Fated To The Alpha Who Banished Me

4

RYAN

“Jessie, the investors will arrive today, and I want everything to go smoothly. Whatever you have going on in your head ends right here,” I said, forcing myself to stay calm.

Out of all days, she chose today to start a fight. Then again, fighting was almost a daily routine for her.

She frowned and stepped closer. “Why? So everyone can keep seeing you as the perfect alpha out there, while you are a different person to me?”

I fastened my wristwatch, deliberately ignoring her. My mood could not be ruined today. The investors were planning to put serious money into the pack. This deal would strengthen our finances. I couldn’t afford a distraction.

“Answer me!” she growled.

“We’ll talk about this later, please,” I said simply. If only I had known, I wouldn’t have anything to do with her. I was tied down by the choice I made three years ago. I lowered my gaze, the familiar weight settling in my chest.

The bond had never truly disappeared.

I had buried it beneath duty, pride, and a marriage I never wanted- but some nights, it still burned like an open wound.

“Later?” She scoffed, pushing me out of my trail of thought. “If I let you leave now, you will just run off to a brothel after the meeting.”

She rushed to the door, locked it, and slipped the key out of reach.

“Enough, Jessie,” I sighed in frustration. “The investors will be here any minute.”

“They can wait.”

“They won’t!” I snapped, finally losing my composure. “Are you trying to sabotage this pack?”

“I’m trying to get my husband to love me!” she shot back. “And I will.”

I rubbed my forehead, already exhausted. This wouldn’t end unless I calmed her down. I was used to her nagging, but today, of all days, was the worst possible time.

“Just give me the key,” I said, softening my tone. “I promise you will be the first person I come to after the meeting. Right now, we need to think about the pack. I’m the Alpha, and you’re the Luna. Their growth and welfare come first.”

I stepped closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. “After the meeting. Okay?”

She stared at me, her thoughts clear in her eyes. Finally, with no other option, she pulled out the key and unlocked the door.

I gave her one last look before walking out.

“Damn you!” she shouted after me. “What kind of alpha can’t even treat his wife properly?”

“Let’s go,” I muttered to my beta, David, who was waiting for me, and we headed for the courtyard. The investors would arrive in less than thirty minutes, but first, I needed to brief the council of elders.

“Three years of marriage to Jessie had been nonstop drama, something I was tired of but couldn’t escape. We were far from a perfect, loving couple.

“Is everything prepared?” I asked David as we walked.

"Yes, my lord. We have their rooms ready and everything they need will be made available," he answered and I halted.

“Not will be. Everything should already be prepared before his arrival.” He nodded in confirmation. "And what do you mean they? Aren't we expecting Paul alone?"

David shook his head. “He’s arriving with his assistant. She’s his right-hand woman, the brain behind his success.”

"I don't think I have heard of anyone like that. What is her name?"

"No name. Paul refused to reveal her identity. He feels she will be taken from him, so he keeps her anonymous. She only works in the background unless the meeting is important," he answered.

My wolf stirred restlessly, pacing beneath my skin.

Something is coming, it warned.

I dismissed it as nerves- but my chest tightened all the same.

I entered the courtyard and met all the members waiting. "Sorry for keeping you all waiting," I said and sat down. "Let's have a quick brief on the meeting about the investor, before we go on."

"Alpha, I still don't think this is a good idea," One of the elders stood up and said. "This business man is a rogue who only gained recognition because of his wealth. He doesn't have a pack. All he does is gather strays he finds and make them join his team. We can't trust someone like that, especially with the pack's wealth."

"Bruce," I started. "If we can't trust Paul, we can't trust anyone. Besides, he has done so many business deals and he never failed any."

"My lord, they are here," one of the warriors announced and I quickly braced up. I never expected them to arrive so quickly.

The door opened and Jessie walked in. "Sorry for being late, I had to prepare for our guest," she said as she joined me. She did put in extra work to look good.

"Lead them in," I ordered and David walked out with the warriors. I had several encounters with Paul in the past, but it was the first time we would be meeting officially.

The door was pushed open and immediately, a sweet scent of cherry filled my senses, rich and intoxicating, like my favorite drink.

A woman walked through the door and the earth paused for a minute. She had her eyes fixed on me. Those green eyes of hers, piercing deep into my soul. There was a small scar above her eyebrow, giving her a tough look and her small smile only made her look colder.

She walked in with every eye on her, like an angel, gaining everyone's attention without doing anything. The closer she was to the throne, the more familiar she got.

I had seen her before but I couldn't remember where.

She stopped and bowed slightly. "Alpha. Luna," she greeted. "I am sure you have been waiting for me."

Mate.

The word slammed into me with brutal clarity.

No.

That was impossible. She was gone. I banished her with my own hands.

My wolf surged forward, something that had never happened before. Luckily, I had enough control.

"I know you are expecting Paul," She said confidently, "Unfortunately, he won't be coming. I will be representing him."

The elders were whispering among themselves but none of it bothered her. She retained that smile of hers that made her look like a boss, who was here to take over her empire.

"I am his assistant. My name is Jenna Wilson," she introduced.

The name hit me like a blade to the chest.

“Jenna? Jenna Miller?”

My heart pounded violently.

Alive… She survived.

She shook her head. "I am Wilson not Miller." She sighed deeply. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to rest now.”

"Please go ahead. A fine suite has been prepared for you," I nodded at David who immediately understood, and led her out. The ache in my chest deepened as she disappeared through the door.