10: Lunch with the Ex

Samantha

I entered the garden dining area with Nick on my arm, the Borne family spared no expense for lunch, and if I didn’t know them I would think that they had planned it out for a week. The archway had a banner with mine and Angel’s names on it, the food was piled high. Fruits, a roasted and stuffed pig, a platter of fish wrapped in bacon, cheeses with crackers and random sliced meats, it was extravagant.

I wore a tight-fitting black dress that went to my calves, and Damon and Angel coordinated with my outfit. 

“Oh it’s all fabulous dear!” Damon gushed while giving Aldra a kiss on each cheek.

“Thank you Damon! It’s so good to see you!” She exclaimed happily before coming to give me a tight hug.

“Samantha, it’s so good to see you. How is business? I’ve heard quite a few rumors about your upcoming launch.” Her eyes sparkled at me.

“It’s a way to make your thoughts be a physical element, we brought a couple to give you guys. Damon came up with idea of utilizing a digital photo board that you can place them in and it will show you a physical manifestation.”

“Wow! The things you come up with blow my mind!” She complimented. 

“Thank you Aldra.” I gave her arm a squeeze.

“Angel, you look fabulous as usual!” Aldra moved from me to Angel and I stepped to the table. 

I had almost forgotten Amy would be here, but there she was with a sour-looking expression. I paid it no heed, after what I have accomplished so far, it was easy to ignore whatever and whoever might stand in my way. 

“See, I told you they like you more.” Nick whispered as his father walked up to us with a bright smile.

I giggled and pushed at him as Serburi gave me a quick hug then grabbed my hands.

“And how is our bright technological girl doing?”

“Just fine Serburi, thank you both for the lunch invite. I have missed your visits.”

He walked me to the table. “Yes, we have missed them as well. However, you do understand pack duties very well, not to mention running a multi-million-dollar company. We are very proud.”

“Yes, I do understand that. There’s practically no free time.” He nodded at my understanding.

“The girls were sorry to miss the lunch, upcoming classes at TSU have them very busy. They were hoping to hop on a video call with you later.”

“Sounds great.” I smiled as Nick pulled out a chair for me to sit in and then sat next to me. Angel was on my other side, with Damon next to her.

“So how do you all know Samantha?” Amy asked abruptly as everyone began putting food on their plates.

Everyone became silent, not willing to speak in case of accidentally giving up my old identity.

I plastered on smile on my face. “They are investors for Silverclaw Enterprise. Serburi was interested in the tech, particularly since Nick here went to school for it. They run a branch here in the west.” The words came easily from me.

Her smile looked like she swallowed a mosquito. “And that made everyone so close that you don’t even refer to them with proper titles? Made you part of the family somehow?”

I clicked my tongue. “I’m not sure I’m a fan of your tone, Miss Amy.”

She glared daggers at me. “And I’m not sure I’m a fan of how close you are to my mate.”

I laughed choking on the water I had taken a drink of. “Whatever do you mean? You couldn’t mean Nick, not since all that rejection business. Between us girls, I think he’s over it.” I winked at her as Nick, Damon, and Angel laughed out loud.

Her face turned beet red and she scowled. “Careful sweetheart, I don’t actually do the petty drama thing. Particularly with those I wouldn’t even trust to polish my shoe.” My tone was sharp as I halted whatever words she may have intended to throw at me. I had no intention of letting some she-wolf try to bully me, after the life I have had and how far I have come, I was not interested in anyone thinking that they could push me around.

“If you cannot respect our company, you can leave this luncheon Amy. Samantha is like a daughter to us and very welcome here. You’ve just come back after your chosen mate rejected you for his fated mate. Your history with Nicholas, if we can even call it that, was a long time ago, your family is your father, and out of respect for him we allowed to be here. I won’t keep you here if you antagonize Samantha and her pack members.” Serburi’s voice was low as he laid out the rules for her. His tone was dangerous even, not one I heard often.

She huffed, pushed on the table to move her chair back, and left the garden.

“We are so sorry about her Sam, she just arrived yesterday and we didn’t think she would try to cause any issues. When she heard about the owners of Silverclaw Enterprise and Silver Thread coming she was excited, there didn’t seem to be any ill will.” Aldra explained.

I smiled. “I’m not bothered by words of those I don’t consider important.” I said simply and shrugged.

In truth, I was more upset that she had the audacity to try and claim a man that she personally rejected. 

Aldra smiled as well. “Of course not, and you shouldn’t.”

“So, are you ready for this evening?” Serburi sounded concerned.

I nodded while chewing a piece of pork. “As ready as I can be, I was informed that Davis would not be there for Paladin.”

“It is true, Paladin and Cecilia have put off giving the reigns over to your brother, unfortunately.” Serburi answered sadly.

“It is very well. I have no intention of giving them any indication of who I am, I do not believe that they would even recognize me, to be frank.”

“Well you have allies. Mydel Blackhair will be attending as well as me, and their beta. Torvyne will join as well, there is news of other packs from various areas coming also. They are enticed to meet the alpha of Newblood and owner of Silverclaw Enterprise.”