room. Taking my seat and trying to act as normal as I could, I heard him behind me and my eyes moved to the corner. Gulping hard, I tried to rx my tense muscles but he took a seat before me.


    "Hope you are good?" He asked and I chanced a look up at him before nodding.


    The night, I did not stand up to my feet throughout as I kept my eyes glued to the television even though I was not interested in the content, I forced myself to be. Martin was a dangerous man and finding that out even made me more in danger.


    I need to find out how toe out of this before it esctes into something else. Nathaniel will definitely not like this. Damn!

 CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE: Finding His Father

    Nathaniel''S POV


    "Alpha, you have-"


    "You know how much I hate being interrupted, Hunter." I cut him off as I gave him a reprimanding look.


    He dropped his head in a bow. "I''m sorry, Alpha but you have a visitor." He exined. My brows scrunched up in confusion.


    Visitor?


    "Are you sure the person came for me? Maybe you should ask Grayson. I don''t remember setting up an appointment with anyone." I dismissed with a wave. When he didn''t move, I sighed. "Did you ask for the person''s name?" I asked, tilting my head to the side as I went through my schedule for the day and didn''t see any appointment scheduled to meet someone.


    "I didn''t."


    "Are you sure the person is here for me?" I asked once again, arching my left brow.


    "Yes. I am. He told me that he would not leave if you didn''te." He said. I knew it would not be Liam because I specifically ordered that he was not allowed into the packnd. I rose to my feet, It was better if I were to see the person by myself even though I was tempted to order Hunter to send the person away. He stepped back for me to exit the office.


    I nodded at the maids who greeted me as I walked to the living room. I stopped, ncing around, and didn''t see anyone. I turned back at Hunter, giving him a questioning look. Did hee to disturb me when he knew how much work I had on me?


    "And where is the person?" I asked him.


    Just like that, I heard a child''s voice. "Daddy?" He whispered. My ears perked up and I looked at the ce he was standing, blinking up at me. Instantly Maurene''s face shed through my vision and I narrowed my eyes. Why do they look so much alike?


    "Daddy?" He called again before he ran toward me and hugged my legs. I didn''t know whether to move or push him away from me.


    I looked at Hunter. Why did he bring a child who is lost to me?


    "Alpha, that was what he said. He had said that he wanted to meet his father and he called your name. I could not refuse him so I..."


    "You what?" I cut him off before pulling away from the young kid and crouching down to his level. I looked into his eyes and they mirrored mine. In a quick sh of memories, I saw the young me and I closed my eyes briefly. Why do I feel some sense of attachment to this kid? It is nothing. There was no way I would have kids that I didn''t know of. Right?


    "Young champ," I started, holding his shoulders. "You must be mistaken. I am actually not your father. Maybe we look alike. What about that?"


    He shook his head. "No, you are my father. I heard it from my mommy."


    "And what did you hear from your mother?" I asked him.


    "That you are Nathaniel and the father of her kids." He replied and my hands ckened around his shoulder, I almost fell to the back.


    That sounded familiar. Way too familiar. Why did I hear that in her voice? In Maurene''s voice?


    "And who is your mother?" My voice was not audible and dread coiled in my belly as I awaited his response. I didn''t want to hear the answer he was going to give. My heart pounded against my chest erratically. I could feel the surge of adrenaline through my veins, goosebumps pricking my skin.


    He bit his lower lip. "Don''t tell her that I came here, okay?" His brows scrunched together and the action felt really familiar.


    I nodded.


    "Her name is Maurene." He answered and I froze. Maurene? Maurene? Maurene? She had kids for me?


    She has kids for me and she hid them from me? Since all these years and the time that we met, she hid the fact that I was a father from me?


    "Are you sure?" Hunter questioned him, more firmly and I red at him at the tone he used. He gulped and stepped back.


    If Maurene had kids for me and hid them from me, it would be only right if I didn''t tell her about that he was here, isn''t it?


    Maurene''S POV


    I must have heard wrong but the fact that I was inside my car, heading for Nathaniel''s pack convinced me that I didn''t. Kai had found his father''s address and had gone. How??? Gosh! What I would do to that boy!


    It could be possible that he had not reached there yet. Maybe I should call Grayson. Yes!


    I picked up my phone, making sure to keep my focus on the road as I dialed his contact. He answered in no time and I cleared my throat.


    "He went," I said immediately.


    "Who went to where?" He asked, some shufflinging from the background.


    "Heit went to look for Nathaniel and he might have gotten there so please, go and see. It is possible that he has not met Nathaniel yet." I wanted to use that to console myself. "I will. How many hours has he been gone?"


    "I don''t know but I will get to the pack soon. And please, make sure he does not meet Nathaniel."


    "You are asking way too much favor from me, Maurene. I have helped you to keep this secret for a long time. I told you to tell him about it but you didn''t."


    "Nathaniel is my best friend and it is already hard enough not letting him know that he had kids and you could not keep them away from him." He used me. Typical Grayson.


    "I know. It would not happen again. It''s just that... you know what, please just hurry! Okay?" I disconnected the call, feeling a little relieved that Heit might not have met Nathaniel yet and Grayson was there to help me prevent their meeting from happening. God knows what I would do if Nathaniel ever found out that he has kids and I didn''t tell him.


    Would he take them away from me? Or even order that I do not return to his pack ever again?


    I hit the steering wheel in frustration as it coursed through me. Why did Heit have to do this?

 CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX: The Father Of His Kids

    Maurene''S POV


    Minutester, Grayson still didn''t call me back which got me more worried than I was before. Jas he met his father hey?


    I was currently caught in the traffic, of all the times I should be. The pounding of my heartbeat against my ears drums increased every second. I checked my phone for the umpteenth time and didn''t feel relieved at all. Has he seen him already? Was Grayson faster?


    Several thoughts roamed my head as I tapped my index finger against the steering wheel. I closed my eyes briefly, imagining how Heit would be feeling now. It was either he was feeling scared because he was all alone or he was feeling happy that he finally met his father. Either way, I was worried that Grayson might not have been able to get to him faster. Come what may, I must protect my son.


    Finally, the traffic was resolved. I increased the speed of my car as I drove for Nathaniel''s pack. They could arrest me for that crimeter but now I needed to save my son. The moment I got to the gate, it slid open and I immediately went to the pack house. Some guards tried to stop me but I ordered them, pulling the Luna card once again. On getting there and pushing the door open, my son''s familiarugh rang out, and I froze, my bones froze. Was that Heit? He wasughing?


    Has he met his father? That would be possible, right?


    My heart hammered against my chest as I stepped in. I met with Nathaniel''s familiar amber eyes and my son''s which were glowering at me.


    "Mommy?" He called, adjusting properly on Nathaniel''sp and not even attempting to run up to me like he always did anytime he saw me.


    At the same moment, Grayson barged in, pausing when he saw me then flicked his gaze to where Nathaniel held Hiet to himself and arched his brow at me. He appeared calm. Like he wanted this to happen and it did. "Kai?" I signaled that he shoulde over but he looked up at his father, then back at me as he shook his head.


    My heart dropped in my belly but I tried to hide how his denial hurt me. This was the reason I didn''t want them meeting him.


    "You are here? I was thinking of calling you since your... Or our son found his way to his father''s pack. Maurene, how do you want to exin that to me?" He asked, lifting Heit up with him as he sent a nce across to Grayson who stood still. I noticed the way the muscle in his jaw jerked. Like he was trying his best not to let his anger show because of our son. He had better controlled it.


    I blinked, swallowing hard. "Hand over my son to me," I stated firmly.


    Amusement passed in his eyes as he threw his head back,ughing then tilting it to scrutinize me. He flicked his gaze to Heit then a maid stepped forward, taking Heit from him.


    I reached forward but the icy re he sent my way made me halt to a stop. "You will not take my son away from me." My hands hung mid-air as the Heit settled into the maid''s arms, staring at me and not saying anything. "Start talking, Maurene. Because I will like to know the reason you hid my kid from me!" He bellowed angrily.


    My gaze hardened almost immediately at his demand. I watched as the maid carried my son away while I faced Nathaniel who had his brows arched in question.


    I stepped further into the living room, tightening my fist as I red daggers at him. "And why should I start talking? Why should I exin to you the reason I hid my kids from you? What right do you have to demand such an answer from me?" I bit out.


    "You don''t deserve to be part of their lives at all, Nathaniel." I shook my head. "You do not deserve to know their existence at all! Not only were you a horrible husband, you are also a horrible father and I will not allow my kids anywhere close to you!"


    "Wait? What? Horrible? Horrible to the kids I was unaware of? You must be kidding, Maurene. If you had not run away with the kids, I would have been taking care of them!" He hissed.


    I scoffed, staring at him in disbelief. He really thinks that. "I am not the one who sent out his wife in the cold of the night! I am not the one who refused to love his wife for years! And now I am being med for keeping my kids away from the monster of their father? Really?" I scoffed.


    "Nathaniel!" I cried out, taking steps toward him as tears glistened in my eyes. "Answer me! You were the one who chased me out of your pack! You chased out a pregnant woman! You chased out the woman who has always loved you. I chose to stay with you even when I had to chance to run away!"


    "I didn''t know that you were pregnant!" He countered, and a tear dropped from his eye. "Did you know how I felt when I saw him standing before me? Do you know how my heart shattered into pieces when I realized that you hid them from me? Your present actions just show that you never nned on telling me. Am I right?" He ground his jaw, closing the space between us.


    "Yes. I never nned to." I bit out. "If I could, I would keep them away from you! That is your punishment for what you did five years ago!" My chest heaved with rapid breaths.


    "Really? Was I the one who forced myself on a man who does not love her?" He tilted his head to the side. "You just wanted to justify the fact that you hid our kids from me! Because of your anger and hate toward me, you robbed our kids of their fatherly love and gave it to some imposter!"


    "Yes. I would rather choose an imposter than you, Nathaniel! I hate your guts. Hate everything you are."


    His face fell as he pped, stepping back away from me. "Really? You hate my guts. Was that why you chose to marry Liam? You were oblivious to the fact that he hid his things. Do you even know what else he is hiding? Do you know what he is hiding from you?"


    "All these while, you have been hating me and keeping my kids from me. You put my kids in danger while he was with you. My kids were never safe with him and you were foolish not to see that."


    "Maurene, I own up to my mistakes but you... you run away from them. And yes, I will not allow my kids to reside with a liar and an imposter!" He sneered.


    Iughed out maniacally. What was I expecting? That he would go down on his knees and beg me for forgiveness? Oh, I must have been delusional.


    "You, Nathaniel." I stepped closer, using my finger to poke his chest. "You do not measure Liam''s worth. And what is the nonsense about keeping things from me? At least, he saved me that night you sent me out. Helped me be who I am today and provided the kids with so much more than they could have received if they were with you. Tell me, would there have been any difference had it been I was still in your pack?"


    "My only fault was sending you out, Maurene and I regretted that decision. I swear to the moon goddess. Till the minute, there has not been any decision that I have made that was not as stupid as that. But you... you hid my kids from me. I understand from your perspective but we meet again. Now I missed out on their lives. Why?" He snarled, his eyes reddening with tears.


    Nathaniel was crying. I wanted to scoff. I wanted to call him bluff but the way the tears slipped down as we locked gaze paralyzed me. The hurt in my chest pierced deeper as I watched his lips tremble. He took two steps away from me, reaching to clean them away with the back of his palm. I have never seen Nathaniel cry. Not even when he lost his grandfather. Not once but here he was, crying that he was not part of his kids'' life. Was I wicked?


    "I know!" We both froze. The air in the ce shifted.

 Chapter Seventy-Seven: Betrayal From His Beta

    Nathaniel''S POV


    I slowly lifted my head to see the person who had spoken. My eyes fell on Grayson who gulped hard as he looked at me with clear eyes.


    "W-What? What did you just say?" I asked him, blinking as I turned my attention away from Maurene to him. I sniffed. I could not stop the tears from forming in my eyes. I could not decipher the reason. Whether it was from meeting Maurene again and this time she was not pretending or the fact that I had kids and she hid them from me. But one thing was sure, I was pained that I had sent her out that night. It was callous of me to do that.


    "I said I knew. I knew about the kids even before she left." He replied, his jaw hardening.


    Shock mixed with betrayal as I stumbled back at his admittal. "You..."


    "You have not been exactly good to Maurene in the past and there was no way I would have told you about it." He imed, taking steps closer to us.


    My eyes narrowed further. "What? Really? Is that what you think? That is what you think of me? Your Alpha?"


    "Listen, that is not just what I think. What I think is that you are a ruthless, wicked, heartless and selfish bastard who only thinks of his selfish wants! Not only did you send out the woman who loved you with her entire world, but you also chased her out on a rainy night while she was carrying your children!"


    "Children? Huh? There are more? So Heit is not just the only one?" I turned a look of disbelief to Maurene. She avoided my gaze. Even to this very moment she still kept secrets from me. Secrets of my offspring''s existence.


    "Yes! You have three beautiful kids with this lovelydy and you threw all of that out through the window all because of a stupid infatuation you were so obsessed with!"


    "Tell me a greater sin than that, Nathaniel! All these years, I have watched you. Protected you. Tried to bring you to see your mistake and made you meet her so that you could apologize but you have never! Now you are trying to act like you are entitled to her kids lives?"


    Tears clouded my eyes as frustration curled like a serpent in my belly and settled. "Really? Is that what you think of me?" I turned to Grayson and then to Maurene who red daggers at me through her tearful eyes.


    "That I am wicked. Ruthless. Heartless. So my Beta thinks that I didn''t deserve to have known about my kids'' existence. The man I trusted with my life thought that I didn''t deserve to be forgiven. Huh?" For the first time, I could feel my heart breaking. My hands were trembling as the bitter truth came crashing on me like a bucket filled with ice.


    "All these years, you have been my Beta, doing as I say. Searching for her and when you found her, you lied that you didn''t. You lied to me that she went missing and there was no trail. Even when you know that I ran after her that night, you still think that I am wicked!" I let out a maniacalugh.


    "I have been trying my best to look for her even when you lied that you didn''t see her. I hired men around the world to search for her but you knew just where she was and watched me suffer in pain, Grayson! I don''t even think I have to ask you this question. You met with Andreas and changed the result, right?"


    "You knew from the beginning and I didn''t know to."


    "You were my most trusted person and you betrayed me. Leave!" I roared at him.


    He ground his jaw as he opened his mouth to speak but I beat him to it.


    "Not only did you lie, you hid secrets that robbed me of five years of my kids'' lives and what else haven''t you told me? What secrets are you still keeping? You should leave. I don''t want to see your face." I ran my hand through my hair as I fell on the couch.


    Maurene''s sobs rang through the living room as Grayson stepped out. I nced at her. "You can take your son away." With that, I dragged my feet to the office to get myself buried in work. I was tired already. Tired of the pain and betrayal. When Heit exined to me how he came to find out about my pack, I listened to everything. He didn''t mention his siblings probably because of Maurene.


    I heard Heit asking why he couldn''t see me and why Maurene was in tears. I closed my eyes tight.


    I tried. I ran after her that night. After yelling at her, I soon realized my mistake and went after her to apologize and bring her back to the packhouse but she was already gone.


    Days turned into weeks and weeks into months, I searched for her. I stationed pack warriors to look into her. I was depressed. I was down. I didn''t give up. I kept looking for her, hoping and hoping that one day I would find her. My duty as an alpha was failing and I needed to step up. I still didn''t give up on her.


    Then she walked into my office after years, looking so different yet familiar. Strange joy filled my chest as I watched her take her seat gracefully and pretend that she didn''t know me. I was hurt but I hid it under the mask of indifference. I let her pretend for a while because I knew one day, her facade would be off. All these while, I looked out for her. Watched her from afar. Went to great lengths to protect her and what do I get? Betrayal.


    Even my Beta and best friend saw me as a wicked man. Maybe I deserved their anger. Maybe I truly did.


    I went through my work, willing myself to be numb to the pain of betrayal. All I thought of was work and work, nothing else.


    Dayster, a knock rattled on the door, and when I didn''t answer, it was pushed open and Le walked in.


    She stopped before my desk, inclining her head to the side as she looked around my office. I have been searching for the files that had to do the precedence of my grandfather''s reign. I needed to find out the truth and I knew there was more to the issue on ground.


    "I take it as no one has told you that you stink and your office is unkempt?" She scoffed, taking her seat as she looked intently at me. I didn''t answer her as I dropped a file and picked another.


    "You cannot keep doing this to yourself over some woman, you know. She hid the fact that you had kids from you and that would not have happened if you hadn''t divorced. Summary, right?" She spread her hands out, thinning her lips together.


    "If I were you, I would not beat myself around. I would find solutions to how to gain the woman''s trust and have my kids with me. Well for that cool guy, you are men. You sort things out your way." She shrugged.


    I wanted to tell her that I didn''t ask for her advice but I said nothing as I continued to ignore her and go through the files. Silence passed by us and I still didn''t lift a nce at her. When she rose to her feet and headed for the door, I finally spoke up.


    "If I were you, I would try to keep myself safe instead of you trying to poke my nose in other business," I told her. I noticed how her eyes flickered in their sockets before she gulped and then exited the office, not bothering to look at me. I still have things to finish up. And Le was going to help me do just that.

 Chapter Seventy-Eight: Custody Of The Kids

    Maurene''S POV


    I sat in the corner, staring into space as several thoughts twirled in my mind. How could he? How could he demand for the kids when he was the one who divorced me?! How broken and surrendered he looked made my heart break and I had no choice but to take Heit with me.


    Tears dripped down my face as I threw my head back, pulling my lips together. Heit has been avoiding me since we left his father''s pack. I knew it had always been his dream to finally meet his father and when he did, he didn''t even get to spend more time with him. Kyle and Kylie already knew about what their brother did and silence seemed to be the order of the day since then.


    He refused to eat and speak to anyone. He wanted his father and I was scared that it was the only thing I hesitated to give him. Nathaniel would take them away from me and they were all I had. All I lived for. The reason I kept pushing each day. Despite the betrayal from Liam and Nathaniel, I didn''t give up because I had them and wanted to have them protected.


    My phone vibrated on the bed and I stared at the bright light illuminating from it. Feeling less motivated to check who the caller was. It stopped and after some seconds, it rang again. I still didn''t move. It stopped and didn''t ring again. I let out a sigh of relief, afraid that I knew who was calling me but I didn''t want to speak to him yet. In fact, I didn''t want to speak to him at all. He hid such a big thing from me while all I ever did wasy myself bare for him. If he thinks I was going to forgive him easily, he got it all wrong.


    "No! Liam, you cannot... She is not... please... I will have her... I don''t think she can..." Diana''s voice made me jerk my head up as footsteps thudded loudly.


    I didn''t bother standing up as my door flung open, revealing a frustrated Liam who was ncing around the room frantically. His eyes fell on me and I watched his chest heave with ast breath.


    I rose to my feet, keeping my face passive and indifferent. "And why are you here?" I asked coldly. So cold that he flinched at my tone.


    "Maurene, you..." He moved forward to hold me but I backed up, keeping my hands to myself as his hands hung mid-air. He swallowed hard, lifting his eyes to meet mine.


    I arched a brow. "Don''t you have things you have to take care of?" I questioned, remembering how he always told me he had things to take care of. Then he would walk away. Keeping in his dark. His identity. His secrets. Everyone of them. He hid them all of from me.


    "I... I heard of what happened. You must be..."


    "Fine." I cut him off. "I am totally fine. Thank you for asking. You may take your leave." I said immediately, turning around to leave for the bathroom. At least he would not follow me inside.


    "Maurene," he called after me but I mmed the door shut and locked it. I slid down to the floor and hugged myself. Each one of them kept their secrets from me.


    Now I wondered why Liam held me close to him. Maybe he wanted to use me to get Nathaniel. But we were divorced.


    Drowned in my thoughts, a knock rattled on the door and I flinched. Gulping hard when I didn''t hear Diana''s voice, I considered Liam to be the one but I let my curiosity get the best of me. The moment I pulled the door open, my kids rushed in and hugged me. I didn''t get the time to think as my arms wrapped around them. Tears brimmed my eyes once again as I felt the warmth of their embrace.


    "I''m sorry." I kept muttering. Apologizing for hiding their father from them. I have thought about it and realized that it was callous of me to do that to them. They never deserved not to know their father. I thought I was punishing Nathaniel. What I didn''t know was that they were also suffering from it.


    My kids have always wanted their father and that was one thing I have deprived them of. Was I a wicked mother?


    Not because I couldn''t wound up on Nathaniel and tell him about them. If he chose not to believe me then I could have conducted a DNA test to prove but I didn''t. I held onto them and it was selfish of me to do that. I had allowed the pain Nathaniel had caused me to overshadow my thoughts. I should give myself the freedom I deserved. I cannot allow


    We pulled away and they stared at my teary eyes. Heit reached to wipe away the tears on my cheeks.


    "Sorry, mommy," Kylie said softly, cleaning my cheeks with her small hands. "We are sorry, Mommy for making you cry." her face scrunched up like she wanted to cry. I quickly pulled her to me as I stared at her brothers.


    "You want your father, huh?" I asked them.


    They both nodded.


    This was what I was scared of. The fact that Nathaniel was capable of taking my kids away from me. It haunted me and I became selfish.


    "Okay. You will meet him officially soon. Before then don''t do anything funny. Deal?" I proposed. They both exchanged a nce before looking at me and nodding in agreement.


    I have thought long and hard about it. He already knew about them. Why keep them away when I could redeem myself with this?


    It was my fault that they stayed hidden from him. I protected them so well that he couldn''t find them. I have to make up for it so I was going to do this for them. Give them back the years they missed. I engulfed them in a hug as I let the fact that I would be sharing them settle in my guts even if it twisted it. I don''t want to lose my kids and yet, I was going to give them the one thing they have always wanted.


    Their father.

 Chapter Seventy- Nine: Unraveling The Site Owner

    Amanda''S


    POV


    I don''t like Martin. Not once have I ever felt like I liked him. He just irked me to the core and the fact that I have to dress up to meet his father, Frey Taylor, today makes me want to puke. I stared at the emerald green dress I had picked. I didn''t expect myself to dress like a responsible girlfriend who wants to be epted by her inws. What Bille Gates made me do.


    Never! I will never be their daughter inw! It could only happen his dreams or nightmares if he has one.


    I let out an annoyed hiss as I dropped the gown, feeling unmotivated to even go to the freaking dinner. I should have just refused but the fear of his father would be quite humbling so I picked up the gown and got into it, not feeling it but wearing it nevertheless.


    I don''t think I would be able to hide my irritation tonight but let us see how far they can push me. After applying a minimal make up, I got into the ck heels and picked the ck purse to match it. Giving myself onest look, I exited the room and walked down the stairs.


    The silence that has been in this pack house for thest few days has been quite irking. The maids did their jobs quietly while Nathaniel never came out of his office. Not to talk of the little stranger in the pack house.


    Sometimes, I wondered what else was going on in the pack and I was unaware of. Anyway, as I reached the door, Grayson stepped in, looking all ragged and... dirty?


    I narrowed my eyes on him, stepping back to scrunch my nose at the stinking from him. Whenst did he take his bath?


    Sighing, he walked past me and went to his room. I stood for a few seconds before stepping out of the house totally.


    Maybe I really needed the fresh air Martin''s parents were bringing me to tonight.


    Settling in the car and bringing my phone to whirl away time, my eyes caught the headline at the top of my phone screen. I clicked on it and almost rolled my eyes at the stupid content.


    It was about Martin and I''s rtionship and I was once again disgusted at the fact that I was in a rtionship with this dude. I let out a sigh, knowing that Natalia and the rest were waiting for me to tell them about my rtionship. Hopefully, they wouldn''t.


    On getting to the restaurant he told me his father had picked, I noticed the man in tuxedo standing at entrance and ncing at his wristwatch. When I finally stepped out of the car, he looked up at me, his jaw hardeneing for a second. Then he walked up to me, reaching for my hands instantly. "You are two minuteste." He gritted out.


    I blinked innocently. He had warned me that his father does not like any sort of tardiness and even though I promised to uphold my part of the agreement, I quite like the way I riled him up. It was not like I did it deliberately. "There was a grid lock on the way. Not my fault." I jerked my hands out of his grip and led the way to the door. He strode up and opened the door for me.


    Firstly, there was no one inside the restaurant which meant that the entire ce was quiet. Secondly, Martin was leading me to the rooftop and getting there, a beautiful music was ying while the couple whom I supposed were his parents nced up at me. A chill ran down my body instantly and my legs turned wobbly. The intensity in his father''s eyes made me quickly reach for Martin''s arm.


    He reciprocated the action by holding my hands and leading me to them.


    We stopped and the silence that descended into our midst was enough to hear the sound of a pin dropping. Apprehension settled into the depth of my bones as I squeezed Martins'' hands. Then suddenly, his father broke intoughter as he cleaned his mouth with the serviette before he reached for the ss of wine. I nced at his mother who seemed to let out a sigh of relief.


    I narrowed my eyes on her, watching how she paused to eat. I didn''t miss her knees jerking against the table and how she tried to bite down the wince.


    "Good evening to you sir." I greeted him since none of them was willing to speak. Martins still refused to say anything. I almost scoffed. So he was scared of his father too. At least I now know this weakness of his.


    "I guess you are..." He directed a look at Martins who swallowed.


    "Amanda. My girlfriend." He said curtly.


    His father smiled this time, leaning on the table as I caught some waitersing to clear the tes. "Amanda." He breathed, pursing his lips into a thin line.


    "Tell me. I want to believe that Martins warned you about the fact that I hate every sign of tardiness. Huh?" He asked and I blinked.


    Really? We were going to talk about this at our first meeting.


    I swallowed hard, bobbing my head positively.


    "I would prefer you use your words, Amanda."


    "Y-Yes," I stuttered, tightening my hold around Martins to signal to him to interfere but he stood there, watching or listening.


    "Good. If you were me, how many points would give to you on the basis of your punctuality or don''t you know that you score points in order for your rtionship to be epted by me?" He flicked his gaze to his son before returning to me. "I wi never allow my son to settle down with some mediocredy. You know." He clicked his tongue as he leaned back, studying me. I clutched my purse tight.


    Was he calling me some mediocredy?


    I managed to pull a smile on my lips, lifting my chin slightly. Gosh, my heels were aching me badly.


    "I..."


    "I don''t care about how you rate yourself." He cut in, not letting me speak at all. I flinched at the sharpness of his words.


    Does this old man want to y this game?


    I gave Martin another pinch but he didn''t budge. Okay, this is my fight.


    Just as I opened my mouth to speak, I remembered Martins telling me to make sure he epted me. Fuck! He knew his father was like this and he wanted me to convince him.


    I will ask him what he wants from this rtionshipter on. Won''t his mother speak up and release us from this?


    Gosh! This was the reason I hated weak women. Can''t you speak up for once?


    I knew he saw the way I was using his son to support myself. Whether he wanted to punish me or his son, I didn''t know but he continued his interrogation.


    "So tell me. How did you two meet?" He asked, tilting his head to the side. This time the way my eyes narrowed immediately was obvious and he dipped his head at the action.


    "Love, why don''t you allow them to take their seat and-" The icy re he directed at her made her freeze, and the way her throat bobbed showed how she swallowed the rest of the words.


    Frey Taylor. Now I see the way his name spelled trouble.


    I took my hands out of Martin''s grip and offered myself a seat. If they were going to be ruthless or heartless, I would not suffer the brunt of it. Martin''s eyes were wide open as I took my seat, cing my purse on the table.


    "Nice meeting you, Frey Taylor. I have heard so much about you and you showed it in every word and action but, I am your son''s girlfriend. That is not enough encouragement to keep our rtionship." I started.


    "Maybe you could have scared his past exes like this in the past but Frey, I am not scared and besides my legs were starting to hurt badly. Anyway, back to your question. I-" A hand gripped me roughly and I gasped as I met Martins'' angry face.


    "Let her go at once." His father''s order rang through and the hairs on my body rose at attention. What the heck?


    A few seconds passed before he dropped my hands and took a seat beside me. He was practically fuming.


    If he thought I was going to allow his father to insult me like that, he got it all wrong. I would never allow that to happen. Never again!

 Chapter Eighty: The Aftermath

    Amanda''S


    POV


    I sat quietly and still inside the car. I looked at Martins from the corner of my eye and the way his veins showed on his hands hinted that he was not just angry but had every thought to punish me tonight.


    I couldn''t stop the scoff that escaped from me. He cut a re at me and I looked away. I let his father''s parting words rey in my head again.


    I don''t like you but you are good for my son. I approve and make sure you don''t ruin my reputation. Understood?


    I rolled my eyes. I won''t be ruining it because the rtionship will be ending soon enough.


    The car screeched to a halt and I looked around, finding the surroundings unfamiliar.


    "Where are we, Martin? This is not the ce I would be stopping." I said, turning to him but the man stepped out of the car. I watched him as he came over to my side and opened the door. Was he nning on dropping me here? No way would he do that to me!


    "Martin!"


    "Come out, Amanda!" He snapped, holding the door. I red daggers at him, the angry fumes from him exuding. "Don''t make me repeat myself, Amanda. I said get out!" He snarled.


    With my chest heaving, I stepped out, lifting my chin. "And what the hell do you think you are doing? You cannot just tell me toe on a date with your father and abandon in a ce that I... don''t know." I drawled thest words as I saw the penthouse before me. "And who the hell owns this-"


    He didn''t allow me to finish what I was saying. He started for the door and I followed suit. I didn''t know why he was angry. Because I stood up to his father? Oh, please! He should be thankful that I didn''t pour the entire ss of wine on his face for being a stupid jerk.


    "And what the hell is happening, Martin? If you think you are the only one who can get angry, I can too!" I sneered, mming the door shut behind me.


    He halted to a stop, tugging at his tie as he turned to me fully. His eyes were darkened in anger and he began to stalk me. I didn''t back away but watched him stride to me.


    "Firstly, you will not talk to me in that matter. Secondly, you were the one who camete when I told you that my father hated any sign of tardiness andstly, you had the guts to defy my father! How dare you?!" He snapped at me. His jaw hardened as he paused before me.


    "You... you don''t know the weight of what you did. Do you think you can stand up to my father? You sat down because he fucking allowed you to! Do you know what he would have done to you for what you did?"


    "Your career. Everything that you built with your sweat will crumble at just one call from him and you decide to y such a risky game. I told you to be reserved. To be demure but you refused to listen." He snorted. "You should be thankful that he didn''t decide to ruin you because if he did, you would not be standing here!"


    "And so? I didn''t know you were this scared of your father, Martins. Tell me. What should I have done? Stand there like a dutiful girlfriend that I am not. Contract or not, I will never allow any stupid man to walk over me like that!" I retorted. "You stood there and watched your father demean me! And your mom? Oh, please. Don''t let me go there. Let us assume I was your real girlfriend, Martin." I leaned forward, my eyes watching him closely. "Are you telling me that this is what I would have to go through? You''re wicked and egoistic ass of a father? Oh, please. After this contract, make sure you stay single. Because if you don''t, you are going to put otherdies in depression all because they love you." I added. I turned to my heels to exit but his voice stopped me. "He didn''t ept any of them!"


    My brows creased together as I spun around to him. "What?"


    "None of thedies I took to him were epted. He rejected every one of them and since he didn''t approve of us, they chose to break up with me." He said, slumping on the couch.


    "He would say something to them and they would end up spilling the truth that I hired them. He wanted to test that theory today and I don''t know what the result was." He pinched the bridge of his nostrils before lifting his tired gaze to me. "Amanda... the woman is not my mother. She is dead. She died in a fire ident when I was seventeen."


    Oh.


    I didn''t know what to say so I let myself move to the couch and said nothing as he began to talk about himself.


    "E Maine. She was the first girl I fell in love with and I had happily introduced her to my father. Stupid me." A sad smile crossed his lips. "He didn''t say anything but to me, I thought he approved so I went on to get the engagement ring. A few weekster, E approached me and told me she was pregnant."


    "I was shocked. The funniest thing is that I never touched E. I respected her. I asked her who the child belonged and she said it belonged to my father." he let out a wryugh.


    "I was angry. I drank to a stupor. I refused to see her and stayed away from my father''s house. I think I was staying with someone. I don''t even remember anymore. Weekster, my father''s secretary came to fetch me. I was already tired but one thing I knew was that I hated my father for taking away the first girl I ever loved." He flicked his gaze to me.


    "E... was the one sitting beside my father and her child... well, is dead."


    My mouth parted but no words came out. I didn''t know what to say because I didn''t expect Martin to have such a past. Imagine losing your mom and when you thought you found bliss in another woman''s arms, you lose her to your father. "Probably topensate me, he gave me conditions to be his heir. He said that unless I found someone who was capable of loving me without being swayed, I should not think of inheriting the will." He exined. Now I see. So this was what he was going to get from the contract. His right to be an heir.


    "And where do Ie in?" I asked softly.


    "Then I saw you. I knew instantly that you would help me. I initially nned to test you to see if you were strong enough to face my father but he just got impatient and I had to introduce you to him." He stated.


    "And how will you be getting your inheritance because I don''t seem to get this," I said. If he was to find a woman who would love him unconditionally like he said, I know that I was definitely not that woman. "Which drives me to the next point, Amanda. There''s a probability that he would request that we get married to test our rtionship."


    "What? No way!" I hissed, jerking to my feet. "That was not part of the contract, Martins. You had better get your father under control." I picked up my purse and stomped out of his house. I ignored his calls and got into the cab that stopped before me.


    I needed a drink or something right now. I turned o. my phone and saw Natalia''s message that they were at the bar already. Maybe this was what I needed after Martins'' ordeal.


    Telling the cab that I would be getting down at the bar, I let myself reminisce over my meeting with his father. What sort of father was he? Taking his son''s woman and making her lose her child. I know Martins didn''t really expatiate on his mother''s death but from the way he spoke about it. I knew there was something more to it.


    It was none of my business.


    His family''s present was already enough to think about. I didn''t want to add their sick past at all to the series of events going on in my life.

