Chapter 11

SIENNA

Once we left Hillview, the ride back home was quiet, save for the Bella's relentless tapping of her tablet.

I didn't mind it though as I was still basking in the reaction I got out of Sienna at the end. The look of anger, annoyance and hatred in her eyes was one that would grace my thoughts for a long while.

I never intended to be nice to her even if we have a business relationship, and I'm glad she thinks the same way.

She and Sebastian ran me out of my marriage and literally made the country unbearable to live in. They ruined many years of my life and made me into a sort of guinea pig for their own benefits.

I wasn't even going to remotely pretend that all of those never happened.

I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I missed the moment the tapping stopped, until Bella's voice dragged me out of it.

"I had the assumption that you had history with Alpha Stone and his mate, but it seems things were a lot more intimate than I thought."

I turned my attention to her and gave her a small smile.

"It isn't much if I'm being honest. It's nothing to be concerned about."

"I'm not concerned," she replied. "Not about your dispute at least."

I cocked an eyebrow.

"What are you concerned about then?"

"How well you would be able to work with them," she replied. "I can assure you that we have enough to pay them off if we terminate the contract. In fact, I am holding off other contracts and potential clients to help you focus on this. There are people who would literally pay them off for your sake. Especially your potential suitors."

"I would prefer I don't ask for their help," I laughed. "It's nothing that serious."

Bella's eyes searched mine for a few seconds before she spoke again.

"Are you sure about that? Madam Sienna seemed quite upset with you."

"Let's just say she's just a little bit insecure," I shrugged. "That doesn't affect the job I have to do in any way so it's not a problem."

Bella wasn't in the country during the drama surrounding my marriage, which was one of the reasons I hired her in the first place. Sce arrived at Dradesvow about two years after.

The Stone family did their best to erase any memory of me relating to their household so most information about me being married to Alpha Sebastian Stone was lost and buried within a year of my departure.

That suited me just fine and it was even better when I discovered Bella who seemed oblivious to all of it.

Bella nodded solemnly and said nothing as she went back to her work.

The silence was re-established until we arrived back at my home.

I could immediately see that something was wrong when I noticed a car that I didn't own in the driveway.

My guards didn't seem agitated though so I was a little confident as I stepped out of the car and looked around.

I made my way to a guard in front of my door and gave him a questioning look to which he simply bowed and gestured for me to go inside.

Something was definitely wrong.

But, I had a feeling I knew exactly what was wrong.

I took a deep breath and walked inside to confirm my suspicion.

I was right.

Seated on my couch directly facing the door, was Alpha Sebastian Stone. His green eyes fixed on me.

"Why are you here?" I asked as I strolled in with a frown.

"I was checking up on you," he replied calmly, nodding to Bella who bowed.

"You should have known I was better when you were told that I went out," I retorted. "Why did you stay?"

"To confirm with my own eyes," he shrugged. "And to be sure you came back safely."

"I went out with a guard."

"One guard," he held up a finger. "The last time you were attacked, there were more than one person. One guard isn't enough to protect you."

I glared at him for a few seconds and then closed my eyes as I sighed.

"Fine," I nodded as I opened my eyes. "You're right. I am safe. Now, leave."

He didn't budge.

My eye twitched at that.

"Why are you still seated?"

"You gave me an order," he replied calmly, almost amused. "I don't follow orders from anyone."

"I'm not going to beg you to leave my house!" I hissed.

"I don't suppose you should either," he shrugged. "I will leave when I want to. You can either accept it or do exactly what you're doing right now."

"This is my home!"

"And this is my Pack," he said as he rose from his seat. "All lands within it are mine."

He looked up at Bella who seemed to understand the signal and quickly made herself scarce.

We were soon all alone in my living room and his eyes never left mine.

"Do you have to be so hostile towards me, Athena?" He asked as he towered over me.

"Last time I checked, the only thing peaceful between us was business, and you're not here on a business call, are you?" I asked, standing my ground. "You have given me no reason to be even remotely friendly to you. Would you deny that, Alpha Sebastian Stone?"

His eyes searched mine for a few seconds until he looked away.

"I thought so, Sebastian," I said as I looked away from him and took a step back.

He seemed a little affected by those words, but he quickly shook it off.

"I will come check up on you some time later," he said as he walked past me.

"I sincerely hope you don't," I replied without looking back at him.

He said nothing to that, obviously because there was nothing to be said.

"Give my regards to Sienna," I said as I walked towards the stairs. "Tell her our meeting today was quite pleasant.”