Chapter 50

[James’ POV]

‘What the actual fuck is happening right now?’ James thought bluntly to himself.

James knew beforehand that this night was causing a lot of stress for Mia. He believed that the staff at home had done an amazing job getting her ready and boosting her confidence. Mia looked magnificent, he couldn’t have felt more pride in his mate.

They managed to work through the hordes of reporters and photographers on the way in without much fuss. All was going well until they came across his mother.

James hadn’t expected Diana to say much, considering their last encounters were less than stellar. But from the glinting look in his Uncle’s eyes, he should have known that something was off. When Gavin had asked Mia to step out for a drink, James became filled with an uncomfortable feeling.

He overheard the outrageous deal Gavin tried to offer Mia. It was no less of a miracle that he hadn’t lost his temper. His wolf snarled and thrashed with the need to pull Mia away and console the anger that was rising within her.

‘Wonderful,’ he thought dryly. ‘Now that’s two people who have tried to buy her out of my life.’

From that point on, James did everything in his power to remain close to Mia. But somehow luck just wasn’t on his side. Right when he thought he had a moment of reprieve, Mia’s supposed Uncle David started to approach him.

He didn’t know why, but James did not like the feeling the other man gave off. It was hostile, yet wavering. And just what the hell was going on with this ‘cousin’ Michael of hers?

James was forced to witness the nail-biting scene of another man clearly vying for her attention. He was not pleased in the slightest. He immediately noted the way Michael’s eyes roamed over Mia and forced back a predatory growl.

As the night moved on, James remained vigilant. Most of the guests began heading into the main ballroom where music was playing.

Eager to have a few moments alone with his mate, James opened his mouth to ask Mia if she cared about dancing. Unfortunately, Michael beat him to it.

“Mia, may I have this dance?” he asked boldly.

Mia turned her head to glance at James, as though she were asking for some sort of approval. Against his better judgment, James nodded his head.

‘It doesn’t matter,’ he told himself. ‘It doesn’t matter. It’s just a quick dance. It doesn’t mean anything.’

James was beginning to lose against his own inner thoughts. Because, much like Ben, Michael had a history with Mia. And not for nothing, but the guy wasn’t exactly unattractive. James took note of the multiple girls that were flocking toward Michael when he first arrived.

Michael looked marveled at Mia’s appearance and tried complementing her any chance he got.

However, for what it was worth, Mia didn’t appear to be taken by the man’s charms.

With all the patience he had, James silently watched the two dance across the room and ignored the burning in his chest.

In the meantime, James surveys the room. Everything seemed to be going as planned until his sisters approached him from the sides. The two looked deeply distressed.

“We’ve got a huge problem,” Lana hissed under her breath.

“What is it?”

They all turned their heads to see a very unwanted figure. Edward Derek stood tall and proud in the doorway. His dark features made him look noticeably menacing and he captured everyone’s attention in the worst way possible.

James felt his wolf lunge within him. “What the fuck is he doing here?” he growled.

“I don’t even know how he made it past security,” Kristen noted.

Edward scanned the room with interest before landing on James and his sisters. Gradually, the older man approached the group with a sly smile on his face.

“Well, if it isn’t my charming nephew and my two beautiful nieces,” he slithered.

“Uncle Edward. We didn’t think we were going to see you tonight,” Lana remarked coldly.

“And miss all the fun? I think not,” he chuckles. “It’s not every day that our young Alpha here marries for a second time.”

James felt his anger spike to unimaginable heights. Thankfully, he soon felt the calming touch of his mate by his side. Mia must have witnessed what was happening across the room to break her dance with Michael because the music kept playing in the background.

Edward narrowed his eyes on her with distinct intrigue. He couldn’t tell what was circling through the older man’s mind, but whatever it was there was zero doubt that it was pleasant.

The man refused to pull his eyes away until he was called upon by someone across the room. “How interesting,” he muttered under his breath.

James laced an arm around Mia’s waist and tried to ground himself once more. He was eager for the night to end.

...

By the time everyone made their way into the dining room, the tension was far too thick for anyone to breathe properly. At least James was able to relax, knowing that Mia was situated between him and his sisters at the table.

When it came time for James’ father, Roman Derek, to stand up and make his annual speech.

“...As always, I would like to thank each and every one of you who have come out tonight to join us for this year’s annual Alpha Gathering...”

James was grateful for the minor distraction.

“I’d also like to give a special recognition to my son, James and his new wife, Mia.”

This led to many of the attendees turning their heads to catch a glimpse of the couple. James could feel Mia tense beside him. He lowered his hand down to rest it over her thigh.

The room filled with muffled chatters, but only one voice managed to trample over all of them.

Edward spoke out and made the underhanded comment. “She’s quite different from the last one, isn’t she?” he mused.