 Chapter Eighty-One: The Full Moon Revelation

    Nathaniel''S POV


    One week, three days, and seventeen hours. I have not taken my bath nor have I stepped out of my office. Burying myself deep in the workload before me is the only thing in my head. I have been putting two and two together and trying to figure out who was behind the attack on the Luna Queen. I had already made a mental note to visit the Alpha King but the fact that I have been unable to bring myself to forgive myself was weighing me down.


    For the past few days, I have been ming myself for losing Maurene. To the truth, I was the one who sent her out and made her homeless. Even if I had not been aware of the kids, I should not have sent her out under that kind of heavy rain. That night, I was blinded by the rage and all I wanted was that she should leave. I just didn''t expect her to leave like that and now I was being punished for it.


    For years, I looked forward to having my own kids. I was already growing beyond ages and was showing no signs of falling in love. Even if Maurene hadn''t shown up, the possibility that I would give love a chance was low.


    I would have just picked up a woman and put my seed in her. But everything was different andplicated now. Maurene is married to Liam even though I know that their marriage is fake. I already knew since the beginning but pretended not to know. I just didn''t speak up about some things because I knew she probably hated me for divorcing her. I didn''t know she had more reason to loathe my existence.


    But she hid my kids from me. That should be enough punishment for me.


    I let out a groan, dropping the pen and pinching the bridge of my nose. I dared not take a break. Even the maids only bring meals once per day because they disturb me with their clumsiness which I hated. A knock rattles on the door and I flicked my eyes up, catching his scent already.


    My jaw hardened and my fist clenched together. What was he doing here?


    I didn''t respond, thinking he would leave but the fucker actually twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open. He knew I was inside and still insisted oning in. Was he asking for a death wish?


    The moment he stepped, he locked the door, the sound of his breathing was all I could hear amidst my heart pounding through my ear drums.


    "I remember I vividly told you to leave. Who asked you to return?" I asked, not ncing up at him yet.


    He didn''t respond.


    "Grayson, you know I don''t deal too well with betrayal and you decided to show me that even my closest friend and second-inmand, cannot be trusted." I gritted out.


    "I didn''t mean to." His gruff, almost animalistic voice came through and that was when I looked up at the bastard.


    My eyes widened as anger coursed through my veins. "You didn''t mean to?" I snorted. "You didn''t mean to hide the fact that my wife was pregnant when I sent her out. You didn''t mean to hide the fact that my wife went intobor and I was not there to encourage her. You didn''t mean to hide the fact that I had kids and I missed five years of their lives? Tell me, Grayson." I demanded, mming my fist against the desk.


    "Tell me why you pretended all these years. I thought you were loyal to me. After losing Maurene, I considered you the only person who was capable of fighting for me but no, you have been against me since the very beginning." I shook my head, blinking as I rose to my feet.


    "I had an enemy in my court while I watched out for the ones trying to intrude. How am I sure that you are not working with Liam?" I used him, my chest heaving.


    I knew Grayson would not stoop to that level of acting spy for a scoundrel like Liam but anything was possible at this point.


    "Nathaniel," He started. My eyes ran over his state. It seemed like he was living in the wild and to be honest, he didn''t look any better than I was. "You have every right to be mad at me but I was trying to protect her. That night was the night she got carried by Liam. I asked Andreas to follow him to make sure she was safe."


    "He called back and told me that she was. I asked him to watch her for a few days then weeks and it turned into months. I knew you were going to hire him and with the way I had seen Maurene, she didn''t want to have anything to do with you even if you were remorseful." He took a step further.


    "Had it been you had met her then, you would not have lost her but also the kids, Nathaniel. I am not trying to justify my mistakes but-"


    "Then what are you trying to tell me? In your exnation, you might want to add what happened on the night of the full moon as well because I think you have lots of things to say. I mean, I have been thinking that I was Alpha whereas you have been working as one for a long time." I clicked my tongue.


    "Nathaniel, you got it all wrong. I don''t want the Alpha position." He said.


    I let out a wry chuckle. "Of course. You don''t have to be in a position before you can use the power and authority of that position, Grayson. Your past actions have clearly indicated that." I tilted my head to the side, waiting for him to continue his exnation.


    "The night of the full moon is a different case entirely. You fainted. Your wolf was on the edge because Maurene who happened to be your mate was close by. During those years when you both were... separated, you didn''t act up but after meeting again and your wolf sensed her again, he was out for her so when you could not get him to her, you fainted."


    He sure seemed to know a lot.


    "I had to ask toe to you because you would not have been sated if she was not close to you." He finished up.


    I narrowed my eyes on him. "What do you mean by that?"


    "Your wolf would not have led other wolves under the full moon. All these while, he has been wanting to be close to his mate so the chance he gets to roam the street was that night. Probably you know or you didn''t, it was way too dangerous for you to go in search of her."


    "You could have scared the kids."


    Silence descended in our midst. He has his reasons and I would not lie. His reasons were valid enough for me to forgive him. Some time ago, I told myself that Grayson was not at fault. I was the one who started all of these. I was to be med for it.


    "In the past, I didn''t dare interfere in your marriage with her but she treated you with sincerity. At one point I was envious of it and that was when you decided to reward her with a divorce notice. I was angry-"


    "Yet you didn''t show it. You thought in your heart that what sort was stupid man was this? How could someone be so blind and heartless at the same time? Probably you wanted to punch me as well, huh?" I let out a dry chuckle.


    "I am now paying for it all. Is there any other thing you kept away from me?" I asked with all the sincerity in my heart.


    There are things I cannot do without Grayson. And besides, I have made him my Beta. I just can''t remove him immediately without looking for a recement. It was already hard enough working alone.


    After giving him a long stare, I turned around. "Maybe we should both take our baths. Our breaths stink and we smell." I said, arranging the files on my desk and the next thing I knew was that he pounced on me, pulling me in a strange hug. I pushed him off me in shock, ring at him. "I didn''t say I forgave you, you mutt." I hissed, exiting the office even though there was a smoke tempting to curl on my lips.


    I cannot lose my Beta.

 Chapter Eighty-Two: Never ever

    Nathaniel''S


    POV


    After reconciling with Grayson, I knew it was high time I faced the real truth before me. My kids. Maurene. Grayson was just a small problem by the side. The real and big part I was scared of admitting was the people I had unknowingly chased


    out of my life.


    The regret of what I did that day gnawed at me for years, reminding me that I was lonely and I was the cause of my loneliness. Even when she returned to my life, I still felt lonely. It was with great restraints that I didn''t touch her even when I wanted to.


    I decided that I would not allow anyone to hold me back from meeting my kids, even if it was me- my fear. The fear that they would not ept me. Just like Maurene, out of her anger and hatred for me, she hid them from me. I didn''t me her to some extent.


    What if the kids don''t ept?


    What if they chose Liam who has been by their side over me?


    What would I do?


    I will ept it or keep trying?


    Honestly, these questions kepting and I did nothing to stop them because I didn''t just want to face my fears, I wanted to conquer them as well.


    After the day I met Maurene and everything was exposed, I didn''t know what to do because it felt too much. Way too much than I have felt for years. I just stayed in silence for days. Maybe because I felt guilty and I had yet to reconcilepletely with Grayson. That traitor.


    I let out a deep sigh as I stood before Maurene''s house. I wanted to inform her that I wasing but decided against it. She could give me some excuses that she was not at home or even tell me not toe at all.


    I contemted going back into my car but then continued for the door. I will not give up now. I embraced my fear.


    They were my kids and even though there was a part of me that was telling me to have a DNA test done, I didn''t agree. Maurene would not lie to me. She definitely wouldn''t do that. And Kai, he was mine. I could tell.


    I knocked a few times before the woman whom I did not recognize came to open the door. She narrowed her eyes at me, they went wide for a few seconds before her lower lips trembled. She swallowed hard, ncing behind her before turning to me.


    "Erm, does Maurene... I mean, Miss Sherrh stay here?" Stupid question.


    "Yes... yes, you cane in." She let the door wide enough for me to step in. I did, looking around, and breathed in the calm air in her house.


    "I will get them for you." She told me, disappearing into the nearby corridor. Them? Does she know who I am?


    Prolly, Maurene told her about me already. Was that really possible?


    I had my seat, waiting for the kids toe. If Maurene was going to avoid me, then I would let her. My knee jerked forward, the anxiety that I was going to meet the kids without her being present didn''t help me.


    The door to the veranda opened and I twisted my neck to the side, Maurene.


    She was muttering about flies being detrimental to health when she nced up at me, she halted to a pause. She must be thinking that she was seeing a ghost. Well, she was right to a point. She was. I didn''t believe that I was there too. "Nathaniel?" My name came out with a sigh. Was it of relief or fear?


    I rose to my feet, suddenly remembering that the woman had told me that she was going to get the kids. She lied. Maybe she went to hide the kids from me.


    "What are you doing here?" She bit out, marching towards me, her eyes widened in anger.


    I watched how her chest heaved with every breath she took. She visibly shaking with rage.


    "Cat got your tongue? What are you doing here?" She questioned once again.


    I blinked, licking my lower dried lip. "I came... I came to see our kids."


    "Our?" She scoffed ridiculously. "Our kids, you say, Nathaniel? The kids that you-"


    "Yes! The kids that I chased out!" I cut her off, my fist clenching tight. "The kids I didn''t know existed and chased out their mother unknowingly! The kids you hid from me all because of the rage and pain you feel toward me!" Tears peppered my eyelids as I confessed the words eating me up for the past weeks.


    "You don''t need to remind me of the atrocities that Imitted! I know and I have ruminated on them. I understand the weight of what I did years back and I am here to ask... to ask for forgiveness!"


    "I am sorry! I am sorry for being stupid and carried away! I am sorry for letting you go when all you ever did was for me! I am sorry that I lost you when you wanted me to hold you! I am sorry for being the reason for your pain and hurt! If I could have done better, I swear I would but-"


    "Stop it! Don''t... Don''t you dare think that you can solve this by apologizing so easily! You... you hurt me. Broke me." Her voice cracked in a sob as she poked my chest with her finger. "You... you almost destroyed me and now? You want to take my kids away from me?"


    "I will never let you do that!" She yelled at the top of her voice as she swore.

 Chapter Eighty-Three: Resolving Issues

    Maurene''S POV


    My hands trembled by my side as I red daggers at the man who stood before me. His eyes held so much pain that almost reflected mine. The knot in my chest tightened painfully. I had a lot I wanted to yell at him.


    If only he knew how relieved I had felt when he said he had gone after me that night and was disappointed that he didn''t find me. I med myself that I should have stayed longer and should not have followed Liam that night. Maybe we could still be together.


    My chest hurt a lot.


    "Why don''t you stop being selfish? Why don''t you forgive yourself, Maurene? The pain, the hurt. They are still quite visible in your eyes and words. Why? I am not one to tell you to let go of the past but please do or else, we may never get to chance to redeem ourselves." He shook his head, his face morphing with pain. He took a step closer to me.


    "Maurene. I know... I know I am the least person that should be telling you this but you really have to forgive yourself. Allow yourself to be free. Allow us to be free." He muttered softly.


    Tears slid down my face as I listened to him. This was not enough for me to let go.


    The reminder that I had promised my kids that I would get their father for them came to my mind and I closed my eyes tight. I cannot fulfill their promise if I am being mean to their father like this.


    I sniffed in, trying to rein in my anger. "You are right. I should not hinder you from meeting your-our kids." I forced out.


    His eyes held that hint that he knew what I was doing but thankfully, he let me off the hook.


    "I will have Diana bring the kids out for you to meet them," I said, going upstairs to have a change of dress beforeing back.


    I licked my lips as I went to their room, avoiding Nathaniel as I passed. I entered the room to see Diana reading the kids a story. In the afternoon?


    I wondered if they heard the way I was yelling at their father. Thankfully, she was here to keep thempany.


    "Hey, kids." I managed to keep a smile on my face as I approached them. They all looked at me, hope lit on their faces.


    "Erm... your... you have always wanted to meet your father, right?" I asked, watching how they rose to their feet and came to meet me.


    "Really?" It was Kylie''s happy shriek that got me. My eyes twitched briefly before I nodded my head with a little bit, probably too much, enthusiasm than I intended to.


    "Yes. And guess what? He is here!"


    They didn''t wait for me to tell them where he was. They rushed past me, to the living room. Diana rose to her feet, a pitiful look on her face.


    She knew. She knew Nathaniel was their father. It was obvious. Who wouldn''t?


    I said nothing as I turned around and left the room. I paused at the entrance, watching how they were staring at him like he was not real.


    "Are you... are you our daddy? Mommy said that you are our daddy." Kylie timidly said, shy all of a sudden.


    I didn''t hear Nathaniel say anything so I turned my attention to him. The look on his face made my breath hitch. He looked almost mesmerized, maybe shocked, or surprised. His hands gripped his knees tight as if he was trying to stop himself from grabbing them.


    A tear slipped down my cheek at his struggle for word or action. The kids looked among themselves before turning to me for help. I quickly wiped away the stray tear, sniffing in shakily before moving to them.


    "They are here now, Nathaniel. I think it would help them if you speak. You know." I tried to offer him a smile of encouragement. I did this. I did this to him. It was only right that I helped him now. He still didn''t utter a word.


    "I think your father is quite shocked that he is meeting you."


    "Daddy." Kai moved toward him to hold his hand and that was when he looked at his son.


    "Hmm... I guess I... Erm..." He suddenly rose to his feet, giving me a nervous look, beads of sweat breaking out on his forehead.


    He was nervous to meet his kids?


    "Nathaniel-"


    He didn''t let me finish. He walked past me, rushing for the door and mming it shut. The kids looked at me with shock.


    "Mommy, why is daddy- and... is he angry with us that we are not- or doesn''t he think that we are his kids?" I didn''t respond to Kylie as I moved past them and went after Nathaniel.


    "Nathaniel!" I called after him as I marched to him. "What was that about? If you were not prepared to meet the kids, then you should have stayed back! You shouldn''t havee here." I gritted at him. He tugged at his tie, raking his hands through his hair. The frustration he was feeling was evident. "You caused it!" He yelled at me.


    I noticed the way he was having difficulty in breathing. rms red in my head and I rushed to him. This... This happened when he heard the news of his father''s death.


    Oh! No! The doctor had warned us that he must avoid things that would make him have a rpse. Damn!


    "Nathaniel? Nathaniel?" I grabbed him to hold but his chest heaved with heavy dragging breaths. "Nathaniel." he didn''t stop. "Rx. You can talk to them. You can-" He went ck in my arms and I stilled. "Nathaniel?"

 Chapter Eighty-Four: Sudden Relapse

    Nathaniel''S POV


    I was once again taken back to that day. The day I had lost my father. I had been away for a meeting then and when I returned, it was the news of my father''s death that weed me.


    I felt the emotions rush through me like that time. I could not describe it. They were too much. Too much that they rushed through my veins in a sh and I could not stop them.


    Then my heart... my chest... my body began to convulse and I could not - My eyes splintered open and the first thing I saw was a pair of blue eyes like Maurene''s.


    "Daddy?" That voice. That voice that held me bound the moment I heard it. Never in my life have I ever thought that I will get to see someone that looked more like Maurene. She was just the exact resemnce of her mother.


    I had been way too shocked than thest time I had seen Kai when I saw the three of them. The emotions had been too much for me to handle and Maurene was not helping matters because she continued to me me for the fact that she still couldn''t let go of the past. She didn''t even see the past the reality that I was fighting for my life and kept rambling about her.


    "Mommy," She left my side in search of her mother. They soon returned together, a concerned look etched Maurene''s face. I tried to sit up and to my surprise, she rushed to me, holding me in ce. She whispered something about not sitting up yet but I didn''t say anything in response. I didn''t need to.


    I looked outside through the window. It was dark.


    I passed out that long?


    I didn''t ask where I was because I knew judging by the interior design of the room, I was in Maurene''s room.


    "What happened?" I croaked out. She handed me a ss of water before answering.


    "You had a rpse." She replied simply. I knew but didn''t say anything and just bobbed my head. She probably doesn''t want me here. I should leave.


    I tried to scramble down the bed but she held me back. The struggle was visible on her face as she held me back.


    "I should leave," I muttered, moving away from her hand''s reach and getting to the edge of the bed.


    "Huh? Mommy, tell Daddy that he cannot leave now." Her daughter urged, a plea in her big blue eyes. I didn''t even know her name.


    If Maurene was associating herself with me, it would be because of the kids. I havee to understand that based on the little interaction we have had with the kids around us.


    "Erm, Nathaniel, you see, the doctor said that you have to rest for a while." She said, avoiding my gaze.


    "I can rest in my house," I told her. If she wanted to have me rest in her house, she needed to understand that she was not going to be sulking about it.


    I already acknowledged my part. She was just too scared to ept hers and I was not going to push it. The only reason I was here today was to see the kids because I knew she would do everything she could to take the kids away from me. "Daddy." The girl came to me, giving me a sad pout and batting hershes.


    I smiled. "Where did you learn that trick, huh, my sweet princess?" I asked her.


    She blinked, blushing immediately that I had called her a princess.


    "Stay." She urged me.


    I shook my head. "I will visit you another day and maybe that time, I will not be shocked but today, daddy has work to do back at the pa- home." I pursed my lip into a thin line.


    She wanted to insist but Maurene cut in, rising to her feet. "Dinner is ready. You should have dinner before you leave." She said, walking out of the room.


    "What is your name, princess?"


    "Kylie." She replied sweetly.


    "Kylie? Okay." She led me to the dining room where they were already seated.


    The woman who had opened the door earlier eyed me before taking her seat. I don''t remember Maurene having a mother.


    "Daddy," Heit called me and I nced at him, giving me a small smile.


    He seemed to be more excited than the rest. After all, he was the one who found me. I owe it to him. The bitter truth is that Maurene would still continue to pretend that my kids were not with her and I would never get to know that I had kids. "You should eat." She said again, sounding dry like she did earlier.


    I served myself and ate in silence. After I was done, I got to know the kids'' names, spending little time with them before walking out.


    I got into my car, letting out a deep breath before igniting the car''s engine. As I drove out of the garage, my eyes caught a shadow from the front mirror.


    Someone was watching them?


    Liam.


    At least he would not hurt them. If he does, he would have to face my wrath.


    I soon reached the pack house and made my way to the office. Grayson was there, waiting for me.


    "Where have you been? I have been trying your phone number for hours and it was unreachable." He informed me.


    I pulled my tie free. "Have the best of the pack guards stationed around Maurene''s house and have them report back to me every day," I ordered him.


    He narrowed his eyes immediately. "What? She wouldn''t like that and you know it. See, Nathaniel, I know you are their father and-"


    "She does not have to know and yes, she must not know. My kids are with her. She is not just their mother. I am their father as well and it is my responsibility to keep them safe." He closed his mouth immediately.


    I was their father and Liam would not hurt them under my watch.

 Chapter Eighty-Five: Meeting Martins

    Nathaniel''S


    POV


    "Are you going to the runway show for Amanda?" Grayson asked as he ced a file on the table. I knew it was a report from the guards I had ced around Maurene.


    I nodded, closing thest file I was working on and shut down theptop. I looked up at him. "How is she?" He knew who I was talking about.


    "She is fine. The kids are also fine." He said quietly.


    "Any sign of Liam since thest time?" I asked, ncing at my wrist watch. I didn''t want to bete for the event at all.


    "Surprisingly, no." He shrugged.


    I shook my head. He has not even tried to talk about meeting for the what he did after trying to get into my pack through an dead old man''s name. He messed with the wrong person.


    "Keep an eye on him and on Le as well. She has her use and I don''t want to miss it." I told him before exiting the office. Amanda had invited me to the runway show even when she knew I was a busy man. I rarely saw her in the pack but since the news of her rtionship broke out, I guessed that she must have been spending some time with her boyfriend.


    Not like it was my business but I was heavily concerned about her when it came to men. I didn''t want what happened in the past to repeat itself again.


    I walked into the venue used for the runway. Instantly, I saw one of Amanda''s friends step out from the backstage and walk before us. People pped for her before she disappeared into the backstage.


    Someone I did not know came to me, asking me if I was Nathaniel Deluxe. I answered positively and she led me to the front seat. I muttered a thank you before focusing back on the model walking before us. I craned my neck to see who wasing next but it was not Amanda.


    Is she here?


    Was this venue she had given to me?


    I was starting to doubt that I was at the right ce because I knew Amanda would have loved to open the ceremony but it was all good. I wondered how she was even able tond such a huge job. This looked like something that only connection could get for her. Maybe her rtionship with Martin helped her. As for that guy...


    Finally, the models were starting toe out altogether, and yet Amanda was nowhere to be seen. What sort of prank was this?


    From my peripheral, I could see people already whispering, probably talking about her. I picked out my phone to ask for her whereabouts when the lights suddenly went off and gasps filled the hall. Thank goodness for the sharp sight in the dark. She was standing just before the backstage, looking so elegant andmanding.


    Surprised gasps and dreamy eyes stared at her, every heads was in her direction as she began to make her way through the center. Everyone watched the steps she took, the way she toot them, how she moved with so much grace and elegance.


    If there was one thing Amanda knew how to do, it was make use of a lifetime opportunity. I could see people already writing down and whispering amongst them. With my wolf hearing, they were talking about signing her up for brands. Then Amanda stopped at the front, the models who had walked before to her and they all began to disperse. The scene looked like a mirage of color and beauty. No one knew who to look but one thing was sure, every eye was on Amanda. Not long after the show ended, I went to the backstage and looked through the models there. Seeing her, I approached her but before I could get there, her boyfriend appeared and she grinned up at him, shockingly for me. I was not hurt. I was just surprised to see her warm up to him so quickly.


    I contemted going to meet to her and finally decided to.


    "Amanda," I called, interrupting whatever it was they were saying.


    She looked her, her eyes glinting with surprise. "You came."


    I bobbed my head. "Yes, I did." I replied, dragging my gaze to meet Martins who watched me keen eyes.


    "Oh, Nathaniel, this is Martins. I am sure you must have heard and Martins, this is Nathaniel." She introduced us quickly.


    He extended his hand out for a handshake and I took it. With our gaze locked, he gave the handshake a little tug before we stepped back from each other. He soon excused himself so that we could speak.


    "You did well." Imented her.


    "I know right."


    We talked about some things before I left her. On my way out, I caught a whiff of Martins'' scent. I tried to disregard it, maybe it was just from the handshake but it was very heavy here so I traced it. I stopped when I heard some hushed voices. "Remember why Inded you this contract. I will not tolerate any shit from you next time. Try to steal the show and I will make you wish you never did." That voice... Steps started for my direction and I quickly hid myself.


    Walking past me was Amanda''s boyfriend, Martins. I heard a son crack from the same ce and waited for the ce to leave as well. Thedy moved past me and I recognized her to be Amanda''s friend.


    That alone was enough to have me confused. What were they doing here together?


    So the man was not loyal as I thought. I curled my fist in anger. A fucker! That is who he is.


    Returning to the car, I noticed him talking to some men with a smile on his face, like he didn''t just threaten a woman in a corner.


    I got back to the pack house and met Grayson working. He looked at me, observing how pissed I appeared. "What is it, man?"


    "I want every details about Martins Taylor tonight."

 Chapter Eighty-Six: Sudden Heat

    Maurene''S POV


    I rolled on my stomach, feeling my entire body soaked in sweat. I had a weird dream. Nathaniel and I were...


    I popped one eye open and I stretched out to turn on themp. Staring at the nk ceiling with drowsy eyes, I rolled on my back, and let out a deep sigh. What was happening?


    I sat myself up, breathing out through my mouth. I scrambled down from the bed, the cold seeped into my feet. Maybe it was the fact that I had closed the windows and there was no room for air.


    Just as I stood before the window, the moonlight shone brightly into the room as I pulled the curtains apart. I let out an instant groan, shifting back as my skin etched, bing even more sensitive. My entire dress was wet from sweat and here I was, staying away from the moon. What exactly was happening?


    I was not feeling sick yet my body reacted sharply. It was not the full moon night either. I went to the bathroom to have a cool bath but seeing my reflection in the mirror, I knew something was wrong somewhere.


    I pulled my hair behind my ears and stared at my neck. Nathaniel hadn''t marked me which was good because I didn''t know what would have happened but... a jab in my ribs made my hands slip off the basin and I copsed on the floor. The spot just behind my neck was itching me badly and I felt like scratching it but I knew it would only be worse. I tried pouring water on it but it was not working. I dragged myself out of the bathroom and went to look for an ointment. Fuck! It has finished. I forgot to cover my scent like I always did.


    I sat on the bed, thinking of what to do. Diana and the kids cannot see me like this or else I''m doomed. I picked up my phone to dial the witch''s number I had gotten the ointment from but it was unreachable which only aggravated me. I threw the phone to the bed, standing to my feet while gripping my neck as I went downstairs to get some ice. Whatever it was that was happening to me was not good. Maybe I should call Liam. After I had asked Liam to give us space, I hadn''t seen him. He didn''t even bother to check on me at all. So bad.


    I shook my head. Liam was not an option.


    What about Nathaniel? Never! I would never call him. The only reason he was allowed here was because of the kids and nothing else. I was starting to burn up which was not helping matters at all.


    I reached for the cubes of ice and ced them on my neck for a while. My chest heaved in relief as it gave me a momentaryfort.


    I held it to my neck and allowed my body to soak in the coolness. Was I sick? I definitely cannot be sick. At least not at this time.


    Or wait... Could it be heat?


    No way! I have not been marked yet. Even if... even if... no way! I will never let Nathaniel touch me.


    I returned to my room, lying under the duvet. Maybe when it is morning, I will visit the witch. There is no way I would remain like this. What if Nathanieles to visit the kids or even Liam? Oh, this was bad as it is.


    Amanda''S POV


    I didn''t expect Nathaniel to make it to the event. I have been busy with Martins and I and had barely told him about it. I was even skeptical that he woulde but when he came to meet at the backstage, I was just happy. Nathaniel and I went a way back in history.


    "You look gorgeous, baby." Martins drawled as he returned from wherever he went to.


    I had him to thank for working up his favor with Bille Gates. I had felt so much joy when he emailed me that I should make myself present but that joy was soon short-lived when I saw Natalia on this same show.


    In fact, she had opened the ceremony which only angered me even more. I haven''t faced her since and avoided seeing her because if I did, I could tear her hair out.


    "Thank you," That was what I had been telling him.


    He just smiled. Like he has been doing since the event ended.


    "You know I think I will keep asking Bille Gates to have you on his show, you know if I can get more of these smiles on your face, you know?" He winked at me.


    I almost rolled my eyes at him, picking up the rest of my things before exiting the area with him. I didn''t know when I began to but I was starting to warm up to Martins which was dangerous.


    Maybe it was the adrenaline from the show and how excited I was but I could not mistake the warmth I felt around him when he drove me back to the hotel. I didn''t want to return back to the pack yet since I had to meet with Bille Gates the next day.


    He waved at me, giving me ast wink before driving away. I settled into my hotel room, closing my eyes to rx a bit. Gosh, today has been really busy.


    I hdn''t touched my phone since morning so I reached for it and switched it on. The amount of notifications that bombarded my phone had me gasping. What the actual hell was this?


    Was this the power of Bille Gates? Or... I blinked at the numerous proposals from famous brands on my notification bar.


    The headlines were... they were many and my followers on social media.... OH MY GOODNESS!!!


    "Congrattions, baby." - MARTINS.

 Chapter Eighty-Seven: Daddy’s Time

    Nathaniel''S POV


    For the past few months, I have been unable to find out who was behind the attack on the Luna Queen. Coupled with the meeting with Le, I knew my time as the Alpha of this pack was closing and The Alpha King would make do with his promise. Even if I was the Alpha, the fact that I could be removed by the authority of the Royal King still stood which scared me to the core.


    I let out a tired groan, rubbing my eyes at the files. Nothing seemed to be clicking together. After driving into a block thest time and then finding out that the restaurant belonged to an old man who mysteriously died, I was now caught with finding out whounched the attack on the Luna Queen.


    It was as if there was no one whereas there was. The person just seemed to be invisible or maybe he was here and I was not looking at him?


    There was something Alex was not telling me. Maybe he was afraid or he was trying to protect someone. Or he could be too weak to go against this person. Either way, I was the one suffering the brunt of these conspiracy theories. Couldn''t they just keep their fight out of my territory for once?


    I already have enough on my te for me to deal with royalty issues. That was why I never looked forward to being the Alpha King. Even if I was given one, I would politely refuse it. Never!


    Le too wasn''t saying anything. I had put Grayson to watch over and to my greatest surprise, they have been bonding. I kept forgetting each time to remind him why she was in the pack. I didn''t run a charity house and wouldn''t bring unknown people to my pack. If they were falling in love which I know was not possible, he had better kept his guard up every time.


    To my shocking surprise, everything seemed to be linked and yet scattered. Whoever is behind this really worked so hard. I kept going through the files once after the other again like I hadn''t done the same for the past few days.


    It is just that something seemed to be amiss and it was killing me. I red at the details in the files of the reported incident, trying to see if there was something that should stand out and there it was. A sign. Looking at it deeply, I turned to theputer and opened the file, zooming in on it. It was covered by the cor of the man''s shirt.


    It was the wolf tattoo that was on the neck of the men who had been killed in the incident. If I remember clearly, this man was lying before a frightened Maurene. I shook the memory of her scared face away because I needed to focus now. She should not be allowed in my train of thought right now.


    I tried to remember how Le had described the wolf tattoo she had seen that night but could not remember clearly. Maybe I needed her right now.


    Rising to my feet, I exited the office. I went to her room and didn''t see her. My brows scrunched up slightly and I reached for my phone in my pockets. Dialing Grayson''s contact, he picked up almost immediately. "Where is Le?"


    "Le? She is here. Training." He replied.


    "Get her here. I need her to confirm something for me." I said before killing the call. Not long after, they both emerged inside the hall and I wasted no time in handing her the file.


    "Does this look familiar to you?" I asked, arching a brow.


    Her eyes narrowed on it before she nced up at me. She probably contemted lying because I could see it in her eyes. She knew it.


    "Y-Yes. That night when those men came. I saw it on their necks." She confirmed.


    I nodded, took the file from her, and headed to my office. Who rules these people? Why did they try to kill the Luna Queen? I should meet Alex again.


    "Are you going somewhere?" Grayson asked as he stood behind me. I put thest file in the case and nodded.


    "Yes. I have to meet the Alpha King and yes make sure you keep an eye on Le. I don''t trust her." He opened his mouth to say something but shut it up immediately. I didn''t need any exnation.


    I packed up the rest of the files, letting out a deep breath as I ced them on the rack. I was already getting impatient already. I originally nned to meet my kids but the Alpha King came along. Was this what it meant to be an Alpha and a father?


    I already nned that I was going to drop by from office. After my fallout with Grayson, I started going to the office myself to inspect things since he was the one who always did that and it has been quite hectic.


    At home, I could focus more on the pack and its matters but now, the responsibility of the businesses as well as the pack was resting on me which didn''t do anything to help me at all in this case. Thank goodness that he was back now.


    I let out a groan as I rose to my feet. Picking up the car key, I exited thepany building. I tried calling Maurene but she was not answering. Maybe she was working with Liam.


    There was no way she would stop me from meeting them because she already agreed that I could meet them anytime I wanted to. Although Heit already warmed up to me, I still caught a little bit of hesitation from Kyle and Kylie. I understood them. I mean from what had happened thest time, I didn''t know if I was ready to face them again.


    Heit was extra-inquisitive unlike they were and I didn''t expect them to get along with me immediately. So I texted her. I''M COMING OVER

 Chapter Eighty-Eight: Visitation

    Nathaniel''S POV


    Just like I expected, I stepped into the living room. Maurene was nowhere in sight. She must have told Diana that I wasing and maybe she was trying to avoid me.


    She didn''t need to do that. Not like there is anything else that would join us together except for the kids.


    "How is... she?" I couldn''t help but ask Diana who gave me a look of disapproval. Oh! she definitely doesn''t like me.


    Okay, maybe I deserved that.


    Anyway, she said nothing and instead, turned around to get the kids. I swallowed hard, having my seat, and ignored the constant beeps on my phone.


    "Daddy!" They all chorused, walking quickly to me. A grin split on my lips immediately and I knew at that point that I was done for already.


    These kids... they were my weaknesses and it would be bad if anyone got to know about them before I brought them to the pack.


    "My sweet princess," I nted a peck on Kylie''s cheeks before ruffling the boys'' hair.


    "How are you doing today?" I asked them.


    "Fine," Kyle answered, looking behind me. Guess he caught what I had brought for them. I realized that I should note empty handed to visit them so I got them some choctes and cookies. I didn''t know what they liked so I chose based on the receptionist''s suggestion.


    "Is this for us?"


    I nodded, pulled it out, and opened it for them. "Well, if your mom approves that you can eat it." is shrugged.


    They all shook their heads. "Mommy has not been around since yesterday, Daddy," Heit told me, and my brows twitched.


    That''s weird. They didn''t report that to me yet. Oh, I was yet to even check the report.


    "Really?" I didn''t want to ask for her whereabouts but the fact that she left the kids to Diana alone didn''t sit well with me. She could have sent me a message.


    "Do you know where she went to?"


    "Maybe she went to see Uncle Liam," Kylie muttered. Liam?


    I swallowed hard, blinking to clear the jealousy haze in my eyes. I went to talk with them about themselves. I learned that Kylie loves learning newnguages, while Kyle loves his Legos. As for Kai, he loves... me? I was okay with that because I loved them as well. I tried to stall my waiting to see if Maurene would return but she didn''t which got me worried.


    After the kids had gone to take their afternoon nap. I approached Diana who watched me with caution. I shook my head, not bothered by her overprotective instincts. If only she used them when Liam was around. "Do you perhaps know where Maurene went to?" I asked her.


    She didn''t reply instead she turned around to return some dishes into the kitchen. I followed her swiftly.


    "See, I don''t know what you think of me and I do not really care about what you think, honestly but I need to know if Maurene is safe," I told her.


    She halted to a pause. "The only reason I allowed you in here is because of the kids. You don''t have to worry about Maurene''s safety. She has Liam, remember?" She walked past me out of the kitchen.


    I clenched my fist, jealousy coursing through me. That fucker, Liam, has managed to ingrain himself in my family.


