Chapter 6

EMILY’S POV

The tension from the room was getting to me as my shoulders slumped with exhaustion. I took a deep breath, my throat closing from lack of air.

This was becoming too much. I knew coming back to claim the Alpha title was going to be very hard but Lucy and Regina were even worse than I remember from years ago.

They have always been hellbent on controlling me and seeing me beneath them and I knew they would still try to fight me for the position.

“What's wrong?” James asked, his eyes filled with concern as he inspected my face.

“I'm okay,” I muttered.” I just need some air.” I replied rubbing my temple as I felt a headache coming on from the whole confrontation.

“I'll manage things here.” He whispered to me. “Gi and get some air.”

I nodded in agreement as I turned away from the crowd towards the restroom. My children were watching me as I walked down the stairs, their eyes wide with confusion.

I smiled reassuringly at them as I blew them a kiss. I couldn't wait for all this drama to be over so we could all go rest.

It was all so tiring for me to deal with Lucy and Regina and imagine the pain of betrayal my father would feel if he could witness how fast he wanted to tear up his will and steal the throne.

How could the woman he loved so much not care about his dying wish?

My heels echoed through the hall as I walked to the restroom. I pushed the door open, walking in and leaning in the sink as I tried to steady my breathing.

I turned the knob of the tap and scoop up the cold water into my hands and pour it down my face.

The cold water did a good job of cooling down my heated skin helping me to calm down but it could not calm the confusion that was in my heart.

I stared at myself in the mirror, my skin flushed red and my eyes glowing. I needed to remind myself why I was doing this and why it was so important to take what belonged to me and honour my father's last request.

However, the quiet moment didn't last as the door opened gently. I stood up straight, staring at the door as it swung open, my heart beating in my chest.

Christian stood in the doorway, and his gaze fixed on me as he closed the door behind him.

“Christian,” I said, trying my best to remain calm. “This is the ladies’ room.” I pointed it out.

“I know,” he replied as he took a step towards me. “But I am here for you,” he muttered.

My heart raced. The atmosphere in the restroom was tense as I looked up at him in confusion. But I regained my composure as I faced him, hiding my nervousness. “What do you want, Christian?” I said, my tone sharp.

He didn't reply to my question, instead, he stared straight into my eyes, and for a second, I saw a glimpse of the Chris I fell in love with but I quickly pushed it away.

“I just want to know, Emily,” he whispered, taking another step towards me, “Who is the father of those children?”

I froze as I heard his question. I knew Chris was bound to ask but I hadn't expected this question so soon. I wasn't ready. Her brain scrambled for an answer, something I could say to make him stop asking and leave me alone.

“Whoever the father is. It is not your Christian.” I answered coldly and calmly despite the storm within me.

The second I said it, I could see a change in his eyes as his anger pushed to the surface. Suddenly he closed the distance between us, cornering me against the counter. My breath caught in my throat as he pushed closer, his warm body pressed against her skin so close I could feel the heat.

“You’re lying to me, Emily,” he growled his tone low as his eyes flashed with anger. “Is James the father of your children?” He asked his tone sharp, but I didn't answer his question.

“You woman!” He snarled, getting more impatient.” Did you betray me, when we were married?” His body was burning with so much rage, that I could feel the heat.

“Why would you care, you betrayed me with my sister.” I spat back.

I gulped hard as my heart started pounding in my chest. His eyes were burning with so much emotion that I could hardly breathe. But I calmed myself down, hiding my trembling hands.

“I don’t owe you or anyone any explanations about my children,” I replied.

His hand came up to the side of my face, his thumb gently caressing my cheeks.

“You believe I'm going to walk away without an explanation.” He whispered, and his lips close to my skin. “Tell me the truth, Emily!” He growled in my ear.

I wanted to push him and run as far away from him as possible, but my body would not listen, I stood frozen from his closeness. For five years I built a strong barrier around my heart but now, standing so close to him, it was all crumbling.

CHRISTIAN’S POV

It felt like I was in a trance as I drew closer to Emily. I realized that I shouldn't be doing this but I couldn't help it.

My wolf was pacing within me, growling and urging me to have Emily right here. Her light lavender scent filled the air between us as I tried hard not to lean into her.

Five years. Five years have passed and the mate connection between us is dead. But having her right in my arms brought it back to life. The air between us crackled with electricity as I burned with desire.

All these years I thought my feelings for her were dead and gone and I couldn't care about her anymore. But now we were here, so close it felt like she never left.

My wolf howled as my fingers reached for her face. My fingers sparked with electricity as I touched her skin, the desire I was feeling driving me mad.

In five years, I have never felt this way even with Lucy in my arms. Frustration welled through me as I tried to calm my wolf.

But I couldn't. Not when she was here, not when my wolf was desperate to claim his mate.