Chapter 56

[James’ POV]

James was pleasantly surprised by how swiftly the public’s opinion had shifted when he released his personal statement to the press. According to Daniel, The Alpha had been receiving ongoing requests from various media quotes that were looking for a further in-depth explanation.

However, James was satisfied enough with what he had given them. Along with telling the truth of Rudolf’s malicious intent toward Mia, he’d purposely spun the story to prompt the other alpha to step forward and give his own statement.

But, knowing Rudolf, that issue was as good as finished. Because, at the end of the day, even Rudolf had to know that there was nothing he could possibly say that would make him appear as the victim in the situation.

‘What he did was wrong,’ James concluded to himself. ‘And not even he could try and warp the story in any other way now.’

In the meantime, Daniel had just finished clearing all the new photos for the advertisements to go out. “Now, we wait,” he said with hope.

Within the twelve hours, everyone had well forgotten about the fight and were far too focused on the alluring photos he and Mia had taken together. The responses that were coming in were completely immaculate. With all of what they’d done combined, the feedback was utterly explosive.

James happily took notice of Mia’s relaxed demeanor since the issue was put to rest. She seemed more at ease and was able to return back to her work without that strained look of worry.

Gradually, even the atmosphere around the office went back to normal. All the departments were in full operation as they should be and the phones remained busy on the lines. Now, many of Crescent Moon’s prior clients were looking to renew their contracts.

James sat behind his desk and looked through a few of the photos he’d requested of him and Mia. The corner of his mouth curved upward into a pleased smile. But deep in the back of his mind, James was struggling to deal with the obvious issue he’d been having.

Why? Why was it so difficult to tell Mia that she was his fated mate? Why couldn’t he just come out and tell her the truth?

Based on the pictures that were taken, the chemistry between them was undeniable. Anyone with a pair of eyes could see that they were meant to be together.

Hell, he almost told her during the photoshoot. The scene couldn’t have been any more perfect if he’d tried. The sun was shining with just a few clouds floating overhead. There was a light breeze that caused Mia’s hair to gently cascade over her shoulders and frame her face.

The woman was glowing and looked purely ethereal.

And, yet, nothing. He started talking and then the words became lost in his throat...

Christ, what a wasted opportunity.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

James lifted his head up from staring at the pictures to turn his attention toward the door. “Yes?”

Daniel opened the door and meekly came through. “Sir, Rudolf Lawerence would like to speak with you,” he announced.

“You mean he’s on the phone?”

The beta shook his head. “No, sir. Mr. Lawrence is literally standing outside your office,” he said.

James let out an unenthusiastic grunt and rolled his eyes. The last couple of days have been nothing short of exhausting. Productive—but exhausting. His thoughts and feelings toward Rudolf had not gone down in the slightest.

“How daring of him,” James muttered. “Fine, send him in.”

Daniel curtly nodded and left the office. A few seconds passed before the door opened again and in walked a run-down-looking Rudolf. Parts of his face were still bruised from the heavy punches that were thrown his way.

“To what do I owe the pleasure, now?”

Rudolf raised his hands up in defense and smirked as though he was impressed. “Merely here to clear the air,” he commented.

James raised a doubtful brow. “Really? Are you sure it isn’t because the press are now trying to bang down your door for answers?”

Lawrence shrugged his shoulders back. “I admit, I was a bit out of sorts the night of the gathering.”

“You nearly attacked Mia.”

“Yes, for that I am willing to apologize,” he stated.

James curved his brow, giving the man a look of disbelief while Rudolf rolled his eyes.

“Yes, I know, it’s hard to believe that I do, in fact, have a conscience. I would never have tried something so reckless had I known the truth.”

“What truth?”

“That you and Mia are fated mates.”

James shot up from his chair and stood glaring at the man.

“How the hell did you come to that conclusion?”

Rudolf let out a long breath and shook his head. “Oh, please. The two of you could not have been any more obvious,” he said. “Those photos that the two of you took, were a clear sign alone.”

James tore his eyes from Lawrence to glance back down at the pictures that were strung out across the top of his desk. For a moment, he studied the soft, leisurely expressions that he and Mia had.

Of course, Rudolf was right. Whether Mia caught on to it or not, in most of the photos, James

Was looking directly at her as though she were the only thing in his world that mattered.

‘That’s because she is,’ his wolf argued.

“Wait...” Rudolf’s voice filled with sparking realization. “Mia doesn’t know about it, does she?”

James bit the inside of his cheek. “I haven’t found the right time to tell her,” he grounded out.

Lawrence raised an inquisitive brow and crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, if I were you, I wouldn’t waste any more time. The longer you wait, the more opportunity you’re allowing for someone to swoop in and take her.”