Chapter 46

The air around the dining room table was tense that evening. Both Kristen and Lana filled the silence with their own recount of their day, while James and I chose to sit back and keep to ourselves.

I could tell he was heavily bothered by what happened at work earlier. What Rudolf said right before he left, caused something to snap within him. As soon as Rudolf left, James returned to the sanctuary of his office without so much as another word.

My first thought was to at least tell him what Rudolf and I discussed. Part of me felt so compelled to follow him, but I knew he needed his space.

‘Fucking Rudolf Lawerence,’ I thought bitterly.

I could have strangled the sleazy bastard for having brought up Evelyn. I understood that Rudolf was Evelyn's brother—the man had every right to be upset. But to make such an outward statement, and in front of so many people, it was terribly uncalled for.

We were nowhere near halfway through the meal when I lost my appetite.

“Well, it sounds like the two of you have an eventful day,” I commented with a light smile.

The two women shared a knowing smile with each other. Kristen pushed her plate away to lean over the table.

“It appears we’re not the only ones who had an interesting day,” she said.

Lanna sipped at her wine and nodded. “We heard through the grapevine that Rudolf Lawerence came to visit the company today...And that he spoke to no one other than you.”

My eyes widened. A worried feeling seeped through me. I fully expected James to let out some sort of displeased noise or some curse, at the very least. But no.

Surprisingly, James’ mouth curved into an odd smirk as though he were strangely proud.

“Uh...Yes,” I said. “It was really weird, actually. I mean, the whole purpose of the meeting was to get Rudolf and James to talk out whatever issues the two of them were having, but it turned out to be just a one-on-one with him and me.”

“Don’t ever sell yourself short like that,” James remarked sternly. “What you did was curve a potential catastrophe.”

Both sisters widened their eyes with impressed astonishment.

“I’ve never liked him,” Kristen admitted. “Not even when James and Evelyn were together.”

“Me neither.”

“The man was too frightening to approach.”

“Yeah, he certainly wasn’t the warmest character to be around,” Lana added. “But to think, Rudolf Lawerence actually chose to speak to you over James in a business setting...”

I shrugged my shoulders back and tilted my head. “It wasn’t really a big deal,” I said. “I merely explained what went on when Monica visited the company that one time and caused nothing but chaos. He seemed pretty understanding.”

“Maybe he likes you,” Lana commented.

This time, James let a warning growl from the back of his throat. Instinctively, I reached out and rested my hand over his arm. I gently shook my head.

“It doesn’t matter if he does or doesn’t. What’s important is that he keeps his contract with Crescent Moon.”

Much of the angry tension in the air seemed to have dispersed. The three siblings all glanced at one another and shared the same impressive look amongst themselves. However, James still remained quiet from that point on.

But, thankfully, the conversation hastily shifted to another booming topic—one that made my stomach churn.

“The Alpha Gathering is coming up!” Lana said with excitement.

“Do you think this year’s event will be as interesting as what went on last year?” Kristen asked over the rim of her glass.

“Oh, anything is possible.” Lana waved off. “Especially if one of the aunts decides to bring an escort half their age.”

Apparently, the Alpha Gathering was considered to be one of the most exclusive events of the year. Only alphas of high standing in society were able to attend. It was a night in which many men showed off their power and authority they held over their packs.

And James was specifically using the opportunity to show me off as his new wife...Needless to say, I was rightfully terrified.

As dinner winded down, Kristen and Lana invited me to watch a movie with them in the living room. I was happy beyond belief over how well I was getting along with James’ sisters; however, I needed to prioritize my time in another way. I needed to talk to James.

“No, thank you, Lana,” I responded with a smile. “I think I’m going to turn in early tonight.

I peered around the place, hoping to catch a glimpse of James until I finally stumbled upon him in the bedroom.

The muscles in my stomach flip with anxiety. “Are you alright?” I asked. “I’m sorry about what Rudolf said to you. He had no right bringing up what he said about Evelyn.”

James turned to greet me with a weak smile, making my heart clench with sympathy.

“Unfortunately, he had every right. Evelyn was his sister and I did fail her. If I hadn’t been so wrapped up in my work, I don’t know, maybe I would have...”

My brows furrowed. I closed the space between us and boldly took James’ face in my hands as a means to console him. His brows lifted in surprise at my sudden approach.

“James, as powerful of a man as you are, you cannot control everything,” I told him firmly. “It’s not your fault what happened to Evelyn.”

James came to wrap his arms around my waist and pulled me close.

“Part of me will always find a way to blame myself and feel guilt for not having done more for Evelyn. It’s why I’m so manic when it comes to you. I cannot and will not make the same mistakes twice. I promise that I will do everything in my power to protect you, Mia. Even from someone as irritating as Rudolf Lawerence.”

My chest swelled with warmth as I giggled. “Honestly, he wasn’t that bad. Yes, a bit intimidating at first. But, he didn’t even push me into quitting Crescent Moon and going to work for him.”

I felt James’ entire body go stiff around me. He pulled back and glared down at me with eyes filled with fire.

“What?!”