Chapter 235
“Come in,” I called, my voice rougher than intended.
My Gamma assistant entered, head bowed slightly, not quite meeting my eyes. It had been a hell of a day. Ever since releasing the breakup announcement last night, my phone hadn’t stopped buzzing with Selene’s calls. I’d finally texted her that we’d talk this evening, but that hadn’t stopped the endless notifications.
Alpha.” The Gamma clasped his hands in front of him, the typical posture of someone expecting punishment.
I studied him for a moment, taking another drag from my cigarette. “Where is she?”
His throat bobbed as he swallowed, gaze dropping further. “Alpha, she developed a high fever. She–she was too afraid to…”
“Afraid of what?” I straightened in my chair. “Her death?”
The Gamma’s eyes widened at my tone, his posture stiffening as he bowed deeper. “Please forgive her, Alpha. Lysandra asked her where you were. She merely answered the question. She didn’t mean any harm.”
I gritted my teeth, fingers tightening around the cigarette. “And where were you when this happened?”
“I was in the restroom.”
“Bullshit. The word fell like a stone between us.
The Gamma’s shoulders hunched defensively, but he remained silent–smart enough not to argue.
“Fired,” I said flatly.
Color drained from his face. “A–Alpha, I’m so sorry. Please don’t fire me.”
I took one last drag from my cigarette before stubbing it out in the crystal ashtray on my desk. “Tell that woman I fired her. She likely won’t survive this fever anyway. She needn’t return to this company.”
Relief flooded the Gamma’s features, his shoulders dropping several inches. “Alpha, I’ll make sure she knows.”
I didn’t enjoy other people’s fear anymore. It seemed hollow now. What angered me wasn’t the breach of protocol but that Lysandra had been forced to endure humiliation. I’d specifically instructed my assistant to escort her to my office. Instead, she’d walked into a room full of Alphas eager to mock her.
“Where’s Delta Gaelen?‘
The Gamma stopped mid–step, turning back toward me. “Should I call him here?”
I reached for another cigarette, not answering immediately. The flame from my lighter cast a momentary glow across my face as I inhaled. Exhaling a cloud of smoke, I finally responded.
“Tell him to bring that woman to me. I want to see her in my apartment tonight.”
“Yes, Alpha.
I needed to do something to address Lysandra’s anger toward me. But first, I had to dig deeper into the past.
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing the corridor leading to my penthouse. It had been a long day of damage control after.
Chapter 235
the breakup announcement.
As I approached my door, a figure emerged from the shadows, Selene stood there, arms crossed over her chest, chin lifted in defiance. Her blonde hair fell in perfect waves around her shoulders, her dress revealing the scar on her arm.
Selene.”
“How could you?‘ Her voice trembled with rage. “A public announcement? Everyone in the pack is talking about it. You humiliated me in front of the entire pack.”
I pulled my keys from my pocket, ignoring the accusation in her tone.
You can’t just end things with a public statement,” she hissed, stepping directly into my path, blocking my access to the door.
I looked into her angry eyes, grasped her arm and gently moved her aside. “We agreed to talk tonight. This is me keeping that promise.”
Before I could insert the key, Selene grabbed my wrist, stopping me. “How could you do this to me, Tristan? The whole pack is laughing at me. Do you know what they’re saying? That you dumped me because Lysandra’s back. That I was just a placeholder.”
“Selen-
“No, Tristan,” she cut me off, her voice rising. “Don’t ‘Selene‘ me. The timing is too perfect to be coincidence. She returns, and suddenly you’re announcing our breakup to the entire pack? Everyone saw you dragging Lysandra into your office yesterday. And by the way, why was that woman in your office in the first place? Why can’t she leave me in peace for one moment? Just when I thought we were stable, she shows up
with her children.”
I felt my expression darken, a frown forming on my face. “They’re my children too.”
Selene avoided my gaze, her hand trembling slightly on my wrist. “I–I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. But why are you breaking my heart?”
I patted her hand, gently but firmly removing it from my wrist. “I’m not a good man. You don’t deserve me; you deserve someone better. Selene, let’s end this.”
She snatched her hand back, taking a step away from me. Tears spilled down her cheeks, smearing her mascara. “I’ve loved you for years. How can you change your mind?”
My fingers tightened around my keys, the sharp edges nearly piercing my palm. I knew I was a traitor. Leaving her meant betraying the little girl who had saved me. She was my savior. But right now, all I could do was end this one–sided relationship. No matter what, she would never have a happy life with me.
“People say you’re cold–blooded, but until now, you’ve never shown me your cruel side. But what’s gotten into you today, Tristan? Why do you want me to see you as a heartless man? How can you forget what I did for you when I was just a child?
Her voice broke on the last word, the sound piercing something inside me. Still, I remained firm. There was no going back now.
“What keeps you wanting her?” Selene continued, desperation making her voice higher. “Tristan, is it just because she’s the mother of your children? If that’s the case, I can be a good moth-*
“It’s because I love that woman,” I interrupted.
Selene stared at me, her mouth falling open. What did you just say? Love–love her?”
She lunged forward, grabbing my collar and yanking me down to her height. “Tell me you’re lying to me. Tell me you love me, not her. Tell me you’re just joking. What did I do wrong? Did I ever stop you from doing anything?”
I stared at her, my frown disappearing as I gently but firmly pried her hands from my collar. “I’m not lying. It would be better for you to start a new life, as I suggested years ago.”
2/3
Rejected Luna Returns with Secret Twins
