Chapter 49

I truly didn't know what to make of that strange phone call I had with David. It seemed innocent enough—of course, that would be if he and I had an actual normal relationship...

I tried my best to remain as resolute and passive on the phone as possible. The fact that I would essentially be seeing him and Michael sooner than I ever would have expected only added to my nauseating worry of this evening.

Tonight was the Alpha Gathering and I was in the midst of getting myself ready. Thank God, I had Lily and most of the staff at my disposal to help me get myself together.

With the helpful tips from Lana and Kristen, I had gone with an off-the-shoulder, dark purple-colored gown. It gave both my body a decent shape as well as concealed my growing baby bump.

A few of the maids helped me pin back most of my hair, giving me a messy chignon style in the back. They chose a darker palette for my makeup this time to really accentuate the color of the dress.

When it came time to leave, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from James. The man was dressed in a stunning three-piece suit that was hand-tailored only for him.

His voice came out low and rumbled as his gaze swept over me. “I don’t think I want you leaving the house tonight,” he said. “You’re too beautiful to have all those other men leer at you.”

My face flushed as I playfully rolled my eyes. “Come on, let’s go.”

...

When James and I arrived at the event hall, I was completely awestruck. The place was decorated beautifully and without a single imperfection. As the car pulled up, my stomach dropped from seeing a bunch of people with cameras and notepads.

I had no idea that people from the press and other media outlets were going to be in attendance. Then again, why wouldn’t they be?

‘This is the perfect time for them to snap a new photo and try to get an update on the newest information on our relationship,’ I thought warily.

James took my hand and helped escort me down the large rolled-out carpet. Cameras were flashing and over a dozen people were asking various questions. I felt like a celebrity—a feeling I knew I would never get used to.

Everything started to calm down when we finally started to work the room. While I tried to keep my demeanor poised and collected, I could feel others staring at me. To be honest, none of it really bothered me...That is until we came across Diana and a man who wasn’t her husband.

“Mia, this is my mother’s brother, Gavin Ellison,” James said.

I respectfully bowed my head and gave a small smile. Gavin Ellison appeared stern, much like his sister. However, when he opened his mouth to speak, I was surprised to find out that the man spoke in a soft tone.

“Would you care to join me near one of the fire pits for a drink?” he suggested.

“Of course,” I replied. Ellison grabbed a glass of champagne while I proceeded to sip on a glass of water.

For the first time all evening, I was beginning to feel at ease. Perhaps this event wasn’t going to be as bad as I’d expected.

“I know about the deal my sister tried to make you. Personally, I think she could have aimed higher if she really wanted you to leave James.”

‘Oh, son of a bitch,’ I cursed in my head. ‘Apparently, I spoke too soon.’

My heart sank in my chest. “Mr. Ellison—”

He held up a hand to stop me. “I’m prepared to offer you twice the original amount and even throw in a house that is located in whatever region of the world that you fancy. How does that sound?”

My eyes narrowed. I did my absolute best not to shatter the glass that I was clutching so tightly in my hand at that very moment.

“Mr. Ellison, with all due respect, you could offer me all the money in the world, and it wouldn’t matter,” I sneered. “I’m not leaving James. So, I suggest that you and Diana stop thinking that I am some gold-digging tramp that can be bought.”

Just then, we were joined by a very tense-looking James. He glared at his uncle and slightly led me away.

‘Well, so much for a peaceful evening,’ I thought bitterly.

Just when I was trying to regain my composure, I was struck with a sight that nearly took me off my feet. Both David and Michael came walking through the large archway.

I found it slightly odd that David’s presence managed to cause such a mild stir amongst the other guests. But why? Technically, David was an Alpha. So, why were some people glaring at him as though they knew more than I did?

No matter, David’s presence caused a tremulous wave of unnerving energy to fill the space, just as I once remembered him. The second his eyes landed on me, he ignored everyone else around him and made his way over.

A devious-looking smile curled the corners of his mouth before he flickered his gaze toward James.

“You look just like your mother,” he claimed. “You remember Michael, don’t you? The two of you used to be rather close when you were younger?”

I wasn't entirely sure if I would have considered us ‘close’ per se. Again, I only saw Michael whenever David chose to make an appearance.

My brows lifted in shock. ‘Holy shit...That’s Michael?’

The man who stood no more than six feet away was not the same boy I once remembered. Michael was muscular and well filled out. His features were sharp and defined, giving him an air of mystery to him.

It was no surprise that a flock of women had already gathered around him. That once shy boy was now used to being the center of attention it seemed. The women that were in front of him batted their eyes and tried to get him to open up; however, Michael couldn’t have appeared less interested. When our eyes met, he immediately came over and graced me with a smile.

David looked far too smug with himself as he spoke. “How about the two of you catch up while I make my rounds?”