Fated To The Alpha Who Banished Me

5

JENNA

I was led into the guest room prepared for me. Immediately the door was shut behind me, the smile on my face slowly faded. I walked to the window and let out a deep breath.

When Paul mentioned my former pack, I had second thoughts about coming here, but thought it would be an opportunity to see the people who had driven me out three years ago.

I heard Ryan got married to Jessie, and it was true after all.

I let out a deep breath and sat on the large bed in the middle of the room.

The air here felt wrong- heavy, familiar.

As if the pack itself remembered me… or refused to let me forget it.

The door opened and Gaius walked in with my bags.

"I thought you were going to have a meeting with the alpha immediately you came in," he said, dropping the bags. "You said you wanted to get the deal signed soon."

I nodded and crossed my legs. "I did, but I changed my mind," I answered and smirked. "I will handle this deal like I do for others. For the meeting, it would be on my term. When I am ready to fix one."

He nodded but said nothing. Whatever happens during the duration I would stay in the pack, would be based on my decision.

Immediately Gaius opened the door to leave, he almost ran into Jessie. He quickly apologized and scurried away, allowing her to step into the room.

She walked in and stood still for a few minutes, staring at me. After a while, she sighed deeply.

"You look so much like her, but I don't see the exile mark on you," she said.

Her words carried the same tone as before- measured, cruel, and certain she still held power over me.

The exile mark disappeared two years ago and it's still a mystery to me. How it did and why.

"To what do I owe this pleasure of the Luna coming to my room?" I asked, bowing slightly.

"I just came to confirm something," she answered. "Can you handle this deal?" She looked at me from head to toe with her lips twisted in what I recognize as disgust.

"Paul disrespected this pack by sending his assistant," she muttered, loud enough for me to hear. "What can you offer?"

I smirked. "Do you doubt my experience?"

"I have never heard of your experience. I don't know who you are," she answered. "He must have been so ashamed of you and that's why he never revealed your identity."

After all these years, she never changes, not even a bit.

"Well, I decided to be anonymous. It was my choice and not his."

I sighed deeply and went on, "I am his assistant but," if she wanted to piss me off, why wouldn't I be a little petty? I went on, "I handle multi million deals. I am the backbone to the company, and not someone who decides to stay still and enjoy the luxury she never worked for. For your information, this deal with this pack, it is on me. I decide if we want to do business or not, and no one else has a say."

Her face twisted. "How dare you? Are you trying to warn me?"

"If you see it as a warning, it is up to you," I simply answered.

I don't bow to anyone, anymore. I am no longer the naive, quiet girl who she knew.

She clenched her jaw but said nothing. She must have realized she couldn't break me.

“If you will excuse me,” I said, gesturing toward the door, “I need to freshen up.”

She stormed out, slamming the door behind her. I laughed under my breath. Denying my satisfaction would have been a lie.

I turned toward the bathroom when a sharp ringing filled my ears. I staggered back, clutching my head.

The sensation came from deep within- sharp, insistent.

He’s here, my wolf whispered.

I stiffened. No. That bond was buried. Broken.

Fur spread across my hands. In the mirror, my eyes burned gold, my fangs were lengthened.

I shut my eyes, forcing my breathing to slow. Not now. Losing control here would be disastrous.

The last time this happened was during my transformation after the banishment. I had suppressed it since.

No one could see my wolf.

When the sensation faded, I washed my face and composed myself.

…

Gaius followed behind me as David led us through the hall toward the courtyard. Ryan had requested an audience.

The courtyard gates opened. When I walked in, my eyes fell on him, and his gaze was fixed on me.

The bond stirred painfully- not with longing, but with fury.

I welcomed the anger. It kept me standing.

I stepped forward and bowed slightly. “I made it clear that I needed rest,” I said coolly. “I dislike interruptions. Still, I made an exception because you’re the Alpha. I hope this is worth my time.”

He leaned back, amused. “You can’t be her. She never spoke this plainly.”

Once, I had been careful with every word. That girl was gone.

“Please, sit,” he said.

I took the seat opposite him. “You and Paul have already discussed the investment,” I said. “I’m here to study the pack and its market before making a decision.”

“We have the best spices,” he replied. “And we’re blessed with gold.”

Paul had explained as much. Spice exports ruled the region, and gold brought far greater profit.

“As long as it benefits both sides,” I said, “I’m open to it. I heard the eastern territory handles gold trade. Is that correct?” He didn’t answer.

I looked up to find his gaze locked on me.

A familiar ache stirred, but I looked away, steadying my breath. He's a married man. Besides, I had long suppressed the bond we shared.

“You didn’t call me here just to stare,” I said lightly, gently biting my lower lips.

The thought of him staring at me woke me up to something which I shouldn't have. He punished me ruthlessly before. Now, he was nothing but an enemy to my heart.

My face twisted and I balled my fist. "Alpha, I will be-"

If he thought a few polite words could erase exile, chains, and blood’ he was mistaken.

“Would you like to have tea with me?” he asked abruptly.