The lost mate
Chapter 51: Surprise !

Chapter 51: Surprise !

"Romantic? How do you find it romantic?" Chris asked, surprised by her answer.

Emily glanced at him. A small smile tugged at her lips, and she leant back against her seat, folding her hands in her lap. "Being one true soulmate, connected in a way no one else can understand... always being there for each other, through everything." She paused, looking down for a moment as if gathering her thoughts. When she met his eyes again, there was a soft glow in hers. "Isn’t that romantic?"

Chris blinked, caught off guard by her answer. He hadn’t expected her to be so open about it, and the warmth in her voice made something inside him stir. He smiled, though his expression was thoughtful. "It is," he admitted. "But... wolves are still part animals, Emily. We have instincts that are... primal, sometimes uncontrollable. Doesn’t that scare you?"

Emily’s gaze grew more serious, but she shook her head. "No, not really. If anything, I’m more scared of humans."

Chris frowned slightly. "Humans? Why?"

Emily sighed softly.

"I’ve seen what humans can do. I’ve seen how my father treated my mother—the way relationships can break apart because of lies, betrayal, or just... indifference. People can be cruel and selfish, and sometimes... they give up on each other too easily."

Her voice had grown quiet. She glanced out the window, as if momentarily lost in thought. "Compared to that, animals... they’re more loyal. Wolves, especially. They mate for life; they protect their own."

Chris’s heart soared at her words, a surge of hope blooming in his chest. He had feared that the idea of becoming part of his world would terrify her, but here she was, seeing the beauty in it—seeing beyond the danger, beyond the unknown. She understood something so fundamental about wolves that even some wolves failed to appreciate.

"Wow ! I never thought of it that way. No wonder you are a teacher."

Emily looked at him and burst out laughing. Chris felt a warmth in his heart; he wanted to say more, tell her how much she meant to him.

Heather, seated across from them, suddenly coughed, her hand pressed against her chest as she struggled to catch her breath.

Emily’s expression instantly shifted, her concern for her mother overriding everything else.

"Mum?" she asked, her voice laced with worry as she turned towards Heather. She quickly stood up, rushing to her side. "Are you okay? Do you need water?"

Heather waved her hand dismissively, though her face was slightly pale. "I’m fine, sweetheart. It’s just a cough. Probably the dry air on this plane."

Chris watched as Emily fussed over her mother, handing her a bottle of water and gently rubbing her back as Heather slowly regained her composure. The moment between them had been interrupted, but Chris didn’t mind. Watching Emily take care of her mother, her love and protectiveness so clear, only deepened his feelings for her.

As Emily returned to her seat, casting one last concerned glance at Heather, she gave Chris a small, apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. She always gets like this when we fly."

Chris shook his head, his smile warm and understanding. "Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad she’s okay."

Emily’s expression softened, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of something unspoken between them. A shared understanding, a connection that went beyond words.

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The air buzzed with tension, servants arranging tables, draping heavy velvet curtains, and polishing silver that gleamed under the soft glow of chandeliers.

It wasn’t a party. No, it was far more important than that. Only the most trusted Alphas had been invited, a few select council members, and of course, Alpha Jackson and his daughter, Jessica. Today was the day Damien would return, and Liana wasn’t one to waste time. She would announce his engagement to Jessica. Everything needed to be perfect.

"Liana." A low, familiar voice echoed from the entrance, drawing her attention. Her eyes flickered, a cold gleam flashing briefly as Alpha Blaze strode into the hall, his long black trenchcoat sweeping the floor behind him.

Liana stiffened, forcing herself to stay composed. Of all the Alphas she had invited, Blaze was the one she despised the most. She despised the way he carried himself, with that insufferable air of arrogance. His ambitions were clear—he wanted the throne of the Alpha King.

But for now, he remained untouchable. He was Richard’s older brother, but the Alpha’s role was given to Richard because he was more powerful. Alpha Blaze took up a position in the council, but he wasn’t happy about it; she could do little but tolerate his presence. At least, until he made a move.

Alpha Blaze approached with a confident smile. He extended his arms wide as he approached Richard, who stood nearby, overseeing the preparations with a far more relaxed expression.

