Chapter53
Halfway through, my phone rang.
I froze when I saw Alistair’s name on the screen.
I could ignore Evelyn’s calls, block Alpha Adrian’s forever, but Alistair…
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He’d always treated me decently, carrying himself like a respected elder. As old alpha of Helixon, he’d earned
my respect.
After a moment’s hesitation, I set down my forks and answered.
“Hello, Mr. Blackwood.”
I’d always called him that-formal, distant.
“Vivian,” Alistair’s voice was kind but firm,
“you and Alpha Adrian need to sit down and talk calmly. Hiding won’t solve anything. Come to the manor tomorrow night for dinner.”
“There’s no need for talk. He’s signed the papers to break the bond. If you want to persuade someone, convince him to finish the last steps. Once that’s done, I’ll be free of him and the Blackwood pack for good.”
My voice was steady, as if I were discussing a stranger’s life.
I’d lost the gamble, and I’d accepted it.
No bitterness, but I wasn’t about to forget the pain just because the scars had faded.
Alistair went silent on the other end.
After a long pause, he said, “Come. Whatever you’ve decided, this isn’t something you can settle alone. Both
mates have to agree, or it won’t happen. You need to face each other. Don’t you think?”
I didn’t reply.
Alistair pressed on.
“It’s just dinner. It won’t hurt. Do it for me.”
I weighed my options carefully.
I agreed, but not to please him.
I’d left Helixon and was set to break ties with his son.
The Blackwoods would soon be out of my life entirely, and his goodwill meant little now. I said yes because I saw a chance-a businesslike negotiation with Alistair, to convince him to rein in Alpha Adrian, to stop his pointless clinging.
Frank, nearby, had overheard.
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He stepped closer, concern in his eyes.
“What if it’s a trap, like last time? They might try something underhanded. Be careful.”
“You’re right,” I nodded.
I didn’t think Alistair would stoop that low, but Evelyn’s past schemes made me wary.
“I’ll hire bodyguards for tomorrow. Don’t worry.”
The Next Afternoon
4
1
I dressed meticulously, flanked by two professional bodyguards, and headed to the Blackwood manor.
My leg had healed enough to walk normally yesterday, but I stayed in the wheelchair as a precaution.
If things went south and the guards couldn’t handle it, I could play frail-then run.
Frank, pacing at home, called Elliot.
“Tell Alpha Gideon Vivian’s on her way to the Blackwood manor.”
Elliot didn’t question Frank’s reluctance but didn’t argue.
As an elder, Frank got a pass.
Leaving the assistant’s office, Elliot headed to Alpha Gideon’s quarters.
Alpha Gideon was by the window, phone in hand, chuckling at something.
At the knock, he lowered it and said, “Come in.”
Elliot, unaware he was on a call, blurted,
“Alpha Gideon, Vivian’s gone to the Blackwood manor.”
Alpha Gideon’s eyes sharpened imperceptibly, but his voice stayed cool.
“If she wants to go, let her. Why tell me?”
“Uh, I just thought…,”
Elliot trailed off.
But why would Alpha Gideon worry?
“Out,” Alpha Gideon said.
Elliot slipped away.
Alpha Gideon picked up the phone again.
A hearty male voice teased, “Who’s this Vivian? A new hire? Sounds like a she-wolf you’re keeping tabs on.”
“Just a secretary,” Alpha Gideon replied, flat and emotionless.
He ended the call quickly, lingered by the window, then dialed again-sending his best bodyguard to
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discreetly watch over the Blackwood.
That reckless she-wolf.
I arrived at the Blackwood manor.
Stepping inside felt different from every other visit.
The dining room was laid out with a lavish spread, but only Alistair sat there.
No Alpha Adrian. No Evelyn.
I had the guards wheel me to the table, then dismissed them to wait outside.
“Mr. Blackwood,” I greeted with a polished smile.
Alistair glanced at the departing guards, his expression tightening.
He knew about Evelyn and Vanessa’s hotel stunt-targeting his daughter-in-law.
No wonder I’d brought protection.
He shifted focus, nodding at my leg.
“What happened there?”
“Nothing serious. Took a trip, had a fall,” I said lightly, brushing it off.
“Travel can clear the mind.”
“It was nice. Would’ve been better without your son’s interruptions. If he’d just sign the final papers and go to pack court with me, it’d be perfect.”
My smile was soft, my tone polite, but my words cut to the chase-no small talk.
Alistair didn’t respond immediately, his kind face hardening.
“Can’t you give Alpha Adrian one more chance?”
“After everything-you know what he’s done. Do you think he deserves it?”
“You can’t stand a speck of imperfection, but life is long. Expecting a wolf to stay faithful forever, untouched by temptation-is that realistic? Even if Alpha Adrian didn’t chase other she-wolves, they’d throw themselves at him. Honestly, he’s not the worst. You’re still first in his heart. His fling with the Quinn she-wolf was just that a fling. He’s ready to cut ties and come back. Why not give him a shot?”
I let out a cold laugh.
“Maybe you’re right. Most wolves are like that, Alpha Adrian included. But I’m done with him.”
“You’re too stubborn,” Alistair sighed, then pressed on.
“I know you asked.for 1.5 billion to break the bond. If you stay, I’ll give you 2 billion and a place in the Blackwood as Alpha Adrian’s rightful mate. Any pups you have will be the pack’s heirs. Swallow your pride, and you’ll gain more than you can imagine. Think about it.”
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The offer was tempting.
Love? What a joke.
And after Vanessa, there’d be others-more mistresses, playing the dutiful mate with a fake smile.
“I’ve thought it over,”
“I’m breaking the bond.”
X the Alpha Regretted Having An Altair
