Emily’s POV
Today, I would face Aiden. I had mentally prepared myself for this moment. The moment of truth, where I have to face the man who had broken my heart into a million pieces and left me for dead, the father of my pup. I had no intention of letting emotions rule me or appear weak before him. I would stand tall, as Alpha Emily Roux Moreau, the Leader of the Rock Reel pack, not the stupid timid Omega he once knew.
I got dressed for the occasion, exuding power and elegance. I made sure my black tailored suit, form-fitting and stylish, accentuated my curves, which stands as a reminder to me that I had evolved beyond the girl Aiden once discarded. The crimson blouse beneath the blazer added a fiery touch, as a symbol of my transformation from that fragile Omega to the Alpha I am now. My black stiletto heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as I moved, announcing my presence with every step.
I managed to convince Ethan to meet Aiden first and he agreed. He knew how important this moment was to me. I wanted to make an entrance, I wanted to watch Aiden’s reaction, and most importantly, I wanted to let him know that I was no longer the woman he once cruelly called ‘nothing.’ I am Alpha now.
As Ethan sat with Aiden in the meeting room, discussing terms for the alliance, I waited behind a closed door in the inner library, I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. I could feel Lily, my wolf, becoming restless inside her.
“Girl, What the fuck? Slow down,” I scold Lily internally. Lily had never been able to forget Smoke, after that one night that brought misfortune into our life but there is absolutely no room for weakness today. When the time to come out came, I pushed the door open and stepped into the room, in all glory.
Aiden’s reaction was everything I had hoped for. His jaw visibly tightened, his eyes wide with disbelief. He couldn’t mask his amazement and the way his gaze devoured me. I started feeling a magnetic pull between us, even after all these years, but I forced myself to focus on the task at hand.
“Hello, Alpha Aiden,” I greeted with an authoritative smooth voice and professionalism as I extended my hand. “I’m Emily Roux Moreau, Alpha of the Rock Reel pack.”
Aiden stood, clearly stunned for a moment before he took my hand, his fingers lingering a little longer than necessary. His eyes never left mine, his expression was clouded with confusion and disbelief.
My heart raced as Lily became restless once again but I tried to keep her at bay. I didn’t let it show. I kept my smile, cool and composed.
“Shall we continue with the negotiations?” I pressed gesturing for him to sit.
Aiden’s gaze softened for a second before he nodded and took a sit. His eyes betrayed him, he repeatedly drifted over my figure, and his eyes lingered on my chest as if taking in how much I had changed since we last met. My once petite frame had grown stronger, and more powerful, and my body had filled out in ways that made him swallow hard. His attention didn’t go unnoticed.
We sat at the table to finalize the terms of the alliance. Ethan led most of the discussion, but I made sure to assert myself, and I contributed with calm confidence. I could feel Aiden’s focus shift from the details of the alliance to me, barely able to concentrate on what was being said. His eyes, almost possessive, flickered with something like regret or yearning. I can’t say.
By the time we reached an agreement that the Rock Reel Pack would provide training and security to Aiden’s pack, I was mentally exhausted. I just had to keep my composure the entire time, despite the tension. The meeting had been productive, but underneath it all, I could sense Aiden’s emotions swirling.
As the meeting came to a close, I stood up and extended my hand once again.
“Thank you for your cooperation, Alpha Aiden. We’ll be in touch soon regarding the next steps.”
Aiden took my hand, his grip firm but lingering, as though he didn’t want to let go.
“It was good to see you again, Emily,” he said, his voice low and filled with meaning.
I had no intention of engaging in any emotional conversation. Not now.
“Goodbye, Alpha,” I replied, turning on my heel without looking back. I walked away gracefully with my head held high, and each step exuding confidence. I could feel his gaze burning into my back, but I didn’t stop.
I walked to the car where Andrew waited by a sleek Lamborghini Urus. He opened the door for me with a smile and I stepped in. Andrew had been by my side for the past five years, even though he had feelings for me, but I never returned them. He had asked me out many times, but I always kept it platonic.
As we drove away from the estate, Andrew glanced over at me.
“Who was that? He looked like he wanted to kidnap you and eat you,” he asked, half-joking, half-serious.
I chuckled, rolling my eyes.
“Eat me? Please. He’s our ally, nothing more.”
“But he looks like there’s something more to it.” He said but I didn’t say anything further. Even though Andrew and I were very close, he didn’t really know much about my personal business. He just knew I had kids and their father isn’t here with us. He didn’t know how much their father hurt me.
When he noticed the change in my mood, he brushed the topic off.
“You know, you could give me a shot. I wouldn’t hurt you.” He shoots his shot again in an attempt to change the topic
“Andrew, you know you’re like a brother to me. Besides, I have more important things to worry about.” I just gave him a playful side-eye.
“One day, Emily. One day you’ll see me as more than just a friend.” He sighed, shaking his head in mock defeat.
I laughed lightly, but my mind was already drifting back to Aiden. More specifically, how I would introduce him to the son he wasn’t sure he had. The thought filled me with both dread and excitement. Would Aiden accept his role as a father? Would he try to reclaim Us? Or had too much time passed?
As we drove through the streets of Paris, I gazed out the window, my mind swirling with unanswered questions. I knew one thing for sure, my life was no longer tied to Aiden’s past. I am stronger now, more powerful, and I would never let anyone break me again.
As I thought of her Leo, I knew the day would come when I would have to face Aiden not as an ally, but as the father of my pup.