Chapter 10 Payback
Rue’s POV
Cole didn’t even have to ask. I could tell from the way his eyes flicked between Aiden and me that he was waiting for my say on the matter.
“Don’t,” I said flatly.
Aiden’s brow creased. “Don’t what?”
“Don’t work with him.” My voice was steady, unshaken. “Not now. Not ever.”
Aiden’s gaze was like a piercing sword. A muscle ticked in his jaw, but when he spoke, his tone was deceptively
calm.
“Rue, are you still holding a grudge?” He tilted his head slightly, studying me like he could read my mind.
“Or you want me to beg you? You want me to regret what happened between us?”
I almost laughed at the audacity. “You think too much of yourself. I don’t care about you, Aiden. You made me realize how futile it was to care-” I stepped forward, meeting his eyes without flinching, “I don’t even regret divorcing you.”
His nostrils flared, the only visible crack in that carefully cold mask. But I didn’t give him the satisfaction of a second glance. “We’re done here,” I said, turning to Cole.
Cole didn’t need more explanation. He moved with me, our steps in sync as we walked away. I could feel Aiden’s stare on my back, but I didn’t look over my shoulder. Not even once.
The night was far from over.
The party had begun to hum with new energy as a murmur rippled through the guests-someone important had arrived. I followed my mother’s line of sight toward the grand entrance.
That was when I saw him.
Tall, broad-shouldered, with a presence that drew attention without demanding it. He had dark hair, sharp but weirdly gentle eyes. My wolf, Korra, sensed something different about him.
My mother’s hand found my arm. “Rue, come. You should meet him.”
We crossed the hall, the crowd parting just enough for us to reach him.
“Alpha Percy Emmerson,” my mother said warmly, “this is my daughter, Rue Hawthorne.”
Percy’s gaze sharpened in recognition. “We’ve met before.”
I frowned. “Have we?”
“A long time ago,” he said, lips quaking into the faintest smile. “I remember you.”
“Well, I’m afraid I don’t remember you,” I replied, my tone even, maybe a touch too cool.
“Had we met before, I would have known you.” I inclined my head politely.
“You were supposed to marry him, before you…” Cole paused,
I froze.
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He was the man my dad had matchmaked with me, before I left the pack. I had never really seen him before, to know how exactly he looked like.
Unsure of what to respond, I could only smile bitterly as I turned away ” Uhm, excuse me.
Behind me, I caught my mother’s sharp inhale-her silent warning about my manners. Percy’s quiet chuckle followed, low and amused.
Later, I overheard Percy speaking with Cole near the refreshments table. His tone had shifted, less playful now, more pragmatic.
“…our collaboration is off,” Percy was saying, his voice clipped.
“Why?” Cole asked.
“They pulled out,” Percy replied. “Said Onstream isn’t performing. Apparently Alpha Aiden’s group has the upper hand.”
The name landed in me like a match to tinder. I hesitated a second, then stepped closer. “Then maybe it’s time someone gave Aiden’s company a real fight.”
Percy’s gaze moved to me, curious. “And you’re volunteering?”
“I can help you take them down,” I said simply. “Turn this around. Win your awards. Claim the top spot. Whatever you want.”
He smiled wryly. “You make it sound so easy. Are you sure you’re not just bragging?”
Before I could answer, my father joined us, catching the tail end of the exchange. “If you’re bored, I can find you other projects to play with,” he said lightly. “Or send you on a shopping spree.
I met my father’s amused look head-on. “I’m serious.”
Percy tilted his head. “And why should I believe you?”
“It’s easier if I show you,” I said.
He studied me for a beat longer, unsure of what I meant.
I narrowed the space between us and let Korra rise.
Mind-reading wasn’t a parlor trick; it was an instinct I had honed in years of silence.
An ability I’d buried from the public, choosing to play it safe until when the time was right.
Tonight, Onstream needed an edge, an advantage over Aiden’s company.
It was an opportunity that presented itself on a silver platter, just when I was wondering where and how I could strike where it hurt the most.
I reached out-light, careful-and touched the surface of the nearest man’s thoughts: a nervous wonder about investor fallout, the memory of a disastrous demo, a fear of rivalling opponents.
It came as images and impressions more than words: a junior tech developer muttering about a patch, an investor thinking about withdrawing his funding.
I spoke after I had gathered enough. “One of your main investors left because your last demo crashed. Someone leaked the info to Aiden’s aides and they maximized on your company’s failure.”
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Percy blinked, then a slow, impressed smile spread. “How did you?”
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“Let’s just say I know things regular people don’t,” I said, tasting the truth on my tongue. “If you bring me onboard, I will be your ears to what your opponents and partners are thinking in the moments decisions form.
“Just imagine, if Onstream can anticipate Aiden’s moves, you can counter them before they act. You can offer investors reassurance with proof, prevent sabotage, and tailor your pitch to exactly what a board wants to hear. Think of it as knowing the room so well you never get blindsided.”
Cole’s eyes widened in surprise. Percy leaned in, curiosity sharpening into appetite.
“You’re telling me you can read the room-literally-during negotiations?” Percy asked, voice low.
I shrugged.
Percy laughed-soft, incredulous-and then clapped his hands once. “Not bad. Not the kind of pitch I expected, but effective. Demonstrate it in a meeting, prove it, and you’ll have us.
Cole blinked at me like I’d grown another head. “You… How did you learn to do that? I thought you only had your head full of love and heartbreak.”
I smirked, letting a sliver of satisfaction slide through. “I’m more genius than you. And also, I have a score to settle.”
Percy’s grin became genuine. “Rue Hawthorne, you’re full of surprises.” He extended his hand. “Let’s see what we can do to make Aiden sweat.”
I took his hand, my grip steady. “With pleasure.”
“I have a feeling,” Percy said, the teasing note returning, “this is going to be fun.”
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