    "So she is with Liam?" I wanted to confirm.


    I didn''t know why I was suddenly interested in her whereabouts. I know she would like the way I was trying to know where she was.


    "Mr. Nathaniel, you may take your leave." Diana hissed before leaving me alone in the living room. My jaw hardened.


    Where was Maurene?


    I nced up at the stairs, could she be in her room?


    I decided to check it out. That was when I caught the scent. It was so strong. Very strong. Howe I never smelled it before?


    Did this scent belong to Maurene?


    Fuck, it was intoxicating. I could feel a boner in my boxers.


    I stopped at the door, my heart pounding against my ear drum. I twisted the door knob, pushing it open as the scent embraced me fully. Maurene was... this scent, it could only mean one thing. She had been hiding her scent for years and not just that, she was in heat!


    Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!


    How could I have forgotten? She was my mate after all.


    I didn''t see her in the room as I searched everywhere. They said she was with Liam. Was that why she was with him? No way! She wouldn''t do that, right? When I stepped out, I met a raging Diana.


    Anger washed through me in waves. "Where is Maurene?" I gritted out, letting my Alpha aura exude.


    She winced a bit, choosing not to answer. I marched past her if no one was going to tell me where she was. I fished out my phone and dialed Grayson''s contact.


    He answered not long after. I hurried down the stairs. "Yes, Nathaniel?"


    "Grayson, I want you to find Maurene''s whereabouts." I rushed the words swiftly.


    I didn''t wait for his response as I killed the call. Just as I nced up, Maurene opened the door and stopped when she saw me. She looked... sick?


    "Maurene?" I rushed towards her and engulfed her in a hug, sniffing in her scent. "Are you okay?"


    Wait, I didn''t sniff anything. I noticed she didn''t hug me back.


    "What are you doing?" She mumbled, pulling away from me with force.


    I looked down at her orbs. "What did you do?" I questioned her.


    She swallowed. "I see you have seen the kids. You can take your leave now, Nathaniel." She walked past me, Diana appearing from the stairs. She looked worried but quickly masked it up. I took long strides toward her, grabbed her hands, and turned her to me. "What did you do, Maurene?"


    One of her brows quirked. "What do you mean?"


    "Your scent. I can''t smell it, Maurene."


    Her eyes widened and she instantly jerked her hand away from me. "You should leave, Nathaniel."


    With that, she walked away from me, leaving me with the bitter truth.


    She does not want the mate bond between us.

 Chapter Eighty-Nine: Visitation II

    Nathaniel''S


    POV


    I didn''t walk out instead I went after her. Diana tried to stop me but after I red daggers at her, she stopped and I stomped to Maurene''s room.


    I opened the door and mmed it shut, locking the door because I didn''t want anyone to disturb us.


    "What... Nathaniel, what are you doing here?" She had this scared look on her face.


    I stalked toward her, pausing where she stood. "You were with him, huh? To help you quench the heat?" I asked her, ignoring her questions.


    Her eyes narrowed on me, and she looked away, scoffing as she moved away to drop her earrings.


    "You think that? We are married, Nathaniel. What if... can''t I?" She raised a brow at me, as we locked gaze in the mirror.


    "We are... you know we are mates, huh?" I reminded her.


    She burst outughing ridiculously as she heard what I said.


    "Mates? You think I still think of you as my mate after you did what you did? You know if there is a way to cut the stupid bond between you and I, I would, Nathaniel. I was told that if I did that, it would affect the kids so be thankful that I have your kids." She hissed angrily.


    My brows creased, this was not my Maurene.


    "Maurene, you and I know that your marriage to Liam is not real," I said to her.


    "My marriage to him was more real than yours ever was. He sure didn''t treat me as trash!" She sneered at me.


    I wasn''t thinking straight. I didn''t need to think straight. My legs moved on their ord toward her, I grabbed her hand and mmed her lush body against mine, caging her between me and the vanity table.


    Heat rushed to my groin and I didn''t wait for her to react. I captured her plump lips, swallowing her gasp as I kissed her. Fuck! I missed her lips like crazy.


    My head was in a frenzy as I trailed every part of her body with my hand. I pushed past her lips with my tongue and tasted every part of her mouth.


    Maurene was... she was fucking intoxicating and I didn''t want to let go of her.


    I reached to squeeze her breast from the chiffon top she was wearing and she let out a tiny moan. I caught her pebbled nipple between my fingers, twisting it and giving it a little tug, still not breaking the kiss. The scent of arousal filled the air and my wold howled into life. Fuck! I rubbed myself against her.


    I needed a release. I jerked the chiffon top down, exposing her boobs. Damn, they were heaven.


    I pinched her nipple so hard that she pulled away forcefully, letting out a cry. I took her two nipples into my fingers, twisting and tugging at it. She let out a moan. I watched her from my lustful gaze, taking her parted lips once again. Just as I moved to feel her soaked core, her eyes went wide open and she pushed me away. The next action was something I was not expecting. She pped me across the face, the lust in my eyes clearing off immediately. "How dare you?" She sounded disgusted, adjusting herself.


    "Maurene, I..."


    "Leave, Nathaniel." She cut me off, turning away from me. I wanted to say more but was resigned to my fate. I turned around and headed for the entrance. Unlocking it, I nced back at her before exiting the room and I went to check on the kids onest time, exiting the house.


    As I settled into my car, I let out a deep breath, licking my lower lip. I closed my eyes briefly, hitting my forehead against the steering wheel. What was I thinking?


    Kissing her? I could still feel the sting of her palm on my cheeks.


    I needed to get out of here. Just then, Grayson''s call came in.


    "I got her whereabouts. She is at her house." He informed me. "And you too."


    "Bye, Grayson."


    I disconnected the call, and I turned on the car''s engine. I needed to see the Alpha King. It was important so I headed for his ce. On getting there, the guards did the usual search of a thing they always did and led me to the living room. The Luna Queen, Evangeline, walked down the stairs, her face stoic and her brows arched in question. "And to what honor do we owe your presence, Alpha Nathaniel, when you are just a few weeks away from losing your Alpha position." She snorted.


    I let out a shaky breath. "I think you really need to stop threatening me with my Alpha position, Luna Queen. You were the one who got attacked so you should be quite inquisitive about who attacked you, except... you know who that is?" I keen my eyes on her.


    She didn''t waver at the bait I threw at her. She scoffed, taking her seat.


    "I want to see the Alpha King," I told her.


    "He is not avable at the moment. You can talk to me and I will ry your message to him." She said, looking me in the eye.


    He is not?


    Something must be wrong with the Alpha King. I could sense it thest time we met. His energy was too weak which could mean that he is either sick or dying. "Alpha Nathaniel?"


    "Yes, Luna Queen," I responded.


    "Since there is nothing else to talk about, please take your leave." She offered.


    That was strange. I rose to my feet, twirling around to leave when she stopped me again. "Alpha Nathaniel,"


    I turned to her.


    "Please protect Maurene."

 Chapter Ninety: The Truth Behind The Attack

    Nathaniel''S


    POV


    It has been a week since my encounter with Maurene and since then, I haven''t been alright. I began to have dreams. Dreams where she and I are doing sexual things and each time, I wake up stained in my shorts. Maybe it was because it had been a long time since I gotid. I really need to let off some steam. Honestly.


    The door to my office pushed open and Grayson stepped in, sending me a questioning look. If he coulde in.


    I nodded, closing the file I was working on. His nose scrunched as he let out a scoff. "You really need to getid, Nathaniel. Your scent is heavy everywhere." He looked at me with disgust.


    I closed my eyes briefly, I understood him. It was even more disgusting to him than to myself.


    "I will see what I can do about that. Any news?" I asked.


    He dropped two files before me, cing a sh drive beside them. "Found these. Andreas sent them to me the night you had gone to visit to Maurene. I was busy working on them to confirm it." My brows knotted closer. "Really?"


    I went through it, my eyes narrowing. I picked up the sh drive and stuck it into theptop. A video footage came into y.


    A bus stopped far away from the restaurant, and another car appeared just beside it. One of the men stepped out of the bus and went to the car. The window slid down and he stuck his head inside. After nodding and saying something I couldn''t make out from the video, the window slid up back, and the car zoomed away.


    The other man went back to the bus and that was when the bus moved to the restaurant to attack.


    "Where was this footage?" I asked him.


    "It was taken a few hours before the attack on the Luna Queen. It appeared like the attack was really nned." He exined.


    "Did you check the number te of the car?"


    "Yes, Andreas is currently working on it." He said.


    I nodded, rewatching the video. Who were these men?


    How could they haveunched an attack on the Luna Queen? It was as if they knew she would be there. This could only mean... "What if the person behind this is actually rted to the Alpha King? Or within the vicinity?" Grayson confirmed my train of thought. There was no one close to the Alpha King. He didn''t keep such people which made it even strange for us to point out who it was. "Wait, isn''t Liam rted to the Alpha King?" I lifted my gaze to him immediately.


    He was right. Liam was the only one who was closer to the Alpha King. And he was the prime suspect at this point.


    "There are things I want you to look into, Grayson," I told him. He took his seat, listening attentively.


    "I want to know the reason Liam came to my pack for the project. Did the Alpha King know about it? And yes, find out how many packs they have extended such offers of projects to as well. I want to know everything."


    He gave me a curt nod, taking his leave almost immediately. There were lots of things involved in this and Alex is unwilling to cooperate. I think I would have to force his hand. I can''t be here, trying to solve for an invisible force when he is the key to the answers.


    I rose to my feet, picking up my car keys. It is either I see the Alpha King or I announce his death. I headed for his ce, making my way through the guards. They had told me that he was not receiving any visitors but I didn''t care. They knew better than to shoot me.


    "Alpha Nathaniel, don''t you think you are causing a breach of order?" His Luna Queen bit out at me the moment I stepped into the living room.


    "I want to see the Alpha King. I would like to confirm something." I stated firmly.


    "As you know, he is quite busy and he is unable to see anyone, Alpha Nathaniel, I remembered vividly that I had made that known to you thest time you came." She exined, inclining her head to the side.


    I stepped closer to her, bringing my face near hers. "I will not be leaving here if I don''t get to see the Alpha King, Luna Queen. There is something that I need his urgent response to and unless I meet him, I will not be leaving." I gritted out. She snorted. "And I will have the guards throw you out of here and not just that, I will order the instant removal of you from your Alpha position. Dare me, Alpha Nathaniel." She red daggers at me.


    "You will do what? Remove me? Luna Queen, it seems like you are forgetting that the only one who has the power to do that is the Alpha King, and by any way you now have the power to do that, it could only mean one thing which I would like that you tell me now, huh?"


    Her eyes moved in their sockets as she looked away. "There is nothing else to tell you, Alpha Nathaniel. You should take your leave." She insisted.


    "Luna Queen, you are hiding something and I will tell you that before things get out of hand, you should tell me." I tried to reason with her but the woman was just adamant.


    "Like I said, there is nothing else to tell you. If there was, I would let you know." She barely nced at me as she walked past me, leaving me in the living room.


    Anger coursed through me, I punched the couch. I needed to find out where the Alpha King was and until then, there was nothing I could do.


    I walked out of the house, heading directly for my car when I heard the noise from the entrance. I narrowed my eyes into slits, catching Liam''s frame before the guards who had gathered around him.


    It seemed like they didn''t want him to enter. He was arguing with them but they stood their ground. The head soon stepped back, pointing his gun at him and I looked back at the balcony. Evangeline stood there, watching the scene and she didn''t move to tell him toe inside.


    She turned her look to me and we locked gaze. I didn''t say anything as I entered my car, and zoomed away. Grayson''s call came in not long after.


    "Any feedback yet?" I asked him.


    "Yes, there is a lot to see, Nathaniel." He told me.


    My brows creased together. "What is that?"


    "When you get back, but before that, you need to know that Maurene is not safe with Liam."


    That was an established fact. Ever since I found out about the fake identity he used and she appeared not to be aware of it. I knew something was wrong somewhere. Whether he was using her or he was just interested in her. I didn''t know. There were lots of things to reveal.


    I disconnected the call, scrolling through my contact list. I saw her contact and wanted to click on it but the memory of what happened between us shed through my vision and I decided against it.


    I should do this on my own. She will not believe me anyway. I soon got to the pack house.


    I made my way to the office where I knew Grayson would be and to my utmost surprise, Andreas was there as well.


    "Alpha," They both greeted. I acknowledged them with a nod.


    Taking my seat, I asked. "And where are they?"


    Piles of files were pushed toward me and I nced up at them. "This is everything we have managed to gather."


    "It appears that the offers of the project didn''t just start or stop at our pack. It also extended to the vampire king as well. Not only that, it was reported that the witch refused the offer." Andreas exined. "They did? Why?"


    "Because Liam''s mother was a rebellious witch who had made every sort of grave mistake to them." Grayson shrugged. "It took him great efforts to go and to our surprise, he didn''t go with Maurene. And when he went, he brought enticing offers, thinking they would fall for it but they didn''t."


    "Find out where Liam was the day he met my wife- Maurene and yes, find out the origin of the Luna Queen, Evangeline."

 Chapter Ninety- One: Reconciliation

    Maurene''S POV


    My rtionship with Liam has been quite rocky since I found out about his rtion with Alex and Evangeline. Although she warned me not to stay away from Liam, I just couldn''t bring myself to ept the fact that he hid something as important from me.


    How could he do that for years and get angry when I told him about my marriage with Nathaniel?


    At this point, I was starting to think that there were things I didn''t know about Liam from the beginning. Maybe it was the fact that he had saved me that made me overlook it then but it was ring at me now.


    I swallowed hard, standing before the window. Nathaniel has been looking for ways to get to speak with me but I used the kids as an excuse to get away. I didn''t know what he wanted to talk about but from the time we had shared in the toilet back in Anta, I had an inkling of what he wanted to discuss with him. I just was not ready for the conversation.


    For my kids, would I go back to him?


    I sucked in a deep breath, realizing that I didn''t even have an instant answer to the question. It was... I shook my head, turning around to sit on the bed. The scene from the night was still fresh in my head. How could I have allowed him to kiss me?


    I felt disgusted to the core because I also liked it. I liked it so much that it hurt. The feel of his lips against mine. I wanted it again and it scared me so much. He was the reason I was in pain and yet, he didn''t hesitate when he pulled me against him and kissed me kike his life depended on it.


    I knew if I hadn''t pulled back, we could have gone further which onlyplicates things. He had just confirmed that my marriage to Liam was fake because if it wasn''t, the kiss wouldn''t havested that long. Not to add, the way he touched me, my boobs, my ass. I missed his touch, and I wouldn''t deny it. He knew how and where to touch me.


    For the first time, I remembered that it had been a long time since I was in a man''s arms. What did Nathaniel do to me?


    After I found out I was in heat, I quickly went to look for a witch to help me with my issue. I knew that if I had not done that, Nathaniel would have found me and something irreversible could have happened which I didn''t want to.


    He had even messaged me that he wasing to see the kids. I had to stall my waiting because I didn''t want to face him. I had thought he had left but meeting him that day, I was instantly grateful that I applied the ointment. I closed my eyes briefly as I remembered my encounter with the woman.


    "This is the hundredth ointment you would be getting from me. Why don''t you just reject this mate of yours?" The witch asked me, cing the ointment before me.


    I offered a light smile. "I wish I could but I cannot. Hmm, is there perhaps any way I can cut the mate bond without a rejection?"


    She thought for a while before nodding. Hope lit in my chest as I dipped my head down for her to tell me.


    "Yes, you can cut the mate bond. The bond is just a tiny piece of thread tying you and him together and it can be cut." She exined.


    "And how do you that?" I was quite curious.


    "Through a dream. You both will fall into a deep sleep where you break each other''s hearts to a point where you both feel like dying. When you are both in the dream, the bond is disconnected." "Really?"


    She nodded. "Yes, but there is just a repercussion. If I remember clearly, you have kids right?"


    My brows furrowed closer. "What does that have to do with it?"


    "They were formed from the bond. It means that everything that was formed from the bond will die as well. Not just in the dream but in reality. The both of you will be the only ones alive but... you will never be happy even if you want to." A confused look etched on my face. What did she mean by that?


    "So I am stuck with him?"


    "Unless you want to reject him directly. That way, they would be safe. You both will just appear like two divorced couples." She shrugged.


    "So which one do you choose, Maurene?"


    I blinked up at her. For me to be totally free from Nathaniel, my kids and my happiness was the cost. There was no way I would sacrifice my kids for something like that. They were my life. My joy. What use is life without them?


    If I have to endure seeing Nathaniel whenever hees to visit them, then I will.


    "No, don''t bother about it. I choose my kids." I picked up the ointment, giving her the money before scurrying out of the ce.


    Why was the price so costly?


    I let my head fall back to the bed. Staring at the nk white ceiling, I let out a deep sigh. When will all of this end?


    I was getting tired of it already.


    My phone beeped with a message and I peered a look at it.


    Can we meet tonight? I am waiting outside. - Liam.


    I let out a hiss, turning the phone over. He wanted to meet me? I didn''t want to. All of them. They all kept it from me! My phone beeped again and I looked at it.


    Please, Maurene. I want to see you once. Give me a chance to exin myself. - Liam.


    I sat up, contemting going outside to meet him. Everyone deserved a second chance. But does Liam deserve it?


    He had so many times to tell me that he was somehow rted to Evangeline but he didn''t. Even after we had met at the party, he still chose not to tell me. It could mean one thing and that would be that if I was never meant to find out. And if I wasn''t, then what happened was never nned.


    Oh, no!


    What were these thoughts I was putting together?


    Things can''t be asplicated as these, can they?


    I rose to my feet, picked a coat from the wardrobe, and exited my room. I stepped out of the house, noticing that he was about to enter his car when he saw me. He stopped, slowly closing the door. "You came," He muttered.


    I shrugged. "You said you wanted to see me. And that you want to exin yourself. I am all ears, Liam."


    "Maurene," He moved to hug me but I took a step back from him. I didn''t think I was ready to be held by him. To be held by any man at this point.


    He sucked in a deep breath. "Maurene, the reason I didn''t tell you about myself was because I didn''t know if you knew about the werewolf race and I didn''t want to endanger you at all."


    I gave him a nk stare. "That still doesn''t justify you, Liam. After that? After you found out that in fact knew about the werewolf race, why didn''t you tell me?" I questioned him, feeling my fist clenched tightly. "Oh, Maurene. I had forgotten. We were so busy trying to get Galen and Nathaniel to start the project that I didn''t remember to tell you." A pained expression was etched on his face.


    I let out a scoff. "Really? Really, Liam? This was something that you could have told me anytime any day. You could have brought it up. You... You even sent me to Alexander! You made me meet with him, why?" "Because he was interested in seeing who my assistant was and I could not deny him since I was working for him." His lips twitched in a sad smile.


    "Tell me, what went wrong with the project at Nathaniel''s pack? Why did Nathaniel return the payment and I was summoned by Alex?" "Because... because I made a mistake and... I was not careful enough to keep things... clean so..." He stuttered, unable to meet my eyes. "So I was chosen to keep things clean? What things exactly didn''t you keep clean?" I cocked my head to the side as I questioned him. He let out a snort. "You don''t think that what we are doing is clean, do you?"

 Chapter Ninety-Two: Meeting Her Again

    Maurene''S


    POV


    I walked into the garage as the words Liam had told mest night echoed in my head. "You didn''t think the work we do is clean, do you?" He had asked me. I was confused. What did he mean by that? Was it not clean?


    We were building orphanages in different packs and it was for the great cause, right? That was what I believed. They didn''t.


    "What do you mean by that?" I asked him.


    He let out a scoff, taking a step closer to me. "You don''t get it, do you?" He arched a brow.


    "Get what?"


    He inclined his head to the side, appearing to be amused by what I was asking. Well, I was confused for a fact. "Tell me, Liam!" I urged him.


    "Alex wants Nathaniel''s pack! Don''t you get it? He wants his pack because although the Alpha King''s pack isrge, Nathaniel''s pack still remains thergest and it once belonged to the Alpha King until a psychotic ancestor of the Alpha King lost it in a duel with Nathaniel''s ancestor." He exined the story.


    "And if you think that he didn''t know who you were when you first met, you are wrong. He already knew you were divorced and were once married to Nathaniel which makes you the best representative to convince Nathaniel to allow him to continue the project on his pack." He said.


    Oh, so... That was it. That was why he wanted to meet me the other day. He wanted to see who Nathaniel''s ex-wife was. I let out a snort. Me? The best candidate to convince Nathaniel? I was the wrong candidate.


    I rolled my eyes. "So what? I declined the offer. What now?"


    "You cannot decline the offer, Maurene. You have to take over." He insisted, taking my hands.


    I jerked away from him. "I don''t want to get into whatever it is that is going on. I would rather not ept such an offer and Nathaniel? Never! I can''t convince him for you all. The only bond we have is the kids and that is all we stand for, Liam." "So he found out about the kids, huh?" He blinked up at me.


    I looked away, feeling the bite of the coldness against my skin.


    "How?"


    "It does not matter, does it now?" I raised my brows.


    "So you and Nathaniel are now co-parenting?"


    "Apparently. The kids wanted it so I allowed it. And yes, about our contract marriage. We should cancel." I suggested, folding my arms.


    His brows twitched. "Why?" His question threw me off bnce.


    "Why not?" I countered. "There is no reason we should pretend to be married when Nathaniel already found out about the kids. It would onlyplicate things further for the kids."


    "The kids. Are you sure that is the reason you are doing this and not for any other reason?" He asked quietly.


    I narrowed my eyes on him, trying to understand what he meant. "And what other reason is there for me, Liam? Tell me. My kids are my life and I will protect them as long as I can." I stated firmly.


    He nodded, licking his lower lip. "But why?" He asked all of a sudden.


    "Why?" I was getting more dazed by his questions at this point.


    "Why don''t you see it?" He took steps toward me.


    "See what?" I blinked, my heart palpitating in my chest at the change of topic.


    "Why don''t you see the love I have for you, Maurene? I have done everything to make you love me. I took you in. I took care of your kids. I became the father for them when they had none. I... I protected you." His voice came out strangled. I have never seen Liam thus conflicted in my life. He was alwaysported and organized but this... It was too much to watch.


    "W-What are you saying, Liam?" I stuttered.


    "I love you, Maurene!" He yelled. "I love you so much that it hurts when I see you with Nathaniel! When I think that the kids are not mine! When... when you do not look at me that way." His voice softened as he uttered thest word.


    I stilled in shock.


    Oh, my gosh! Liam... once upon a time, I had once wished that Liam was the father of my kids. In fact, I had wanted him to be the one I had fallen in love with but now... I was no longer sure of that thought.


    It was as if a lot had changed and we were no longer the same people anymore. I didn''t want the present Liam as the father of my kids or my lover.


    "Maurene, you are not saying anything." His voice brought me back.


    I swallowed hard. This was definitely not the way I nned my evening to go. Definitely not Liam confessing his feelings for me.


    "Liam," I breathed out. "I think you are mistaken somewhere. There is no way... we can''t be together. You know that right?"


    "Is it because of the kids?"


    "Huh?" My mouth parted in shock.


    "Is it because of the kids? You think they would not ept me? Maurene, they would. They already consider me their uncle and I am okay with being that." He took my hands into his, giving me a convincing look. "Honestly, I am okay with Nathaniel meeting them. Don''t deprive yourself of the happiness you deserve, Maurene. I will be patient with you all of the way." He pleaded.


    I wanted to tell him yes. I wanted to say yes to him but I couldn''t. I didn''t know why. But my heart and my head were not in agreement with what he was saying. They wanted something different now. I didn''t know what it was or maybe I was scared to know it and didn''t want to acknowledge but it was definitely not Liam.


    "I''m sorry." I freed myself from his grip, looking up at him. "Liam, you... you have been my person from day one. You have been the person I ran to when I had issues. You... and I will only be disasters to each other." "Maurene,"


    I turned around to leave.


    "It is because of him, right? You don''t want to give us a chance because you are still in love with him! You tell yourself that you are not in love with him but that is a lie! You still love Nathaniel! You still want him!" He yelled at me.


    I halted to a pause, closing my eyes briefly as his words hit me with a blow. A stray tear slipped down my cheek as I twisted my head to him. The pain his words caused was evident in my eyes as I walked away from him. "Maurene!" He called after me.


    I thought I would be able to reconcile with Liam yesterday but the fact that he chose that moment to throw my fears into my face, I knew he was the reddest g.


    I finally reached Evangeline''s house. The guards could recognise me now but at the same time, they did their usual search and led me into the living room.


    I waited for a few hours before she finally made her way to meet me.


    "I didn''t expect you toe." She said, a smile taking over her lips.


    A tentative smile took over mine as well. "How are you doing?"


    She bit her lower lip. "Well, fine to a point." She shrugged.


    I looked at her with great care. She was going through a lot.


    "What of Alex? I don''t see him anywhere." I nced around.


    She pursed her lips into a thin line, shaking her head. "He is... quite strong, you know. He needs a lot of rest."


    I offered a sympathetic smile.


    "Anyway, why are you here?" She asked, the glow now back to her eyes. "Have you thought about it?"


    "I... I won''t be epting the offer." I said, shaking my head.


    Her brows twitched. "Why?"


    "Because..."


    "Did Liam tell you anything by chance?" She cocked her head to the side. I remembered what Liam had said and I gave her a negative shake of my head. "No, he didn''t. I just thought that I did not want Liam''s position. It won''t sit well with me."


    "Maurene, I think you should think about this well-"


    I rose to my feet. "I have and my answer is no, please ry this to Alex."

 Chapter Ninety-Three: For The Old Shall Return

    Amanda''S POV


    "Hey!" A baritone voice yelled after me. My chest was heaving. My vision was shaking and I could hear my breathing audibly. Where was I?


    I didn''t know. All I knew was that I was being chased. By who?


    I shook my head, trying to clear my vision as I ran through the dark alley. The footsteps of the men running after me echoed behind me and fueled me to run faster. What did they want from me? "Wait!"


    I didn''t stop. I continued, running for dear life. I was tired but my feet won''t stop running. I was being chased but I don''t know who was chasing after me. My chest heaved with rapid breaths as I ran into another dark alley. When does it end? Where was I? How did I get here?


    My entire body was soaked in sweat. The men who chased after me were all yelling that I stop but I didn''t listen to them. Just as I nced back and looked over my shoulder, hands stretched forth and caught mine, halting me to a stop and pulling me back.


    A fearful scream worked up my throat as I looked up at the force that pulled me back and my eyes went wide. ck, sinister eyes. Vicious smirk on their lips. They were here!


    "I will find you and you will regret what you did!"


    I jerked out of my sleep into the real world. What sort of dream was that?


    I reached for the ss of water beside me with shaky hands and gulped it in a few seconds. I stared, shocked to the core. I swallowed hard, my throat bobbing as I did. My fist clenched around the sheets as the image of their faces disyed again in my vision. I closed my eyes tight, breathing out through my mouth.


    They were back. They were back? The nightmares. They stopped some years back but now... It has been long. So long since I heard from them. Since I saw them. Why did they have to return now? Why did they have toe back now? Now? When I am at the peak of my career?


    Gosh, I really needed to find something to do with these nightmares.


    I could feel my lips tremble as a sense of something watching me washed over me and fear coiled into me. Was I being watched again?


    I thought it was over. It should be over.


    I wanted to let out a scream. Or maybe I needed a good rest? I have been busy trying to meet with designers and signing contracts with brands since the Bille Gates event.


    Not to add, the stubborn man wanted me again. This time he offered to sign an ambassador contract. I was surprised. I asked him if it was because of the favor Martins had called in but he refused, saying something about having potential and how he failed to see it at the beginning. I didn''t me him. Martin didn''t let him see it.


    I stepped out of the room in the pack house. I haven''t really been active here because of my work and my rtionship with Martins. I noticed the maids whispering something between them so I approached them. "And what is the gist about?" I arched one brow at them.


    They all gasped, dispersing around. I flicked my finger at the one who seemed to have started the discussion.


    "What was that about?" I asked, tearing the tangerine. She bowed her head timidly.


    "Miss Amanda," She stuttered. I waited for her to continue. "Erm, the thing is... Some weeks back, a child came over."


    That caught my attention. A child?


    "And so?" I ate a part, listening to her attentively.


    "Well, the child... the child... belonged to Alpha Nathaniel and Luna... Maurene." She told me.


    My eyes went wide instantly, I almost lost my bnce as my brows scrunched up together. "A child?" I asked again to be sure I heard well.


    "Yes, Miss Amanda. And she came that day as well and... I think the Alpha goes to visit them as well. And yes, it is not just one child but three. He had bought gifts for them and Le had helped him with it." She narrated. Le. Thedy who was brought to the pack house months back and now... Nathaniel had kids and was now back with Maurene. It must have been the reason for the new light in his eyes. Oh, no!


    I marched out of the kitchen and went to his office. I didn''t bother knocking as I barged in. He and Grayson seemed to have been in a heated discussion because they both turned their heads to me.


    His brows furrowed as I closed the door shut. "So... you now have children with Maurene?" I asked him, not wanting to believe what the maid had said. It could be a rumor.


    They shared a nce before Nathaniel rose to his feet. "Yes? And why does that bother you? Shouldn''t you be busy making good use of this opportunity that opened for you?"


    "Opportunity? I only got this opportunity because of you! Nathaniel, you found out you have kids. What if... what if they are not yours? What if she is only doing this because she wants you back?" I sneered.


    He closed his eyes tight, pinching the bridge of his nostrils. "Amanda, I am not in the mood for any of these. The kids are mine and Maurene is..." He sucked in a deep breath.


    Grayson rose to his feet,ing toward me. "I don''t think now is the time for you to talk to him about this. You arete. He is the father and we have other things to take care of. This... is not one of them." He pushed me out of the office. I stared as the door was shut at my face. Since when? Since when has this been going in and I didn''t know.


    I walked away, back to my room. There was a gnawing feeling in my belly. I didn''t want to acknowledge it but I did. Why wasn''t I feeling as hot as I always did before whenever I saw Maurene?


    Why did it feel like I had given up on my love for Nathaniel?


    I loved Nathaniel... and he loved me as well, right? That was the reason he divorced her and brought me back to theck, right?


    I swallowed hard, the citrus taste of the tangerine on my tongue reminding me of what I had just found out.


    I climbed back into my bed, feeling weird and not knowing how to describe it. My phone brightened as a message entered. Hey. - MARTINS


    Maybe he was just what I needed.


    How are you doing? Rested enough?- MARTINS


    He has started to act strangely caring toward me since the event. I didn''t know why but it seemed something had changed between us since then. I wanted to return to my usual cold self but he was the only one who seemed to care about me. Yes.- ME


    I see. Bille Gates will announce you as the brand ambassador tomorrow morning. I confirmed. -MARTINS.


    That alone was enough to bring a smile to my face.


    Yeah, we discussed it thest time we spoke.- ME.


    I closed my phone, dropping my head to the pillow as I peeked at the ceiling. I felt like I had been away for too long and I was just recovering myself. I knew it was definitely my rtionship with Martins. I have been busy ever since then. I couldn''t monitor my rtionship with Nathaniel and now... the fear that I had lost him to Maurene was almost not there which scared me even more.


    I had started all of these because of her. Because I wanted to show her that Nathaniel would not be hers anymore but now... I think I already lost that sense of purpose. What exactly was my purpose now?


    I sighed, rolling to my side. My phone beeped with a message and I knew it would be Martins so I ignored it. My mind wandered back to the time I had been at his house. The sound of the gunshot that rang through the air was still vivid in my head and how he came out as if he hadn''t just killed someone made me scared of him.


    Sometimes I wondered what job Martins did behind the door and what favor he called in from Bille Gates. Judging from what Bille had said, it didn''t seem like a good favor. Maybe he had forced him? Who knows? And Natalia? Gosh, I was starting to have stupid thoughts.


    Why would I think that these things are like pieces of a puzzle? Just like Nathaniel had said, I should take advantage of this time and build myself.


    When the phone beeped again, I shook my head, epting the truth that Martins would never stop trying to grab my attention.


    I clicked the message and wanted to type a response without reading the message. Just as I was about to click send, I caught the message, and my eyes widened.


    Dear Amanda,


    I am back. See you soon.

 Chapter Ninety-Four- Seeking Protection

    Amanda''S POV


    My heart lurched in my throat as I read the text. Dear Amanda... it was only one person that called me that and that was in the past. He was the my past. How did he get my contact? Oh, no! I''m in trouble. He was back. No wonder I had that dream.


    What should I do now? I cannot let him meet me at all. Panic crept into my chest and I began to breathe out heavily. Gosh, my hands were starting to tremble.


    Dear Amanda. Dear Amanda.


    Who knows? What if he... what if he...? I needed to tell Nathaniel.


    I checked the girls group chat and saw that Tania wants us to meet at the usual bar we go together. Maybe that was what I needed. From finding out the truth about Nathaniel''s being dad and the fact that my past has finally caught up with me. I needed an outlet.


    I quickly got into a simple gown, applied little make up and got into my casual heels. I didn''t want attention tonight but I had to appear nice in case anything happened.


    As I reached the living room, I saw Grayson talking to one of the maids. He turned around when he sighted me, his eyes running over my body in a strange perusal. Why has everything around be strange? "Are you heading somewhere?" His question threw me off guard but I quickly caught myself.


    "Hmm, yes. I am." I told him. Well, it was obvious that I was. I definitely won''t be wearing in the house, would I?


    "Okay. Is it okay if I drop you off? Well, you don''t have to ept but-"


    "Yes, I will." I cut him off. I could use a little bit of his protection right now.


    He pursed his lips into a thin line, noticing how fidgety I was. Usually, I would refuse it but tonight just came with a different urge to be protected.


    I followed him out to the car and he asked where I was going to. I told him the bar and was expecting a reaction from him but nothing came. It was just like he didn''t care. I chastised myself. Why should he care?


    He was Grayson, Nathaniel''s Beta. I knew him to be all cold and aloof.


    "Tell me. Since when did Nathaniel find out that he has kids? Are those kids really his? Did he do some sort of DNA test to find out if they were his kids?" I couldn''t help myself so I asked.


