After Rejection: A wolfless Omega's Comeback

NINETEEN

Alexander’s Pov

As I watched the door to my study, I pinched the bridge of my nose. I don’t think I’ve ever been so worked up like this in my life. I had been waiting for half an hour now but she still wasn’t here. Will she come, or not?

What if she thinks I’m the last person the bouquet of flowers would come from?

Lately, Rowena hasn’t been herself. She’s either lost in thought or speaking to herself the next minute. I have the hunch it had to do with Sébastien but I can’t prove it. Not when she’s not telling me anything.

I thought about different ways to make her happy and when I couldn’t come to a decision, I found myself confiding in Dax, my closest friend.

“You are a man. You should know what ladies like.” He had told me. It’s almost laughable how I took his advice for the first time, despite the fact that he's the most unserious person I know.

Early this morning, I was driven to the closest flower garden and got her roses. It was her favorite. She told me everything about her, and as time passed, I learnt her likes and dislikes on my own.

So, I hoped the flowers would be enough to comfort her.

However, now after delivering them to her room, my mind was unsettled. A lot of thoughts passed through my mind at the same time. Should I have written my name on it? Would keeping it anonymous not make her think it was from someone else?

Damn, I would be so frustrated if that happens.

My alarm suddenly rang on my desk and I snapped out of my thoughts. I swiftly grabbed my jacket and walked out of my study. I felt the heat rising up my neck as I sat at the back seat and my driver started the car.

It’s another meeting with the councils today, and I feel extremely anxious, my heart beat gradually rising in my chest.

They wanted me to come to a conclusion today. But I’m afraid I might not be able to give them the answer they want.

I have been keep it a secret from Rowena but since a week ago, rumors has been spreading around the pack that Rowena’s twins weren’t biologically mine. I don’t know how the rumor started, nor have I been able to find out who spread it, but the councils are raging.

They wanted a paternity test.

They gave me a few days to make up my mind and hand them the right to conduct the test. But the day is here now and my mind was still as hard as stone.

If the test comes out positive, which it certainly would, they are going to depose Rowena of her title, and force me to take up another woman to breed me heirs for the pack. And I can’t imagine myself letting go of Rowena. Not after I have grown fond of her, and used to having her around.

Right as the driver stepped on the brake pad, pulling to a stop outside the building, I snapped out of my thoughts. My head held high, I stepped out of the car, the door closing behind me.

While my driver waited outside, I walked inside the meeting room, the sound of my footsteps alerting them of my arrival and causing their heads to turn my way.

They were murmuring words to each other before but now, they’ve fallen silent, each of the councils discreetly breathing a sigh of relief. But I noticed.

I was only a few minutes late and yet, it seems they already concluded I wasn’t going to show up and had bailed on them. But I wasn’t a coward.

As I lowered myself on the seat at the head of the large table, they all bowed their heads in greeting before taking their seats too. Then I prepared for the worst, my fear spiking.

“Now that we are all present, let’s get started,” High Elder Donald was the first to clear his throat, and speak. “Today’s meeting was specifically scheduled to hear a final answer from our Alpha. He’s here now and I believe we are all ready.”

They all chorused an answer, their gazes on me.

I forced a chuckle, playing it cool.

“I’m more than happy to be here today. And most of all, to be able to address the rumors “ My heart was racing but I composed myself, my hands folding across my chest. “When I brought The Luna to the pack, she was pregnant and I am sure you all saw it. Even if the pregnancy was made up, she gave birth and they are an evidence. Should the baseless rumors make you councils go wild to the point you question the Luna’s legitimacy?” My tone was sharp with disapproval.

Which came as a shock to them, and I felt discomfort settling over them. They must have been expecting me to cower and let them have their way.

Swallowing hard in unease, High Elder Donald slowly reclaimed his seat. I narrowed my eyes, wondering why he had given him so easily, when someone else mustered up the courage and stood.

It was High Elder Kael. The second in command to Donald.

“Alpha, we are not doing all these to put the Luna down, neither does it lessen our trust in her. But we believe if the children grew up and had no resemblance to your majesty like the so-called baseless rumors, we have the right to demand for the proof of paternity,” He said, looking at me with that confidence that made me almost falter.

Or maybe not almost, but completely.

Heart sinking, my hands dropped from my chest, curling into a tight frustrated ball on my knees.

“If there’s truly nothing to hide, then this isn’t worth arguing over. All we want is for you to grant us permission, Alpha.” I slipped into silence, wondering how to respond when his voice cut in. When he finished, he gave a curt bow before stepping back to take his seat.

Was I crazy or did I just sense a threat in his tone?

My face hardened. “If the test is conducted and you all are proved wrong, who will take accountability?” I asked coldly, standing now.

They all paused, lost for words.

“But, Alph—”

I shook my head and raised a hand up in the air, interrupting them.

I was so close to growling. “No. Tell me who would take the damn fall. I need to know first.” I demanded, glancing at their now pale faces. While the silence in the room stretched.

Since I wasn’t going to grant them the right, I just needed something to make them waver and I found it.

After all, none of them would want to put their lives on the line for something they aren’t certain of.

I waited a few more minutes and when neither of them muttered a word or came out, I knew I won.

“With this, I guess this meeting has hereby been concluded.” A triumphant smile almost curved up my lips but I hindered it, trying not to seem too excited about the turn out of the meeting.

Right after I spoke, without saying anything, they all stood up; their heads bowed in resignation as I strode out of the hall.

Even until I reached where the car was packed, and got inside, a smile still lingered on my lips. Finally, I was able to settle things and now, maybe the rumors would stop too. And she wouldn’t have to worry so much.

Only Rowena has ever given me this much calmness and peace, and perhaps that’s the main reason why I’m afraid to meet my fated mate. If it would mean letting go of Rowena, then, I don’t pray to ever find my mate. Or be fated with one.

Because I desire her.

Rowena.

The first and last woman I’ll ever love. The one who came into my life so suddenly and stole both my heart and soul away.