Mia’s POV
I couldn’t hide the satisfaction bubbling inside me as I watched their
stunned faces. Xavier’s eyes were wide with disbelief, his brows
furrowed in confusion. Rolex stood frozen, as though he were trying to
make sense of what he was seeing. Their expressions alone made this
moment worth the years of planning and waiting.
Xavier finally broke the silence, his voice filled with something I couldn’t
quite place. “You’re alive.”
I tilted my head slightly, feigning ignorance. “I’m sorry, but what are
you talking about?”
His lips parted, and for a moment, it seemed like he couldn’t find the
words. Rolex stepped forward, his tone edged with desperation. “Mia,
it’s us. Don’t you-”
Before he could get too close, two guards stepped between us, blocking
his path.
“That’s far enough,” one of them growled. “You don’t approach the
princess without permission.”
The title echoed through the room, and I could see the weight of it hit
them like a blow. Their eyes flickered to me, and I didn’t miss the shock
that crossed their faces.
“Princess?” Xavier repeated, his voice low, almost incredulous.
“Yes,” I said coolly, folding my hands in front of me. “I am Princess Mia
of the Blood Moon pack. Now, would you care to explain why you’re
wasting my time?”
The disbelief in their eyes was almost laughable, but I kept my
expression neutral, refusing to let them see the satisfaction I felt.
Xavier’s jaw tightened as he turned to me. “Mia, it’s us. Don’t you know
-”
I cut him off, raising a hand. “I don’t know who you think you are, but
this is not how you address the princess of this pack.”
They exchanged a look, something unspoken passing between them.
Rolex leaned closer to Xavier, whispering something I couldn’t quite
catch, but I saw the slight nod Xavier gave him.
“She doesn’t remember us,” Rolex murmured.
I almost laughed at their assumption. The idea that I had lost my
memory was absurd, but I wasn’t going to correct them. If they thought I
had forgotten, then let them. It would make this all the more satisfying.
“Princess Mia,” Xavier said cautiously, his tone shifting to something
more formal, “we were invited here by the Alpha to discuss a business
proposal. We’re not here to waste anyone’s time.”
I raised an eyebrow, studying him for a moment before glancing at the
guards. “Is that so? I wasn’t informed of any such invitation. What
exactly are you here to discuss with the Alpha?”
Rolex stepped forward, though the guards bristled at his movement.
“It’s a project that could benefit both of our packs,” he explained
quickly. “We need to speak with the Alpha directly.”
I crossed my arms, pretending to consider their words. “Let me guess.
Your businesses are struggling, and now you’ve come here hoping for
help. Is that it?”
Rolex’s eyes flashed, but he didn’t deny it. “That’s not entirely true.
We’re here to form an alliance that will benefit both sides.”
I let out a soft laugh, the sound sharper than I intended. “An alliance?
How convenient. And tell me, what exactly does your pack bring to the
table that the Blood Moon pack doesn’t already have?”
They didn’t respond immediately, and I could see the frustration
building in Xavier’s expression. He took a step closer, but the guards
immediately blocked his path again.
“Step back,” one of them ordered.
“Princess, please,” Xavier said, his tone almost pleading. “We just need
a chance to explain. That’s all we’re asking for.”
I stared at him for a long moment, my heart pounding despite the calm
facade I projected. His closeness was making me nervous, stirring
emotions I thought I had buried long ago. I forced myself to stay
composed, reminding myself that this was all part of the plan.
“I don’t think so,” I finally said, my voice cold. “The Alpha has far more
important matters to attend to than entertaining visitors who can’t even
behave appropriately in his packhouse.”
Their eyes widened in disbelief. “Mia, you can’t-” Rolex started, but I
held up a hand to silence him.
“Enough,” I snapped, turning to the guards. “Escort them out. Make
sure they understand they are not welcome here unless explicitly
summoned by the Alpha.”
The guards immediately moved to obey, stepping forward to flank the
brothers.
Xavier’s eyes met mine, a flicker of something-hurt? Anger?-crossing
his face. “Mia,” he began again, but I turned away before he could finish.
As I walked toward the exit, Ima’s voice rang in my mind. “That was
bold.”
“They deserve worse,” I replied silently.
As I turned to leave the meeting room, I felt the familiar, commanding
presence before I saw him. Damon. My cousin, my mentor, and the next
Alpha of the Blood Moon pack, entered the room with his usual air of
confidence.
“Leaving so soon, Mia?” His deep voice carried across the room, pulling
my attention to him.
I stopped in my tracks, surprised to see him here. Damon rarely involved
himself in routine meetings unless it was something of significant
importance. “I didn’t know you were back,” I said, my tone softening
slightly.
He gave me a small smile, his sharp blue eyes flicking between me and
the two men who had clearly caught his interest. “I just returned from
the southern territories. Thought I’d sit in on this meeting. I didn’t
realize you were handling it.”
My gaze followed his as he looked at Xavier and Rolex, a knowing
expression crossing his face. “You know them?” I asked, my curiosity
getting the better of me.
Damon’s smile widened, but there was something teasing in his tone
when he responded. “You could say that. We haven’t spoken in years,
though. Isn’t that right, Xavier?”
Xavier, who had been glaring at the guards, turned his attention to
Damon, his expression softening slightly. “It’s been a while,” he
admitted.
Rolex stepped forward, his brow furrowed. “We didn’t expect to see you
here, Damon.”
I looked between them, my mind racing to connect the dots. Damon and
the Atwood brothers? Friends? The thought didn’t sit well with me.