Chapter 216
Chapter 218
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Chapter 218
Alexander’s POV
The morning air felt oddly crisp as I drove through the winding forest roads leading to the Laurent Pack territory.
My knuckles were white against the steering wheel of my Jaguar, tension coiling through every muscle in my body.
I had come to break my engagement with Isabella Laurent–I couldn’t continue this charade after meeting
Summer.
* This is right, * my wolf growled in approval. *Isabella was never meant to be ours p>
My wolf had never fully accepted Isabella as our potential Luna, though I’d always attributed his reluctance to our dominant Alpha nature.
But after meeting Sarah, I wasn’t so sure anymore. There was something about her that called to both man and wolf in ways I couldn’t explain.
I pulled up to the Laurent Pack compound, an ostentatious estate with sprawling grounds protected by a heavy wrought–iron gate.
Two armed Gamma guards stepped forward as I rolled down my window.
“Alpha Alexander,” one acknowledged with a respectful nod. “Alpha Henry is expecting you p>
Of course he was. A visit from the future son–in–law was always cause for celebration in Henry Laurent’s eyes. If only he knew what I’d come to say.
The gates swung open, and I drove through, parking before the main house–it screamed old money, old blood, old power.
The Laurent bloodline was one of Europe’s oldest and most powerful wolf dynasties, which was precisely why our engagement had been arranged four years ago, shortly after my accident.
Isabella was waiting on the front steps, her smile brightening when she saw me step out of the car.
She hurried down to greet me, clearly delighted by my unexpected visit.
“Alpha Alexander!” she exclaimed, reaching for my hands. “What a wonderful surprise. You didn’t mention you were coming today p>
I didn’t return her enthusiasm. “We need to talk, Isabella. Is your father home p>
Her smile widened, oblivious to the tension simmering beneath the surface. “Yes, he’s in his study. Are you finally ready to set a date for the binding ceremony p>
Henry Laurent stood as we entered his study, a broad smile stretching across his aristocratic face.
At sixty, he still held the posture of a man used to control–tall, silver–haired, confident, the kind of man who never heard the word “no” without consequences.
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“Alpha Alexander!” he boomed, coming around his desk to clasp my shoulder. “What a pleasant surprise. Drink?
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“No, thank you,” I said, remaining standing even as he gestured toward the leather chairs before his desk.
My pulse was steady, but only because I was forcing it to be. “This isn’t a social call p>
His smile didn’t falter, but something in his eyes sharpened. “Business, then? Or perhaps something more personal p>
His glance shifted to Isabella, who was practically glowing with excitement beside me.
She beamed up at me. “I think Alexander has finally come to discuss the binding ceremony date, Father p>
I swallowed hard. The words sat on the back of my tongue, bitter and heavy. She looked so certain. So proud. And I was about to take that all away.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “Actually, I’ve come to dissolve our engagement p>
The silence that followed was absolute. Henry’s face froze, the smile dropping away like a mask. Isabella’s excited expression crumbled into shock.
“Excuse me?” Henry finally managed.
“I’m breaking our engagement,” I repeated firmly. “This alliance isn’t right for me or my pack p>
Isabella stared at me, her expression shifting from confusion to disbelief. “You can’t be serious p>
I turned to look at her, keeping my expression neutral. “I am. I apologize for any distress this causes, but it would be worse to proceed with something I know isn’t right p>
Henry’s face had flushed deep red. “This is absolutely unacceptable,” he growled, his Alpha voice edging into the words.
“Do you understand what you’re throwing away? The Laurent bloodline goes back fifteen generations of pure Alpha heritage p>
“I’m aware of your lineage,” I said calmly, though my wolf bristled at his tone. “The decision stands p>
Isabella’s initial shock had given way to fury.
“Is there someone else?” she demanded suddenly, stepping forward. “After four years of engagement, you suddenly decide this ‘isn’t right‘? What changed, Alexander p>
Sarah’s face flashed through my mind her voice, her smile, the way she looked at me like she saw right through everything I tried to hide.
I swallowed the emotion rising in my throat.
“Nothing changed,” I said. “This was never right to begin with p>
“Bullshit!” Isabella snapped, her composure shattering completely. “You’ve met someone. Who is she? Some common bitch who’s spread her legs for you p>
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“Isabella!” her father barked, but his admonishment was halfhearted.
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My wolf snarled, surging forward so violently I had to clench my fists to keep control. The primal need to defend… someone… against her words was overwhelming.
“That’s enough,” I said, my voice dangerously low. “This isn’t about anyone else. It’s about acknowledging that this arrangement has always been hollow.
“We’ve been engaged for years, Isabella, and not once have I felt anything real for you. Not once have I been able to get hard for you. You know it’s true p>
Isabella’s face flushed bright red with humiliation.
“I’m willing to offer compensation to your pack for the dissolution of our agreement,” I continued, keeping my voice calm and businesslike. “Whatever is fair p>
Henry stepped forward, his authority as an Alpha radiating from him in waves. “Are you deliberately trying to humiliate my daughter and my pack? Is that what this is about p>
“Not at all,” I replied evenly. “I’m simply being honest about a situation that benefits neither of us p>
“You fucking bastard,” Isabella hissed, her carefully manicured nails digging into her palms. “You can’t do this to me. To us. We had an agreement p>
I met her gaze steadily. “My decision is final p>
Henry’s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. “You understand this breaks more than just a personal engagement? The trade agreements between our packs, the territory arrangements in Europe p>
“Those were contingent on a personal relationship?” I cut in, raising an eyebrow. “Poor business practice, wouldn’t you say p>
His face darkened further. “Don’t play games with me, boy. Your pack might be powerful in North America, but in Europe, the Laurent name opens doors yours never could p>
“Then I suggest we negotiate new terms, as equals rather than future family,” I said evenly.
“But that’s a conversation for another day. I’m prepared to make significant concessions. Today, I’m simply here to formally end my engagement to Isabella p>
Isabella stepped forward, her face a mask of cold fury, eyes glittering with unshed tears of rage and humiliation.
“You’ll regret this,” she said softly. “Whatever–or whoever–has turned your head, it won’t last. And when it falls apart, don’t expect me to be waiting p>
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I replied honestly,
Henry moved toward his desk, his movements stiff with barely contained fury.
“I’ll have my lawyers contact yours regarding the dissolution of our business arrangements. Until then, consider yourself unwelcome in Laurent territory p>
Chapter 218
I inclined my head slightly. “Understood. Again, I apologize for any distress this causes p>
“Save your apologies, ” Isabella hissed. “Just get out p>
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I turned and walked out without another word, feeling lighter with each step despite knowing I’d just made a powerful enemy. Outside, the morning air seemed even fresher than before, filling my lungs with the scent of possibility.
As I drove away, my phone rang–Jeremy’s number flashing on the display.
“It’s done,” I said by way of greeting.
“Alpha,” he replied, his voice sounding strangely emotional. ” There’s something else. Something important. I need you to come back to the hospital right away p>
“What’s happened?” I asked, instantly alert.
Chapter 219