    He barely nced my way as he parked the car. Turning his head to me, a clear look etched on his face. "I feel like you should worry more about yourself than Nathaniel. We are there already. You can step out." He dismissed me without answering my question. My eyes narrowed on him.


    I should worry about myself? Did he know that- wait, wait, that was impossible, right? Grayson cannot be...?


    Closing my parted mouth, I stepped out of the car and watched him drive away. Could Grayson be the one?


    The cold air hit my bare shoulders and I shivered. Walking toward the entrance, I made my way inside and went to the counter. I needed something that would heat up my belly.


    "A shot," I ordered, not bothering to look at the barman. It was pushed toward me and I downed it in a few minutes.


    I checked my phone to see if they had arrived already and Tania''s voice confirmed from behind me. I nced behind me, feeling the aftermath of the burn in my throat.


    They seemed surprise when they saw me. I didn''t me them. I haven''t been responding to messages on the group because of my busy schedule.


    "See who is here? Our high ss super model!" Tania shrieked, rushing to me to engulf in a hug. I pushed her back, not a fan of hugs at all. I barely nced at Miranda as I looked behind her. Natalia was not in sight. She didn''te?


    "If you want to ask about Natalia, don''t bother. She called in sick at thest minute but we are d that you coulde." Tania said, taking her seat beside me while Miranda went to order for wine.


    I slowly nodded my head. She didn''t want to face me. After she tried to steal my spot at the show, what was she thinking? That I would want to be friends with her? Never!"


    "It has been a long time since we sat and drank in a bar like this, you know?" Tania sighed.


    Miranda shook her head. "Well, some people have gotten busy with life that they can no longer attend such meetings."


    Tania directed an apologetic look at me, shaking her head that I should not retort. I was not nning to anyway. She always looked for ways to rile me up but now... I was not bothered by what she said. I had other things to be bothered about. Like him.


    "You know what I think?" Tania asked, taking a quick sip from the wine Miranda had passed to her. "I think you all need to sort out your differences, yeah?" "Differences?" I scoffed.


    "She was the one who tried to steal my spot at the show!"


    Miranda rolled her eyes. "And so? What if she did? You closed the ceremony and not just that, you were the still the highlight of the ceremony after all." She said.


    It was my turn to roll my eyes. "That still wouldn''t change anything. Anyway, did she tell how she was able to bag a contract with Bille Gates?" I asked them.


    They both looked at me. "She didn''t. We were as shocked as you were when you saw her. She didn''t tell us anything." Tania shrugged.


    That was strange. Natalia was the type to always throw her sess in our faces whenever she bagged new deals. If she didn''t do it this time, there must have been a special reason. "See, don''t let us talk about something as depressing as this. Let us be wild tonight. I haven''t craved freedom the way I do tonight." Tania rose to her feet and went to the dance floor. Miranda shifted toward me, keeping her eyes on Tania as she said. "You are the reason Natalia does not want to hang out tonight."


    "No, she is the reason." I countered.


    I definiteky won''t be taking the me for another person''s mistakes.


    "Your rtionship," She faced me this time. "You know she loved Martins and yet, you went on to date him. What else can be considered betrayal if not that?" She asked.


    I looked away. I did it for her sake. That thought... Made my hand tremble. I was not kind. I definitely was far from be kind.


    "I liked him first." Was all I said. Lies. I never like Martins but do I now?


    She scoffed. "If you say so."


    None of us spoke again. Tania came to me with a grin. I shook my head, knowing what she was trying to get me to do. I struggled against her but thedy had a strong bone. She dragged me to the dance floor, urging me to dance. I didn''t want to know but the thought that I could use a little of this to blow off some steam struck me.


    "Yeah!" I heard Tania''s satisfied shriek. I whined my waist to the beats. Memories of when I used to be carefree shed through my vision and I shook my head. Not now. Why were these memories returning now?


    Tania joined our hands and we began to move to the beats. From afar, people would view us as carefree teenagers or best friends. We were far from that. I was never their best friends. Their click just helped me. Yes, that was how heartless I could be.


    I was with people for gain. For what they could offer me. Nothing else. I didn''t like them and definitely wouldn''t choose them.


    Something stuck to my arm and I quickly let go of Tania, wincing as I tore the paper from my arm. I blinked, staring at the paper and looking around to see the person that had done it. No one was in sight. Miranda was busy talking to the bar man who was perhaps flirting with her.


    I read what was written on the paper.


    Dear Amanda,


    I see you. I want you.


    My heart skipped a beat and suddenly, I was the only one at the center. Everything around me blurry as the only thing I could hear was the beating of my heart in my ear drums.


    He was here. He came. He... he is going to hurt.


    I looked around frantically, nothing made sense. I couldn''t see anyone. Spitefulughters and forced shrieks echoed around me. I was back to the room. That underground room where sin was the other of the day. "You, I will make you pay!" The man in ck clothes yelled at me. "Amanda!"


    I flinched back to reality as Tania''s voice pulled me. I looked at her wide eyes.


    "Are you okay?" She asked, watching me with scrutiny.


    I blinked. "Yes, yes. I am. What happened?"


    "The music stopped." She informed me.


    Oh.


    I pulled away from her. "I need to use the toilet." I told her, excusing myself. I walked to the toilet, breathing heavily. I mmed the door shut as I entered, staring at my reflection in the mirror.


    I let out a scream. Gosh, I was going crazy. I wanted to pull my hair out in frustration. He should stop doing this to me. I was starting to lose my mind and if this was what he wanted, he should let me go.


    I opened the tap, trying to regte my breathing. Somethingnded with a thud behind me and I jerked around, my heart in my throat.


    "Anyone there?" I yelled out. There was no response. Gosh, my blood pressure was rising at this point.


    "Anyone there?" I called out again, bringing out theser I had taken with me slowly. I opened the door and was about to stick it to the person when I saw the loads of tissue on the floor. Just tissues?


    I was about to rx when a figure shed me and palmed my mouth. I let out a muffled scream and quickly used myser. He must not have been expecting me because he instantly let go of me and I ran for the door. "Shit," I heard him cuss. I fumbled with the door realizing that it was locked from the outside.


    Oh no!


    The man recovered, wincing as he charged for me again. I let out a cry as I stretched out my only means of defense. He snatched theser from my hand and I gasped, hearing the thud.


    I could not see his face. His eyes...


    "What do you want from me?" I demanded, breathlessly.


    "Do you think you can run away from me?" He hissed.


    I recognized that voice. It was him. My past.


    Just as he was about to say something, several knocks rapped on the door and he cursed before sending onest nce at me.


    "I will be back and at that time, there will be no one to save you from me, Amanda." With that, he disappeared.


    I stood there in shock, the door opened and my vision turned blurry. Thest thing I saw was Tania rushing toward me and I hit my head against the hard tile.

 Chapter Ninety-Five: Who Is The Father?

    Nathaniel''S


    POV


    "Are you sure this is not too much?" Le asked me again and I sent a re across to her. I had ordered gifts for my kids. Today was Father''s Day and judging from the way Kylie asked me to make sure they got gifts from me, I was not about to afford rubbish to them. They were my kids and for that reason, I will provide the best for them.


    "No, it is not, especially when they are three in number." I smiled satisfactorily.


    I didn''t know that having kids could make me so happy. I had been nning on what to get and after rting with them thest time, I knew I had to get them something impable. Some things a father would get his kids out of love and


    even more.


    Le narrowed her eyes on me,ing to take a seat before me. "You know, I''m quite surprised that you didn''t ask the woman to let you do a DNA test on the kids. What if they are not your-"


    "Finish those words and you will be back to the streets." I cut her off, a look that I was not joking etched on my face.


    She swallowed hard, raising her hand in a surrender manner. I didn''t really care about what she had to say anyway.


    I hadn''t even reached out to Maurene since thest time we met and what happened happened. I knew she could be avoiding me but I was avoiding her more.


    I had overstepped my boundaries and I didn''t know how to fix it. Especially now that the kids were in her custody.


    I shouldn''t have messed up but I would not lie if I said that I didn''t like what happened. Gosh... I could practically feel her on my tongue now.


    "Earth to Nathaniel." Le clicked her fingers before my face and I moved away from her.


    I picked up my phone, dialing Maurene''s contact and swallowed hard. I didn''t put my expectation high that she would answer but she did. She answered almost immediately, surprising me. "Hello."


    I paused, hearing her voice made the nerves wreaking havoc within me calm and I let out a sigh, slumping to my chair.


    "Hi, Maurene. Will you be home with the kids today? I was thinking of dropping by since today''s Father''s day." I said as politely as I could. It didn''t sit quite well with me that I had to ask for her permission but I deserved it for what I did to her. To them.


    There was a brief silence as if she was contemting.


    "Maurene, I will try to keep it as brief as I can and also-"


    "Nathaniel, the thing is..." She cut in. "The kids want to go out with Liam today." She told me. It was as if a bell was ringing in my head.


    "What?!" I eximed, feeling rage course through me. Liam? Was Liam their father?


    "No, mommy. We want to go out with Dad!" I heard Kylie yell from the background and Maurene let out a sigh.


    "Okay. You cane over and I will get them ready for you." She didn''t wait for me to answer. She disconnected the call and I dropped my phone, trying to calm myself.


    I should not get agitated by things like this. They were my kids and I will always be their father. Right?


    It is just crazy that at every point, Liam seemed to be more involved in my family than I. I was already back. Maurene should work on getting rid of him. He posed a threat to my kids and if he was not careful, I would only be merciful to him. "I think you have to rx. Things are not-"


    "Out," I ordered her.


    She rose to her feet, walking out without saying anything. I called one of the guards to take the gifts I had prepared for the kids to the car and informed Grayson where I would be and that he should not bother.


    I couldn''t describe the happiness in my chest as I drove to Maurene''s ce. A part of me was hoping that Liam wouldn''t be there but a part of me was quite expectant of that. He might choose to show up after all. Either way. This was my day and no man will take it from me. I groaned as I screeched to a halt.


    ncing at Maurene''s building, a new hope bloomed in my chest, and stepped out of the car. Reaching for the back, I carried the gifts and headed for the entrance. As expected, the kids were ying around but when I stepped in, they stopped and ran to me.


    "Daddy!" A title I was trying to get used to.


    An instant grin curled on my lips as they engulfed me in a hug, well, my legs to be precise. Dropping the gifts on the table close to me, I crouched their level to give them a proper hug. "Happy Father''s Day!" They all chorused.


    "Thank you." I nted a kiss on Kylie''s forehead and ruffled the boys'' hair. Leading me into the living room, I settled and they stood before me.


    "So do you want your gifts now?" I asked them.


    They all nodded, staring at the boxes like they were expecting something more which scared me, to be honest. What if it was not up to their taste? Will they still consider me their father? I handed the designated boxes to each of them, waiting for them as they tore open the bind on it.


    I watched as they stared at the gift with fascination. Relief washed through me and I let out a breath I didn''t know I was holding.


    "Do you... do you like your gift?"


    "I love it!" Kylie shrieked, rushing to hug me. She hugged me so tight that all I could breathe was my scent. Since she was my daughter, she had a whiff of my scent.


    "I... I cannot..." my voice came out muffled. Either she was too happy or she discreetly nned on killing me this way.


    "Your father cannot breathe." Maurene''s voice cut through the air and Kylie instantly let go of me. She looked at me with concern, her big blue eyes trying to find where I was ufortable.


    I smiled. "It is alright. I love your hugs." I said, making a mental note to always prepare for her sudden hugs.


    She climbed down from myp and went to y with her toy. The boys were busy arranging theirs so I turned to Maurene who was busy staring at the phone with narrowed eyes. "Anything the matter?" I asked, inclining my head to the side. I didn''t want to talk to her because...


    She flicked her gaze to me, "Huh?" She shook her head, clicking her phone off. "Hmm, I..."


    "If you want to go out with the kids, I would have to go with you." She told me.


    "Oh? I didn''t actually n to but since you said I could, then I will have to." I told her, lighting up at what she said, I turned to the kids.


    They all agreed and we stepped out of the house. We went to the amusement park and never disappointing was Kylie living up to her reputation. She tried every game there.


    I shook my head, ddened that I could proudlye out like this as their father to protect them.


    The park hosted a show for the fathers and the kids dragged me there even though Maurene tried to advise against it. They just didn''t listen to her. I saw how agitated she was and tried to convince them to obey her but they were either too carried away by the fun or they just loved me.


    I followed them and took my seat. Some fathers were arranged in the front seat, each of them wearing a happy grin on their face.


    The host stepped out and introduced himself.


    "Okay, as we all know that today is Father''s Day and we have prepared some fun games for you all." A round of apuse echoed in the ce.


    "So starting, we will be picking five fathers to step out and their wives alongside them. We want to see how much they know about their husbands." He smiled.


    He began to pick one by one and just when I thought he would not pick me, he did. I could hear the triplet happy yell.


    The issue is not that I was picked. The issue is that I did not have a wife and Maurene will definitely not... I looked up at her and she returned with a straight, nk look.


    Oh, I''m fucked.

 Chapter Ninety-Six: Staying Behind

    Nathaniel''S POV


    "What have you found out?" I asked Grayson as I entered my office.


    He barely gave me a look as he kept his eyes on theptop before him. He has been working so hard to help me figure out the incident.


    "Nothing of great importance. Just the things we know about it." He let out an annoyed hiss, punching the keyboard with force.


    I pursed my lips. "You should rx. Andreas is working on it as well. You have not slept for days. You should-"


    "No, I can''t! This is concerning Maurene! Who knows what the fucker is nning?" He sneered angrily.


    I was taken aback. Why was he more aggressive than I was?


    "You need to rx or maybe go for a run. You look stressed." I warned him.


    He shook his head. "I can''t. Now that this is already surrounding Maurene, I can''t. I have to make sure that she is safe." He said all in one breath before he realized what he said.


    He looked at me and I narrowed my eyes at him. "You appear to be more worried than I am, Grayson." I mused.


    He snorted, looking away. "I am just trying to make sure you don''t go crazy here."


    "Well, if you don''t stop now. You might be the one going crazy." I arched a brow at him.


    He rose to his feet, surprising me. "Maybe I need a bath or a run."


    "Both," I called out after him as he exited the office.


    Something felt strange about the way he was acting. There was no way Grayson would be in love with Maurene, right?


    I shook my head, getting rid of the stupid thoughts. He liked Le, right?


    I really needed to confirm that. There was no way I would let him have her. I really needed to work on protecting her myself. Was I trusting Grayson too much? What if he still has secrets like he did thest time?


    Oh, no! I was starting to think negative thoughts. Fuck, Maurene was toying with my head at this point.


    I raked my hand through my hair, feeling the soft texture and trying to fight the building frustration in my guts.


    I needed to let out some steam. Maybe I should visit the kids. They were the only ones I could be so unbothered around. Maybe what I needed was sex. There was no one to offer me that at the moment so I will stick to the first option. I cleared out the files, noticing the reports on Maurene. I took my seat back, going through them.


    My hands shook when I saw the pictures. Liam... he was holding her hands and the way she looked at him. What were they talking about?


    She still meets with him? That was not right. She does not know what danger he posed as.


    I needed to meet her to confirm that. I dashed out of the pack house, ignoring Amanda as she called me from behind. I needed to check out something. I didn''t even message her until I got to her door when I knocked. This time, she came herself. Her brows furrowed together before she opened the door wide for me to enter. From the quietness of the house, the kids were not around. Good because I needed that freedom to speak. "Maurene," I bit out her name.


    She arched one brow at me as if she knew what I wanted to talk about and if she didn''t know, she was already ready to give me my response.


    "What of the kids?" Still, I wanted to know where they were.


    "You didn''t tell me you wereing." She ignored my question, directing a nk at me.


    "I asked a question, Maurene. Shouldn''t I be allowed to know the whereabouts of my kids?" I raised my brows at her.


    "Look, Nathaniel. The kids are fine. You need to stop worrying about them unnecessarily. If there is anything wrong, you would be the first to know." She exhaled deeply.


    "I am not even here for that." That alone was enough to have to look at me.


    "Then why are you here?"


    "Why are you still with Liam?" I asked her as directly as I could.


    "Really? That was what you came here for?"


    "Yes, I need to make sure that my kids are safe, and if I see someone who poses as a threat to them, I have every right to question his staying in their lives," I stated firmly.


    She gave me a ridiculous look. "You really do give yourself some value, don''t you?" She uttered a scoff. "What is the rubbish about being the father, huh? If Liam is the threat you are talking about, you need to put your mind to rest. He does not mean any harm." She was too quick to dismiss it.


    "Really? You do not know anything, Maurene. There are a lot of things your fake husband isn''t telling you and aren''t you inquisitive about it?" I asked her.


    I really needed to know what she knew about Liam because she appeared to trust him with her entire which was not only dangerous but unsafe for my kids.


    "You and I know you talking about him out of jealousy. Rx, even if the kids ask to go with him, I will make sure they don''t forget you."


    "First," I gritted out, blinking as I took steps closer to her. "I am not jealous of Liam." Lies. I was and it was eating up.


    "Second, you really are unaware of things, isn''t it?"


    "Why do you all keep saying that I am unaware of things?" She muttered in frustration.

 Chapter Ninety-Seven: Sudden Call

    Maurene''S POV


    "Mom, are you not going to work?" Kylie asked me, as she came to join me on the porch. I smiled down at her, taking note of the pink bow wrapped around her two ponytails. "No. I am not." I told her. I didn''t add that there was no work for me since my boss has been removed and now I am being asked to take his ce which I definitely won''t be taken. "Really?" She batted hershes at me.


    I pursed my lips into a thin line, nodding my head firmly. She did a dramatic shake of her head as she looked away.


    "When will we be moving in with Daddy?" She asked suddenly, taking me by surprise.


    "Moving... in?" I arched one brow, this time blinking at her.


    "Mommy, Seraphina at school, she said her parents stay together and they sleep in the same room but you and daddy don''t sleep in the same room, you don''t even live together." She exined, her mouth curling into a sad pout. "Kylie, you are not Seraphina. I have told you several times not topare yourself to others and yes, your father and I decided to live separately. Do you understand now?"


    "Does that mean that if we ask you both to move in together, you will." Her eyes brightened at the thought.


    I wanted to shake my head but I didn''t want to kill the hope that was in her orbs so I nodded. "Yes, we would. For you. For the three of you, we can move in." I said, hoping and praying mentally that it did note to that. "Alright, what about you go and join the others?" I urged her, trying to stop her from asking more questions.


    She scurried away to go and meet her brothers. I closed my eyes, letting my head fall to the back as I exhaled deeply. I really needed to talk to Nathaniel about how curious the kids might get and the responses he should give them when they ask him.


    It seemed like I was having an argument with the men in my life. Gosh, can things get any better for me?


    Maybe I needed to start dating. Not Liam. It would be too cliche to ept Liam. I didn''t even think I would be able to bring myself to see him as anything other than Liam?


    It would be difficult for me to get used to it. I knew by heart that I would not love Liam the way I would love a man with my heart. I didn''t want to seem like I was dating him out of pity or as a way of repaying him for the things he had done for


    me.


    That was what it would seem to an outsider. I knew my true happiness was not with Liam. That delusion ended long ago, when I met Nathaniel again.


    After those years, I refused to acknowledge that I still wanted Nathaniel. It was funny. Ironic in fact. That I would want someone who had brutally treated me. Was I crazy or stupid?


    One thing was sure, I must guard my heart from falling in love with him again. Once bitten, Twice Shy.


    Twice bitten, my eyes will be opened.


    I thought back to what Liam had told me about Alex. So they wanted Nathaniel''s pack. Does Nathaniel know that they are after his pack? Does he know that even the Alpha King was envious of him? Does he know that I was chosen to deceive him?


    What hurt me the most is the fact that Evangeline was in y with this as well. Who knows? Everything that has happened since I met her could have been nned.


    My phone beeped and I just spared it a nce.


    I''m sorry for my outburst yesterday - Liam.


    This time, I shook my head, looking away before I left the front porch. I was in my room when the Kyle came with my phone. It was ringing loudly. It must be Liam.


    "Leave over there," I pointed to the drawer beside the bed. He did before running off back to his siblings.


    The phone continued to ring and I didn''t answer. When it didn''t stop, I decided to check who it was myself. I hissed out angrily. Whoever it was must better be someone I can''t yell at. Evangeline?


    My surprised look stared back at the caller ID. Why was she calling me? Was she calling me for the contract of a thing? I already told her that I could not- I slid the answer button, somehow wanting to know what she wanted to tell me. "See, Evangeline. I already told you that I was not interested. You should look for someone else and -"


    "Maurene!" Her cry made me stop what I was saying.


    "What happened, Evangeline?" I was already perked up at this point.


    "It is... it is Alex. Pleasee over." She begged me and from her voice, I knew she had been crying.


    "W-Where?"


    "At home. We are... juste quickly." She pleaded and I hurried through my wardrobe before picking up my purse. I told Diana I would be back soon.


    I rushed the address of the ce to the cab driver the moment I stepped into the cab. He headed for the ce and when he got there, I paid him his bill and walked to the entrance. As usual, the guards searched and I was allowed inside. I went to the living room, somehow worried that I might meet Liam. I didn''t want to face him at this point.


    "Maurene?" I heard her voice call me from upstairs and I looked up at her. "Pleasee." She motioned me.


    I stared at the stairs. She has never told me toe up since I have been visiting her. Something must be wrong then. I went to meet her, seeing how broken she was. She looked like she could use a lot of sleep.


    "Oh, Evangeline!" I quickly caught her before she fell to the floor.


    "Where is he?" I asked her.


    "In the room. The doctor said that he might not survive it and... I don''t know what to do. The Alphas are demanded that they meet him and he is in aa. I have tried to remain strong but I am weakening already." A sob cracked out of her. "It would only be a matter of time before they would barge in here and demand for him. If he does note, the next Alpha King will kill him here on his sick bed."


    Was that now it was done?


    I pitied her. This was her man. Her mate. They didn''t even have one offering. It was going to hurt like crazy.


    "I don''t know how I am going to fare right now. I don''t have any friends and you are the only one I have close to being one, that was why I called you." She cleaned the tears streaking down her face.


    She led me to the ce where he was. I let out a deep gasp. Gosh, Alex''s condition was deteriorating fast.


    "Why don''t you take him to a hospital instead of having him home treated?" I asked her, taking in his lean state.


    It would only be a matter of time before the other Alphas would find out that there was something wrong with the Alpha King. And just like Evangeline had said, he was not safe either.


    "We can''t."


    "Huh?" I was not paying attention to her anymore. "What did you say?"


    "We can''t take him to a hospital at the moment. He is being watched closely by outsiders and it would be even more dangerous for him if he took a step out here without being strong himself." She said, a little bit too painful. Oh. I pressed my lips together before shaking my head, trying to think of a solution.


    "Isn''t there any of Alex''s friends that can help? What about Liam?" I suggested.


    The look of disgust she gave me was all I needed to know that they were not fond of Liam at all.


    "No one?" I shrugged.


    She shook her head. "Alex never had a knack for keeping friends."


    "Yeah, I could see that with the way he has been protecting you. You both are friendless." I was right. Now, this is that point where you think back to the life you have lived and regret not making friends. "Well, except for one person who will be willing to help because of something he needs?"


    I faced her. "And who might that be?" My heart skipped as if it already knew who the person was. "Alpha Nathaniel, your ex-hasband."

 Chapter Ninety-Eight: Amandas Plight

    Nathaniel''S


    POV


    "Amanda got attacked," Grayson informed me, dropping a file on the desk. My ears perked up at what he said. I dropped what I was doing and looked at him fully. "What did you say?" I asked him.


    He let out a sigh. "Amanda got attacked." He replied again.


    "By who?"


    "I don''t know. But it could be one of the obsessed fans of hers." He shrugged, passing the file over to me. My brows scrunched up because I didn''t know who.


    "I was going about my business when I mistakenly stumbled on it. She is not at the pack house. I already checked on her." He added.


    I went through the pages. They were back. The reason Amanda got back to the pack was best known to me and Grayson.


    "What happened next?" I closed the file. It was just a matter of time before they reached her again.


    He nodded.


    "Where is she?" I asked him.


    "At the hospital. She fainted after the attack."


    "Who took her there?" I went through the file.


    "Well, one of her friends was at the bar with her so they took her there." He replied.


    "Okay, make sure to keep an eye on her. And I don''t think it is an obsessed fan that attacked her. This coverage is one sided. I need to meet her to confirm it." I said to him, rising to my feet. "Where are you going?"


    "What hospital is she being admitted to?" I evaded his question.


    He blinked, "I will send you the address."


    I turned to leave but he called me back. "Nathaniel." I faced him, raising my brows.


    "Stop." One word and I was confused even more.


    "Stop what?" Was something wrong with his head?


    "Stop what you are doing. You are leaving again. Like that night at the dining table." He told me.


    Realization dawned on me and I uttered a noise. "Really? You think so?"


    "Yes, I know so. You just panicked. This was the way you left that night and everything got ruined between you and Maurene. Do you want to repeat that same mistake?" He questioned me.


    I fought back the urge to roll my eyes. "But Maurene isn''t here, is she? I have a reason for going to her. Nothing is going to get ruined again, I promise." I exited the office.


    I closed my eyes briefly. Thest thing I wanted to be reminded of was that incident. It was the beginning of everything that went down with Maurene and I. I didn''t choose to leave like that but when Amanda called me to help her, I just couldn''t ignore her. Could I?


    I walked into the garage, signaling to the driver not to bother. My phone buzzed with a message. When I checked, it was Grayson. He sent me the address of the hospital. I tried to disregard what he had said earlier. The fact that he had been watching me since then and said nothing made me realize how conceited I might have been in the past.


    I drove out of the garage and headed for the hospital. On getting there, I went to the receptionist.


    "What is the name of the patient you are here to see?" She asked, keeping her focus on the monitor. "McAmanda," I answered.


    She told me where to find her and I went in search of the ce. I paused at the door, looking through the transparent ss embedded into the wooden door. Twodies were sitting beside her. They must be her friends.


    I knocked and was ushered in. Amanda lifted her gaze to me, shock clearly written on her face. She should not be.


    "Nathaniel?" She blinked to see if I was real.


    I was.


    "How are you doing?" I asked her.


    "Fine."


    I looked at the bandage wrapped around her head. "What happened?"


    She nced at her friends before pulling her lips in. Oh, I was right. It was not some obsessed fan that attacked her. It was someone we both knew and the fact that this person was back could only mean one thing. Danger.


    She didn''t say anything. One of her friends spoke up. "She got attacked when we went to the bar together. I really apologize for not protecting her." She apologized politely.


    I slowly nodded my head. "You would have been able to do nothing," I muttered, returning my focus back to Amanda.


    "I will have guards watching over you. Are you okay with that?" I asked.


    She nodded. "Thank you." She mumbled.


    We would talk better when her friends were not around. I rose to leave but they both stopped me. "Oh, we would give you both a moment." They left before I could stop them. I sat, facing Amanda. "So what happened?"


    "I got attacked. Actually, I got a text. Then I went out. And that man, he attacked me." She said, her words were broken.


    "Oh." Was all I could say. "Did you happen to see his face?"


    She shook her head. "He was wearing a mask and his hands were covered with gloves as well but his voice... I knew it was him."


    "Nathaniel, I am scared."


    "I know." I looked away. This was not supposed to happen now, coupled with what was happening with the Alpha King. This was too much for me to handle.


    What if... what if they intertwined?


    "I will have guards watch over you and also make sure to report to me for your safety''s sake. When will you be discharged?"


    "The doctor said he still needs to look through some things before I can be discharged." She replied.


    "Okay. I will take my leave now. I have things to take care of. I will look into the attack and by the way, what of your boyfriend? I don''t see him anyway." I noted at her, quirking a brow. "Erm... he..." As if on cue, the door was pushed open and he appeared. He paused when he saw the both of us.


    "Oh, I didn''t know that you had a visitor. Hello." He greeted.


    I watched him with keen eyes. "I will take my leave now." I walked past him and exited the ward. I met her friends outside and noticed that the one I had seen at the fashion show was not there. "What of yourst friend?" I asked them.


    "Oh, you mean Natalia?" One of them responded.


    I nodded. I didn''t know their names.


    "She called in sick so..."


    She was sick? All of a sudden?


    There were a lot of things I needed Grayson to look into. Starting from her friend.


    I returned to the pack house, wishing I could have dropped by Maurene''s ce but I didn''t. I have lots of things to go through.


    "You are back? How is she?" He asked as I entered the office. I breathed in deeply, happy that I was free from the pungent smell of the hospital.


    "She is fine. Better at least. Take a seat. There are things we need to work on." I said sternly.


    He narrowed his eyes before taking his seat. "What is it about?"


    "The site owner. Have you found out who was behind it?"


    He seemed to key into it immediately.


    "And why are we discussing the site owner?" He asked, leaning closer.


    "Because I just realized that we got carried away that we stopped searching for it. Have Andrease over. I am sure he would have found out something-" "Alpha, you have a visitor." The guard informed me.


    I looked at him, arching one brow then I noticed Andreas stepping out from behind him. I signaled to him toe in.


    He entered, greeting with a bow before taking his seat.


    "The site owner. I have found out who was behind it." He told me, bringing out some files from his bag.


    Pushing to me, my eye caught the picture. I did not recognize the person.


    "Who is this?" I asked him. Grayson pulled the picture to himself. He also didn''t know the person, it seemed.


    "Maxwell Jax. He is very good at hacking. It was hard getting to know that he was behind it."


    "And why would he decide to do that to Maurene?" Grayson asked, ncing between us.


    "That is where we get to who could have hired Maxwell?" He sent the question to us. We didn''t know it.


    "Months ago, Maxwell was contacted by a secretive person."


    "And who is this person?"


    "Taylor. Martin Taylor hired Maxwell to discreetly upload those blogs. He paid him handsomely too." I went through the pictures. Martins Taylor. He was the one behind everything Maurene went through.


    "Why?" I must have said it out loud.


    "I can''t say."

 Chapter Ninety-Nine: Meeting Liam

    Amanda''S POV


    "How are you feeling now?" Martins asked me the moment Nathaniel stepped out of the ward.


    I swallowed hard. "Fine. Doing better at least." I tried to offer him a smile but I couldn''t him. I was feeling pain all over my body. Tania had freaked out when I fainted in the toilet that night and she told me that I had been out for two days which made today the third one.


    I didn''t even know what to tell her. To them, they thought some stupid fan had attacked me out of the blue or someone had sent an assassinator out of jealousy. What they didn''t know is that I knew what wasing for me and it was beyond what they were thinking.


    "I was worried. I didn''t hear from you for two days and when I called, your friend picked it up and informed me that you were admitted to the hospital. At first, I didn''t believe but she told me where you were." He exined.


    I didn''t me him. I didn''t need to. I was contented when I saw Nathaniele to meet me. I knew that he would have figured it out. I was d when he said he would station guards around the hospital still I got better. "So tell me, what happened?" He asked, taking my hand into his.


    I didn''t want to tell him so I told him what I told Tania and Miranda. The same story.


    "Did you see his face?" He questioned, his brows etching closer as if he was trying to figure it out.


    I shook my head but I recognized the voice. It was him.


    "I will have the cops look into it. There is no way you would be working around like that when there is someone out there with the density of wanting to kill you." He sighed.


    "Oh, I brought this for you." He passed a package over to me and I took it. Opening it, I almost rolled my eyes at the box of choctes in there.


    "Thank you, I will have themter." I ced it on the drawer close to me.


    Silence descended into our midst. None of us spoke. For the first time, Martins didn''t have anything to rile me up with. Maybe he was considering my situation but I doubt that was it. He just... wasn''t talking.


    "Is anything the matter?" I asked him, giving him a scrutinizing look.


    He hummed, nodding as he rested on his two hands. "It is my dad."


    "He still won''t hand over to you?" I tilted my head to the side.


    "Yes, and he wants me to do something I don''t want to." He pursed his lips into a thin line. My brows etched together in confusion.


    "Something you don''t want to do?" I asked to be sure I heard right.


    He gave me a nod as a response.


    "Like what?"


    It was at that time he twisted his neck to me, a light grin appearing on his face. "Just work."


    I slowly nodded my head. I knew it would be far from work. Judging from what I heard at his house the other day, no, it was definitely not work.


    I have been finding it hard not to think down to that level but I once thought. What exactly was Martins doing for his father? Was their business just a camouge of what they actually do?


    I didn''t dare ask him because in a few months, our fake rtionship will be over and we will go back to being strangers. Why did that thought leave a bitter taste in my tongue?


    "After this, I want you to move in with me. I will be able to protect you." He said, taking me by surprise all of a sudden.


    "Huh?"


    I knew Nathaniel would never allow me to. I wouldn''t want to either. I was safe with Nathaniel.


    "I don''t think I can." I told him.


    "Why? Someone is out there looking for ways to attack you and you are just going to stay at that joint house unprotected?"


    "No! Nathaniel will protect me." I stated more firmly than intended. I watched his brows knot together.


    "So you would rather take your... anyway, who is Nathaniel to you?" He asked.


    "He is a friend." Simple.


    He snorted. "Don''t y that game with me, Amanda. I know that look when I see one. You love him, huh?"


    "I don''t know what you are talking about but he is a friend to me." I didn''t see the need to exin to him at all.


    Honestly, I still didn''t trust Martins. He has his secrets. Secrets that were ring at me. I knew we were not actual lovers but the fact that I felt unsafe around him was something I took into consideration. Even if I was attacked with him, it would still be bad so I would choose to stay with Nathaniel.


    "If you say so. You will choose to stay with your friend that cannot guarantee you protection than to stay with me? You know your friends will really question if for a fact we are still together?" He arched his brows.


    I let out a sharp breath, hating how right he was. I knew they would have been bothered when they didn''t hear from him.


    "See, I can''t-"


    My phone''s ringing tone buzzed through the air, cutting me off. "Excuse me." I picked it up from the table.


    It was Nathaniel. Why was he calling me?


    I clicked on the answer button, discreetly reducing the volume of the call. "Yes?"


    "Are you with your boyfriend, Amanda?" My brows twitched at his question. "Yeah?"


