Alphas regret: Magnificent Return of the Rejected Luna

Chapter 26

Lena's question hung in the air, her voice full of disbelief. She looked back and forth between Silas and me, her sharp eyes searching for answers

I met her gaze with a calm smile, the kind that clearly said, Yes, we know each other, and it's none of your business.

"Of course, we do," I said with a light, easy tone, glancing at Silas with a look of harmless fondness.

"Why wouldn't we? After all, our connection began when Silas agreed to work with me on my health product collaboration program.

That's when our partnership really took shape."

na's jaw tightened. That was the exact reaction I'd hoped for. She didn't need a reminder, but I gave it anyway.

That project, her pride and joy, was now firmly in my hands.

Not only that, but I had used it to build a connection with Silas-something Lena couldn't ignore or forgive.

"Isn't that right, Silas?" I asked, letting my voice carry just enough charm to sting Lena's already bruised ego.

Silas hesitated, caught between the two of us. "Yes, that's correct," he said carefully, his tone even but his eyes darting to Lena. She looked ready to combust.

Lena slammed her hand on the table, making the nearby diners jump in surprise.

"You bitch!" she hissed, her voice shaking with anger. "You took that project from me! You've always been jealous, but this... this is too much!"

I stayed calm, giving a small shrug. "It's not stealing if you couldn't manage to hold onto it," I said, my voice steady and matter-of-fact.

That was all it took. Lena lunged at me, her hand aiming to slap me across the face, but before she could make contact, Silas caught her wrist mid-air.

"Enough!" Silas barked, his deep voice reverberating through the restaurant. "Lena, control yourself!"

Her eyes widened in shock. "You're defending her?" she cried, pointing at me as though I were some poisonous creature. "After everything she's done? She's trying to ruin us!"

I stepped back, feigning disappointment. "I never thought the Alpha of Snowtooth Pack would tolerate such behavior from his Luna," I said, my voice low but pointed. "It's... disheartening." Silas looked at me, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Lorelei, wait-"

But I didn't let him finish. I turned on my heel and walked out, my heart pounding with satisfaction. The first part of my plan had unfolded perfectly.

I had barely reached my car when my phone buzzed.

Silas's name flashed on the screen. I ignored the call, smiling to myself as it rang again. Then again. By the fourth call, I finally answered. "Silas," I said, my tone clipped, "what do you want?"

"I'm sorry for what happened," he said, his voice pleading. "Lena was out of line. Please, let me make it up to you. Can we talk? In person?"

I let the silence stretch, pretending to consider it. "I don't know, Silas. I'm not sure there's anything left to say."

"Lorelei, please," he insisted. "I can't leave things like this. Where are you? Let me come to you."

I sighed, as if reluctant. "Fine. I'm at the lounge on Crescent Street."

"I'll be there in ten minutes," he said quickly, hanging up before I could change my mind.

When Silas arrived, I was seated at the bar, a glass of wine in my hand.

His broad frame filled the doorway, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on me. He looked.... relieved.

"Lorelei," he said as he approached, his tone softer now. "Thank you for letting me meet you."

12:30

Alpha's Regret: Magnificent Return of the Rejected Luna

9.0%

Chapter 26

I gestured to the seat beside me. "Have a drink, Silas. You look like you need it."

He hesitated, then nodded. "Just one."

It didn't take long to get him relaxed. What started as one drink quickly turned into two, then three.

Silas's usual calm and collected manner started to slip away.

His words began to slur a little as he started talking more openly about his frustrations.

He vented about Lena, the pack, and the constant pressure of his responsibilities, all the things that weighed on him.

"She doesn't... understand," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I try, but... it's never enough."

stened quietly, feigning sympathy. When he was drunk enough to stumble, I called for the bartender and left my business card, ensuring Lena would find out exactly where we'd been. Then I helped Silas to his feet, guiding him out of the bar.

At the hotel, Silas leaned heavily on me as I struggled to get him to the room.

His body was warm, his weight pressing against me. When we finally made it inside, he turned to me, his eyes dark and unfocused.

Lorelei he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You're... beautiful."

1 froze as he reached out, his hand brushing against my cheek. "Silas," I said firmly, stepping back. "You're drunk."

He didn't seem to hear me. Instead, he tried to pull me closer, his lips grazing my neck. "Don't leave," he murmured, his breath hot against my skin.