After collecting her things, Aveline said goodbye to Maren, mentioning that she had to head out early.
Maren gave her a casual nod. “Go on ahead. There’s nothing urgent here today anyway.”
When Aveline arrived at Thornpeak Pack’s Thorne Group headquarters, Lirael’s sharp, entitled voice was already echoing from inside the legal department.
Just as she was about to step in, Everly–a familiar face from the past–hurried over and tugged Aveline aside. “Luna, what are you doing here? That Lirael girl is clearly targeting you. You really shouldn’t go in.”
Everyone knew how much losing the patent would hurt the pack, but Lirael’s arrogance had rubbed them all the wrong way.
And on top of that, they all knew Aveline was the alpha’s mate, the Luna of Thornpeak Pack, while Lirael was nothing more than a mistress acting like she owned the place.
Not sure what she’d walked into, Aveline raised a brow. “What happened?”
Everly pulled a face. “What do you think? It’s only her first day at Thorne Group and she’s already tearing into the entire legal team, calling them useless for not landing the deal. Luna, seriously–better not walk in there.”
Aveline gave her a calm smile, silently letting her know it was alright.
As she walked in, Lirael glanced up and spotted her. Reclining on the sofa with her chin lifted high, she looked utterly smug.
“Well, look who finally decided to show up,” Lirael sneered. “You were all high and mighty yesterday, acting like you didn’t need the contract. And now? You’re back to sign it like nothing happened. If this was where you’d end up anyway, what was all that drama for?”
Lirael’s eyes were filled with contempt.
To her, Aveline was nothing in comparison.
She came from the prestigious Stormwasteland Pack in Mexico, and she was an alpha’s daughter.
What did Aveline have?
A rogue wolf with no pack, whose only claim was being mated to Alpha Jaxson–and even that, she believed, was temporary. In her mind, Jaxson’s affections had already shifted.
Aveline had no right to challenge her.
Aveline stood in the legal department’s office, listening in silence as Lirael rambled on and on. She didn’t bother replying.
Her expression was calm, almost indifferent, like none of it mattered.
Eventually, when Lirael realized she was the only one speaking, her smug smile disappeared. Her face darkened with frustration, and she snapped, “What the hell are you pretending for?”
Aveline finally looked her way and let out a quiet chuckle. “If Jaxson hadn’t dragged innocent people into this, I wouldn’t be here. So, this is your talent? Manipulating people who have nothing to do with your feud? Impressive.”
Lirael’s face turned red with rage. Aveline had hit a nerve.
It was precisely Lirael’s idea to have Jaxson use pack members who were friendly with Aveline as leverage to force her to show up.
“Aveline, you’re not Jaxson’s fated mate, are you? So our competition is fair. Now sign the damn contract–right now!” Lirael barked.
10:13
Betrayed by Her Ex. Marked By the Alpha King
70.00
Chapter 22
But Aveline just smiled faintly, unbothered. “No. I’m not signing anything.”
“You-!”
Before the argument could spiral further, Theo Haynes, the vice head of legal, let out a silent sigh. His temples were already starting to throb. He stepped in quickly, trying to defuse the growing tension.
“Luna, if something’s bothering you, let’s talk it through. After all, you are the alpha’s mate, the Luna of Thornpeak Pack. What problem can’t be resolved? Just let us know what you need, and we’ll work something out.”
Aveline shifted her eyes back to Lirael and gave a small smile, calm but cutting. “The reason I’m not renewing the contract? Simple. It’s her. If you want my signature, tell your alpha to show me some sincerity. And by that, I mean start by kicking Lirael out of the company and making sure she leaves humiliated.”
10-13