"Brother!" Blaze greeted him warmly, moving to embrace Richard.

"Blaze." Richard smiled, though his expression didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Liana remained stone-faced, offering Blaze the coldest possible nod in acknowledgement. She couldn’t bear to be near him longer than necessary. Blaze ignored her frigid demeanour, turning to Richard once more. "How have you been, brother? It’s been far too long."

Richard chuckled, though the sound was hollow. "I’ve been busy, Blaze. The responsibilities of the Alpha King don’t exactly leave much time for pleasantries."

Blaze grinned wider, patting Richard on the back as if they were old friends. "Well, you always were the dutiful one, weren’t you?"

Blaze turned towards Liana "Liana, how is my nephew doing? Damien should be arriving any moment now, shouldn’t he?"

Liana forced a tight smile, her voice clipped. "He’s doing well, Blaze. As always."

"I can’t wait to see him again. I’m sure Damien has grown into quite the capable Alpha. I’ll be sure to have a word with him—family matters, you know."

Liana resisted the urge to sneer. Family matters? As if Blaze cared about anyone but himself. She doubted he had any genuine interest in Damien’s well-being. He was more likely looking for cracks and weaknesses he could exploit.

"I’m sure Damien will be thrilled," she said, her tone flat, bordering on dismissive.

Blaze’s smile widened, sensing her animosity but clearly enjoying it.

Liana decided she had endured enough of Blaze for one afternoon. She didn’t have the patience to play nice, especially not with the announcement looming over her. She had bigger things to focus on.

She turned to Richard, her expression softening slightly. "Excuse me. I need to check on a few details before our guests arrive."

Richard nodded, his attention already drifting back to Blaze, who continued to chat amiably.

Liana moved swiftly away from the two brothers, her hands curling into fists as she walked.

The heavy wooden doors of the mansion swung open. Liana turned, her sharp eyes lighting up when she saw Damien. She moved towards him quickly, her face plastered with an eager smile.

"Damien, darling! You’ve arrived!" She exclaimed, her voice bright and uncharacteristically warm.

Damien barely had time to register her words before she was upon him, pulling him into a tight embrace. He stiffened but didn’t pull away, his eyes scanning the crowd that was beginning to gather near the entrance.

"I... wasn’t expecting this," he said, his voice rough as he glanced over his mother’s shoulder, eyeing the familiar faces of high-ranking Alphas and council members.

Liana stepped back, smoothing down her gown and beaming at him. "Of course not, darling. This is a surprise! A welcome party to celebrate your return."

Damien frowned.

"Damien..."

He turned to see Jessica, clinging to his arm like a vine. Her delicate features were adorned with a carefully crafted smile.

"Jessica," Damien greeted her, his voice tight.

She leant into him, her fingers curling around his arm. "It’s so good to see you again. We’ve missed you." The implication in her tone was unmistakable.

Damien took a deep breath, his mind already racing with how to handle what was about to unfold. He couldn’t put it off any longer. His mother’s plans for him were becoming clearer by the second.

"Mother, Jessica," he began, his voice low, "I need to speak with you. There’s something I have to tell you."

Liana’s smile faltered ever so slightly, but she recovered quickly, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Of course, darling. You can tell us anything."

Jessica’s grip tightened on his arm, her anticipation palpable.

Damien swallowed, his gaze flicking towards the door. His heart pounding as the grand doors behind him opened once more. And there she was—Annie Grant.

And in her arms, clinging to her side, was a child, his small hand grasping the hem of her shirt as he took in the unfamiliar faces surrounding them.

The room fell silent.

Liana’s face drained of colour, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of Annie—the woman she had never wanted in her son’s life—standing in the middle of her carefully curated gathering. Jessica’s mouth fell open, her grip on Damien slackening as confusion and disbelief registered on her face.

Damien stepped towards Annie and circled his hand around her.

"Mother... Jessica... this is Annie."

Annie’s gaze flickered to Damien, and she took a shaky breath.

"And this," Damien continued, his voice softening as he looked at the small boy at Annie’s side, "is my son. Ryan."