\[Denali’s POV\]
Anastasia’s pitiful expression shifts to one of shock over me calling her family, but as quickly as it shows, it is gone, and she is beaming.
“That’s great!” She giggles. “I would hate for us to have any grudges. After all, as my sister, you must be my maid of honor.”
This time, it was my turn to be shocked. Was she being serious right now? Of course, she was. What was a better way to make me look like a fool than to be the maid of honor at my sister and ex-boyfriends wedding?
“You will, won’t you?” She asks shyly. “You’re the only one who can possibly take that place.”
Would I? As this thought hits me, I turn my gaze to my father, who is giving me a look of warning. It was clear that the only proper response to her question was yes.
“Of course,” I sigh, causing Rosco’s hand, which still rests on my thigh, to squeeze. “AH!”
“What is it?” Anastasia asks, eyeing me curiously while Alexander’s gaze darkens. “Did something happen?”
“No,” I respond, trying to stop the blush that is creeping up my face. “I just hit my leg, that's all.”
“Oh no!” She gasps. “Are you okay? Let me see!”
As she speaks, Anastasia ducks beneath the table, and when she spots Rosco’s hand, she shoots up, looking offended.
“Is something wrong, sweetheart?” My father asks.
“I don’t feel so well,” she responds, keeping her gaze fixed on me. “I need the bathroom. Denali, would you come with me?”
“Why?” I ask before I can stop myself.
“She’s your sister,” my father snaps. “She’s sick and pregnant. What if something were to happen?”
“Sorry,” I sigh, slowly getting up and giving Rosco a look. “I’ll be right back.”
“Don’t take too long,” he beams, giving my hand a squeeze. “I wanted to speak with your father alone anyway.”
Nodding, I pull my hand free and make my way around the table so that I can help Anastasia up. As I do, she gives me a warm smile and then locks her arms around mine.
“Isn’t this great?” She giggles. “It’s been so long since we’ve been together. I’ve missed you.”
“Of course,” I respond, keeping a smile on my face. “Now let's get you to the bathroom before you throw up.”
Giving Rosco one last look, I begin to move, leading Anastasia through the restaurant and to the bathroom, which is currently empty. Once we are inside, I pull myself free and take a few steps back.
“You’ve got me alone,” I announce, crossing my arms. “That was what you wanted, right?”
“We haven’t seen or talked to each other in six months, and all you can do is accuse me of being up to no good.” She pouts, leaning against the sinks.
“Are you saying you’re not?” I counter.
Growing quiet, I wait as Anastasia takes me in. When her look of hurt disappears, one of amusement replaces it.
“It’s all an act, right?”
“What is?”
If she was trying to feel me out, she wasn’t going to get anywhere with it. And honestly, I wasn’t fully convinced it was an act for Rosco to begin with.
“You and Rosco,” she continues when I don’t speak. “Do you really think I will believe that such a cold-hearted man could be so loving? Especially toward someone like you.”
Someone like me. There it was. The prejudice that I grew up with and had to endure for so many years. But that time was over, and I wouldn’t allow her to take me back there.
“I should be saying that about someone like you,” I point out. “Aren’t you the one who enjoys stealing people's boyfriends?” I continue. “Is that why you’re doing this now? Don’t tell me that you want to try to get your hands on Rosco after you so forcefully fought against marrying him. That’s actually hilarious.”
“Watch your words, bitch,” Anastasia growls. “Or I’ll…”
“You’ll what?" I challenge, moving forward. “You’re pregnant, remember? Or are you really going to risk hurting your baby?”
In a way, I wouldn't put it past her to do something, but at the moment, I hoped she wouldn't do something so disgusting.
“Of course I wouldn't,” she says slowly, rubbing her stomach. “After all, this child is mine and Alexander's.”
As she speaks, she gives me a smug look, as if saying that I won. And maybe if this had been six months ago, I would have been hurt and angry, but now I feel nothing.
“That's right." I agree. “And because it is a child created with your future husband and mate, you should cherish it.”
Deciding that our conversation should end here, I begin to move, but when I reach the bathroom exit, Anastasia's hand is grabbing me.
“What are you doing?” I gasp when she flings herself forward, face first, into the door. “Have you…”
“Anastasia!”
Eyes widening, I watch as Anastasia's weight pushes against the door, causing her to fall forward into the arms of Alexander, who must have been waiting.
“Alexander!” She wails, wrapping her arms around him. “I was just telling Denali how happy we were about our future, and she..."
I don't bother listening to the rest of her words as I take in those around us who are watching. Now I understood why she wanted me here and what she was up to. She was trying to make me out to be the villain, not only in front of my ex but also my new husband.
"Bravo!" I laugh, beginning to clap. “Honestly, I shouldn't be surprised.”
Since we were young, this was what she did when she didn’t get everything she wanted. She lashed out and made anyone around her who was standing in her way look bad.
“Denali,” Alexander growls, taking me in with dark eyes. “How could you do something so..."
“Because I’m a monster,” I shrug, suddenly wondering if I ever truly knew the man in front of me. “That’s what you’re thinking, right? And what if I said I had nothing to do with it? Would you believe me?”
Growing quiet, I wait while he continues to stare me down with a conflicted look in his eyes, but before he can answer, a strong hand is clamping down on my shoulder.
“I believe you.”
Turning, I take in Rosco, who is now standing beside me, as his words begin to reverberate in my ears.
“I don’t know what you’re up to,” he continues, fixing his gaze on Anastasia. “But you’d be wise not to try to set up my wife. I’m a very protective man, and if anyone dares to harm my people, I’ll fucking kill them.”