Erica:
It was the next day and I settled into the business meeting with Dante, ready to discuss the usual
matters concerning our pack. I was caught off guard when he abruptly interrupted me, his words
sent a chill down my spine as he revealed the true purpose of our meeting.
“We need to get married”
“What!” I replied.
“Dante, I thought we were here to discuss the war with Hazan?” My tone was laced with
confusion.
Dante’s expression remained impassive as he cut me off. “I’m sorry, Erica, but that’s not why I
asked you here,” he replied.
“The council of Elders has been pressuring me about our pack’s future. They want to know when
I’ll be settling down and producing an heir.”
My eyes widened in disbelief at the unexpected turn of events.
“I wasn’t aware that this was on the agenda.” I forced out, my mind racing to process Dante’s
words. “I thought our focus was stopping Hazan.”
“Yes but the council.”
“There’s no council coming in , Dante. Do you remember that we are divorced and the only
reason why I am here is because of the contract our packs have?” Dante’s expression darkened
my defiance, but I stood my ground, refusing to back down.
“I know Erica.” He mouthed.
“I have a fiance, I’m sorry for making you feel like something could happen between us, nothing
can happen because I love Lorenzo.”
“I’ve told you not to mention his name in my presence.” He banged the table causing all eyes to
turn to us.
“Do you even remember that you lied to me, slept with you Laura, cheated on me and threw me
out of your house all in the name of true love? Why don’t you go back to the woman you love?”
“Because it’s you that I love, Erica. I have come to realize and I regret all that I have done. Come
back to me.”
“You’re kidding, you must be kidding.”
He looked deep into my eyes. “I’m not joking, Erica. I want you. I don’t care if you can give me a
child or not.
My phone rang cutting our intense stare, it was Ethan.
I hesitated for a moment, torn between the urgent conversation with Dante and the call from my
son. With a quick glance at Dante, i answered the call, my voice warm and affectionate.
“Hello, sweetheart, how are you?” , My tone immediately softening as i spoke to him. Despite the
tension of the moment, i couldn’t help but smile at the sound of his voice.
On the other end of the line, Ethan’s response was muffled, but i could hear the hint of
excitement in his tone. “Mom, I’m doing great,” he replied, his voice filled with happiness. “I just
wanted to call and see how you were doing. Are you okay?”
My heart swelled with love for my son as i reassured him, “I’m fine, sweetheart, just a bit busy at
the moment.” I glanced at Dante, who was watching me intently, and made a mental note to
keep my conversation with Ethan brief.
“Mum, Elsa and Elma are in a lot off trouble, they are throwing things around and screaming” he
complained.
“They are being bad mummy”.
Suppressing a sigh, I forced myself to maintain my composure. “Oh. Is that so?” I held down a
laugh he’s always trying to control his siblings, sounds like someone I know, I thought”
baby,” i replied, my voice steady. “I’m just in the middle of something, but I’ll call you back later,
okay?”
“Okay, Mom,” Ethan responded, his tone understanding. “Take care of yourself, and don’t work
too hard.”
My heart warmed at my baby’s concern, and i couldn’t help but smile. “I will, sweetheart. Love
you,” i said softly before ending the call.
Turning my attention back to Dante,
I could feel Dante’s gaze burning into my skin as i ended the call with Ethan. His anger was visible,
and i braced myself for his next onslaught of questions.
“Who was that?” Dante demanded, his voice sharp with irritation.
“Was that Lorenzo?”
I met his gaze evenly, refusing to be intimidated. “None of your business,” I retorted, my tone
firm
“Now, if that is all, you’ll have to excuse me. I have some personal matters to attend to.”
With that, I turned on my heel and began to walk away, my mind racing with thoughts of my
children and the unsettling conversation with Dante. I knew I needed to find a way to protect me
and my babies from his manipulative games, no matter the cost.
I suddenly felt a surge of electricity shoot through my body as Dante’s hand closed around mine. I
fought to suppress the shudder that threatened to betray my unease, meeting Dante’s intense
gaze with a steely gaze.
“Dante, let go,” I said firmly, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging within me. “This isn’t
appropriate, and you know it.”
Dante’s grip tightened slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. “You can’t deny the
connection between us, Erica,” he murmured, his voice low and persuasive. “You can’t deny me.”
My heart raced as I struggled to resist the pull of his magnetic presence.
“I won’t let you use me as a pawn in your games. Now, let go of my hand.”
“Use you as a pawn? Erica, I will never do that. I love you too much.” He pulled me closer to him
and pulled my face so he could kiss me but I was not going to let him have his way with me. No
Erica you are better than .
“No. Dante, you do not love me. You just want to taunt me. Please Dante let me go.” I begged
With a final, determined glare, I wrenched my hand free from Dante’s grasp and stormed out of
the room, leaving behind the lingering tension that hung in the air between us.
I ran as far as my legs could carry me and the moment I was in my car my driver drove off.