جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 20

(Lysander’s POV)I sat quietly in the car. The engine is off, and I’m parked a little way down the street from the address Beta Mid gave me. My hands are gripping the steering wheel tightly as my eyes stay glued to the house ahead.I don’t know what I’m expecting to see. I don’t even know what I’m doing here. But Mid told me Almira was staying here. I gave him the order to track her because I needed answers.The documents my father shoved in my face keep replaying in my mind.I need to know if they’re real. If she really took the money and…I swallowed hard.It’s impossible, right? What kind of woman could do something so evil? It might not be long, but I know that she’s not the kind who’d kill her own blood. I’m more convinced that it’s my father planting lies inside my head again. He always does that to make me do what he wants.A few minutes later the door finally opened, and there she was. Almira.She stepped out onto the porch, clutching her bag like she was trying to hide someth

(Lysander’s POV)“Wooohhh! Let’s party!”The sound of people cheering and dancing filled my ears. The club music is ringing my eardrums, while the whiskey burns as it slides down my throat. But that didn’t stop me from drinking. I didn’t even slow down. I drank it like water.I let it flood my system, dulling the mixture of rage and betrayal I’m feeling inside.“Woooohh!”Loud music pounds through the club as women surround me. Their hands are trailing over my arms, and their bodies are pressing against mine. One is straddling my lap, while her fingers are tracing lazy circles over my chest.I looked at her with blurred vision.“Lysander,” she purred, leaning in, her breath hot against my neck. I can feel her pressing her boobs to me.I didn’t react. I could barely hear her.I’m at a party, but my mind is somewhere else. It keeps replaying the same fucking thing. I’m stuck in a loop of memories I can’t erase. Almira’s face—her eyes, her scent, the way she felt in my arms that night. T

(Almira’s POV)“You good?” Rich asked as soon he buckled my seatbelt on the backseat.I could sense Mom and Dad watching us from the rear view mirror. It’s not new to them to witness Rich taking care of me like this. But I have to say that he is extra caring with me right now.It’s probably because of the babies.It didn't take long before we finally reached my parent’s current abode in Italy. The wooden house smells like home with the scent of cocoa and fresh croissants filling the air.We stopped by a bakery earlier. Mom said she wanted me to try these, especially now that I’m pregnant.It’s making my stomach growl embarrassingly loud.“Come, sit here.”Rich helped me on the soft sofa, while Mom set up the food on the coffee table. The last thing I ate that I remember was meat, and I’m really craving something sweet right now.As soon as the sweet treats were on the table, I didn’t even hesitate to reach for a croissant and take a big bite.My eyes sparkled in joy.This is so good!

(Almira’s POV)At the diner, my twins and I eat chaotically with their Uncle Rich. I wanted to cut half with the bill, but he refused, saying that it's the first time in a long time that he’s buying us food, and that I should let him.We allowed the kids to choose which place to eat, and they chose this 60’s inspired American Diner, a few drives away from the company.The diner is alive with the sound of music playing in the jukebox, and the warm scent of grilled burgers and fries filling the air. The neon lights flickering outside makes the atmosphere more retro and nostalgic. I like this place. It reminds me of home.Hazel and Asher are sitting across from me beside their Uncle Rich. Their little hands are busy stuffing fries into their mouths. I smiled, while looking at the ketchup stains in the corners of Asher’s lips. And how Hazel’s eyes sparkled as she hummed happily between bites is just too cute to ignore.I watched them, smiling.Rich took a slow sip of his coffee as he watc

(Lysander’s POV)The meeting is now over, but the room is still buzzing with Alphas and Betas gathering in small groups, discussing the alliances and strategies that we discussed in the meeting.And of course, they’re talking about her, too.I should be leaving. I should be heading straight to my pack’s estate, focusing on more important matters. But my feet stay planted in the venue. My eyes unwillingly stay locked on her.Almira.It’s been five years since I last saw her.She’s stealing the spotlight from the crowd effortlessly, speaking with leaders who are twice her size and three times her age like she belongs here.Because, apparently, she does.She’s different now. Confident. Powerful. Completely unshaken by the attention she’s drawing.And damn, she’s beautiful.Her silver, blonde hair is tied in a messy bun, exposing her slender neck. She’s wearing a sleeveless black dress that hugs her curves like a glove. Her black stilettos make her legs look longer, sexier. Almira’s excre