    A string of cuss words echoed after. I was confused. Why were he asking me such?


    "I think you have toe back home to recover."


    "Is anything the matter?"


    "Yes, there is a lot but... I would advise you to break up with your boyfriend first."


    The line went dead. I didn''t move nor did I say anything. I should break up with Martins? I couldn''t even do that even if I wanted to. He has fulfilled his end of the contract. I was yet to fulfil mine. It would be bad on my part. I cannot. I said in my mind as I brought my phone away from my ears. He watched me with keen eyes and I tried not to betray any thoughts at the moment.


    "What? Your unrequited love called again?" He scoffed.


    "Will you please stop this, huh? You sound like you are jealous and it doesn''t look on you by the way." I slid downward so that I cany my head.


    My head was starting to pound at the intensity of the events rolling out. Martins didn''t say anything but watched me slip into sleep.


    Hourster, I peeled open my eyes, letting out a yawn. I was expecting to see Martins. Or Tania or Miranda. Probably Natalia too but no one was in the room with me. My heart rate hiked up and I quickly sat up, ncing around my surroundings. I looked at the clock hung just before me.


    It was minutes past eight O''clock. Maybe I would take Nathaniel on the offer toe back home at this point. I let my head fall back, releasing a deep breath.


    A figure appeared just at the door and I quickly lifted my gaze to it. I blinked, watching the person bow. I narrowed my eyes on him. Oh, it must be one of the guards Nathaniel had stationed around me.


    That gave me some relief. He soon disappeared and I was left alone again. I tried to rx but I was just on the edge. There was this looming feeling that something wasing my way again and I tried to regte my breathing.


    Sweat broke out on my forehead and I wiped them off with the back of my palm. The door slid open and I watched the nurse walk up to me.


    "You are awake."


    I nodded. Obviously.


    "Your husband told me to tell you that he would be back. He had something urgent to attend to." She informed me.


    I wanted to roll my eyes at what she called him but I knew he would have told her to say that anyway.


    She went through my records, checking me then moving on to leave. After a few minutes, the door opened again and I was expecting to see Martins but it was a different person that was standing there.


    I knew this man. Oh! Maurene''s husband. Why was he here? Did he miss his way?


    He walked toward me, and I watched each step he took.


    "I guess you were not expecting me based on the expression on your face." He mused, clicking his tongue.


    I almost uttered a scoff. "Why are you here? Did you miss your way?"


    "If I did, would I be standing in front of your bed?"


    Yes, he was right. He didn''t.


    "Then why are you here?" I asked him instead.


    "You want Nathaniel, right?" He raised a brow.


    "W-Why?" I stuttered.


    "He wants something that belongs to me and he is trying to take it away from me. It is only right that I rece it, isn''t it?" A maniacal grin appeared on his lips.


    I watched him closely.


    "I will get him for you. You just have to do as I say. Deal?" His eyes brightened as he stepped closer.


    I said nothing. Taking myself by surprise too.

 Chapter Hundred: The Alpha Kings Situation

    Nathaniel''S POV


    "The Alpha King is sick," Grayson told me the moment he entered the room.


    Of every information I was expecting, that was the least predicted. I had an inkling that something was going on but it being confirmed only did nothing to soothe the ache in my head. "Since when?" I managed to ask.


    "Since he began to reign." He replied, dropping to the seat before me.


    "No wonder he rarely came out. I wonder who does the work?" I mused.


    "Have you heard of the Royal Beta?" Grayson sprung up the question that has been constantly gnawing me at the back of my mind.


    Yes. We have never heard of the Royal Beta nor have we seen one. It appeared that Alexander was the first Alpha King to refuse to have a Royal Beta. It made it so obvious but I wondered if there is a reason behind it. "Did you look into it?" I asked him.


    "Andreas is doing that already. Anyway, I learned that he began to reign just at the same time as you." He added.


    I nodded. He was right. It was two weeks after I had been coronated, that he was also crowned.


    "What about Martins? Did you look into it?" I cocked a brow. Ever since we found out about him two days ago, I had stationed more guards around Amanda. I was even more worried about what he would do if he found out that she already knew.


    What scared me even more is the choice Amanda would make. He was her boyfriend after all.


    "Yes. Just like Andreas had said. He hired someone who was very good at hacking but the reason he did such is unknown." Grayson said, shaking his head.


    That was worse. I needed to know why Martina chose to make Maurene and I the talk of the city. He must have his reasons.


    What if it was for Amanda to let go of the infatuation she had for me? It could work in that way as well. But why would he go through that hassle? Why would he choose to make Maurene''s name go through such?


    My fist clenched tight as I wondered. What exactly was he getting out of this and the fact that he constantly did it?


    I just couldn''t decipher his goal at all. He was all over the ce which made it harder to know his reason.


    "Get Amanda back to the pack. She will be safe here." I said, a little bit harsh than I intended.


    Grayson''s eyes narrowed on me. "What exactly are you hiding from me, Nathaniel? Why are you so concerned about Amanda? It has been years since you were this concerned about her and I tell you, it is sending the wrong signal." He shook his head.


    "To who? I don''t think I am sending anyone any signal. Do as I say, Grayson. Leave the questions out of it." Including her. I didn''t want to acknowledge that he was talking about Maurene. She has made it clear that nothing will ever happen between us which meant that I was free to do whatever I want to and she was as well.


    I did not owe anyone.


    He went out to talk to Amanda and soon returned. His face looked disturbed.


    "What happened?"


    "Martins happened. Amanda got discharged this morning and he took her back to his house." He informed me.


    My heart beat skyrocketed. Was Amanda safe?


    I quickly dialed her contact and she didn''t answer. I called the head of the unit guards I had ced to watch her, Gary, and he answered not long after.


    "Are you with her?" I asked directly.


    "Yes, although she was taken home by her boyfriend. I didn''t want to meddle." He responded.


    "Good. Inform me if anything acts up. Understood?"


    "Yes, Alpha." And the line went dead.


    "So what are we going to do with this new piece of information? We cannot face him and I can not ask Amanda to do that because she will be in great danger too." I mused, pinching the bridge of my nostrils. Everything just seemed fucked up and too much. Too much history. Too much story. They are all happening at the same time which makes it harder to resolve.


    Grayson''s phone buzzed, interrupting my thoughts.


    "Nathaniel, your attention is needed at the Alphas'' meeting." He said hurriedly.


    "Alphas'' meeting? There was an Alphas meeting and I was not invited?" I asked in shock or rather surprise. These Alphas could do anything to get me out of the picture.


    "No. It was given to limited Alphas and these Alphas are men who have ruled long before you or Alex did. You might have to go there now." He advised.


    If I had to choose between sitting in my office and going through the files I was searching for and calming greedy Alphas, I would choose the first but I needed peace and relief. One which these Alphas were unwilling to give me at the moment.


    "Is the Alpha King there?" I wanted to confirm that first. Because it would be strange if he was there when he could not even attend to me.


    "No," That was it. The reason for their uproar. Anyway, I exited the pack house, making sure to send a text to Amanda to be careful. I hoped Martins would not see it. I hope what happened years ago won''t repeat itself.


    I haven''t seen my kids nor have I spoken to them. I have just been so busy trying to set things right that I was missing out on my life with my kids. Gosh... I should not think of my children now.


    I soon reached the hall which was used for holding the Alpha''s meeting. The loud chattering of foolish Alphas filled the air. The moment I stepped in, they all stopped talking. Disgust flickered in her eyes as they watched me with their predatory re.


    I never cowered beneath them. In fact, I trampled upon them.


    "I see you all have decided to lead a coup on your Alpha King. Please do tell me, who is your leader?" I asked them.


    I expected someone to step out. I wanted someone to step out so that I could use him as an example to everyone who dared to rebel against the king.


    Pity. I would do it out of pity for the Alpha King, not because I wanted to. The throne was never mine and I didn''t want it.


    It was bitter and attracted unnecessary attention.


    "And why are you here if not to join the coup?" One of the Alphas yelled out from the back.


    "I see you have the time to whirl away instead of protecting your packs. Such old hands!" I clicked my tongue as I shook my head in pure derision.


    That seemed to have angered them but they didn''t make any move.


    "Month after month, we keep having meetings but the Alpha King has chosen not to grace us with his presence anymore. Our requests remained unanswered and the fact that we sought an audience with him but ended up being rejected has gotten to us and we havee together to see the Alpha King!"


    An echo of yes rang out through the hall and I watched them. They were all wicked and greedy men. They wanted to know what happened to the Alpha King. They would pretend to like him but spite me. They wait earnestly for the time he will die and like the covetous fools that they were, they will struggle for the throne, killing each other, in their sleep and even in reality.


    I watched them all. I took note that I must never ever trust them.


    "We have heard that you have been visiting the Alpha King. Who knows if you were allowed to see him especially? Tell us, what is his condition," Is he dead? This was another way he could ask me.


    I lifted my chin. I thought about agreeing that I was unable to see him too but that would onlyplicate matters so I said. "Yes, and he is in good health. Worry not about him." I dismissed.


    I thought it would be easy dismissing them but I was wrong. More uproar rang out. If they wanted their king, I would have to make a choice. Kill them all in here or let Alex die in peace. "No one will try to rebel against the Alpha King!" I growled loudly.


    They all stopped talking. "If you try it, you will as so much as wished that you never thought about it." I threatened. I caught the look of shock, surprise, anxiety, and... Fear. Good. As I walked out of the hall, my phone beeped with a message. I brought it out and saw that it was from Maurene.


    Let''s meet, Nathaniel.

 Chapter One Hundred And One: Help

    Nathaniel''S POV


    Maurene wanted us to meet. It was the most unpredictable thing since this morning. I tried to think of the reason she would want us to meet but none came to mind. I have been informed that the kids have resumed school so I could only visit when they are back at home.


    Today was a Wednesday and the kids sure wouldn''t have been back home by this time.


    Where?- Me.


    She sent me the address and I had a bad feeling about the meeting but I did anyway. I wanted to text Grayson that I was going to see Maurene but again, he could misinterpret it for something else. I headed for the ce she had sent me. By the time I had gotten there, it was beginning to drizzle. I entered the restaurant by the roadside, wondering why she had chosen a restaurant when we could just speak at her house. Well, considering what happened thest time she had let me in, I guess she was just trying to be careful. I didn''t me her though. I don''t trust myself around her when we are alone.


    She had sent me the number of the desk she would be on and judging from what I was seeing, it seemed that it was the hidden corner of the ce. I strode to the ce, s, she was sitting there. She lifted her gaze to me almost immediately as if sensing my presence.


    "Nathaniel," She called my name with a clipped tone. It was like this was thest thing she would ever choose to do willingly. Noment on that though.


    "Maurene, you called me," I told her, settling into the seat before her. She watched my movements with keen eyes, not missing one. Did she think that I would kill her here or what? She was the mother of my kids. I definitely wouldn''t do that. "Yes, we need your help." She muttered.


    My interest piqued instantly. "What is wrong? Are the kids hurt? Do they need anything? Are they okay? Tell me, Maurene. They need me. Oh! No! I will have them moved into the pack." I said, panic evident in my voice.


    "Nathaniel," She called my name with more force, ring daggers at me. "It is toote for you to think such but anyway, when I said ''we'', I meant-"


    "Me. We." A new voice announced, stepping into the ce like she had been there before. Evangeline stood before me, beside Maurene.


    "You?" I nced back at Maurene. "What is this? I know you are friends so I am not supposed to be surprised but tell me why are you doing this? You know -"


    "Alex is sick and I need your help." The Luna Queen cut me off.


    I blinked, gazing back at her. "What? What do you mean?"


    I knew that the Alpha King was sick but not to the extent that the Lune Queen woulde to me for help.


    "I said the Alpha King is sick and he needs to get the appropriate treatment. He cannot get that because there are lots of eyes watching him. The doctor who was treating him was killed some weeks back." She exined to me, taking a seat beside Maurene who nodded in agreement.


    "So what do you want me to do for you?" I asked, noting there was no ce that included me.


    "We need you to take the Alpha King out." She said, a hopeful look etched on her face. "Take him out? That is going to be hectic, you know." I told her.


    She gave me a knowing look. "That is why we need you."


    "You need me?" I let out augh. "Sorry for theugh but you remember quite well that we are exactly not on the same page. You made sure I got that message quite well everytime we meet, right?" I reminded her. There was absolutely no way I would agree to this if I don''t remind her.


    Her eyes hardened, turning into a re as I watched her fist clench tight on herp. "As the Luna Queen, Imand you to-"


    "Stop," Maurene cut in, taking her warning gaze away from her friend and then meeting my eyes. I wondered at that moment what she wanted to say. "Please," She swallowed hard as if that word had taken every one of her dignity to say. "Please help us. His condition is deteriorating fast and... you are our only hope right now." She gave me a pleading look.


    I watched her face keenly, thinking. If I agree to this, then I will have to ask for something in return. I knew that if I helped the Luna Queen, it didn''t mean that she won''t turn me away after today.


    "Our? We?" I directed the look at Maurene who looked away.


    "She is my friend." She gritted out.


    I sighed and shook my head.


    "What do I get in return?" I quirked a brow at Evangeline, rxing in my seat.


    "Your answer. You want something right? That is why you have beening to see Alex, right?" That caught Maurene''s attention. She turned a questioning look at me.


    I didn''t answer her. "And how do I get my response?"


    "When Alex awakes, you will." She replied so smugly that all I wanted to do wasugh out at the ludicrousness of her words.


    "When he awakes?" I eximed, hoping I didn''t sound like he was not going to wake up anytime soon.


    "Or if you can tell me, I will tell what you want to know." She quickly added. Evangeline was cunning, I noted that. Maurene did not know that. She has always has the poor choice of friendship.


    I remembered she once had a friend before we got married. That friend was the most deceitful of the friends she had ever had. She hade to me toin about her difficulty in staying friends with Maurene. She lied that Maurene was bad to her and things like that.


    Of course, I didn''t believe her then she began to seduce me until I ordered her out angrily. Since then, she never showed her face before me again.


    "Is that so?" I arched a brow at her. She gave me a curt nod. "Okay. When do you wish to take him out?"


    "Tonight. As soon as possible." She told me with urgency.


    "Alright. This is my number. Call me when you have everything prepared and I wille." I ced my card on the table. She took it immediately, ncing around to see if anyone was watching us.


    I turned my gaze away from her, meeting Maurene''s eyes. I raised my brows at her. She said nothing as her eyes twitched before she looked away. I rose to my feet, took my leave, and walked back to my car.


    What Evangeline had asked of me was dangerous. Way too dangerous. The Alpha King could be attacked and finally killed by the enemy if she was not careful enough. But she was brave. That I will give her des for. 9 PM, tonight. EVA.


    I let out a sigh, things are definitely not going how I nned it to be.


    As discussed, that night I went to visit the Alpha King. Surprisingly his guards didn''t do the thorough search on me like they always did anytime I came.


    "You are here already," Evangelin looked up with hopeful eyes. I nodded.


    I followed her to the room where the Alpha King was being monitored. From the look on his face, his condition was deteriorating fast, and if he did not get out tonight, the news of his death would reach everyone tomorrow morning. She signaled to me that I should help her with the bed which I did. She must have ordered the men to exit the back door because she led us out through there. cing him carefully in the back seat, she looked at me, letting out a deep breath. We both returned to the house to put the bed back.


    A discussion caught my attention as Evangeline went upstairs. The door creaked open and lo and behold, Liam appeared at the door. His brows instantly went up as he saw me.


    "You?" He walked further into the living room. "What are you doing here by this time of the night? I thought the Alpha King has refused to see anyone?" He tilted his head to the side, scrutinizing me.


    "It is all-" Evangeline stopped talking when she saw who was with me. A mask of indifference was cast on her face as she straightened her back. "Liam." She called his name with a strange chill in it.


    "Evangeline. What is happening? Why are you meeting with Alpha Nathaniel at this time of the night? Does my brother know that you are seeing him? I don''t think he would be okay with that, you know?" He was quick to correct her.


    She cut him a re that could turn a man to stone. "He knows and he is fine. What are you doing here by the way?" She arched her brows.


    His lips trembled as he sought for words.


    "Since you don''t have any reason, you may leave." She ordered.


    His eyes narrowed. "What about him?" He flicked his gaze to me.


    "None of your business."


    He wanted to argue but stopped. Turning on his heels, I watched him exit the ce, and the way she let out a sigh made me note something. The bond between them is ck and is filled with distrust. Liam. I need more information on him.

 Chapter One Hundred And Two: Amandas Help

    Amanda''S POV


    I stood up from my bed, feeling weak in the bones. All I have been doing since Martins had me brought to his house was sleep, eat, and sleep again. He didn''t let me do anything which I hated but he insisted that I rested.


    I was tired of resting. My mind was still twirling with what Nathaniel had told me back at the hospital. I didn''t want to believe it becausee to think of it, what does Martins stand to gain from ruining Maurene''s reputation? Nothing. Maybe I was seeing it from the wrong perspective.


    I didn''t care. There were lots of things I didn''t know about Martins and also he didn''t know about me too. I intend to keep it that way since we were temporal. Maybe Nathaniel was thinking that we were in a real rtionship. There was no way I would date Martins if I was in the right state of mind too.


    It was not that he was below status but he was not my type either. And his father... a major factor that adds to his red gs. I shook my head, hoping I didn''t have to meet that menacing man anymore. He gives me the chill.


    I walked to the living room and didn''t see anyone. Had Martins gone out without telling me?


    Maybe he was in his office. I should check there. I strode to the door, twisting the door knob. I expected the ce to be locked but surprisingly, it was not. I looked at the corridor, a boding feeling filling me to the guts. Down the corridor, was the ce the gunshot had rung out. Maybe I should check it out. Who knows?


    I shook off the idea from my head. I needed my safety. Whatever business Martins was getting himself into, it was none of my business. I entered his office, closing the door quietly behind me.


    I moved stealthily to his desk, noting the way everything was arranged in his office. He had a shelf of books, arranged ording to their genres. So he reads a lot.


    Of course, he would. After all, he was Frey Taylor''s son.


    Searching for something, anything, I skimmed through the files on his desk, finding insignificant things. I almost scoffed when I saw the contract we both signed and moved to the drawer. Pulling it open, it was empty. Huh. That was strange. Normally, files and documents were supposed to be kept here. Why were they not there?


    I pushed the drawer back but a click sounded and suddenly, another set of drawers slipped out from underneath. Inside it, a file was kept inside. I instantly reached for it and there it was.


    Maurene CRAWLEY. Nathaniel DELUXE. Liam FERDINAND.


    Every one of their information was inside just one file and I was afraid for the first time. What if... what if Nathaniel was right after all?


    I heard the sound of footsteps thudding my way. I clumsily returned the file, fixing back the drawer and turning away from the desk.


    The door was pushed open and Martins stopped talking when he noticed me. He blinked, his eyes flicking to the desk and then back at me.


    "You are awake," His voice carried an edge to it.


    I nodded, letting out a fake yawn. "I was looking for you and thought you would be in here since you have been spending more of your time at home," I told him, trying to sound natural ande off as unsuspecting.


    He hummed a response, stepping fully into the office, and behind him, a guy appeared, dressed in a ck hoodie and a face cap that hid his face properly. Martins must have noticed the way I was looking at him. He cleared his voice, "Amanda, this is Maxwell. Maxwell, this is Amanda." He introduced.


    The ck hoodie guy didn''t say anything. Didn''t move either. Just stood there while I gave Martins a skeptical look. He didn''t say anything to his friend not answering instead he told me that he had some work to do. "I willeter for dinner, okay?"


    I nodded, walking out and leaving them alone. Thest thing I caught before I moved away from the door was Maxwell''s voice.


    "... kill her." I didn''t get Martins'' response.


    I swallowed hard. Was Martins into assassination?


    There was no way that would be. That would mean his father... No way!


    Night came and dinner was served by his chef. I waited for Martins toe but he didn''te. He still hasn''t stepped out of the office with Maxwell. What were they discussing that it took so long?


    "What about you call Martins for dinner? He has not-"


    "Oh, he had told me earlier to tell you that he won''t be joining the dinner as he had to finish some things." The chef informed me.


    That got me worried. He had things to finish.


    I went ahead to eat my food and when I was done, I went back to my room after fighting against the urge to check him in his office. If he was busy, then I should leave him be.


    I climbed back into the bed, pulling the duvet to keep me warm. I must not have gone deeper into sleep because sometimester, I felt the dip on the bed before warm hands snuggled around my waist. I pushed back instinctively at the warmth, letting out a satisfied smile.


    Gunshots rang in the air and I jerked out of sleep, looking around frantically. The same went for Martins who was sitting up beside me. I was too scared to notice the way we were close to each other. Another round of gunshots was heard and Martins instantly brought me to lie down on the bed.


    His guards outside were yelling and everything was in disorder. Martins signaled to me to keep shut as he slid off the bed carefully. Another bullet was aimed at the window of my bedroom and I flinched, instantly scrambling to the floor. I noticed Martins had opened his wardrobe, pulling out what seemed like a gun. My heart thudded in my chest as I watched him turn around. A masked man jumped in,nding with a loud thud that had me crawling to the back. His alert eyes looked around the room, catching me on the spot. He stalked toward me, his hands on the trigger of the gun.


    He must not have noticed Martins but just as he was about to pull the trigger, Martins caught his hand from behind. He turned him around and punched him in the face.


    "To the wardrobe, Amanda." He ordered me as they got into a fight of punch.


    I scrambled to the wardrobe, squeezing myself inside as I peeped out through the little hole there. I gripped my knees to myself as my heart pounded loudly in my ear drums.


    He found me here. He found me here.


    I didn''t think that he would make a move here. At least not when I was not alone.


    I peeped out, shaking in fear. Martins who once had the upper hand was now being punched severally by the masked man. I let out a whimper. Martins struggled to get the gun that must have slipped from him and used it to hit the man on his head.


    The man fell back, grabbing the side of his head as Martins scrambled to his feet, pointing the gun at him. I watched him closely, keenly, waiting for him to pull the trigger.


    Pull it. Pull it. I chanted in my head.


    The masked man''s eyes flickered at me, narrowing with familiar indignation. Then a bang echoed in the air.


    I looked at Martins. It was not from him. Then... the rest of the questions were cut off in my throat as I watched the masked man rush toward the window, ncing back. I realized who had been hit. Martins!


    I pushed the door open, rushed out, and quickly held him as he fell back.


    "Martins," I called, tears brimming my eyes. He had the guts to smile up at me. "Someone!" I yelled out.


    He was hit on the arm and was losing quite some blood.


    "Someone!" I yelled again, feeling Martins'' body go ck in my arms. This time, his cook seemed to rush in and see what happened.


    The next set of events happened in a blur, I just knew that we found ourselves at the hospital. I stood outside, biting my nails as I waited, impatience gnawing at me.


    Why would this be happening to me? Now?


    The doctor stepped out, pulling his stethoscope off his ears. I rushed to him. "How is he?"


    "Your husband is quite fine. The bullet just grazed his arm. There is nothing to worry about. You might just have to give him some time to rest and he will be awake soon." He assured me with a small, faint smile.


    I nodded slowly, hesitating to go inside.


    "You may go inside," He urged me.


    I turned away from him, looking at Martins who was unconscious. I cried. Tears had dropped from my eyes. I had cried for this man. He had scared me. I didn''t want to acknowledge the feeling before because of the dire situation but... this man... what was he doing to me? To my heart?

 Chapter One Hundred-Three: The Luna Origin

    Nathaniel''S POV


    "So you are helping the Alpha King out of his bed now?" Grayson asked me, taking his seat. We have been going to and fro on the matter. I didn''t know what to answer to his question because everything was starting to confuse me. Evangeline imed that she had seen the wolf tag somewhere but she does not remember where. She had promised that she would go through the record and inform me when she finds out anything which was what I was doing. Waiting. It was the hardest to do. I felt like the enemy was still out there and what baffled me the most is that this enemy still hasn''t made his intention clear. What exactly did he want?


    It was exhausting.


    "Yes, I need to know who this tag belong to." I told him, dropping the picture and returning my focus to the monitor where I was searching about the sickness that befell the Alpha King. After I had helped them, I was not allowed to take a look at him but I already caught sight of him.


    "So the Alpha King is extremely sick?" He asked again to confirm.


    I lifted a arched brow at him, nodding. "Yes and his condition is deteriorating fast which meant that a new Alpha King will soon emerge if they are not careful." "What if the other Alphas found out?" He asked.


    I shook my head. "Then they must not find out. That was the reason Evangeline had to move him out because there were too many eyes watching them. Including mine. See they found me to be good after all and I will make use of it. Evangeline had told the hospital not to allow anyone in but she had forgotten that I had owned the hospital." I mused.


    I could look into his records and see what was wrong with him exactly. I didn''t know why Alex would wait this long to have his treatment. When he knew that his health condition was not so great, why didn''t he just forfeit it? Why bind yourself to a throne that sucks you dry?


    I guess he was just greedy. For the power and the position that came with me.


    "Yesterday, I heard a rumor," Grayson said, bringing back my attention to him.


    "What was it about?" I asked, clicking on a site link.


    "That the other Alphas havee together to nominate a candidate for the Alpha King position, that is if Alex does not show up in the next one week." He told me.


    That was tricky. There was no way Alex would make it out of his bed in the next one week. He could not even make it in the next one month. Evangeline would have to do something about this.


    "Find out the genuinity of the rumor and yes, which Alpha was nominated."


    "Alpha ire, Howl Pack." He answered.


    That Alpha. The always quiet one that sits at the corner but watches everyone. Howe he was chosen?


    There was more to the matter than it seemed.


    The door creaked open and as expected, Andreas stepped in. He gave me a curt bow before taking his seat.


    "Tell me. What have you found out as concerning the Luna Queen and Alpha King?" I asked, keeping my eyes off the monitor to focus on what we were about to get into.


    He pulled out some documents, extending them to me. I took them, going through them before picking them up the photos. They were pictures of Evangeline when she was younger. Evangeline Bright, daughter of Gray Bright and Lisa Bright. Only daughter.


    I read everything there was to know about her childhood.


    "How did she meet Alex?" I asked, my eyes still on her picture.


    Andreas sighed. "They had met in a art gallery Evangeline had owned." He answered.


    "She draws?" Grayson chipped in.


    Andreas shook his head. "No, she does not. What she does is that she collects popr pieces and ces them in her gallery. Not just that, she pays artists to draw what she tells them to." "That is such a lucrative job." I thought to myself.


    "So Alex recognized her to be his mate at first nce?" I arched a brow at him.


    "Yes, he did but he didn''t acknowledge her. Monthster, one of the pieces Evangeline had gotten for her gallery was proven to be stolen. She got into some sort of issue and her gallery was forced to close. In her moment of despair, ording to my research, he began to get close to her." He exined.


    "Then I found out something. The owner of the piece that was proven to be stolen belonged to the Alpha King and he was behind the closing down of her gallery."


    "Does she know this?" Grayson asked, ncing at photos of the gallery before him.


    He shook his head. "I don''t think so and since then Alex does not let her outside without his guards going with her." He added.


    Yes, that certainly was right. With the thorough check done by the guards, there must be a reason for it. A dangerous reason for it.


    "Anything else?"


    "Evangeline lost her child at five months. The child has died in her stomach. She was operated on and from the records, she cannot bear any child again." He told me.


    No wonder that was no heir to the throne.


    If Alex dies, the new Alpha King would have toe from his lineage and considering it by the look of it, Liam might but who would take a human for an Alpha King? Those rebellious and arrogant Alphas will never ept him which leaves me with one option. Another Alpha King will be chosen.


    Alpha ire definitely should not rule. He will make things worse than they are already.


    "The day the Luna Queen was attacked, she had left the mansion because Alex was not around and she could gallivant using her power as the queen."


    I let out a deep sigh. All these was too much information and yet I was not getting what I needed.


    "Did you look into the man that appeared in the video?" I asked, dropping the pictures and returning to matters.


    "I am still doing that."


    "We are forgetting someone here." Grayson raised his brows as we both turned our attention to him.


    "Who?"


    "Martins. Martins Taylor. He was behind everything that happened with Maurene and now he is dating Amanda. Don''t you think he can be a prime suspect as well? If I remember clearly, Maurene was also there when they were attacked right? What if the attack was meant for her and not Evangeline?"


    I knew the question he was not asking. What if Martins had nned all of these out since the beginning?


    "I am still looking into him. That guy, Maxwell, was not just hired by him, he is also working actively with him which makes everything hard to go past but when Iy my hands on anything, I will let you know." He assured us.


    I nodded, thanking him. He has been working non-stop and I was proud of it. I didn''t think I could havee this far without him helping me with these. Soon after, he left us and Grayson and I remained in the office. We didn''t speak as we both returned to thinking about everything that was happening.


    "What do you think? Could Martins be behind this?" He drew in a deep breath.


    I didn''t know the answer to that because honestly, the guy has been strange to me as well. Remembering what had happened thest time and also the fact that her friend was sick, I knew there was more to him.


    "I don''t think so. It can be a possibility but we should not change our focus. I want you to look into one of Amanda''s friends. I was told that she was sick thest time I went to check Amanda at the hospital but I don''t believe it." I told him. He nodded. I passed him the information I had gotten and he left. I needed to see the Alpha King and see what I can do. Evangeline was yet to get back to me in what she found out.


    Now, the answer I needed was who the wolf tag belong to. That was enough to find who wanted the Luna Queen dead. Wait, was it the Luna Queen that the person wanted to kill or the Alpha King? Because if the Luna Queen dies, then Alex will also.


    My phone vibrated next to me and I saw it was Andreas that was calling. Why was he calling when he just left here some minutes ago?


    I slid to the answer button. "Yes, Andreas?"


    "You might want to call Amanda. Last night, she got attacked back at Martins'' apartment. He is currently unconscious as he got shot in the arm." He told me before the line went dead.


    She was attacked at Martins'' house?


    How the hell was that possible?

 Chapter One Hundred And Four: Refusing Liam

    Amanda''S


    POV


    I sat beside Martins, fighting back the urge to hold his finger. The doctor had said that he could wake up at any time from now after he had checked his vitals. Hope filled me as I watched him closely. I wish I could p him awake but that


    would only add to his pain to I waited.


    I was shocked that his father didn''t evene to check on his son. What was I expecting?


    A man that would snatch his son''s girlfriend was no father at all.


    I ced my head on the bed. I haven''t gotten enough sleep because I had to keep myself awake and alert. Who knows we could be attacked in here.


    I felt his finger move against my hair and I instantly raised my head in shock and surprise. "Martins?"


    His eyes fluttered open, meeting the ceiling before looking into my eyes as I towered over him. "You are awake?"


    He gave me a small nod.


    A happy, light smile took over my lips as relief washed through me. Gosh, he was awake finally.


    "Gosh, you scared me to the core." I mumbled, helping him to sit up. He didn''t say anything, instead he looked at nowhere in particr, probably trying to get used to the environment. "Martins?" I called in gentle caution. Was something wrong with him?


    He turned his gaze to me, his eyes softening when he saw me.


    "Do you... Do you know me?" I asked a stupid question.


    He nodded. "Yes, I do." He answered and for the first time, I was happy to hear his voice.


    I smiled fully, the door creaked open, announcing the presence of the nurse who was quite relieved to see that he had woken up. She checked him fully and then turned to me.


    "Your husband is quite fine and he needs a lot of rest. Some drugs will be prescribed to him. Please ensure that he uses them." She told me before leaving us.


    "Your husband, huh?" He noted from behind me. Oh, the smug Martins was back now.


    "We have been pretending to be dating for months, it won''t hurt if we have to do the same to have you treated, would it?" I arched one brow, taking a seat beside him.


    "The attack. It was for you. Am I right?" He asked, changing the topic entirely.


    My face fell, my eye twitched in their sockets. We should not talk about things like this when he has not even recovered yet.


    "Yes, it was." I answered regardless.


    "Who? Someone is after you, right? The attack at the bar? The same came for you at my house. I know we are pretending and we have agreed not to pry into each other''s lives but this still concerns me now. Doesn''t it?" He tilted his head as he asked.


    I shook my head this time around. "You don''t have to get involved. I will pay for the damages done to your house." I suggested.


    He shook his head gently, taking his eyes briefly to the door then turning to me. "You don''t have to. I will not ept it but if we both need to work together to protect you, then I am willing to." He offered softly. I was almost tempted to ept his offer of help but Nathaniel was ready helping me with that.


    Not to add, the files I had seen about Nathaniel and Maurene, there was more to it and I was scared that I would join the list if I was not being careful enough. If he could control person''s life through the inte, I will not be safe as well. In fact, there were lots of things about me that should not get to the inte. I will be ruined.


    "You don''t have to, Martins and I apologize for this. I would be going back to my house the moment I get you back home, I can''t keep putting your life in a risky situation." I told him before leaving the room. I didn''t him to convince me anymore. I was the reason behind the attack and I cannot bear the guilt if somethings happened to him.


    What was I even thinking? That I would be safe with him?


    I led an attack back to him and as expected, he would want to get involved. I don''t want him to get involved. It was dangerous.


    My head was telling me to ept Martins'' help but I already had Nathaniel working it out for me. My mind wandered back to when I saw Martins bring out a gun from his wardrobe. I wanted to shake off that memory. He looked like a menace as his fingers were on the trigger. I thought he was going to kill the man.


    I would not lie. I would like to confess. I was scared of Martins and that fear was the reason I would not be staying with him.


    Days after, Martins was finally discharged from the hospital, and I followed him back home. To my surprise, the damage done to his room was already repaired and everything was back to normal as it was before. It gave me the scare that anything could happen again.


    "I will take my leave now," I informed him, avoiding his gaze as I picked up my phone. I have not checked it since I was brought here. I know there will be a lot of messages awaiting me.


    I turned to leave, the fear that he would beg me to stay made my fingers tremble but he didn''t. I was relieved yet hurt at the same time. I stepped into the cab, barely giving the house ast nce as I gave the man the address of Nathaniel''s pack.


    I think there was a lot to do and my presence was definitely needed. My phone''s battery was down and I had to wait to get back to my room to charge it up.


