Chapter 11 11
Maisie's Pov
Returning to the BlackRock Pack made me realize how much of a prisoner I was when I lived here.
I only left when I wanted to pick Aria up from school or whenever there was a ceremony Xavier wanted me to attend with him. The other day, I stayed in the mansion, a large, imposing building large enough for a front courtyard and a backyard, all of which were nestled behind giant black iron gates.
I won't forget the first day I came here. I was intimidated by the sheer size and unwelcoming facade. I still am. The sight of the gates filled me with a little fear with a mixture of soft relief. This was my home too.
I pressed the call button by the entrance and waited for someone to pick up.
I was partially convinced no one would answer. The security never did unless it was a scheduled visit so here I was, praying they would answer.
Thankfully, someone did.
“Can I help you?” A crisp, vaguely British-accented voice floated out of the intercom.
“Hi…” I faltered. I should remind them I am Luna and that they should let me in immediately but the memory of Xavier's rejection flashed through my mind and I pursed my lips.
What on earth am I truly doing here?
“Who are you?” The voice repeated with a hunt of irritation.
I swallowed hard and replied. “In here to see Alpha Xavier. I’m a, um, friend.”
Perhaps “friend” was stretching it, but “his former mate” didn’t have quite the same ring. Also, when I put it like that…I winced.
“I see.” The voice sounded politely unimpressed. “I’m afraid Alpha Xavier is busy at the moment, but I’ll let him know you are here. What’s your name?”
“Maisie Williams.” I swallowed past the embarrassing thickness in my throat. I wasn’t going to cry just because Xavier couldn’t see me when I showed up at the pack unannounced. What had I expected? That he would be sitting there waiting for visitors? He was an Alpha and the CEO of a company. He had more important things to do. Besides, I didn't think he'd want to see me after rejecting me.
A long pause followed my response and I took a step back to leave but to my shock, the gates buzzed open a minute later, followed by a slightly warmer reception. “Please come in.”
I was confused as to what made the gatekeeper change his mind.
I mumbled a “thanks” and entered the courtyard then, I walked to the entrance.
A tall, dark-haired man in a black suit waited for me by the front doors. I could spot him from a mile away no matter what he wore. He stiffened when he saw me before his stern face melted into a smile.
“It’s nice to see you again, Luna Maisie,” Gamma Rayes said.
My heart warmed. He still acknowledged me as Luna even after what happened.
“I apologize for not realizing it's you. The new gate operator is a newbie and doesn't recognize your voice. He will be punished.” For the first time in a while, he said more words than he usually did.
“It's alright, Rayes,” I smiled. “Can I see Xavier now?”
A shadow crossed his face before he finally cleared his throat. “Alpha Xavier is with Miss Kylie at the moment. He was told not to disturb him but I'll inform him you're here.”
My stomach twisted.
Xavier was with Kylie? He didn't even hesitate to replace me even after rejecting me. I suddenly felt out of place and turned around to leave.
“Won't you at least let him know why you're here?” Rayes asked suddenly, making me stop dead in my tracks.
He was right. I had come here for a reason and that was to tell Xavier about Aria.
I whipped around to find Rayes gesturing towards the staircase. I thanked him as I went up. Asides, his role as Gamma, Rayes was the voice of reason and the chief mediator of the pack; one of the reasons why he was one of the few people I trusted.
While we walked, my steps faltered for a beat, and I hoped Rayes didn’t notice the slight shake. I adjusted my bag for the fifth time that minute as we passed through the foyer and into the main living areas. It was still the same. I'd feared Kylie would redecorate this place.
“You can wait here while I go get him,” Rayes led me to one of the expensive couches and I sat. “Do you need anything? Soda? Water? Fruit slices?”
I shook my head while being grateful for the offer. “Thank you but I'm full.” I didn't tell him I was filled with anger and frustration.
After he left, I took one look at the long marble hall : the walls bearing the pack’s insignia, the fur rug; a shade of the wallpaper, the wallpaper, the polished marble floor. I had decorated all by myself. The idea of losing all this to another woman terrified me.
Rayes nodded obediently and left.
I waited until his footsteps faded into the distance before I breathed normally again. I hadn't realized I'd been holding my breath.
I crashed on the couch and rehearsed what I would say to Xavier in my head :
“Xavier, I have something important to tell you. When I went to the hospital to see Aria, the doctor told me she had been cremated and…”
A ball lodged in my throat and I cupped my hand over my mouth. I felt like throwing up in my mouth. Aria was gone and my lips shook everything I tried to or mentioned her name. How on earth do I deliver this message without breaking down? How do I even begin?
When I noticed Rayes was taking forever to return, I decided to go find Xavier myself.
I exhaled shakily and passed through the foyer and into the main living areas. It was exactly as I remembered.
The long marble halls wound around grand rooms dedicated to every activity under the sun. There was a billiards room, a screening room, a sitting room, a drawing room and a room that appeared to have no purpose other than to display different musical instruments.
After a good ten minutes, I finally stopped in front of the library. Xavier would be here but would Kylie be with him? Rayes had mentioned they were together. The image of Xavier touching another woman ran through my mind and I clenched my fists.
I looked at the door and noticed the door was slightly ajar.
I reached for the doorknob, only to freeze when I heard the last voice I wanted to hear.
“How could you say that out loud?! What if someone had heard you?” She hissed.
Was she scolding someone?
The other person sniffled softly. It was a child.
“I'm sorry, Kylie,” it was Howard. “I didn't mean to say that. Please, forgive me. Don't send me back to the orphanage.”
My brows furrowed. Orphanage?
I leaned in and listened further.
“You're really lucky no one heard you say you aren't my real son if not…” Kylie sighed deeply. “Listen up, little man, the only reason you're here is because I saw something good in you, something I can put to use. You will help me get what I want from Xavier and then we're done. Understand?”
A gasp suddenly escaped me.
“Who's there?” Kylie asked and I ducked.
“Who's there?” Her footsteps echoed in the halls and I turned the other way.
I gripped my purse close to me as I sprinted down the hall.
Howard wasn't Kylie's real son?
Kylie was exactly what Roman said she was.
He was right all along.