Chapter 20
Killian Volkor
I am sitting through a long meeting with my business partners and dragging on, and my patience is running thin. They droned on about profit margins, expansion strategies and all that. A sudden knock on the door interrupted our meeting, and my assistant Mirinda headed in.
“Alpha, your grandfather is waiting for you in your office.” She informed,
Lcursed under my breath upon hearing that. The old man’s persistence was exhausting. With a forced smile, I wrapped up the meeting and made my way to my office, bracing myself for yet another confrontation.
Grandpa had been staying with us ever since Clair’s death. It has been four years, and he still refuses to accept that Adeline was guilty, constantly trying to convince me otherwise, I stormed down the hallway, my temper rising with each step. We’d had this argument a hundred times, and I wasn’t looking forward to having it again.
As I pushed open the door, I saw him standing by the window, gazing out at the pack’s sprawling grounds. He turned towards me, looking as spoic as ever.
“Killian,” he greeted, his voice gruff but filled with concern.
“Grandpa,” I replied, attempting to mask my frustration. “What brings you here today?” I asked, trying to tone down my temper
He turned fully to face me, crossing his arms over his chest. “We need to talk about Laurel”
Of course, we do. “What about her?” I asked, knowing very well that he hated her and wanted her out of this pack.
“I don’t approve of this marriage, Killian. Laurel is not suitable to be your wife, let alone the Luna of this pack.” He declared.
My jaw clenched. This was a conversation we’d had countless times ever since I announced I’m going to marry her. “Grandpa, I’ve made my decision. Laurel is the one I love. She’s been by my side through everything.” I replied, pushing my hands into my pants pockets.
“Love?” He scoffed, shaking his head. “You don’t even know what that means.” He continued. “You’re letting your guilt and anger cloud your judgment”
“Child?” I repeated, my temper flaring “Grandpa, it’s been four years, and I have told you this numerous times that I have nothing to feel guilty about. Adeline killed Clair. She deserved what she got.” I said, frustrated at constantly telling him this.
His eyes narrowed, and I could see the disappointment etched into his features. “You’re wrong. She didn’t kill Clair.” He responded, “You need to listen to me, Killian.”
I slammed my hand on the desk. “What makes you so sure?” I demanded, rage boiling over me. “She had every reason to hate Clair. She was a gold digger; she married me for money and status.” I deadpanned.
Grandpa’s expression softened, but his voice remained steady. “Killian, I know her and there is a reason why I asked you to marry her.” He added.
“Asked me? You forced me to marry that gold digger, grandpa!” Lyelled out. “Look what she did! She killed Claire, your granddaughter.” I said, trying to make him see that his favorite, Aileline, killed my sister. I don’t know what he saw in her that he kept taking her side; he never even met her.
“I had people watching her when she first came here after the marriage. I know Adeline well enough to say she’s not the kind of person who would do such a thing” he explained.
“People change,” I groaned, sighing and turning away to look out the window. “She manipulated everyone. She had an affair
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with Sebastian Cooper, for goddess’s sake 1 added, remembering her betrayal. Oddly, I still feel a sting in my heart when 1 mention her betrayal. I shouldn’t feel anything for her.
Right!
Grandpa shook his head. “You’re seeing what you want to see. Adeline was your mate, Killian.” He stated, his voice filled with disappointment. “You rejected her without any solid proof. Just your assumptions and Laurel’s words. He added.
I spun around, anger boiling over. “Laurel saw her with Cooper. She was the one who opened my eyes to Adeline’s true nature.” I spoke, remembering everything that happened.
Laurel, my assistant Mirinda, and the staff told me how Adeline was. She was a bully who always tried to fight with Laurel They told me how she insulted Laurel, calling her names and trying to humiliate her in front of everyone, and they told me how she openly admitted that Cooper was indeed her lover. They told me how she would talk to him behind my back. And here, my grandpa refuses to believe it all.
Why doesn’t he?
el is the
“Or maybe,” Grandpa suggested quietly, “Laurel is the one manipulating you” He added.
His words struck a nerve. “You don’t know what you’re talking about Laurel loves me. She saved my life,” I said.
“Did she?” Grandpa’s eyes bored into mine. “Or did she just lie about saving you?” He said, his tone hard.
I felt a surge of anger rise within me. I told you that a woman came to help me that night; it was Laurel. I don’t know why you refuse to believe it; I told you this multiple times.” I mentioned, my tone filled with frustration.
“Adeline is a gold digger, Grandpa. She manipulated you and everyone else. She never cared about me or this pack.” I said it out loud, my voice serious and final.
He stepped closer, his gaze piercing. “You’re blind, Killian. Adeline was your mate, the one who Moon Goddess chose for you. You should have protected her, not banished her.” He said, shaking his head.
My fists clenched at my sides. “I’m marrying Laurel, and that’s final. I won’t let you or anyone else bring up Adeline’s name again.” I commanded.
“I won’t allow Laurel to be your wife or the Luna of this pack. Not as long as I live” Grandpa stood his ground, his expression resolute.
I took a step back, shocked by his intensity. “Why are you so against her?” I asked.
“Because,” he said, his voice cracking. “I see the darkness in her. The same darkness that clouded your judgment about Adeline.” He claimed
“Laurel is nothing like Adeline, Grandpa. I love her, and I will marry her.” I said, using my alpha tone.
Grandpa’s face hardened, his voice dropping to a deadly calm. That will never happen. I won’t allow someone like Laurel to be a part of this family.” He declared.
We stood in silence, the tension between us palpable. I could feel my determinationwavering under his scrutiny, but I refused to back down.
“Grandpa, you need to let this go.” I told him, “Adeline is gone, and I’ve moved on Laurel is my future.” I stated this, looking
at him
He shook his head slowly, his expression filled with sorrow. “I can’t support this, Killian. You’re making a mistake that will haunt you for the rest of your life.”
Without another word, he turned and walked out of my office, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I sank into my chair,
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running a hand through my hair
Why couldn’t he see that I was doing what was best for the pack For myself?
Laurel is perfect for me.
She saved my life and helped me with Adeline.
The image of Adeline flashed through my mind, her eyes filled with hurt and betrayal. I pushed the memory away, forcing myself to focus on the present. I had to stay strong. Laurel was the one I wanted by my side. She was my future, and nothing Grandpa said would change that.
SEND GIFT