    Not long after, we reached the pack and I paid him. Heading to the entrance, Grayson came from the other side, and our gaze locked. He didn''t seem surprised to see me. I entered first while he followed. "Where is Nathaniel?" I asked him.


    "In his office. I think you would havee with me now." He gave me a skeptical look.


    I sighed. "I am fine. Let us go." We went to Nathaniel''s office. As expected, papers were everywhere like he was working on things. He nced up, his eyes immediately softening when he saw me. "Amanda," His voice had a bite in it but I ignored it, taking my seat. I tried to see what he was working on. This definitely cannot be about me, can it?


    "How are you feeling?" He asked, eyeing me.


    He must have heard about the attack days ago. I pursed my lips into a thin line, nodding as I affirmed. "I am fine. Martins was injured but he is all healed up now."


    The men shared a nce before Grayson came to take a seat beside me.


    "Did you see anything at his house?" He asked me.


    Yes, I did but I didn''t want to tell him. It will onlyplicate things further. Why would Martins be the person behind what happened months ago? Why would he seek pleasure in doing that?


    Although when he started with Maurene, I was d that someone was doing something but now... I didn''t like it. Especially not when Martins was behind it.


    "No, I didn''t." I blinked, hoping he didn''t catch the truth in my eyes.


    His left brow arched before he nodded slowly. "Are you sure?" He questioned once again.


    Once a liar, always a liar. Damn. This man was here working hard to find the mening after me and all I can repay him with are lies?


    Gosh, I felt so terrible.


    I nodded again. "Yes, I am."


    The ironic part is that I was lying for Martins. Because of Martins. If I told them the truth about what I found, they would look into it and find out that my rtionship with Martins was a sham which would ruin things. Oh, no! "You remember when I told you that Martins was the site owner, huh?" He reminded me.


    "You did?" I narrowed my eyes, pretending to have forgotten.


    "Yes, at the hospital." He sighed. I could feel Grayson''s burning gaze at my left but I didn''t dare look at him. If there was one thing Nathaniel''s Beta knew how to do, it was detecting lies, and I must act this out perfectly. "Don''t worry. I will look into the men that are attacking you but if you have anything to tell me, don''t hesitate, okay?" He offered me a firm smile.


    I bobbed my head, a grateful smile on the edges of my lips as I rose to my feet. The moment I took a step out of the office, I let out a deep exhale. That was close.

 Chapter One Hundred And Five: A Visit To The Alpha King

    Nathaniel''S POV


    "She is lying," Grayson spoke up after the door had closed and Amanda walked away.


    I fell back to my seat, nodding as well. "I knew she was. She saw something and she is trying to protect him."


    "What if he is behind the attack at his house? What if he is trying to drive us away from our focus on him? With the guards Andreas said he stationed within his house, it would be hard to get by and even hurt him. There is a lot in this game than we can see." He said, speaking what was in my mind.


    There was more to what was going on. My mind wandered to thest.


    I was seated at the dining table with Maurene and Grayson. The maids had served dinner that night and I was not in any mood to eat but I had to. My phone vibrated on the table beside me. Maurene was saying something about attending a g party the next day but I tuned her out, my eyes etched on the unknown caller''s ID. Who could be calling me at such a time in the night?


    I answered the call and her cry came in. My body went into alert as I heard the familiar voice. Amanda. Monthster, she finally reached out.


    "Nathaniel, I need your help. Pleasee." She pleaded. I didn''t think of anything. I didn''t even say anything to anyone. I jerked to my feet and exited the pack house that night, asking her where she was and she told me.


    I didn''t expect to meet Amanda all beaten up in a dark alley. She looked lost and broken. My heart tightened in my chest. I had caused it. After I broke up with her because my grandfather had asked that I get married to Maurene out of duty. I was infuriated of course but I did.


    "Amanda," I called, not wanting to believe that she was the one who was sitting before me. She nced up, a pained look on her face. Fear seemed to have overtaken her features when she saw that I was towering over her. I crouched to her level, staring at her deeply.


    I felt pain for her. "I''m sorry." I apologized to her.


    "Nathaniel, is that you?" She asked, scrambling back from me.


    I reached for her, holding her hands. "Yes, it is me and I havee to take you home," I told her, offering her a light smile.


    It was at that time that I heard masculine voices yelling around us.


    "Find her! She won''t have gone far!" I knew at that point that they were talking about her. So I took her hand and we both ran away from the ce. They must have known because there appeared a car behind us, trailing us. I knew I had to somehow make them stop so I did. I followed a shortcut they would not have known.


    I took Amanda back to the pack and had her treated. Grayson tried to warn me that her presence was going to hurt Maurene but I didn''t care. All I cared about was that Amanda should get better. When she did, I went to meet her and questioned her. Why did she get involved with the bad men?


    She exined. "After you abandoned me, I didn''t have anything left and I needed someone who would help me. He offered to help me and I had no other choice. I... Stole from him and escaped." She finally confessed. Fuck!


    One thing she didn''t tell me was the name of the man she had stolen from and was after her now. I needed to see her. I needed to know the name of the man going after her. I cannot bring harm to my pack all because of her.


    I rose to my feet, excusing myself. I went to her room, meeting Le on the way. She greeted me before I entered Amanda''s room. She was in the bathroom by the time I had entered. I noticed her phone charging so I went to it. Opening it with a slide, I went through her contact. I saw Martins'' number and quickly copied it into my phone.


    The moment I was done, she stepped out, pausing when she saw me. "Nathaniel?"


    I sighed, turning around. "You should put a dress on," I told her.


    "You can turn around." She said and I did. She had donned a ck dress. "Why are you here?" She gave me a skeptical look. I would not tell her that I knew that she was lying. If she wanted to protect him, then I would let her do just that. It might even help us.


    "You know that particr year when you called me toe and I did." I reminded, dipping my hands into my pockets. Something flickered in her eyes as she gulped hard, moving stealthily toward the table. She poured herself a ss of water. "You didn''t tell me the name of the man you had stolen from," I said, giving her a clear look.


    She whirled around, looking at me with a strange gaze. "I didn''t know his name as well. He hid himself well. All we did was sign the contract and that was all." She exined.


    That got me confused. "You signed a contract without meeting the person you were signing with?" I asked to be sure I heard her well.


    She shook his head, slumping on the bed. "I was naive and desperate. I needed someone who wouldunch me back into the limelight, Nathaniel. And I took the only opportunity that appeared to me." She bit her lower lip.


    "Do you have a copy of the contract with you?" I knew she went back to her old apartment to get her things even after I had told her not to do it. Definitely, the contract would be part of it.


    She nodded, moving to her wardrobe. She opened a drawer and brought the file out to me. She approached me, extending it out to me. I took it, opening it. I scanned the paper for the name written on it. I saw that of Amanda and the name after made my brows knot closer. James Cox.


    That was a con-name. No way there would be some James Coxing after her. "I will return this to youter." I didn''t wait for her to say anything because I went past her, and back to my office.


    I met Grayson inside. He looked up at me. I handed him the contract. "Find out everything there is to know about James Cox," I told him. He nodded and paused as if he remembered something.


    "Yes, Amanda''s friend. Her name is Natalia or Nadia. She is still the same person. She is perfectly fine and in fact, she is currently on a vacation." He informed me.


    So... My guess was correct. She was avoiding Amanda. Probably because of what ensued between Martins and her. Martins... I will definitely find out who you are and when I do, you are going to regret your decision to get yourself involved with me.


    Just as I turned to leave, Grayson stopped me. "Nathaniel, Andreas told me to tell you that Liam... has not been seen recently."


    That was strange. I saw him at Evangeline''s ce, the way he looked... oh no!


    "Tell him keep watching him." I ordered.


    I was going to visit the hospital today. I entered into the office of the doctor in charge of the Alpha King. Evangeline had sworn him into secrecy and threatened him that if he told anyone where Alex was, she would have his family killed. I wondered at that moment why Alex could not let her go. He could have rejected her and she would have been living a good life. She had the balls that Alex didn''t have. Threatening a doctor? She amused me.


    "Alpha Nathaniel." He rose to his feet. I told him to take his seat.


    "So tell me. What exactly is wrong with the man that was brought here that night?" I asked.


    A scared look took over his face. I scoffed. "She can''t touch you when I am here, Doctor Dwayne. For as long as you don''t tell anyone else, that is."


    He swallowed. "He has blood cancer. He is currently responding to treatment but the possibility that he will get healed is slim, Alpha." He ryed.


    My greatest fear was confirmed. I knew Alex would not make it. He cannot. I was not being wicked but he has been battling this since he started reigning. It was just due.


    "Does his wife know this?" I asked him.


    He shook his head. "She only knows that he has blood cancer."


    "Good. Leave it that way." I told him. We discussed other things before I left his office.


    My phone vibrated in my pockets. I fished it out, seeing Maurene''s call. Why was she calling me?


    I answered it, stepping out of the hospital. "Yes, Maurene?"


    "Nathaniel!" I halted to a stop, feeling a familiar pain crashed into my chest. "Evangeline... she got kidnapped!"

 Chapter 106

    Maurene''S PO V


    Fatigue crashed into my body as I woke up, ncing at the time. Once again, I had spent the night at the hospital with Evangeline. She was getting weak as the days went by. Alex was barely responding to treatment. I pitied her. She couldn''t stay with him because she had to go back to their house in case anyone came looking for him. She didn''t want to draw too much attention. I doubt the guards surrounding their house knew that the Alpha King was not even inside. I have been so busy taking care of her that I barely paid attention to the kids. Diana has informed me that Liam came by, demanding to meet me. I was once again reminded that I had been ignoring his calls and messages. I just didn''t trust him anymore. He kept lying and lying to me. He knew the reason we went back to Nathaniel''s pack yet he led me back. He knew Alex wanted to cheat Nathaniel yet he took me back there. Then he came to me and told me to take over. I should steal Nathaniel''s pack out of his grip.


    My kids would hate me for doing something like that to their papa. They would loathe my existence and I would not be able to live with myself after I finish it. I knew they thought I would want to have my revenge on Nathaniel. That was too extreme. Too much. I could not do it even if I wanted to do it. We were now rted whether I liked it or not. We both had kids and I won''t hurt my kids while trying to soothe my pain.


    She had even told me that he was looking so unkempt. I had doubted her. There was no way in the world that Liam would be looking so unkempt. The Liam I knew was neat. Clean to the core. In fact, it was like he would be on a runway show every day with the way he dressed. So hearing that he looked unkempt made me doubt that he was truly the one who came to see me.


    I wanted the distance between us because it was starting to seem as though I was nned into everything. From Evangeline meeting me at the hospital, to Liam helping me on that rainy night and ouring back to work on the projects. It was a lot to take in and I have not had the time to confront Evangeline about it.


    I knew she had her shorings but there were questions in my mind that I needed answers to. There were too many and I felt like if I didn''t get answers to them, I might soon burst out. The kids have been going to school and they even made me promise to take them to visit Nathaniel over the weekend. They were my weakness so I could not refuse them. I agreed but I was yet to tell Nathaniel which made things worse.


    I didn''t want to face him. After I had stopped Evangeline from ordering him that day, he helped us move Alex. Some part of me wanted to believe that he agreed because of me but I knew better. The only thing that was still keeping us all together was the kids and nothing else.


    It was also on that day I got to see Evangeline act like the Luna Queen that she was. Nathaniel was not even scared of her instead I noticed something in his eyes. Amusement. He must have been amused by her attitude. I didn''t care. For as long as he helped us, he was okay with it.


    I exited my room and headed to the kitchen because I needed to eat something. It has been a tough week. I noticed Diana making fruit sd. "Are you not going to speak to Liam again?" She asked.


    I knew she was always worried about my rtionship with him. Liam was good to me while we were together so it was right that I should not treat him this way but he deserved it. He lied to me. Kept lying to me. He knew that I didn''t tolerate liars. I just equate them to cheaters.


    I didn''t answer her, instead, I took some sd for myself and returned to the living room. I turned on the television, hoping to enjoy some moment of being lost in the entertainment world, my phone vibrated beside me.


    I wished it was Nathaniel but it wasn''t. It was Evangeline. My brows etched together. Why was she calling me?


    I answered anyway. "Hey, Evangeline."


    "Maurene, can youe over? I would like to visit Alex now." She said, a hint of weakness in her voice.


    "I don''t think so, Eva. You said it yourself that all eyes are on you. What happens when an Alphaes visiting, demanding to meet the Alpha King, who will answer to them?" I asked her.


    First, I was speaking for myself. I needed some days of rest and second, it was risky for her to do something like this in the broad daylight. Who knows if someone trails after her?


    It would put both Alex and her at risk. Gosh... This was crazy already to me.


    "I have told the guards not to let anyone in. I just need to see him. The more I am closer to him, the faster his recovery." She pleaded.


    I sighed, knowing I could not convince her anymore. "Okay. Give me an hour." I told her before disconnecting the call.


    An hourter, I made my way to Evangeline''s mansion. When I entered, she was busy pacing to and fro in her disguise. She nced up at me, hope setting in her eyes as she hurried to me. "Let us start going." She rushed the words, carrying a basket of fruits.


    I didn''t argue with her, I followed after her and stepped into the car. I watched her keenly, noticing how unsettled she was. The mate bond was taking a toll on her and I didn''t like it. If not for the consequences of cutting the bond between Nathaniel and me, I would have rejected him a long time ago.


    We soon hit the road. "So tell me. What did the doctor say?" I asked her. She had been the only one that the doctor had told what was wrong with Alex. A sorrowful look was cast on her face as she looked away, keeping her focus on the window.


    "He has-" The words were caught off as a car overtook, screeching to a halt before us. I let out a gasp and I instantly pressed on the brake to stop us from colliding into it. Harmed men stepped down from the car before us. My eyes widened as I let out a scream. I tried opening the door but they got to us, jerked the door open, and dragged us out of the car.


    "Is she the one?" I heard one of them ask.


    I peeked a look up at the person they were referring to. Me. Me?


    "No. I think it is this one." The other answered, pulling Evangeline by the hair.


    "Who sent you?" She gritted out, ring at the masked man.


    The man scoffed, crouching to her level. "It was just like that day. When you were attacked at the restaurant. You were with her, wasn''t it?" I could hear a smirk in his words.


    "I will pay you double of what he promised you. Release me. I will-" A p cut her off. I watched blood spill from her lips.


    "You think I want your filthy money? You think I am as foolish as you are? You kept an enemy close to you for years and you didn''t expect this moment? Oh, C''mon." He let out a ridiculous chortle.


    He grabbed some of her hair and jerked her head to the back. "You would wish that you had given that throne by the time we are done with you." He spat in her face, hitting her by the neck and she went ck immediately.


    I scrambled back when he rose to his feet, dusting his palms like he didn''t just hit her.


    "What should we do with this one?" The man holding me captive asked.


    "Leave her. He wants her alive anyway." He muttered, turning around on his heels. "Drag the whore to the back of the car." He ordered, entering into the driver''s seat. I watched how the man left me and went toward Evangeline. Pulling her by the hair, he dragged her to the booth of the car, closing it firmly. I watched them drive away from my sight.


    My lips trembled as I thought of what to do next. Nathaniel. I should call Nathaniel. I crawled to my car, searching for my phone and I found it. I dialed his number and for the first time, I wished he picked it up instantly. He did.


    "Nathaniel!" I cried out. I didn''t think that there would be a day when I would see him as my savior.


    "What happened, Maurene?" His voice carried a wave of rm.


    "Evangeline... she was kidnapped."

 Chapter 107

    Nathaniel''S POV


    The enemy had struck. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!


    I was definitely not expecting it to be now. In fact, never! I didn''t know how I did it. How I got to Maurene and picked up her. I vaguely remember sending orders at Grayson to have her car brought to the pack house while I led her back to her house. They packed everything they would be using. There was no way I would leave my kids unprotected with an enemy taht was not identified yet.


    I knew I had to bring them back to my pack.


    "Mommy, we are going with daddy back to his house, huh?" Kylie asked her mother who was still in shock.


    "Yes, you are." I answered when she didn''t. I couldn''t let the kids know that was something that was bothering their mother and me as well.


    I needed to keep them safe and I was going to do just that. We soon arrived at the pack house and Grayson was already waiting for me. When he saw the people I hade with, something like relief dawned on him and to my surprise the kids recognized who Grayson was. After greeting and all, I had them settled into their rooms, on the same floor as mine.


    Le went to y with the kids while I led Maurene back to my office, alongside Grayson. Andreas will be meeting soon. I already informed him that I wanted him at the pack and also sent Hunter to keep an eye on the Alpha King. I strictly ordered him not to fight if anyone came to take his body.


    I didn''t know the strength of these men and there was no way I would be sending one of my warriors to the battle ground like that.


    Maurene looked around, probably feeling that she was back again. I was very sure that if she could turn back the hands of time not to be here, she will dly do it. Grayson watched with a strange glint in his eyes, something too familiar and longing in it.


    That reminded me. I needed to check something out about Maurene and from what I was seeing, I don''t think Grayson would be the best person to give this job. I needed to know this by myself. Maybe I will have Andreas handle it. She finally took her seat, closing her eyes briefly to calm herself. When she opened it, our gaze locked. Nothing passed. We just stared into each other''s eyes, not uttering any word.


    "I think we have to speak for us toprehend things, don''t we?" Grayson''s voice cuts through the air and we both look away from each other. I exhaled deeply, thank goodness we were not allowed. God knows what would have happened within the few minutes we had used in the staringpetition.


    "So tell us in detail, calmly. What happened?" Grayson inquired from her.


    She sighed again, keeping her hand on her kneecap. "She had called me to apany her to see Alex and even though I had warned her, she convinced me. I went over to her ce and on our way, we were stopped and she was dragged away by the armed men." She summarized.


    "Did any of them say anything probably pointing to a direction?" I asked her, staring at her closely.


    Her eyes moved in their sockets as if she was contemting to answer.


    "See, Maurene. You will have toe clean about everything or else, I don''t think we would be able to find Maurene." I quickly added in case she decided to keep some information to herself like Amanda did.


    "Yes. It was as if she knew who had sent them and not just that... one of them asked about what they would do to me and the man had responded that someone wanted me alive anyway. Probably the same man wanted me alive." She exined,ing to understand it herself.


    "The same man wanted you alive? What have you got to do with the entire situation? If I remember clearly, you are not even rted to anyone." Grayson mused.


    "But I am rted to him." She gave me a direct look. She blinked. "I am rted to Nathaniel somehow and that is why they want me. That is the only possible reason someone would want me alive."


    "The person that would want you alive will be someone who means well to you and cannot afford to hurt you but can hurt someone else. For as long as you are fine, he won''t touch you." I thought aloud.


    Thepass in my mind was pointing to someone but I didn''t want to take the option as a possibility. The fucker will dare not do something like that. He had forged names. There was no way... wait. "Do you remember the day you were attacked?" I asked her.


    She nodded. "Yes, I do. The man... he also made mention of it. He noted that Eva and I were together, just like that day as well. Whosoever this person was is only after Alex and Eva. We need to stop them, Nathaniel." She gave me a pleading look.


    "And do you know any hint that might lead us to the person?" I looked away. She was my weakness. That she didn''t know. I will move the world for her and if I have to catch who was behind Eva''s attack just to be in her good graces, then I will do just that.


    "Wolf tag. There was a wolf tag on their necks." She suddenly said.


    My ears perked, I reached for the drawer and pulled out a picture, showing it to her. "Does this look familiar to it?"


    She narrowed her eyes at it, trying to remember. "Yes. They are the same. Almost alike." She nced up at me. "Why do you have this?" She questioned.


    I pulled the picture away from her. "You remember when I was queried by the Alpha King? I started working on it and saw one of these on the man who had fallen beside you that day." I told her the truth. There were lots of things Maurene didn''t know and I didn''t know how to disclose them to her without looking like the viin.


    She slowly nodded. "So what should we do?"


    "We wait. The person is going to send you a message that you shoulde. I am sure of this." Grayson said, appearing to be deep in thought.


    If what he said was right, then we were thinking alike but why would he go to such an extent?


    That night I had the kids settled in and tucked to bed nicely. I wanted to check on Maurene but I was scared of myself. I didn''t think that I had that self-control within me. SOMEWHERE HIDDEN


    A cold bucket of water was sshed against Evangeline''s face. She gasped into life, feeling the cold seep into her bones. She raised her eyes up to meet the maniacal grin on his lips.


    "It took you this long." She scoffed, realizing that she was tied.


    "Yes, I needed Alex asleep for a while, you know." He answered smugly.


    "Alex should have shot you dead when you came back." She spat angrily, wriggling at the binds around her hands.


    He directed a loatheful look at her. "But he didn''t. And that was his first mistake. Allowing me back into the royal fold. Even after what I did to his mother, he still permitted me toe back. He is just a fool who didn''t deserve to be the Alpha King, don''t you agree?" He arched his brows in question at her.


    "And you think you would make a better king?" She scoffed, shaking her head in utter derision. That angered him. He stomped toward her, pulling her wet hair into his hands, and jerked her head back to spit on her face.


    "Yes. Better than your mate ever was Evangeline. I will be everything you think I will never be. I will prove you all wrong and rise to power. Just watch. I doubt you would be alive by then, Luna Queen." He mocked her. She closed her eyes, gnashing her teeth at the pain of tugging her hair. He didn''t release it, instead, he tugged further. "Cat''s got your tongue? Huh?"


    He pushed her away and she bit back the hiss of pain.


    "What are you going to do with her? You can''t hurt her!" She yelled at him.


    "Her? You mean her? Don''t worry. I will make her the next Luna Queen. One that her wretched ex-husband couldn''t make her. I will make her mine and there would no one else would have her!" "So ambitious, you know."


    "Yes, I am. I have been since I was born. Now, Luna Queen, you are going to tell me where the Alpha King is or else I will make you vomit it." His voice had a creepy edge to it and it sent chills down Evangeline''s spine.

 Chapter 108

    Amanda''S


    POV


    I have been walking on egg shells since I returned to the pack house. I could not do anything without thinking I was being watched. Either by the people after me or Nathaniel himself. Something in my guts was telling that he didn''t believe me yet I didn''t want to think like that. I lied so well. He would not be able to detect it even if he tried to.


    And as for Martins, I have been avoiding him. I didn''t even bother to check if he was okay or not. I just ignored him which was not good. I know. He would have figured out that I already knew by now. He should.


    He knew he was dangerous but after what I saw, he was danger himself. Maybe I should tell Nathaniel what I knew. No, I cannot do that. He would find out that everything I did was a sham. I cannot be embarrassed like that. I didn''t want to see the look of disappointment on his face like I did the first time we had announced our rtionship. I didn''t want to prove his suspicions correct.


    I was ady and I could handle myself by myself. I didn''t need any man to do that for me. A child''s squeal brought me back my attention to reality and my brows etched closer. Do we have kids now in the pack house? Since when?


    I didn''t bother to check it out because I didn''t care. A feeling gnawed at me that I should but I shook it off. I had better things to think of than to see whose kid that was. Later that night, it was time for dinner and when I stepped out, even though I usually had my dinner in my room. I stopped using the dining table since Nathaniel would note.


    I noticed how full the table was. Did we have visitors?


    Nathaniel didn''t tell me that we were going to have visitors. I thought he said that he was not going to allow any outsiders into the pack. Just as I turned to go look for him, Maurene appeared before me with not one but three kids that looked resembled Nathaniel like they were cut from the same cloth.


    My mouth went agape as the girl grinned, shining her iplete set of teeth. She must have seen me because she intentionally ignored me as she led the kids to the dining table, cing them. I tried to calm myself. Even if they had dinner, there was no way Nathaniel woulde. He never came during the time I waited for him in the past, he would note now. I wanted to believe.


    "Keep searching, Grayson. She would definitely be in a ce that we keep skipping." Nathaniel said as Grayson trailed after him. I thought they were heading outside but imagine the shock on my face when he turned toward the dining room, taking his seat at the first chair.


    His kids said something to him that himugh. Nathanielughed. My ears were starting to ring. Gosh... Was I dreaming?


    I needed to wake up if I was. There was no way Nathaniel would have Maurene and the kids move in. No way, right?


    "Hey, Amanda!" Nathaniel called my name and I turned to them, feeling like an outsider already.


    I tried to muster a small smile as he signaled me toe over. I didn''t move. "You should eat dinner with us, huh?" His brows wiggled.


    I noticed the girl leaning closer to Maurene, probably to ask who I was. Maurene didn''t respond to her, instead she told her to eat her dinner.


    I licked my lower lip, feeling Grayson''s gaze on me intently. "I will have my dinner in my room. Seems like I am not wee here." I didn''t wait for him to say anything, I swirled around and headed for my room.


    I slumped on the bed, swallowing hard. I tried to think of where my n had failed and realized that I had lost track already. Things were different now and Maurene was going to be staying with us. Wait, have they reunited? Like are they married again?


    The maid brought my dinner to my room and that was where I ate it. Enough of the embarrassment. I decided to call Martins to see how he was doing.


    Dialing his contact, I prayed that he should not answer it but he did. "I was thinking you wanted to break up with me, you know?" His smug voice came through.


    An instinctive smile curled on my lips and I flicked my gaze to the mirror above me. My heart drooped as I saw the smile. It faltered a bit. I was smiling. Smiling? Why did I feel relief, hearing his voice? What was happening to my heart? Why did it palpitate at the sound of his voice?


    "You are silent now, huh?" He brought back my attention to the call.


    "Erm... Martins. How are you doing?" I stuttered, sitting up.


    "Fine."


    "Your injury?" I asked.


    "Better than thest time." He groaned.


    "Oh, okay." I mumbled and silence followed after. None of us spoke which was strange on Martins'' part. He was always talkative so what changed?


    "Is there something you want to tell me, Amanda?" he asked and just as I opened my mouth to refuse, a message dropped into my notification bar. I clicked on it.


    WE ARE GOING TO END THIS FREAKING GAME VERY SOON, Amanda!- UNKNOWN.


    My heart skipped a beat, pounding loudly in my chest and against my eardrums. I breathed out through my mouth as my entireposure changed. "Amanda, are you there?" Martins'' voice carried a wave of concern.


    "Erm," I swallowed hard, reading the message once again and trying to think of an answer for Martins'' question. "Yes, I am with you." I replied breathlessly. "Are you okay?" His voice sounded rmed..


    Gosh, my hands were starting to tremble and panic was starting to set in my guts. I was having a panic attack! I disconnected the call and took my phone with me, hoping I would show it to Nathaniel but when I got there, hisughter rang out, halting me to a stop.


    I have not seen Nathaniel this happy in years. I watched them, envy setting in my chest. I turned around and returned to my room. Slipping to the floor, I curled into a ball, gripping my knees to myself.


    I was alone. I was alone in this world. Why was he still after me? How did he discover me? Oh, it must have been the event I had gone to. It had pushed me to the front.


    I scrambled to my feet, rushing to my wardrobe. I needed a way to contact him and only by doing that, he would stop. If Nathaniel has chosen not to help me, I will help myself. Since he already found his happy ending, I needed to find mine as well.


    I scattered everywhere, searching for the phone I used to use then. Gosh, I was going crazy. His contact was on it. I didn''t see it there. I paused, running my hands through hair in frustration as I thought of where I had kept it. I moved away from the ce, moving to the drawer and there it was.


    Bringing it out with shaky hands, I turned it on, and immediately searched for his contact. Finally seeing it, I added it to my contact list. Clicking on the message icon, I began to type.


    Hi, James. I have been getting your messages. Let us meet and discuss.- ME


    My knees jerked in reflex as I hesitated sending the message. With closed eyes, I sent it and opened it when I saw it being delivered. Relief set in my chest. He still used this number. That was great. A total relief. I waited for his response and must have fallen asleep when it didn''te.


    Next morning, when I woke up, my phone beeped with a message alert. I rushed toward the phone, hoping to see a message for James but it was from Martins.


    Hey, are you fine? You didn''t respond to any of my callsst night.- MARTINS.


    Why was he worried about me? I was too dangerous to be with. I had brought harm to him and I cannot keep doing that. That was why I stayed away. They must have known that I was dating him and might even try to harm him since they could not get to me.


    I thought of responding to him but that would only make things worse. Maybe I should ask for the cancetion of the contract between us. He can go ahead to choose any otherdy to help with his dad. I should do that but why was I hesitant?


    Why can''t I let go of Martins Taylor? Have I fallen for him?

 Chapter 109

    Maurene''S POV


    Moving into Nathaniel''s pack house was something I knew I could not refuse. With what happened with Evangeline, I was scared for my safety. It was as if they were either trailing me or Evangeline. This was bing worse day by day and it


    was scaring me.


    What if they had chosen to take me with them?


    What would have happened to my kids and to Diana?


    Gosh, I didn''t want to think of the worst possible ways they could have touched me. It has been one week of poorly trying to reach Eva''s line again. It kept ringing and she didn''t pick up. Where could they have taken her to?


    I wondered. I tried to think of the person that could behind this but no one came to mind. I med her. She was never forting with me. Always hiding things from me all because of her husband. Now see who needs saving?


    I shook my head. I had tried to convince Nathaniel that I could work with them on the case but he refused, saying it was unsafe. From the way Grayson had gazed at me, I knew he was hiding something and I was going to find that out anytime soon.


    I had the kids settled into one of the room in Nathaniel''syer and as expected, he had the kids watched over. He imed that he didn''t want to take any risk at all, not when it came to his kids'' safety.


    Restlessness swirled in my guts and I rolled on my back, gazing at the nk, white ceiling, like the way mind was. I tried to think of anyone that was suspicious in their lives but the fact that they kept no one close angered me more than I wanted.


    Or maybe I was missing a piece. Someone. Somebody. Who was it?


    I let out a deep breath through my mouth, sitting up as I stared into space. Racking my brain hard, I tried to link all the event. From the beginning when she was attacked to the day she was kidnapped. Nathaniel had recognized the wolf tattoo. Maybe he knew who it was. Maybe he was hesitating to tell me. I''d better asked him myself. I scrambled down the bed, pulling on a sweater. As I reached the door, my phone rang on the drawer.


    Who could be calling by such time at night?


    I should check who it. I went back to the drawer, ncing down at the brightened screen. It was an unknown number. It had called me but disconnected. Below it, I saw a message. My brows etched closer in confusion as I picked my phone up, slumping on the bed who see the content of the message.


    You want to save her? Come to this ce. You alone! Alone! - UNKNOWN


    Attached with it was the address.


    My heart hammered against my chest. What should I do? I was told toe alone. Of course, I have watched this particr scene on TV where the lead is told toe alone and something unimaginable happens. If I had to do this for Eva''s safety, then I would.


    I walked to the wardrobe, bringing out clothes that would help with the chill air outside. I was not going to tell Nathaniel anything. If he was not going to include me in his ns then I will not bother him. I will do this by myself and save Evangeline as well.


    After I had dressed up properly, I put on the face cap, hiding my face fully. I tucked my phone into my pocket and exited the room. Since I knew my way around the pack house, I stepped out through the door, making sure to keep my steps feather-like.


    I got a cab not longer after, passing him the address, I rxed in back seat, trying not to be discouraged by the fear in my belly.


    Was I walking into danger despite knowing? Yes.


    Will Nathaniel be mad when he hears of it? Yes. Will he throw a fit? Yes.


    Will I bring back Evangeline? I don''t know.


    The fact that I was uncertain about that didn''t sit well me with at all. I needed all the encouragement I could get. Arriving at a ce, the driver had dropped me at a farther distance than the ce. I gave him fare and followed the direction from the message.


    I nced around, hoping no one had followed me. By the time I got to a big building that seemed like a warehouse, I realized that I had walked so far from where I could be found if anything goes wrong.


    Gosh, I was rethinking my decision right now. Should I continue or I should turn back? I can still do that now.


    No, Evangeline was my friend and I was going to do this for her. I headed to the entrance, trying to will boldness into me. I reached the door, pushing it up with a force I didn''t know I possessed.


    There were so many empty boxes around and I had just had to find my way through them.


    I tried dialing the number that had called me earlier but it was not going through. In fact, it was not even ringing at all. The person had used a burner phone I guessed.


    I soon reached a clearing, my brows furrowed closer. "Anyone?" I yelled out, almosting wincing at my voice bouncing off the walls then back at me.


    I shook my head and continued to walk. "Evangeline?" I called out, hoping she would make a sound but she didn''t which earned confusion from me.


    What if the person had deceived me and wanted me here? What if it was a trap?


    Gosh! Why didn''t think to this extent? I nced around, fear eating me up as my breathing became rapid.


    I should have thought this through or even informed Nathaniel that I wasing here. I could still turn back, right?


    Maybe I should. Just I moved to twirl around, I caught the sight of red... liquid. Was that... was that Blood?


    My face mirrored horror as I lifted my gaze up to see an horrific sight. A scream worked up my throat and I quickly mped my hand over my mouth, muffling it. My legs locked and I hit the floor with my bottom, scrambling to the back in fear of what I staring at.


    Whosoever did this was heartless. A young girl was hung up at the ceiling, her body dripping with blood as the rope was tightened around her neck. A sob racked through me.


    Who did this?


    My phone beeped with a message and I knew it would be from the person behind this.


    Oh! Don''t be scared. Worse will happen to her.- UNKNOWN.


    "Maurene?!" A familiar voice yelled out and I jerked towards the ce, feeling relieved that he came. Nathaniel appeared at the end of the ce, breathing hard as he nced around, probably searching for me.


    When he did, he rushed to me, instantly wrapping me up in a hug. I didn''t stop him instead I let my head fall on his shoulder as tears began to roll down my cheeks. His hands patted my back.


    How could this person be so heartless? How could he kill an innocent child? An innocent child! I could not even imagine this happening to a child of mine not to talk of others.


    "Please save Evangeline. Please..." I begged. For the first time, I ced my hope in Nathaniel. I was willing to trust him if he would stop this serial killer from killing Evangeline.

 Chapter 110

    Nathaniel''S POV


    I knew Maurene won''t sit right. After I told her to tell us about what happened and she saw thewolf tattoo. She wanted to know more but I was not willing to risk her knowing at all. It was better when she didn''t know anything. That way, she would not be scared or threatened.


