Chapter 82 ~Secrets That Smell Like Chamomile~
(Xander's POV)
It was raining as I drove to Grayson & Co Investments.
I could hear the pattering of rain on the roof of the car. It drowned the music and almost lulled me to sleep, reminding me I'd been sleep-deprived these past few days.
Of course, I tried to find my way out of this meeting, but Edgar Grayson, as always, was quick to remind me I was Junior Exec, hence me driving to the office this early in the morning.
I had to be there for the merger finalization, but I'd rather be with Fiona. She needed me, especially after yesterday.
I sighed in exasperation. Today, by all indications, I'd see Dakota and worse, Alpha Aaron Reign… he was flying in to do some finalising with his signature.
I knew the old man still held something against me. Everyone thought Dakota and I would be the dream mate, but alas, fate had other plans.
Whatever would happen today, I would take it as it came.
The tires squealed as I drove into the garage of Grayson & Co.
‘Here we go.’ I muttered to myself as I entered the elevator.
The elevator chimed, and I stepped out in sharp strides.
“Good morning, Mr Alexander Grayson.” My father's PA, whose name I could never remember, greeted me, alongside other staff.
“Where's the meeting being held?”
“Uh… boardroom.”
I walked towards the boardroom. As I opened the door, I was met with Edgar Grayson and Dakota sitting across from the large oak desk, discussing and laughing.
“Dad.” I nodded in greeting as I walked towards them.
Dakota turned to regard me. I couldn't help but notice that she looked extravagant today. Deep maroon-colored lips, darker lashes, her bangs looked volumized. She looked like she'd taken extra care of her appearance today.
I would love to believe that had nothing to do with me, but we both knew the truth.
She stood up, wearing a half smile.
I looked down at her long legs, shaved clean, oiled, exposed. Intentional. “Xander, how lovely to see you!”
She moved for a hug, but I stepped back, extending my palm.
“Miss Reign, pleasure to have you in Grayson & Co.”
She stared at me in disbelief, muttering ‘Miss Reign’. For a moment, I thought she wouldn't take the hand, but she quickly recovered and returned the handshake.
“Son, you're right on time.” Father was looking extra cheerful today. Perhaps he was pretending this wasn't as awkward as it was. “Dakota was just telling me that today is her birthday, but you know this, right, son?”
April twenty-first.
And no, I didn't remember.
“Where's Alpha Aaron? He isn't coming?” I asked, ignoring the question.
Wait… did Father still want us together?
Dakota cleared her throat. “Uh… Daddy is running. You know, jet lag and all that. But he should be here soon.”
The scent of chamomile tea filled my nostrils. It was there, on the desk in front of Dakota.
An image flashed in my mind of chamomile tea in a mug, crashing on the ground as we’d sex on the countertop in her apartment.
But that was all in the past.
I looked up to meet her eyes already on mine. She wore a smirk, and for a moment I wondered if she knew what I'd been thinking.
I shifted. “Let's begin the meeting, shall we?”
“Yes, of course.” Father's eyes brightened. “Oh, there he is.”
I turned to see Alpha Aaron walk in with controlled strides.
The energy was increasing, growing tense.
“Alpha Edgar.” He shook Father's hand. “I didn't know I'd be seeing you so soon again.”
The two men exchanged pleasantries.
I watched Alpha Aaron hug his daughter and go to his seat afterwards, not acknowledging me.
Tension was thick like smoke.
We commenced the meeting.
“The merger is definitely going to be profitable for both companies.” I was saying. “Reign gets a share of forty percent of all profits. Grayson & Co. gets fifty, while one percent goes to patrol forces for victims of rogue attacks.”
Alpha Aaron wore a grim expression on his face. “Rogue attacks, huh? Funny, I heard Silvereign recently suffered a major blow.”
“Yes,” Father responded. “Thankfully, we've fully recovered from the attack.”
I could feel Dakota's eyes burning holes in me.
“If only there was an alliance between Silvereign and my pack, I could have deployed at least a thousand of my warriors to assist.” Alpha Aaron was looking directly at me as he said this. Resentment was in his eyes.
“Well, Alpha Varon and Luna Jacqueline of Nightfang pack were very helpful. They provided shelter for Silvereign when we were down.”
“Varon.” Alpha Aaron scoffed. “Heard his divorce finalizes today.”
“Oh,” Father's eyes widened. “Well, it had been long coming.”
I wondered how Nova must be taking it.
Dakota was still staring at me, deep in thought.
After some hours of deliberation on the merger and other topics regarding the pack, the meeting ended.
I stood up to give Alpha Aaron a last handshake. “Thank you for the merger.”
He eyed my palm, distaste across his face. “Better a business partnership than a mating alliance, am I right?” His voice dripped with sarcasm.
Father laughed awkwardly. “All in good faith.” Then he turned to me, and with dismay I realized the cloud in his eyes was disappointment.
He was disappointed… with me, that I hadn't mated Dakota.
But I didn't care. In a thousand worlds, I'd still choose Fiona.
“Let me see you off, Alpha Aaron.” Father walked out with him, leaving me alone with Dakota. A calculated move.
“Parents,” she chuckled. “They just don't give up, do they?”
But her eyes were saying something different. It said she, too, hoped we'd come back together.
“I'd love to take my leave now that the meeting's over.” I turned to leave.
“Wait. Xander.” She stopped me in my tracks.
I turned back. “Yes?”
“I know we're no longer lovers, but at least we can be friends. We can be cordial with each other.” She walked toward me.
Were we back to this?
“No. Dakota.” I said firmly.
She smiled sadly. “You finally called my name.”
The door to the boardroom flew open, and Dakota's face fell.
It was Nova.
She walked in with a man. He was clean cut, not very remarkable looking.
“ W-What are you doing here?” Dakota's voice shook with trepidation.
What was happening?
“Surprise!” Nova smirked. “It's your birthday, isn't it?”
The man wore a hurt expression as he stared at Dakota. “Babe? Is this him?”
Babe?
“Y… I mean no… I mean, what are you doing in America?” Dakota looked scared. Nova looked satisfied.
Me? I was confused.
“What am I doing in America?” The man scoffed. “You ghosted me!”
Things began clicking. So the doctor boyfriend was real?
Nova walked up to Dakota, facing her squarely. “Does Xander know?”
Know what?
I watched Dakota's eyes get wet. Her jaw tightened, and she glared at Nova. “Don't do this.”
“Don't you think this has gone on for too long?” Nova’s lips tilted in a small, knowing smile.
“He deserves to know.”