CHAPTER 2

MEGAN'S POV

Four Years Later

“And that’s how we locked down the Cendrix Pack contract three weeks ahead of schedule.” I say, concluding the presentation.

The boardroom stays silent for a bit before a polite applause breaks out immediately.

“Brilliant work, Megan,” Mr. Lau says. “That’s the kind of move that earns a pack’s loyalty.”

I smile and nod once. “Thank you, Mr. Lau. My team worked hard.”

As everyone slowly gets up and begins to exit the boardroom, I stay behind to tidy up my notes.

Honestly, it's funny how life works.

Four years ago, I thought losing Xarion was the worst pain I’d ever endure. And I was even more shocked when I later discovered I was having two pups instead of one.

“You’re carrying twins, Miss Pierce,” the doctor had said, and I remember staring at him with a stunned look on my face.

I was twenty-two, terrified, and utterly alone.

Then came Alpha Elias Stone.

I met him by accident, really. I’d been working two jobs, one as a cleaner and the other one doing freelance translation, just to take care of myself in the early months. 

Elias was one of my clients and he needed a business pitch translated into French for a certain pack. I delivered it in twenty-four hours and he was really impressed.

He called me personally. “Ever thought about corporate strategy?”

I thought he was joking but he wasn't.

Within weeks, I was training under his top executives. Within a year, I was leading teams. Now, I’m one of the youngest regional leads in Stone Corporations and Elias treats me like his own daughter.

“Ma’am,” Caitlin’s voice pulls me from my thoughts as she peeks into the room. “Alpha Elias wants to see you in his office. He says it’s important.”

I nod, slipping my notes into my portfolio. “I’ll head up now.”

…

Elias’s office is sleek as always and there's a warmth in his smile as I walk in.

“Megan,” he greets, gesturing to the chair across from him. “Take a seat.”

I do, crossing one leg over the other.

“You’ve been outperforming projections all year,” he says, watching me closely. “Three contract wins. Expansion into Blue Vein Pack. Full stabilization of our shipping network.”

“I’m just doing my job, Alpha,” I reply calmly.

He leans back with a smile. “You’re doing more than that. Which is why I’m trusting you with something bigger.”

I narrow my eyes as I hear that.

“We’re opening a new regional base in Arkon City. We need someone who understands the politics and the territory. And frankly, there’s no one better equipped than you.”

Arkon City.

The name drops like ice down my spine.

It's the city I ran from. The city that holds the darkest chapter of my life.

“You’re from there, aren’t you?” Elias adds, reading my pause. “It’s full circle, in a way.”

Full circle? Or cursed.

“I want you to head the expansion project,” he continues. “Scout the location, handle licensing, and oversee the branch setup. It’s a major opportunity.”

I force a calm smile. “Alpha… I’m not sure I’m the best person for that territory.”

His eyes soften, and I hate that he sees more than I want to show.

“I know it’s personal,” he says calmly. “But this is strictly business. Besides, the council there still remembers you. You’d have support.”

Before I can answer, my phone buzzes in my coat pocket. I check the screen and I freeze.

Arkon General Hospital.

“Excuse me,” I say and my fingers feel numb as I swipe to answer. “Hello?”

“Ms. Pierce?” a female voice says in panic. “Your father, Francis Pierce, was admitted earlier today. He has a serious heart attack. He’s not yet stable and we recommended family presence. He asked for you.”

“What?” My throat tightens. “I… I’ll be there.”

I end the call and look at Elias. “I just got a call… my dad’s in the hospital. In Arkon.”

He nods with concern. “Then you need to go see him. I’ll have Caitlin arrange the travel plans. You can bring the twins. We’ll cover accommodations.”

“Thank you, Alpha.”

“And Megan?”

“Yes?”

“My son still wants to meet you. But I told him you weren’t ready.” He says with a soft tone. “When you are, say the word.”

I offer a grateful nod and head out before emotion can crack my mask. 

Alpha Elias has been trying to set me up with his son for a while now, but I just don't have time for love.

…

The next day, I step out of the black SUV with Maverick and Makayla holding my hands tightly. Thank the goddess they're on holiday.

Maverick, with his piercing blue eyes and mischievous smile, is definitely the troublemaker. Makayla, with her soft curls and watchful look, is the calm one.

They’ve never met their grandfather before. I left before I could make peace. 

My Dad hadn’t cut me off. He just let me go when I refused to listen to his warning against me marrying Xarion and giving him my kidney.

“You’re giving a piece of yourself to someone who doesn’t value you,” he said back then. “You’ll regret it.”

And I had.

But here I am, four years later, a mother and a successful woman with the two best reasons to keep fighting.

“Mommy, is this where Grandpa is?” Makayla asks, looking up at the tall building with her wide hazel eyes.

“Yes, sweetheart. He’s just resting.”

Maverick tugs my sleeve. “Can we give him the card we made?”

I smile. “You can, my love.”

The minute we step in, we're met with a polite nurse.

“Ms. Pierce?” she asks, and I nod. “Your father's awake. You can go in now.”

I kneel to the twins’ level. “Mave, May, I want you two to wait right here with my guard, okay? Mommy’s going to say hi first, then you can come in with the card.”

Makayla pouts slightly but nods, and Maverick gives a small sigh. “Okay, but don’t take too long.”

“I won’t,” I promise, kissing both their cheeks.

I stand up, turn, and gently push the door open.

The moment I see my father, different emotions pass through my body. He looks pale but alive.

“Dad,” I whisper, stepping closer.

He turns slowly, his eyes widening just a bit before a faint, surprised smile appears on his lips. “There’s my stubborn girl.”

I let out a low laugh as I reach for the chair beside his bed and sit, leaning in close. “I missed you.”

“I thought I’d never see you again,” he says with a hoarse voice. “Not after the way we left things.”

My chest tightens. “We were both angry. I thought I knew what I was doing. I didn’t want to hear the truth back then.”

His fingers brush mine, warm despite the IV taped to the back of his hand. “I was harsh. I should have stopped you, not pushed you away.”

“You don’t need to apologize, Dad,” I shake my head gently. “You were right about everything.”

His eyes narrow slightly as he searches my face. “I said some cruel things. About Xarion. About the…”

“You were trying to protect me.” I interrupt gently. “You saw what I didn’t. I gave so much of myself to someone who couldn’t love me the way I needed.”

I pause, then I smile faintly. “But I gained something far more important.”

He glances at the closed door. “The twins?”

I nod, emotion filling my voice. “Maverick and Makayla. They’re my heart. They gave me a reason to keep moving forward.”

“I’d like to meet them.”

“You will.” I squeeze his hand. “They made a card just for you.”

Just then, I hear Makayla’s excited voice from outside the room.

“Mommy! There’s someone outside who wants to see you!”

I frown, rising from the chair. “Makayla?”

Just then, the door opens and Maverick appears in the doorway, tugging someone by the hand. “He said he knows you!”

My entire world screeches to a halt as the person steps inside.

His piercing blue eyes lock on mine and my breath stops.

Makayla glances between us innocently with curiosity. “Is he a friend, Mommy?”

But I can’t speak. I'm instantly furious.

Because standing in my father’s hospital room, four years later, is the man who tore my world apart.

My ex-husband and the father of my children. Xarion Luther.