    But Evangeline was her friend and the Maurene I knew would not give up on her. I wanted to check on the kids when I had seen her sneak out of her room and I had wondered where she was.


    I was even ashamed that I thought she was working with the enemy but imagine my shock when I saw her hop on a cab and go to a ce that she didn''t know. I followed her closely, feeling the need to see where she was headed to. She was foolish but at the same time, it was what attracted her to me. She was always intentional about the people she kept close and I didn''t expect her not to think like that toward Evangeline.


    "Please, please save Evangeline." She begged me. At that point, all I wanted to do was catch the person who had put such a horrendous sight together. She had been vulnerable to me at that point. I wanted to hide her away from the horrors but for how long can I do that?


    Reality was dawning. The Luna Queen was missing. I have held off visiting the Alpha King because anyone could be tracking me the way they did to Evangeline. We didn''t even know who was behind these men or why they had kidnapped Evangeline but one thing was sure the one who was behind this was quite strong and cunning.


    I just needed to find who it was. I could feel it in my bones that it was someone who had a closer rtionship with the Alpha King. I didn''t want to suspect Liam since I know the way Alex reacted to him but at the same time, he was on the top list of the suspects in my mind. I think I need more information about him.


    We soon arrived at the pack house, and I nced over at Maurene who was still in shock of what she had seen. I didn''t want to me her just yet because she was in a weak state. I was basically holding off my tongue at the moment. I stepped out of the car, making sure to kill the car''s engine and went to the other side to assist Maurene out. I didn''t even need to check the time because I knew we were deep into the night.


    I jammed the door behind me, holding Maurene as we headed for the door. Entering the living room, no one was in sight. Of course, I had doubled the pack patrols and made sure to keep the CCTV coverage on at all times. I definitely couldn''t risk anything at the moment.


    I led Maurene to her room, hoping that I would leave her and return to my office to continue what I had left behind but her soft, inaudible voice stopped me. "Don''t leave. Stay, please."


    I must have heard wrong. Did Maurene just tell me to stay with her tonight? My wolf appeared to be more happy than it was these days.


    I turned around to her, ncing at her bed then back at her. "Are you sure? I don''t want to in-"


    "Yes, I am. Please stay." She cut me off. My chest tightened. She must have been thrown off bnce.


    I let out a deep breath, contemting. If I ept her request now, things may go awry or change for the better. If I refuse her, the distance between us will be more. I needed to make a choice. I chose the first. I will keep my hands to myself. That was not a promise.


    I put off my shoes and went toy on the bed. She rose to her feet, pulling off the hoodie she had worn and she was left in a tank top. I could see her little buds poking out and I swallowed hard, fighting down my instincts, feeling hot, white adrenaline rushing to my groin. She joined me on the bed, shifting closer to me so I could spoon her.


    I held my breath, her intoxicating scent was all I could smell and the sound of her breathing was all I could hear.


    I watched her chest fall and rise, her heartbeat bing music while she slowly took the hand I had perfectly tucked between my thighs and brought to grope one of her boobs.


    She shifted closer, leaving no more space between us, her ass stuck to my hardened dick. If I moved a little, her ass will glide over my dick which will make things worse so I stilled. "Are you sure about this?" I managed to ask in a strangled voice.


    She nodded. Realization dawned on me. She was not doing this because she wanted me. It was because of what she had seen. I closed my eyes, shaking my head. I was not going to do something like this when she was vulnerable.


    I let her ce my hand on one of her boobs even though she wanted me to do more, I didn''t. All I did was scoot closer to her and sniffed her neck, feeling my wolf rxed and I closed my eyes to sleep. If she needed to fight her monsters, then I would be right by her side.


    Maurene''S POV


    I never had a liking for horror movies. In fact, I thought of people that watched them as demons or being possessed by demons.


    Why would you sit down in the dark of the night to watch a horror movie when there are less scary ones like roms?


    And the fact that they sleep so peacefully at night bothered me. Today I saw something even more dreadful than the ones on TV. This one was not made with CGI effects or costumes. It was real.


    The little girl hanging there was once a breathing human. She had been strangled and bled to death. I could still see the way her eyes popped out, her blood dripping down her feet. It was vivid in my head. Whosoever did that could do worse to Evangeline.


    I felt stupid for thinking I could save Evangeline. It was all a trick. A trap. I was being tested by this person and I didn''t even know if I passed or failed. All I wanted to do was return to when I used to live in the orphanage. Maybe then I would not have to witness all of these.


    I was even more scared that if I was left alone to sleep afterward, I might begin to have nightmares and eventually go crazy. Out of the things I was prepared to see, that definitely was not on the list.


    I didn''t have any choice but to stop Nathaniel from leaving me alone in the room. I had thought of asking him to stay with me for the night. I was a little bit scared that he would refuse but he didn''t. Instead, he stayed. I was quite grateful to him.


    The moment I slid my body closer to him, heat rushed down my spine as I tried not to lean deep into him. I could not resist taking his hands to hold my breasts. He had seen him stare at them. He knew he wanted to touch them. Why not give him more reason to sleep on the bed with me? I thought before I gave in to the deep, dark sleep.

 Chapter 111

    Nathaniel''S POV


    I walked into the meeting hall, feeling a little bit dizzy from theck of sleep these days. Grayson had informed mete that the Alphas were hosting a meeting and I was starting to think about what they wanted to discuss. The two weeks the Alphas had given Evangeline were closing today and we still have not figured out a way to save her.


    Honestly, I didn''t want to ept the gnawing truth. What if... what if we are unable to save her? Then Alex will die sooner which means that Alpha ire will likely make it to the throne. What if it does not go that way? What if the one behind the kidnap of Evangeline wanted the throne?


    Then nothing was going to go as they nned.


    As usual, the chattering of the egoistic Alphas filled the entire ce and I stepped into the room, they all quietened, turning their gazes to me as I walked further to the only empty seat I could find at the back. Of course, I was not going to sit there.


    I turned around, heading for where the Alpha King usually sat. I was not going to sit there either and I definitely was not going to discuss whatever they wanted to.


    "Hale, you are here finally." One of the oldest Alphas noted and I did nothing to acknowledge what he said.


    Another cleared his voice, rising to his feet. "We can testify that we have given the Royal family time to get back at us which they have stubbornly chosen not to. It is only right that we take our grounds and discuss what next to do." He stated. Some of them nodded their heads in agreement with what he said.


    I watched them, wishing they knew what great of a harm they were deeply rooted in. If they knew, they would not be discussing what to do instead, they would be keeping their heads.


    "So since the Alpha King has not been seen for a month and many Alphas can testify to this day, ess to the Alpha King''s house has been denied repeatedly for the same reason." He continued.


    "He has refused to see us, his subordinates. So we have chosen to talk to Alpha Nathaniel, who should have been removed from his Alpha position weeks back if I was not mistaken. Tell us, we have been told that you were thest to visit the Alpha King."


    "Pray, tell us what the Alpha King said." He arched his brow.


    This was a trap. They wanted to tag me as something I was not ready for.


    "I was not allowed to see the Alpha King," I answered briefly.


    "You were not? But from the minutes you spent, you did engage with someone, right?" He asked.


    "Yes, I did. The Luna Queen." I replied, murmuring heightened in the hall. I saw the satisfied glint that crossed their faces at my response. "Who repeatedly asked me to leave that the Alpha King has refused to see anyone, including me," I added and that wiped everything off their faces, their blood draining.


    If they thought that I was getting special services from the Alpha King, they were wrong. I was even doing this particr favor because I needed what Evangeline could offer but now... she has disappeared.


    Wait, another possibility was that Evangeline could be behind all of these. Who knows? I didn''t trust her but Maurene did. At this point, anyone could be the suspect. I red down at Alpha ire who just sat there, watching everything unfold. What if he was behind the attack on the Luna Queen?


    "If you say so. We are yet to get a response to the Luna Queen''s attack. Tell me, shouldn''t we decide as the counsel to punish you as a whole since you have been unable to provide answers?" One of the Alphas at the table spoke up. I clenched my fist tight, willing myself not to hit the table before me. "I already did. To the Alpha King. My punishment was lifted thest time I met with the Luna Queen." I gritted out. That was a lie. Since none of them was around to go against me, it would do just well.


    Shocked whispers echoed as I waited for them to refute my im. They didn''t. They were wise. They knew that the Luna Queen''s attack didn''t have anything to do with them and all to do with me. They didn''t care at all but thought to use that as a leverage to take me out of the picture like the Alpha King and Luna Queen.


    Who knows how d they would be if they heard out the Luna Queen was missing and the Alpha King was unstable?


    They would be so quick to move on to the next Alpha King like they did secretly.


    "So is there anything else you would like to discuss? If not, I will dly take my leave." I turned to leave but as expected, ire spoke up.


    "Where is the Luna Queen?" I was not expecting that question.


    I spun around, appearing confused as I raised my brows. "How am I supposed to know that, Alpha ire?" I tilted my head to the side, knowing fully well that the Alphas were eagerly waiting for a slip from me.


    "How not?" He rose to his feet, inclining his head to the side. He walked out from the ce he had sat, heading toward me with an envelope in his hands.


    He extended it to me and with my eyes etched on his, I took it from him. Only dropped my gaze to look at the pictures that were in my hands. I tried not to betray any emotion, ring at Maurene''s and Evangeline''s pictures. He leaned closer to me, cing his lips close to my ears, despite knowing how sharp the werewolf hearing was.


    "The Luna Queen is missing and your ex-wife... or should I say the mother of your kids is staying with you? Don''t you think you have some sort of discussion to hold with us?" He whispered.


    I swallowed hard, my throat bobbing. How dare he?


    I red daggers at him as he wore a satisfied smirk, returning to his seat. I stood there, contemting leaving but that would only put Maurene in a tight spot. I was right when I said that I had been watching Evangeline closely. They were always looking for a slip, a spot, or waiting for the perfect time to strike.


    And now was not the perfect time for me.


    "What are you insinuating?" I challenged them.


    "Thest time, it was reported to us by Alpha Dwayne that the Luna Queen cannot be found nor has the Alpha King been seen recently. He is not at home either. Don''t bother saying that." He pointed at me like he knew what I wanted to ask next.


    "And how did you know that? Since we have all been told that we were not allowed to meet the Alpha King?" I countered him.


    If he wanted to paint me as the one who was behind their absence, I would make people see him for who he was exactly.


    "Three Alpha representatives were sent to their ce and they had to force their way in since those guards were loyal to the core. The entire house was searched and it was reported that the Royal family seemed to have disappeared. Some footage was checked and we figured that your-"


    "Then why should the finger be pointed at me?" I cut him off before he could bring Maurene into this.


    He narrowed his eyes slightly, scoffing as he realized what I was doing.


    "Can''t it be pointed to the rest of you all?" I nced at every one of them, from the oldest to the youngest, watching them cower then stopped at ire. "Or you?" My brows creased together as I used everyone. Now, we were at the center where we would have to tread carefully, or else, a slip in the word could be used against us.


    "Alpha Nathaniel, no one is pointing fingers at you." Another Alpha spoke up, sounding like he was trying his hardest to remain level-headed among us. "We are just saying that if the Alpha King has decided to leave the throne without discussion, it is only right that we find another person to fit in. As we all know his absence could do a lot more damage than repair. So what we should be discussing at the moment is who is the next Alpha King?" The question, Finally.


    I was expecting it to beter. That was why I wanted to leave as early as possible but the fact that Alpha Rowan stated it, murmurs filled the hall and ire''s intent gaze was on me. I knew what I had to do and I was going to do just that. "The Alpha King didn''t abdicate the throne neither did he disappear, Alpha Rowan. Contemting who the next Alpha King would be is quite too far, don''t you think so?" I cleared my throat, directing a look at him.


    "What if he walks in here? Who knows? The one who would be removed from the Alpha position would not be me, but you. So let us stand firm together and wait for a message from the Alpha King. If we do not get it, we go in search of our King. After all, he is our king. Understood?" I let my eyes roam through the room, meeting their gazes. Although I could see that they wanted to argue. They didn''t have a choice.


    They all gave forced nods and I didn''t care whether they were genuine or not.


    If I was told that I would be defending the Alpha King months back, I would have argued and refused adamantly but see me today, trying to protect his royal dignity and the fact that these Alphas were ready to rebel and lead a coup. Without as much as ncing at ire''s way, I exited the meeting hall.


    I needed to see the Alpha King now.


    Chapel 112

 Chapter 112

    Amanda''S POV


    I knew that if Maurene returned to Nathaniel''s life, I would no longer have ess to Nathaniel. Nowadays, it was as if I was invisible and no longer existed in his story anymore. It was disheartening but I had to take matters into my own hands if he was not going to help.


    James has refused to meet me. I didn''t know why. Then, he was after me, looking for ways to take the money I had stolen from him. I was even surprised that he had not taken the matter to the press. Maybe he didn''t want to reveal himself. Sometimes, I wondered who he was exactly. Why has he offered to help me when he knew that I was going to steal from him after all?


    Martins has been sending me messages to check on me but I have not been responding. Not because I didn''t want to but because I was so bothered to. I knew he must have realized that the person who had attacked that night hade for me and he had his question. Maybe he had even deduced the fact that the attack in the toilet at the bar was also not some crazy fan shit.


    It was real shit and he would want to help, typical Martins. I knew I could not draw the line at this point when I had broken through his when he told me about Emma and his father.


    I just need to find out what this James wants and he should leave me alone. If he wants his money, I can get it for him.


    Maybe I should tell him that. I reached for my phone and messaged him.


    Since you have refused to meet with me. What about I return the money I stole from you? That is what you want, right?- ME.


    I bit my nails, hoping he would send a response but he didn''t. Gosh, this man was killing me and I didn''t like it at all. Why has he chosen to go dumb now that he reappeared in my life?


    My phone''s ringing tone ded through the air, making me jump in fright. I nced down at the screen, hoping to see James'' call but Martins'' name was shown. I let out a sharp breath, sliding the answer button.


    "I was thinking I would be aired for the next three months, you know?" His voice cut through and I closed my eyes as I savored the peace his voice brought to my soul.


    Gosh, this man... did he know what he was doing to me at all?


    "I was not nning to." I bit out. In the next three months, our contract will end.


    "Yes, the fact that you answered my call proved that. Anyway, how are you doing? Can youe over? I have something I want both of us to discuss. It is quite important." He said, my heart skipped.


    Go to his house? After what I had seen? He knew right?


    He had CCTV in his house and he must have checked those. Right?


    "Erm... I don''t think I would be able to-"


    "Amanda, you will be able to. It is important that we discuss this as soon as possible." He told me, a bite of urgency in his tone.


    I knew I could not refuse him so I said, "I will see what I can do about that."


    The call went dead and I sat in room, wondering what I should do. Maybe I should Nathaniel abitt what I had seen in his office. Maybe he would be able to protect me from him. What if he was nning something worse for me? How could I trust him again?


    The danger of going to his house stuck to my mind as I picked out a dress and headed out of the pack house. Maybe I should tell him that we should cancel the contract between us. It was time to end it anyway.


    I gave the cab driver the address of his house and when he got there, I stepped out, heading for the entrance. As I entered,ughter rang out and I paused, hoping I had intruded on something serious. I reached the living room, seeing Martins and the guy he had called Maxwell. Right?


    He seemed quite taken aback to see me but theugh was cut short and he dropped the wine ss. "Amanda?"


    I tried to rx my tense muscles but failed horribly because Martins rose to his feet and came to lead me to the couch. I avoided Maxwell''s heating gaze as I nced up at Martins. I should not betray anything right. I cannot afford to do that. "Why are you here?" He asked.


    "You told me toe, remember?" I reminded him of what he said hours ago.


    "Oh, I didn''t think you woulde immediately." He muttered.


    I blinked, wondering if Maxwell was going to be with us during the whole conversation. "You said you had something important that you would love us to talk about." I added, hoping he remembered.


    The shadow cast over his face and a boding feeling filled me. What exactly did he want to talk about? Maybe he had caught me.


    He cleared his throat, Maxwell stood up at the same time, giving me onest look, he headed upstairs.


    "Who is he to you?" I asked Martins without taking my eyes off his retreating back.


    "Business partner." He dismissed, making me turn to him. "Yes, Amanda. What I wanted to discuss with you was that... my father... he wants us to get married very soon. That way he would add me to the will." He said, making my eyes widen in shock.


    Out of everything I was expecting him to tell me that was not included at all.


    "Martins, I-"


    "I know. I know. We don''t have to get married in the church. We can do some court thing and you know what have the uses just like we do now. Please, Amanda. This is the final chance I''ve got and we were just three months from ending the contract." He reminded me.


    I narrowed my eyes at him briefly. "You..." I trailed off, not knowing what to say. Getting married whether it was a sham or real was not something I should consider right now as I had things I needed to take care of. Things like James Cox?


    "See, Martins. I have things I need to look through and into, getting married to you now is not right." I stated.


    His brows furrowed. "Well, concerning the recent attack on your life, I understand. Now, Amanda. Tell me, what exactly is going on? I know we have decided not to pry into each other''s life but... At this point, you would need toe clean if you need me to help you."


    "I don''t need you to help me." I bit out, stopping him from saying any nonsense that wille out of his mouth.


    His left eyes twitched and he looked away. "You don''t?"


    "I already got the deal from Bille Gates I needed." I reminded him. Not like it did anything for Nathaniel to notice me. That was the reason I had agreed to this anyway.


    "Well, that doesn''t mean I cannot help you." He tried to argue but I was not going to let him get that close. If he could do what he did to Maurene, then he can do worse to me as well.


    "Since we are going to get married, we will have to talk about the uses but for now, I need some space from you. Understood?" I red my nose at him.


    He didn''t want to respond but he did. He mumbled the response under his breath. As I headed for the door, Maxwell was standing at the top of the stairs and I could feel his burning gaze into the back of my skull.


    Did I know him from somewhere before?


    Nathaniel''S POV


    "As expected, they had been watching Evangeline." u told them once I had settled into my seat in the office.


    Liam and Maurene were seated in my office, staring at the photos of the wolf tattoo. Something in me was telling me that this was an important core in my finding but this trace was not leading to anyone known at all.


    I still found it strange that anyone could have his man tattooed with a wolf. It was an insult to our nature.


    Grayson nodded his head. "What else? I guess that must have talked about their absence. Maybe they wanted to remove the Alpha King?" He arched brows.


    I nodded. "They did. They discussed who the next Alpha King would be but I had shunned them, telling them that Alex would probably send them some message and they should wait for it." I shrugged.


    Maurene nced between us, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But there is no way he can do that if he is in the hospital." She pointed out.


    I gave her a sharp nod. "Which is why we need to figure out where Evangeline is or else we are doomed. Another Alpha King would be chosen and Alex will die." I voiced out the truth.


    Maurene flinched slightly. I guess that was too harsh but it was the truth. Alex was surviving on the Alpha King energy, once it was taken from him and with his mate not close to him, he was likely to die at anytime. Even now, it was dangerous since Evangeline was far from him.


    "Now, we need to figure out ways to stop them from crowning ire." I pinched the bridge of my nostrils.


    "Who is ire?" Maurene asked, blinking.


    "An Alpha. He is the candidate they have chosen for the Alpha King''s position." I replied to her.


    "What if... what if he was behind the attack on us? What if he had kidnapped Evangeline because he was waiting for such an opportunity?" She asked, sounding almost certain.


    I shook my head. "No. ire knows better than to touch her. Except he knew that Alex was sick and that she had no one to protect her but Evangeline protected Alex with all she had."


    "He cannot keep her for long even though he had her. He could probably hire someone to do for him though." I added.


    "Even if another king were to emerge, Liam is rightfully the next," Grayson said, making our heads turn to him. Now was not the time for him to bring up Liam when Maurene was with us.


    I wanted to warn him but stopped. I watched her carefully, seeing emotions flickered in her eyes before she turned her gaze to me. I didn''t tell her that ire had seen her and that he thought she was behind the attack on her. If he got his hand on her, he will break her beyond her imagination. Maybe now was the time for her to face her fears.


    "What do you know about Liam?" I directed at Maurene who stared at me with confusion.


    When she didn''t answer, I added. "You wanted to be put on board and this is what we need to do. What do you know about Liam?" I might have added more force than I intended to. She was the one who hade to me and imed that she wanted to know about Evangeline after what had happened thest time.


    "I..." She was cut off immediately by a call and speak of the devil, he was the one calling her. She looked up at me, then back at the phone.


    She wanted to slide the decline button but I took the phone from her, sliding the answer button up before she could stop me. She tried to reach for her phone but his voice came through, halting her.


    "Thanks Goodness, Maurene. You answered." He sounded relieved. "I didn''t think you would answer my call. Anyway, Maurene. Can we meet, please? There is something I want to tell you about Alex and Evangeline that you don''t know."


    We all stilled at what he said. She lunged for it but I held it far from her. I tried to use the mind link if it was going to. "Speak to him." I told her and with the way her eyes red with arrogance, I knew she heard.


    "Maurene? Maurene? Are you there?" He called frantically. "Maurene, I know I am thest person that you want to talk to right now but we need to meet so that I can exin myself better. Huh?"


    "I am here with you." Her voice was surprisingly calm. "And yes, I will see what I can do about that." He didn''t get to reply as I killed the call, returning the phone to her.


    "No, you are not doing anything about it and you definitely not leaving this house." I stated firmly.


    She red daggers at me. "Let this be the first and thest time you would treat me as your subordinate, Nathaniel." With that, she stepped out of the office, leaving me gobsmacked. Grayson didn''t say anything as he stepped out as well. I was reared back to reality by Andreas'' call. "Yes, Andreas?"


    "I found out your wife''s identity. She is the lost daughter of Harrison Stafford. Her name is Sheridan Stafford. Not Maurene Crawley. Harrison is the Lycan King." I froze in ce. What?

 Chapter 113

    Nathaniel''S POV


    I didn''t get the time to talk more about whatever it was Andreas had told me about Maurene as I needed to check on Alex. I needed to see how he was doing. All I was just hoping was that he was still alive because if he truly died, things would go terribly wrong for us. ire would be king. I was even starting to doubt for now.


    I shook my head, trying to maintain focus on the road. I tried not to think about what Andreas had told me. That was impossible. There was no way Maurene could be Sheridan and she was rted to Harrison. I knew Harrison had ruled the Lycan Kingdom for as long as I could remember.


    He was one of the oldest rulers of that species yet I know yet I wondered why he had not searched for his daughter who had long gone missing if truly Maurene was Sheridan. I haven''t checked the document Andreas had sent to me because I didn''t have the heart to. This was going to change everything about Maurene. She was human. How could she be?


    Maybe that was the reason they had sent her away. Who knows? I needed to go through the document. I was getting more curious and I could feel the unease within me.


    Maurene wouldn''t like it that I had someone research her past. I needed to. It was important. Especially with ire on her tail, looking for who to me. I was not going to allow him to pin the me on her especially when she had nothing to do with it. Maybe this came timely. The Lycans will be able to protect her and not allow irs to stick his ws into her.


    I let out a deep breath, stepped out of my car, and headed straight for Doc. Dwayne''s office. Who knew? I could be tailed right now.


    "Alpha," He rose to his feet on seeing me. I stopped him. "I didn''t know you wereing today."


    "I came to check on the patient that was brought here weeks back," I told him.


    His mouth parted slightly. "It seemed that his wife had abandoned him. She has not made any visits to him at all which left me worried but since you knew about it, I was relieved a bit." I wanted to tell him that the patient was the Alpha King but it would only put him in more trouble than he was already.


    "You don''t have to worry about that. Please lead me to him." He took me to the ward where they had kept him. Maurene has suggested that he was admitted under a fake name. It got me wondering if she knew about Liam''s actions. I had almost told her but thankfully, she would find out herself and she would see the man she was worried about.


    The moment we entered, I could feel Alex''s energy dissipating. He was dying. With Evangeline far away from him, the only thing that awaited him was death.


    Dwayne made sure he locked the door and came to join me beside his bed. I checked his eyes, noticing the dark spots beneath them. "It is eating him up and I also noticed that there were bits of poison in his blood. He must have flushed it out but it was not done thoroughly." He said, checking the beeping machine.


    "Who is he, Alpha? Because judging by his condition, he should have died a long time ago except he was depending on some sort of elemental energy." He mused.


    I knew by now that he would have been guessing but I didn''t answer him though. Instead, I focused on what he had said. Elemental energy? My father used to tell me that the Alpha King had the energy of the earth. That is why they stay long on the throne.


    Then I thought about why Alex was always with Evangeline in public and why he had her protected all the time like he did. Maybe because he was depending on her. He was sucking the life out of her and she let him. That confused me. He could have rejected her and she would not have met this fate but this... he needed to choose another Alpha King. Very soon or else...


    I shook my head. "Can you get him to open his eyes now?" I asked him.


    Dwayne blinked up at me as if I had just asked him to raise the dead. "Alpha, that is... nearly impossible. He has slipped into aa and I don''t think he can wake up except he does so himself." He said, shaking his head as if he was considering doing it but the doctor in him was telling him not to do anything.


    "Dwayne-"


    "Alpha, we have to wait for him to wake. Trying anything at this point will only endanger his life." He told me sternly.


    I dropped my hand, knowing that the messages the Alphas were expecting would not being. Even if I had managed to send them a message, they would want the Alpha King and the Luna Queen. Without them, they would go on to choose the Alpha King.


    The disaster was looming and there was nothing I could do about it.


    My phone beeped with another message and it was from Andreas. There was nothing he wanted to tell me that I wanted to know right now. I was still recovering from what he had told me and hadn''t even checked it yet, he was sending me more. I didn''t check it until I instructed Dwayne to message if there was anything up with Alex and if anyone came to threaten him.


    I already have Grayson station guards around him and the hospital as well. I was not going to take chances like Evangeline did. She took lots of chances and saw where she ended up. Since the very beginning, they were after her and not Alex. I shook my head, returning to my car. I turned on the car''s engine and it revved to life but I didn''t move. I let my head fall to the back. There were lots of pieces. More pieces. Maybe I should check what Andreas had sent to me. And Grayson... he is rted to her. He is her elder brother. - ANDREAS.


    As I read, chill streamed through me, making goosebumps rouse on my skin as I reread the message. Grayson... was her brother? He was... no wonder... he kept her a secret from me for so long. No wonder he did lots of things for her. No wonder. I quickly checked the document that was sent by Andreas. Maurene was in an orphanage and I wondered how my father had known her. He must have known who she was. That was why he had her married to me. He sent more pictures of Grayson in the Lycan Pce.


    He hid things from me. I didn''t know if I was to be relieved that he was her brother or the fact that I had allowed someone like that to be the Beta of my pack. No wonder he was dominant. Lycan genes, they were. Should I even ask him? Would he answer me?


    I wanted to yell at anyone. Why was this happening now?


    I had allowed a Lycan to be my Beta! Gosh... What mistake could I have made? How could I have been so blind?


    My phone''s ringing tone tore through the air and I nced down at it. It was him. Grayson. He was calling.


    Why? Did Andreas tell him anything?


    I answered nheless. "Yes?" I tried to keep my voice steady.


    "There is an emergency meeting with the Alphas. The Lycan officials came."


    That was it. At the right time, the Lycan officials arrived.

 Chapter 114

    Nathaniel''s POV


    I drove straight for the Alpha ire''s pack. That was where they had told the Lycan officials to meet. I was beyond shocked when Grayson had told me. It made me think that they were trying to win the Lycans over to themselves but then I thought of the siblings I was amodating at my pack.


    Did Grayson know about this?


    I didn''t want to think that way. Grayson must have hidden it for a good reason but the fact that he could not trust me with that truth proved how much he thought of me. I had hurt his sister those years when I didn''t ept her love for me. It was only right that he hated me.


    I shook my head, trying to keep a nk level until Grayson called again. "Yes?" I answered through the blue tooth.


    "The meeting has been canceled." He said. Why did they- "They are meeting at our pack instead." That threw me off Bnce. I screeched to a halt on the road. What?


    "How?" That was all I could find myself asking.


    "I have something I want to tell you, Nathaniel." He muttered. Nathaniel. He called me by my name this time. Not Alpha.


    "I would be home in fifteen." I tried not to sound like I was thinking of ways to punch him to death and disconnected the call.


    I reversed and drove back to the pack house. I could see their bus packed in the garage and I hurried for the door. The tense air was choking me the moment I stepped inside. I was expecting to see Harrison but no, it was Harrison''s look-alike that was ring at me. It must be his second inmand.


    "Alpha Nathaniel, am I right?" He arched one brow, making me notice the faint scar shing from his brow to his nose.


    "Yes," I extended a hand out for a handshake which he took.


    I nced around, noticing Grayson was not in view. I guess Hunter must have led them to the living room. "If I must ask, why are you here?"


    "Because my nephew seemed to have forgotten his purpose ining to your pack and getting his younger sister back." He answered nkly.


    At that point, Maurene appeared at the dining room. Maybe she wanted to ask the maids what they were going to make for dinner but at the look on her face, she must have known she had interrupted something important. Harrison''s look-alike looked at her as if he could sense her. With the way he stared at her, I knew he could.


    "Maurene." He called her that name. That name. I clenched my fist tight, anger coursing through me. At this same time, Grayson entered, breathing heavily like he had rushed over here. As if he was trying to stop the cmity from befalling us. Maurene.


    "Uncle," Grayson gritted out and he spun to his nephew, arching a daring brow at him.


    "Nephew. Seems like you now love being below an Alpha. A Beta." He spat.


    I watched Maurene''s eyes narrow slightly at what he said. "Maurene, you should leave." I prompted her but their uncle was not having it.


    "She does not have to leave, Alpha Nathaniel. Whether she is your wife or not, she remains my niece, and she will need to find out the truth today!"


    Maurene''s brows creased together. "What does he mean by that?" She nced between Grayson and me. I didn''t have any exnation for her.


    I let her go, taking steps away from her as I tried to let off some steam.


    "I guess that twat hasn''t told you yet?" He asked.


    Confusion wasced on her face as she looked at Grayson for an exnation which he didn''t. He was ring at his uncle whose name I didn''t know. "Well, you are-"


    "Uncle, stop. I will tell her myself." He cut him off, turning this time to her. Guess I was not the only one he was hiding things from.


    "Maurene." He bit out her name and she waited for him to tell her.


    I waited too.


    MAURENE''S POV


    Firstly, I was mad at Nathan for answering Liam''s call and was intent on avoiding hin only for me to see him and well, other men in the living room. I had thought they were from his pack but the recognition on their faces made me freeze. This particr one looked so much like Grayson.


    Which had me even confused as to why Grayson had chosen to tell me?


    "What do you want to tell me?" I didn''t have any hint about what he was saying except for the name the man had called me.


    Maurene.


    Who was Maurene?


    "Maurene, you are..." I watched his throat bob as he nced at Nathaniel and then at me. I felt my heart skip at the apology in his eyes. "You are my sister. You are Maurene Stafford, not Maurene Crawley. You were sent to the human world because of the fact that you were born human and father didn''t want you to be killed." He narrated, earning a shocking gasp from me. Don''t tell me...


    "You are lying," I whispered inaudibly.


    He shook his head. "No, I''m not, Sheridan. You are my sister and I was sent by our father to bring you back. Just that I have not gotten the chance to tell you yet." A pained look etched on his face as he avoided Nathaniel''s gaze.


    "He is right, Maurene. Your father had to send his precious daughter away after they found out you were human. You could have been killed but now... you are here at his friend''s pack." He added, looking at Nathaniel who narrowed his eyes on him.


    "Uncle Seth." Grayson gritted out between his teeth.


    "See, Grayson. If you are not going to say it, I will. It was part of my mission to this ce. You have stalled bringing her back. Your father is dying. If he does not meet her, then his only wish will never be fulfilled!" He snarled at him. Apparently, the man didn''t have a thing for sluggishness. I didn''t know what to make of anything they had told me. I always thought my parents didn''t want me, that was why I was taken to an orphanage and there I met my foster parents. Then Nathaniel''s dad and Nathaniel.


    "Is this true?" I couldn''t help but ask Nathaniel who has an unreadable expression on his face.


    He didn''t say anything as he turned around and exited the living room with Grayson following behind him. I knew what was about to happen. Grayson had done nothing but hide secrets upon secrets from Nathaniel and Nathaniel had been trusting him over and over again.


    I could feel his pain from where I stood. I returned by gaze to Uncle Seth who watched me with a fascinating look. "You look so much like her. Sarah. Your mother, you know?"


    "Where is she?" I asked, not quite sure if I truly wanted to know. I didn''t even know if I had epted them as my family.


    "Dead." There was a painced in his voice. I didn''t say anything as I took more steps toward them, looking at them all from Uncle Seth to thest.


    "And why did youe here? Is it just for me and Grayson or there is something more? You said my father is dying? What happened?" I asked him.


    He took his seat. "You. He wants to see you for thest time before he joins his mate. After that, he will give the throne to your brother and then leave." He said softly.


    He was scared. The way he gripped his kneecaps spoke more volumes than his words. My father must be so lucky to have someone care for him like this man did. I envied him.

 Chapter 115

    Nathaniel''S POV


    "I want him to be your new Beta." My father told me, introducing Grayson to me. I wondered why my father didn''t let me choose on my own but I trusted his judgment. "Hi, I''m Nathaniel," I said, extending my hands out to him.


    He took it. "Grayson." Our gaze locked and I knew at that moment that we would be doing together from now on.


    I wanted to ask my father where he had seen him because I knew he was not from our pack but I decided against it since I could ask Grayson and he would answer. Except Grayson never made mention of who he was or where he was from. We never went in runs and he never showed his wolf. Or should I say, Lycan?


    I didn''t know how to react or what to even say. Shock was an understatement of what I was feeling at present. I was starting to question everything around me.


    From my marriage to Maurene, to making Grayson my Beta, to my divorce, and to being the center of hatred for these miserable Alphas, my father really did a great job of creating problems for me. He left me without telling me anything. He hid these things from me and now I was being confronted by them. So he knew Harrison Stafford. In fact, he helped the Lycans into our pack and they have been dwelling here for a long time. The werewolves and the Lycans had signed a peace treaty years ago but that didn''t mean that there were not some people who hated it.


