Chapter 5

Magnus’s POV

The drive back home was quiet. I caught her staring in my direction a few times. Her face was void of her usual wide smile. And I didn't even know what to say to her that would make sense at the moment.

When I had agreed to be in a contract marriage with Cassia, it was solely out of my revenge for my step-son. That unappreciative spoiled brat. Nothing I ever did for him mattered. He fought me every chance he got. 

I needed a son of my own, and when I saw the second time in the club. I knew it was fate that had brought us together.

The passionate one-night stand we shared was the best I’d had in years since being spouseless. She was desperate, yet I saw the fire that burned in her eyes. I just thought I could use that to my advantage. 

A loveless marriage was the terms of our contract. Give me a son, and then we go our separate ways. But you can already tell that was not the case. 

I got to know every inch of her body and soul. Cassia became the shining light in my dark life. She filled me in ways I never imagined. Cassia was what I’d call pure innocence, and in this world, her kind was rare to find. 

I felt a pang of guilt throbbing in my chest that of all the people that brought me peace, it had to be with my late friend’s daughter, and I even convinced myself that it was my way of protecting her. 

Selfishness at its highest peak. 

Maybe I couldn't just ignore the fact that she was too good in bed. 

Fuck, I shouldn't be thinking of all this right now. When her killer eyes were planted at the back of my skull. The same look she’d have when I decided to punish her in the bedroom.

“Baby, It's didn’t happen the way he said,” I blurted out, “You already know my son is an ass,”

“I don't want to talk to you. Let's just go home.” She sniffled. 

I should just bash his brains out. He’s really out to ruin any form of happiness I had savoured for myself. 

“If you would just let me explain,” I begged for an audience the umpteenth time since we left the party. 

I looked at her from the rearview mirror, our eyes met, and she threw her head outside the window. 

I arrived in my digital mansion, the place that held a lot of memories, including the new ones I made with her. 

For the first time in my life, I was scared. Scared of losing someone. Scared of losing her.

“Let me get that for you,” I said as I rushed out of the driver's seat to open the door, but she stormed out and slammed the car door so loudly that it screamed nothing but the pain I caused her.

If only she would let me explain.

“Honey,” I yelled, running after her. 

“You've lost the right to call me that,” She yelled back. 

She announced her presence in the whole house. My usually quiet house was now filled with thundering noises from doors. 

“No, no, no,” I shouted as I saw her entering our room. I knew she was about to lock the door. 

I schooled my features and went downstairs. When the maids heard me coming, they scampered away, pretending to get busy. I could tell, but that was the least of my problems. 

I ended up sleeping in the first room she slept in, before she felt comfortable enough to move into the master’s bedroom with me. Her strawberry and cinnamon scent still lingered on the sheets. I took a long whiff and let out a sigh before I drifted off.

The morning felt like it would never come, but I did. 

After showering, I grabbed a spare suit from the laundry. I went upstairs to knock on her door, but she still didn’t open up. 

“Tell my wife, I won't be back home today, and when she comes out of the room, make sure to call me,” I said to the maids, and they all nodded. 

“Alpha Magnus, we made breakfast.”

“I’m running late,” I said. 

How could I eat when she hasn’t eaten? I’d probably get an ingestion.

Outside, the driver held the car door for me. “We are making a stop at the jewelry store,” I informed.

I got what I needed at the jewelry store, and we went to the office. 

“Who let you in here?” I barked as I opened my door.

“Your assistant secretary. I told her I'm your step-son.” He said, twirling around in the seat with a satisfied smile on his face. 

“Remind me to fire her before you leave.” 

“Oops, I forgot, you were always quite the disciplinarian, but not when it comes to marrying your step-son’s mate.” 

“What do you want?” 

“Nothing. I think you might even need my help.” That stupid grin again.

“Is that all you came to say? Then you can leave.” 

“Levi,” I called the guard outside, “Escort him out of the building.”

“No. Dad wait. That's not all. I just came to tell you that the other packs are moving in on you.” His voice dropped to a whisper, “Word even has it that someone is staging a coup inside your pack.” 

“Are you done?” I said in a grim tone.

“You don't believe me?” 

“Actually, I do. I’m well aware.” I rose from my seat and rounded to the front of my desk. I sat on it facing him. “The only question I have now is, why are you suddenly looking out for me?” I looked my eyes on him, holding his glare. But he looked away immediately, adjusting nervously in his seat. 

“I just want her back. That's all it's going to take. Are you even listening to what people are saying behind your back?” 

A wicked smirk curved on my lips, “People? Or just you?”

He swallowed, “You married my mate and the mere thought of you…” 

“Say it..why are you holding back? You know, as a kid, you were just the worst. Even when your mom and I would buy you new toys, new clothes, new books, and donate the rest to poor kids. You’d still make a fuss and fight them. You even once tore a shirt off a boy's body.” 

“What are you trying to say?” 

“I’m saying you are clingy, childish, bitter, and inhumane.”

“I think I will take my leave now,” He said, taking hurried steps to the door. I gave Levi an eye signal, and he blocked him. 

He swallowed hard, trembling in his position as I took large strides towards him. In a few steps, we were now standing toe to toe. “She is my wife now and if you so mush as cough the next time you see her, I will slit your throat in your sleep and let the consequences be damned.” His eyes flickered, “Have I made myself clear?” 

Sweat broke out on his forehead. “Yes. Yes.” He nodded like a scaredy cat.

“Now, smile and hug your father. People are watching.” I said, smiling. 

He reluctantly did, and walked away hastily as though he was expecting me to chase him. He knew who I was, yet he came to my den to threaten me? Such audacity can’t be forgiven. I will serve his punishment on a platter of gold.

Levi side-stepped me, “Alpha Magnus, why did you hug him? If you hate him that much?” 

“You don't know him like I do. What I just did now will give him sleepless nights for days. Months even.” I smirked. 

He smiled, nodding his head, “Oh,” he exclaimed.

“What of the lady I asked you to arrange for me? Did you do it? And what of the others?”

“They are ready as well. I made sure you both would enjoy the evening. I also picked up your tuxedo. It's in the inner office.”

“Thank you, remind me to give you a raise. But before that. You heard what my step-son said, right? It’s not a bluff.”

“Yes, Alpha,” 

“We need to get on top of this and stop the coup before they even start one, and if it has started already, we need to come up with a way to dissolve it.” 

“I’ll do my best,” 

The phone rang, and he looked at the screen, “Alpha Magnus,” He said, pointing at the screen, “It’s time.”