Chapter 17 17
Xavier's pov
My blood had roared at the sweet relief of seeing her again but right now, it boiled.
She was clearly on a date with Jason.
Were they dating? Married? I hadn't seen her hands earlier so I wouldn't know but Jason… Jason wears a silver ring.
My heart lodged in my throat.
No, it can't be.
“Fuck!” I screamed out loud.
A few passerbys gasped at my outburst but I didn't give a damn about them.
I stormed to my Aston Martin and slammed the door to the driver's seat. Then, I pounded my fists against the wheel. This can't be!
I slumped in my seat and let out another strain of curses. Just when I thought it was over, I saw Jason walk out of the bar with the brunette. I suddenly wished I hadn't granted him an exclusive membership to the club but he had been an excellent secretary so I let it slide.
After Jason helped her into her car, I followed them.
After stopping at a few red lights and driving for long minutes, we finally arrived at an apartment complex. It was a famous one in the city and quite expensive. Where did Jason get the money to pay for it? Did he have another job? Was he stealing my money? No, it couldn't be. I did hear a few whispers from some of the staff that his father was some rich Alpha in the East so it could be true.
I parked my car in the garage and followed them to a hallway.
I hid against the wall so they wouldn't see me.
This was very pathetic. I, the Alpha of BlackRock Pack, one of the most feared Packs in the realm was hiding in between pillars like a fucking stalker.
I pulled myself from my thoughts and peeked quietly.
Jason was standing in front of the brunette now and she chuckled. From the way he stood so close to her and her light laugh, were they …
I hid myself immediately. They were kissing. So they were a couple. Goddamit!
My phone suddenly buzzed in my pocket and I hissed.
Who could be calling at this hour?
I slipped away before the sound could echo in the halls and answered it.
“What?!” I growled the second I got into my car.
“Howard has been crying non-stop. He wants to see you.” Kylie said. Even her voice sounded annoying.
I dragged my free hand down my face and hissed. “Fine! I'll be home soon.”
I didn't wait for her to reply, I ended the call and threw my phone in the passenger side.
Then I started the car and drove out of the garage slowly. Before I eased the car onto the road, I stared at the apartment building.
Jason would probably spend the night here.
The thought of him touching her made me want to march up there and shove him through the window. I forced my anger in check and drove.
By the time I arrived at the Pack House, I had already made two decisions : I would save my company no matter what it takes and I would have that brunette by any means necessary.
I walked into the suite’s living room when I saw him sitting on the floor, watching a kids’ cartoon about cars. At his young age, he was fascinated by them.
His back faced me, but he must have had a sixth sense because he turned the instant I entered the room.
“Daddy!” Howard scrambled to his feet and ran toward me.
A wave of nostalgia hit me and I nearly doubled back in shock.
Aria had once greeted me like this when she was alive. She had wrapped her arms around me like Howard did and smiled. If she were alive, she would be the same age as Howard.
“You came home, daddy.” He smiled.
The new title made me wince whenever I heard it. It's been 3 years and I'd barely gotten used to it but I make do when I can.
“Of course I came home, buddy.” I bent down to hug him.
He buried his face in my stomach and pulled away, his eyes lighting up like a Christmas tree.
“Come on,” he dragged my hand. “Let's go eat. Mom made dinner.”
I nearly rolled my eyes at his statement. Kylie would never cook to save her life. She was probably loitering in the kitchen and buzzing like a bee.
I let Howard help me out of my jacket and walk to the dining hall. At least he didn't inherit her terrible manners.
“You're home,” Kylie said with a forced smile which was interpreted to mean : ‘you’re lucky you came back’.
I didn't give a fuck about that either.
“Yeah.” I sighed and took my seat at the head of the table.
“Why don't you take a shower before you join us?” She arched a brow, probably referring to the stench of alcohol I had brought along.
Howard giggled. “Yeah. Daddy smells funny.”
I scoffed. “So daddy smells funny now.”
“Yeah,” he smiled. His giggles increased when I tickled his stomach and moved away from there.
His laughter still echoed in my head as I went to our bedroom.
I had walked into that room a dozen times over for the past 3 years but at this moment, it felt foreign. Like it wasn't mine.
Usually, Maisie would keep a family portrait of us and the room would be painted a mixture of white and peach. This time, it was completely different, like a shrine dedicated to Kylie. Only a few accessories of mine were scattered across the room.
I heaved a sigh, reminding myself not to think about Maisie anymore. I took my shower, dressed in a white shirt and black slacks and went downstairs.
I tried to ignore Kylie throughout dinner and focused my attention on Howard.
After eating, I spent time with Howard. When I was home, we'd have boy's night, a night dedicated to video games and popcorn.
Half an hour later, Howard stared at me with glazed eyes. He was about to crash.
I carried him to his room and put him on his bed.
When I was about to leave, he clutched my sleeve with his little hand. “Pleaze, stay, dad. I never get to see you.”
Something lodged in my throat. It was like deja vu.
My body trembled as I leaned in and kissed him on the forehead.
I retreated to our bedroom and unbuttoned my shirt when I heard her.
“I didn't think you'd come back.” she said, staring at me from our bed.
“Well, here, I am.” I peeled off my shirt and draped it on the back of the couch.
When I turned, she was out of bed and standing at the edge.
My eyes followed her hands as she slid the robes off her shoulders till they pooled at her feet.
“I was angry at you for how you left earlier but…” her voice dropped to a low, sultry tone. “... I'm willing to forgive you now.”
I didn't stop her when she neared me. I didn't stop her when she touched me.
I closed my eyes and breathed her in. She was wearing her signature scent, a strawberry scent I'd grown to hate. Why wouldn't she be like Maisie who wore a different fragrance every time. Sweet one day, sultry the next.
An electric current ran the length of my body, intensifying my loathing, and I turned my head so I didn’t have to kiss her.
“Xavier, is something wrong?” She asked, her brows dipped in concern.
“Yes,” I replied, peeling her arms off me. “I'm not in the mood.”
“What?” Her eyes flew up to mine.
I turned to where I draped my shirt on the couch and picked it up.
“Xavier, where are you going?!” Kylie screamed.
“Out!” I repeated, turning away from her to wear my shirt.
“But you just got here!” She screamed again. “You can't do this to me when I want you!”
I don't reply to her. I walk out of the room and slam the door.
On my way out, I bump into one of the maids — a brunette and memories from earlier flashed through my mind.
Jason holding her, kissing her.
My rage returned in double folds.
I didn't hear the maid apologize and brushed past her.
I wasn't going to sleep with her tonight.
Hell, I wasn't going to sleep at all.