    Lycans like to prey on werewolves because they thought they were low-life and were more nutritious. I shook my head, finding my train of thought back to the logical.


    What else was there that my father was hiding from me? What else was there?


    Remembering clearly now, Alex had hinted at something rted to the past. Could what was happening be rted to that?


    My eyes flicked in their sockets as I sensed a new presence behind me. I didn''t say anything. He didn''t say anything. We both stood there, energies shed and yet none of us lunged for each other or spoke.


    The weight of the silence hung between us and we let it strain. Should I hit him? No. I cannot. He was a Lycan after all.


    Should I banish him? No. He was Maurene''s brother and my kids'' uncle after all.


    Should I hate him? No. He still remained my Beta and he will be visiting the kids frequently too.


    "You must hate me now." He said, the night air carrying his voice into the vast space.


    I didn''t say anything in response.


    He drew a deep, shaky breath. "I wanted to tell you myself. I wanted to, Nathaniel. Initially, I had thought you knew but when your father died, I realized you didn''t and I wanted to tell you. Please, just speak." He pleaded.


    I turned to him finally. "You are the next in line after your father, Grayson. You are rted to Maurene too. Did you know that Tobiah and Alex, and Evangeline knew that?"


    "I was wondering where Maurene came in, in all of these. How? I thought it was because of me but no, she had a different purpose in all of these." I pursed my lips into a thin line.


    Blinking, I looked away from him, moving to the other side as I stared at the vastnd of my pack.


    "You always watched over her. Protected her even without informing me. I might have thought that you were in love with her at a point, you know. I tried to think of how easy it was for you to keep such a big secret about from me and guess what? You have been keeping something bigger than that from me." I wanted tough at how I must have looked like a fool. They were people right under my roof and I didn''t know.


    "I''m sorry."


    "I am not mad at you. I am not going to fight you either but I know that I trusted you even after Maurene''s ordeal till this moment. You didn''t mean any harm to my pack and that is the reason I didn''t opt for violence. Let us go back in." I told him, turning around to the entrance but his voice stopped me.


    "I hope one day that I earn your forgiveness."


    I didn''t respond to him as we both went back in. I met Maurene talking to Seth and she looked up at me, ncing back at Grayson and then at me again before looking away.


    I focused on Seth. "Tell me. Why are you here? You stated there were two businesses you came for. One has been sorted out obviously. What is the next?" I asked, taking my seat. Maurene didn''t bother to leave at all.


    I tried not to let my gaze roam around so as not to be distracted but truth be told, fatigue was starting to wear me out. Both emotionally and physically.


    Seth cleared his throat. "The Alpha King. It hase to our notice that the Alpha King Alex has not been seen on the throne for weeks and his whereabouts are unknown." He answered directly.


    "And where do Ie in?" My eyes brightened a bit. Seth peered a look at his nephew before returning his nce to me.


    "Grayson here told us that you know where he was and Harrison seemed to say that you are the one who can help us." He stated.


    I gave him a nk look. "What else did Grayson tell you?" I saw the puzzled look on their faces.


    "You know what? What about we continue this tomorrow? I need to get some rest." I told them, rising to my feet.


    "Young Alpha, see, we have-"


    "I am not a young Alpha!" I growled, ring daggers at Seth before moving swiftly past Maurene. Maurene had the maids prepare rooms for them while I returned to my room. I hadn''t seen my kids for a while and I knew by this time, they would be sleeping. I will do that first thing tomorrow morning.


    A few minutester, a knock rapped on the door and I wanted to turn the person away but when the door was pushed open, I nced up ready to sneer but paused when I saw Maurene.


    I looked down at the clothes I was folding and continued it. "Don''t bother. You should leave." I said, stopping her from saying what she wanted to say.


    She didn''t answer though instead she moved further into the room, looking around. "The room still hasn''t changed a bit." She mused.


    I said nothing as I moved the clothes to the wardrobe. She went toward the drawer and saw the portrait of us together. Before I could stop her from touching it, she already picked it up, staring at it.


    A shadow flickered in her eyes before it was gone. "Huh. Good stuff." She pressed her lips together.


    "What do you want, Maurene?" I gritted out, feeling my fist curl. I could barely keep my hands off her. Now she walked into my room with nothing but a shirt that was exposing her pebbled nipples.


    "I don''t know what to do, honestly." She muttered, staring outside through the window. "Somehow, I could feel that they were right. In fact, I know that they are right."


    "For a long time, I wanted my parents. I wanted to feel my real parents'' love. In fact, I had begged God to bring them to me and they wouldn''t need to exin anything to me. No reason as to why they choose to abandon me at the orphanage. I will just forgive them and we will get on with life." She smiled to herself.


    "And then your father came along, iming that he wanted me married to you." This time she smiled at me.


    It was at this moment that I truly realized that my father had made those decisions for me. None of it. None of it was mine.


    I knew what Maurene was trying to do. She was trying tofort me. Because they were siblings? Oh. Yes, that makes lots of sense now.


    I have been nothing to them but someone they could toy with. Rage mmed into me and I stalked toward her. I grabbed her, mming her body against mine as I captured her lips. She didn''t protest or try to fight.


    When I withdrew, she gasped, looking into my eyes. "You don''t need tofort me, Maurene, or is it Sheridan, now? Leave." I said coldly at her face. I turned away from her and went to the bathroom, not feeling remorseful at what I did. SOMEWHERE


    "You must be wondering why I have not killed you yet." The man said, fixing her with an amused look.


    Evangeline rolled her eyes at him. She has been tied to the chair and barely eaten anything good. She missed her life back at Alex''s mansion


    "Who is your spy?" She asked, changing the topic. She knew what he wanted her to say but she would not give him the satisfaction. The only reason he was hesitating to kill her was because he still hadn''t found Alex. Good. Nathaniel should keep protecting him. Thank goodness she could use Maurene.


    "Who do you think is?" He raised his brows at her, making her narrow her eyes at him.


    "Maurene?"


    He whirled around to her. "You don''t trust your little friend, after all."


    She scoffed, feeling pain in her strapped hands. "I don''t after all she was foolish enough not to see you for who you truly are." She spat.


    "And who am I truly?" He drawled, caressing her cheeks with the tip of his fingers.


    "A son of a whore. Your mother seduced Alex''s father and gave birth to an abomination like you! And now you think -" The rest of the words couldn''t make it out as he pped her across the face. She spat out blood, ring daggers at him. He leaned closer to her. "If I were you, I would keep that snarky mouth of yours quiet. And let me tell you," He jerked her jaw roughly toward him.


    "You better keep praying that I don''t get my hands on Alex because if I do, your man is gone for good and you, it would be just a matter of time before you join him as well." He threatened, menacecing his voice as he red at her.


    He dropped her jaw, standing straight as he stepped away from her. "Sometimes, I wondered why you didn''t go for his twin brother, you know. After you broke his heart, you still chose Alex when you knew he hated him like a second skin." He clicked his tongue.


    "He is dead now, isn''t he? He was pathetic, weak, and not what I wanted. I wanted power and it was only Alex that could give me that!" She snarled at him.


    The man burst out in a wryugh. "Yes, a living dead was the only one that could give you that power. If using your best friend, I can''t imagine what she will think when she hears this."


    "Oh, Maurene, Poor Maurene is going to be shocked. The friend that she thought was a good person turned out to be the reason for her divorce. When she finds out everything was staged. She is going to hate you!" Heughed out maniacally.


    "And yes, I was thinking of bringing a littlepanion for you. It is high time I shook that foolish Alpha a bit." He stared into the distance with a dark smirk.


    Evangeline could feel the hairs on her body stand at attention. No way?


    "You are not going to do that!" She watched him in horror.


    He chuckled. "Watch me." He whispered, winking at her as he walked out.

 Chapter 116

    Nathaniel''S POV


    "We will help you to the throne if you allow us, Nathaniel." Seth said, his thick voice cutting through as we all sat in the office.


    I stared at him nkly, wondering how everything was so intertwined. "The throne? Who said I wanted the throne? Your nephew?" I arched my brows as I rxed back in my seat. I didn''t let my roam to the feminine figure sitting just beside Grayson who gave me a pained look. I have been doing a great of ignoring them which worked quite well.


    "You don''t?" Seth sounded that he could not believe it.


    I shook my head. "I don''t."


    "Then you don''t know anything then." He snorted.


    I wanted to ask him what that was about but I decided against it.


    "Since the Alpha King has gone missing and you have chosen not to divulge his whereabouts, it is only right that another Alpha King will be chosen. And that person should be you." He said, ncing at his nephew.


    "I see. Let those Alphas decide that." I dismissed it. I was not going to get ahead of myself. I didn''t want the throne. Grayson knew that and he still allowed them to ask me.


    They all rose to their feet, lifting their chins. "I will get back to the Lycan King and tell him of the issues that is going on here."


    "But make sure to curb the dangers in your realm as if any disturbance is made in our realm, we will take action, Alpha Nathaniel." He warned before turning on his feet and his subordinates followed after him.


    We remained in the office. Maurene, Grayson and I. None of us said anything to one another.


    "Don''t you want to see your father?" I suddenly asked Grayson. "Sounded like you had lots of things to do back at home." I sighed.


    Then I looked at Maurene finally. "Aren''t you curious as to what your father looked like?" I asked, this time feeling curious myself. I hadn''t seen her reaction to what Seth had told her.


    The fact that she was epting this so easily surprised me since I was shocked to the core when I found out myself.


    "I am." She replied. "But I cannot leave you." She added, making me narrow my eyes on her. I wanted tough at her feigned concern.


    "Or you cannot leave the kids?" I snickered. Hurt shed through her face and I didn''t care to apologize. "About Liam. Are you going to meet him?" I picked up a file concerning Evangeline.


    "No, I''m not. There is no need for us to meet." She shrugged.


    Relief washed through me and a dating question popped in my head. I flicked my eyes to her, contemting if I should I ask or not but I went on. "What if Liam happened to be the one behind the attack on your friend?" I watched her with keenly.


    She was noy expecting that question because she flinched. "I..."


    "Nathaniel," Grayson gritted out.


    "I had Andreas reach out to a woman at the witches coven. Apart from the information that we got about his mother, we were told that Liam came to meet them because he wanted their backing." I exined. "Do you know about that, Maurene?"


    She nodded. "I didn''t know for certain but we were making rounds in visiting people." She stated.


    "People?" I raised my brows. "Like who?"


    "You. The vampire king and well... I had joked about him visiting the witches coven. I didn''t know that he actually did." She pursed her lips as annoyance creased her brows.


    She didn''t know lots of things and that was why I had brought her back to the pack house because Liam was hiding lots of things from her.


    She seemed like she was struggling between her thoughts. "Then that means there were things he hid from you." I wanted to hurt her with my words like the way I was numb.


    "Yes, you are right." She confirmed, taking me by surprise. "Anyway, I figured that out, you see." She gave me a light smile. We engaged in a locked gaze.


    "You should tell her, Nathaniel." Grayson said, cutting in..


    I blinked, looking away. Maurene nced between us. "Tell me what?" She directed a questioning look at me.


    "Then you should tell her yourself since you seemed to be bearer of secrets after all." I bit out.


    He gave a long stare before shaking his head and turned to his sister. "Liam indeed hid lots of things from you and one of them is the reason we had cancelled the contract with him." Her lips parted. "You knew too?"


    I narrowed my eyes at her. "Knew what?"


    "That Liam was sent by Alex to build the hospital on your packnd so that he can take thend from you." She said, looking between us.


    Well, that was a new revtion. Wasn''t it?


    "No, we didn''t." I told her before Grayson could ask or say anything. "But when were you nning on telling us that? Huh? After he had taken the pack? A pack that you were once a Luna? I put you on board because you asked me to and I wanted to know these things but apparently you have been doing a great job at hiding them? And you im that you don''t want to meet him?" I sneered, feeling rage curl into me like a serpent slithering up the wall.


    "Tell me! Who knows if you are an enemy and it could be staged that Evangeline got kidnapped because she knew that I would happily take you in for the sake of my kids and that you were the way to snatch the pack from me!" I snarled. She reared back in shock, staring at me tears zing in her eyes.


    "Nathaniel, you need to rx here and-"


    "Shut up, Lycan! You don''t tell me what to do!" I growled at him, letting my wolf into the surface.


    "You are as much of a Lycan as I am, Nathaniel." He yelled back, his golden blue eyes ring back at me. I didn''t back down though. "You are not going to disrespect or hurt my sister,"


    "You want to defend your sister like you have been doing! Betraying me! ying with the trust I have in you!" I bellowed angrily, wishing I could reach for him but I didn''t want to opt for violence.


    I do not care if I hurt her or not because she deserves it!


    "Enough!" Maurene''s voice cut through the tense air. "You are right. I was told to trick you to taking the packnd. I wondered for a long time why you had decided to cancel the contract and Liam was notely with the response. I," She shouted, pointing to herself.


    "I was not aware of anything for a long time. I didn''t know who Liam was nor did I know of his rtionship with Alex and Evangeline. And you are the father of my kids, there was no way I could have agreed to that!" She stated all in one breath. I scoffed. "Do you want to know the reason I had cancelled the contract? Well, contrary to your belief that I was jealous, I found out that your man was air and a thief. And not just that, he had killed someone!" I watched shock shed on her face like a bolt of thunder. She stepped back, shaking her head.


    I wanted to roll my eyes at her reaction. "I was trying to make you see that he was not whom you thought him to be but you were blind. Stupid. Foolish and well, stubborn! You thought I was jealous and I didn''t care for you! Well, boom, your man is pure evil!" I sneered at her.


    "No way!" She looked at her brother who only confirmed it for her. "You are lying! Liam will never-" She seemed to realize that she was wrong. She trusted the wrong person. Realization dawned on her and she turned around and ran out of the office.


    I stood there, breathing hard and heavily. Grayson turned back to look at me. "Please, for the love of the goddess, don''t hurt her! You can hurt me!" He pleaded.


    "I don''t n on hurting her, Grayson. She deserved the truth." That was all I said as I exited the office as well. I was tired of bottling up the truth in me while I protected her.


    The only reason she hade tofort me was because Grayson was her brother and not because she saw that I was burning for her!

 Chapter 117

    Maurene''S POV


    I closed my eyes tight, still riling from the hurt of his words. I didn''t think Liam could be that awful. In fact, I had my few suspicions that he could be doing something worse but what I didn''t suspect was that he was doing pure evil. The fact that I had also remained oblivious to it made me want to go crazy.


    I didn''t need anyone telling me that Liam had used me. It was ring and I would be in denial if I didn''t want to believe it. Now he told me that he wanted to meet me and exin the kind of person Evangeline was.


    All of them... they all wanted to use me against Nathaniel. They wanted his pack and they were not able to get it.


    I had decided to let go of the past and focus on the present with Evangeline, what I didn''t expect was that Nathaniel would change toward me. The kiss fromst night was still real but the sting of his words speared through my heart. The fact that he told me that he didn''t trust me pushed it further. I wanted to hate him but I could not. Fear gnawed at me as I sat in my room, I was taking everything in fast and it was dangerous. From Evangeline''s kidnap to my origin revtion, I hadn''t had the time to rest and think.


    And with Nathaniel, doing what he knew how to do best, I was leftfortless. A knock rapped on the door and I cleaned the tears with the back of my palm quickly. "Come in." I ushered, clearing my voice as I sat up tight. Grayson made his way inside, looking at me with pity etched on his face. I was starting to see the resemnce between us. I hadn''t seen it before because I had thought he hated me and he didn''t want me for Nathaniel. But now, I knew better.


    He was trying to protect me.


    "You should not me yourself." He said, pursing his lips. I bit the inside of my cheeks, wanting to tell him that he should have said these words years back, things would not have been like this. He must probably be referring to thest time in the past when Nathaniel demanded for a divorce.


    I had med myself till I left.


    "It is just a phase, it will pass. Please, just be patient with him every step of the way. He will be back to himself and will see that he has hurt you with his words." He added softly, trying to force an assuring smile but failing woefully. Even though I appeared to be okay with him being my brother, I still found it difficult to see him as one or even treat him as one. It was hard. Everything. Life. Me. Nathaniel. I was trying.


    "Why didn''t you tell him?" I asked. I had learned that even though Nathaniel''s father had arranged for him to be the Beta of this pack, he didn''t tell Nathaniel who he was or where he was from resulting ti Nathaniel trusting him with his life as a matter of fact.


    "Because-" Grayson hesitated, his eyes flicking to me as if he was sworn to secrecy by someone. "There are things Nathaniel does not seem to understand. That was why his father had brought me here because when that hour came, he would not be able to withstand the strong forceing at him." He exined.


    Even at that, I still didn''t understand what he meant by the hour. What wasing for Nathaniel?


    Just as I opened my mouth to ask him what he meant, he rose to his feet. "You will find out soon enough but for now, please try tofort him. He needs someone who will be by him and you are that person, Maurene." He said before stepping out.


    I sat in my room, staring outside through the window. What else was waiting for us?


    Alex... Evangeline... Tobiah... who else?


    I knew there were many Alphas who were against Nathaniel''s rule and they wanted him out of his position so that they could have it. When I was still married to him, I had overheard him talking about how some Alphas were nning on framing him but I think, it backfired on them.


    Still stuck in my thoughts, someone barged in, breathing heavily. I nced up at the maid who was put in charge of the kids and at once I knew something was wrong.


    "Luna... your son... Kai is missing."


    My heart skipped a beat and everything else happened in a blur. I ran before the maid who was yelling at me to calm down and I bumped into a frigid figure. I nced up at Grayson who blinked down at me, apparently he didn''t know what happened.


    "Where are you running to?" His hands steadied me properly on my feet.


    "Grayson... my son... Kai is missing." His hands loosened as thoughts swirled through his head.


    "We need to call Nathaniel. We need to tell him. Whosoever took Kai must know who he is and why he took him." I rushed the words at Grayson who started. He called someone who went by the name Andreas and finally called Nathaniel.


    I didn''t know what they said but Nathaniel disconnected the phone call first. Grayson had even forgotten about me because he went toward the office and I used the chance to check the Kylie and Kyle. They were ying in their rooms like they didn''t know their brother had gone missing. My Kai... who took him?.


    My heart squeezed tight in my chest, feeling a great fear for the first time. What... what if I lose him? What if I never get to him?


    No...

 Chapter 118

    Maurene''S POV


    Just like Nathaniel had said, Liam was the person behind everything. He had kidnapped my son... someone he once cared for.


    I didn''t recognize who this woman was but all I knew was that with the visible fear on Liam''s face, she was someone important. "And why are you here?" He questioned her, obviously rattled by her presence. The woman snickered, stepping before Nathaniel.


    "You think you can rule the wolves? That is just a dream in your silly head. Just like your mother thought she would be the queen of wolves! You are nothing but a result of a stupid dream she had." She hissed through her crooked teeth as she red down in disgust at him.


    Oh, she must be from his mother''s side.


    "My mother was too weak to win but I will win and you just have to watch it then. I will make sure to bring tribute to you when I sit on the throne," He smiled menacingly at her.


    The woman didn''t waver.


    "Liam, give me back my son," I demanded and he flickered his gaze to me.


    "Tell me where Alex is. I know you know, I will have my men sent there and when they bring him, I will hand him safely to you." He retorted.


    For the first time, I didn''t see Liam who was always smiling at me and encouraging me. All I saw was the selfish Liam who wanted the throne.


    "Liam, you don''t have to do this. You want the crown and we will have Alex give you the crown. You should stop all of these and-"


    "You don''t know anything, Maurene. For a long time, I was cast aside by my father. He told me that I didn''t belong with him at all and passed the throne to Alex, someone who was not even worthy of the throne. A stickler!" He cut me off as rage set in his eyes.


    "My mother was called a whore for falling my father''s charms and I? A bastard! I was even sent out to live all by myself in the cold. I endured it all until I got a message that the Lycan king''s daughter was in our realm. I waited... Waited patiently. I watched you and Nathaniel!" His eyes narrowed as if he was remembering his hard work.


    What?


    "Then I realized that he didn''t love you and he loved someone else, Amanda? I decided to use that. Maybe I should offer youfort and get married to you. Do you even know the person that facilitated your divorce?" Heughed, raising his brows as he stared at my confused face.


    "Your dear friend, Evangeline! You thought she was a good friend, right? You thought that you had found a friend. No! She was the enemy you had all along. She knew who you were and how you were rted to Nathaniel." He continued, feeling relieved at the shock on my face.


    Evangeline... she... wait, what?


    "Fun fact, Nathaniel''s grandfather is actually the real Alpha King. That is why his pack is thergest and how he was connected with the Lycan King. But Alex''s father stole it from him and decided to pass it down his lineage."


    I looked at Nathaniel who appeared just as shocked as I was. They were royalty?


    "The only way for Alex to be fully royalty was for him to take control of your packnd and that was how he asked me to do what I did. Unfortunately, you found out and he got angry and then demanded to meet Maurene whom he gave the charge to continue but she didn''t." He twisted his lips.


    Everything was starting to add up. From the beginning, Liam knew who I was. He knew me.


    "I decided to meet Maurene first before anyone would because she was the key to your packnd. Well, the fact that she is still attached to you ruined everything. With the contract of marriage and the constant demands to behave as a couple, I wanted Nathaniel to give up on you but you didn''t! Now, everything is like this, and this time, I will surely win."


    "Let me see my kids first and I will tell you where Alex is." I breathed heavily, hoping he would take the bait.


    He did. He switched on the television and my heart skipped as I saw Kai strapped tight to the chair, a painful look on his face but he was not crying which confused me for a second. Tears brimmed my eyes as I cried hard. My baby. Then I saw the bitch beside him.


    "You are bad. I wanted to tell Mommy that you are bad but she didn''t let me." He said, sounding off and dry.


    Evangeline snorted. "Mommy? Do you think Mommy wille to save you? She didn''te to save that day and today, she will not." She said in the most heartless way she could.


    I mped my hand over my mouth as I saw the visible hate in her eyes. How could she?..


    "You see. Your dear friend." Liam drawled.


    All my life, I have been surrounded by people who were after my life. They wanted me. They all used me. Nathaniel had tried to warn me but I didn''t listen to him because I trusted the wrong person. The only person that has not used me here was Nathaniel. He was always real with his feelings with me.


    "Liam, please bring him out of there. Evan... she can kill him." I pleaded with him.


    He scoffed. "Alpha Nathaniel? Am I going to get a response now? Your son''s life is in grave danger." His eyes glinted as he directed the focus to the top, where a heavy chandelier was hung. If it was let down, my kid would die instantly. My heart skipped multiple times and I turned to Nathaniel. Shaking my head at Nathaniel, I pleaded with him silently. "Please tell him where he is and let my son go."


    Nathaniel''S POV


    My fist clenched tight as I stared at Maurene''s teary face. He had used her and was still using her and she didn''t know. I moved to hold her steady and red at Liam. He still hasn''t noticed that all of this was a distraction. Andreas and Grayson would have gotten to the secret room he had kept them by now and I needed him to switch off the television or else...


    "Seen them yet?" I asked Grayson through the mind link.


    "Yes, but there are heavily stationed guards here. It would be hard to pass through them without noticing us."


    "Then kill them. Eloida''s daughter is with you. Let her use her powers on them." I reminded them.

 Chapter 119

    So that Liam would not notice anything, I blinked, swallowing hard. "You want Alex''s whereabouts? Why didn''t you ask Evangeline since you have her?"


    "The bitch would not answer me, you know. I have asked her even with torment, she refused to give up her mate''s whereabouts." He shrugged. "That is why your son is here. Since she refused and I know Maurene loves her kid, she will dly tell me where Alex is right?" He smiled, batting hisshes at her.


    I thought of what next to say to him to make him lose focus but he began to go toward Maurene and she quickly backed away from him.


    "You are worse than a monster, Liam. Your father shouldn''t have just thrown you out, he should have killed you." She red her nose as she looked at him with hate in her orbs.


    Pain flicked in his eyes but he soon reced it with menace. "You know Evangeline said the same thing. She said that Alex should have killed me when he had the chance but he didn''t. Did he? Now, I am here, waiting for you both to give me an answer or else! You will take his corpse out of here." He threatened.


    "Done yet?" I asked Grayson again.


    "Almost. She is making them fall dizzy. They are quite strong. Okay, she is done." He told me.


    Good. It was time to attack. I made a slight gesture to Eloida to disarm the men while I grabbed Liam and pushed him to the floor. There was only little Eloida could do. Alex had put a protection spell on his house to fight any witch''s power so she could not kill Liam yet.


    Maurene screamed as the men began to groan in pain, holding their ears tight. They all began to drop their guns.


    "If you know what is good for you, you will leave as soon as possible!" She warned them and they all ran for dear life.


    Liam struggled against me, trying to wrench free from me but I punched him in the face instead. "How. Dare. You. Touch. My. Kid?" I hit him as I said each word.


    Blood sputtered on the floor. "Nathaniel! You will kill him," Maurene yelled.


    I didn''t care at this point. I was blinded by rage. I wanted to kill him. He had done enough. A lot. Then he went as far as touching my kid!


    "We areing already," Grayson informed me and relief washed through me. He used that moment to push me off him and somehow, fished out for a gun from his back pocket. He pointed it at me and I raised my hand in a surrender motion.


    "Liam! Please, don''t hurt him. I will follow you. I will take you to where Alex is!" She yelled at him but the bloody look on his face said it all. He has given up on any hope of humanity.


    From behind him, Grayson made it out with Evangeline and halted to a pause when he saw the scene. Liam instantly whirled around, pulling the trigger in a loud bang and Evangeline''s scream was cut short as the bullet speared into her chest. An animalistic growl from the corner and Alex appeared, looking sickly and weak but the look on his face was pure feral. He red at his stepbrother.


    "How dare you? You killed my mate!" He snarled, gnashing his teeth as he stomped toward him. I caught a shade of ck in his pants, he had brought a gun as well.


    Liam pulled the trigger but nothing went off. The bullet had finished from the gun. He let out a hiss as he scrambled around to pick up a gun but Alex had the advantage because he got to him in a sh and stabbed me. Maurene gasped, watching the awful incident.


    "This is what you get for killing her." He gritted out, pushing him to the floor. Staggering toward Evangeline, Grayson stepped away as Alex fell to his knees beside her.


    Tears streamed down his face as he held his mate to his chest. Oh, he is dying. He will die...


    "My precious mate." That was thest words he said before giving up the ghost.


    I let out a deep breath I didn''t know I was holding as Maurene fell to her knees, crying hard. My heart squeezed in my chest. Her best friend had betrayed her. Lied to her. Used her. And now... died before her eyes. I reached for her and brought her close to me. I cradled her to my chest. At least we had the easiest way out of this.


    "Nathaniel, He... I''m sorry. I should not have..." She sobbed hard and all I did was pat her head. Grayson signaled to me that he was leaving to check on the situation of everything.

 Chapter 120

    Nathaniel''S


    POV


    She raised her head to me, her red-rimmed eyes ncing down at my lips as she slowly pulled herself up to me. I had somehow gotten her back to one of my penthouses because I didn''t want the kids to see their mother in such a broken state.


    She began to take her clothes off one by one, and my throat bobbed. "Are you sure about this?" I asked, wanting to keep my conscience clear in case she woke up tomorrow and realized her mistakes. She slowly nodded, stepped out of the skirt, and touched my arm. Gosh, I have missed her. I missed her so much.


    She leaned closer and let me capture her lips in a kiss. It started off slow and sensual but soon proceeded into ravenous. My hands snuck around her waist, and pulled her closer, smashing her tight to my chest. I wanted to feel her. Feel her skin. Be in her skin.


    I angled my head properly in order to take her lips, and taste her. Every time I saw her in the past, all I wanted was to pull those lips into mine and kiss them like there was no second after.


    And now, I had her all to myself. I let my hands roam over the curves of her body, etching them into my brain.


    She moaned as I sucked her tongue, steadying my hands around her. We pulled apart, breathless as we stared into each other''s eyes.


    She wanted to say something but I shut her off with another kiss, this time, pushing her to the bed. I supported myself with my elbows as I kept my gaze locked with hers. The want in her eyes was my sole drive.


    "You can touch me. Do me what you want, Nathaniel. Touch me like you have always fantasized. I want everything." She urged.


    That was all I needed. Those words. I dived in one more time before I relished myself on her.


    "Daddy!" Kyle called the moment we stepped into the pack house. I pulled him into a hug, the fear that I had felt a few hours back was forgotten.


    "I missed you." Maurene held Kai to herself like she didn''t want him to leave her sight anymore.


    He apologized for leaving his siblings and she warned him not to do that anymore. I looked up to Grayson who seemed relieved to see them. And me. Well, that was unexpected.


    "Daddy, lift me!" Kylie begged me. I chuckled, shaking my head. She was the clingy one of my kids.


    Why not?


    I lifted her into my arms as I approached Grayson. "Thank you, man." I patted his shoulders. We had agreed to thest-minute n. I had not carried him along because of what happened but I was d that he was willing to do as I said. I had been nning this for this long and all I wanted to do was take him down once and for all. Now, that everything is finally solved.


    All I wanted to do was rest with Maurene and the kids.


    "Hmm, Nathaniel. It remains one issue." Grayson said and this time, Maurene and I shared a nce.


    I blinked. "What is that?"


    "Amanda. We are yet to finish hers. Andreas already found out who James Cox is and you are right. It is Martins Taylor." He exined. "Oh, then-"


    "Never!" Amanda''s voice cut through as she marched toward us, her eyes widened as she gazed at us.


    "Martins will never-"


    "You must have met someone they call Maxwell. He is the one who helped him make the post go viral." Grayson cut her off.


    Recognition set in her eyes as she heard the name. "How did you-"


    She stumbled to the back, shaking her head in disbelief. "There is no way he would be James Cox. There is no way!" She yelled but Grayson extended a file over to her.


    "You should see this yourself if I am lying." He said softly and she took it from him. She went through it, skimming the pages, and then nced up at him. "But how?"


    "His father." She didn''t wait for him to say anything else because she walked out of the pack house.


    I didn''t care to go after her. This was her business now.


    I went towards Maurene who smiled up at me. We hadn''t really spoken yet but I knew we would speak soon. I cannot wait to confess the love I had for her. She was the spice my life needed.


    "We should eat." She said quietly, walking to the dining room, but I caught the light crimson color on her cheeks. She was blushing.


    Gosh, this was my dream!


    I lifted Kai in my arms and took her to the dining room. Settling him beside me, I served my kids all,ughing out loudly when Kylie made a funnyment. I didn''t know Maurene was sitting beside me until she ced her hand on myp and I peered a look up at her.


    I offered a light smile as we continued to talk.


    "You shouldugh, Grayson. You saved my kid." I told him through the mind link and he nced at me, surprised.


    He soon broke into a small smile as he engaged Kyle who was talking about some Legos. It appeared that that was Grayson''s addiction as well. Well, uncle duties that is.


    "Daddy, when will you and Mommy get married?" Kai asked all of a sudden and waves of silence blew through the room.


    I avoided looking at Maurene but sheughed softly. "Very soon, son." She grinned at him and he nodded in agreement.


    I trailed my gaze from her to Kai, feeling grateful that he hade to seek me at the pack house.

 Chapter 121

    Amanda''S


    POV


    I knew Martins was dangerous. I knew he could not be trusted and I decided to get into contract with him. What I didn''t expect was that he would be the one who secretly tormented me and acted like... the savior. I still couldn''t believe what Grayson had told me. At this point, I didn''t care about what his father did or him... he should kill me. That was the worst he could do, right?


    I alighted from the car and went into his mansion straight up. Pushing the door open, as expected they were in the living room. They both rose to their feet on seeing me, confused as to the reason I was there. "Amanda, what are you-" I went toward the real Martins and James Cox who happened to be named Maxwell.


    "Martins. Huh? You are Martins? You are James Cox as well! Isn''t it? You lied to me, right? Used me? Right? You wanted to slowly torment me till I went crazy, huh?" I pushed him hard, noticing the look of surprise that passed his face. "How did you-" The fake Martins asked from behind me but I didn''t mind him.


    "Answer me, coward! You are nothing but a coward who hides behind the mask of other people''s faces! You," I turned to the fake Martins.


    "What is your name? How much did he promise to pay you to impersonate him?" I questioned him.


    "What do you mean by that, Amanda? Are you going crazy? I am the real-"


    "Stop! Stop lying to me. I feel like I am going crazy right now! You... lied to me. You made me fall in love with you and now... you are not even real. The stories were lies huh?" I looked at him, feeling tears brim my eyes. I haven''t cried for anyone for years now... I felt my heart breaking fully.


    "You know," I sniffed. "I sort of knew that you were not into a clean business but I didn''t interfere, you know. We had an agreement and I did as we agreed but you always had an ulterior motive." I could not see clearly because of the tears. "Why? Why? You could have asked me to repay you then I would have!" I yelled at Maxwell- Martins.


    He stared at me like he could not feel anything.


    "You don''t get it, do you?" Maxwell scoffed. "The one who was after you was my father! He would have killed you assuming I had protected you that night. Thankfully, he had sent someone who I knew his tactics." He tilted his head to the side. "The will. I will do everything to make it mine. My father told me to bring you to him and resulted in the only way possible. I was not the one who asked you to steal from my father. Was I?" He arched his brows at me. I didn''t answer. "And Emma?" I asked quietly.


    "Her story is real. She tried to speak with you but I made sure you didn''t meet her. She would have ruined things and Father would have had to kill her. I don''t want unnecessary blood spilled at all." He stated. "And what will you do with me now? Kill me?" I looked up at him.


    "Eh, no. You agreed that you are not going to do that." The fake Martins stepped forward to protect me. Maxwell''s eyes flicked from me to him then back at him.


    "You were initially supposed to be killed but this dummy here fell in love with you. The camouge was supposed to have been off weeks back, Amanda but he expected this same reaction from you. So the person who has kept you alive this far is him. Thank him for epting his love." He rose to his feet, then paused.


    "And as for my father, Frey, he is dead. Died yesterday night after a heart attack so thank you, Divine." He winked at the man behind me and I was left with Divine. "Amanda, I-"


    I shunned him, not even paying attention to him as I exited the house.


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