"What on Earth do you think you were doing out there?" Alan screamed the minute they got to her parent's place.
"What on Earth do YOU think you were doing out there Alan?" Dina screamed out, emphasizing more on the "you".
"What's the noise all about?". Mrs Blackstone descended the stairs.
"Dina got us kicked out of the hotel before we could even meet with Mr. Westwood". Alan screamed.
"Why would you do that Dina?" Flora cocked her head to the side, scrutinizing her daughter.
"What's this I'm hearing?" Mr Blackstone came down the stairs as well.
"Mum, Dad, I didn't purposely have us thrown out. I only put Fira in her place!"
"Fira?" Mr Blackstone couldn't believe it.
"I believe I forbade that name in my house!" Flora screeched.
"What do you mean? Isn't she our daughter?"
"She's not my daughter! She lost that title when she shamed us by running away on the night of her engagement to go be with her lover and she denied everything. But as the moon goddess will have it, there was proof! She had gotten pregnant with a bastard!" Flora spat out venomously.
"Enough Flora! That was four years ago. Let it go!" Mr Blackstone said in a tone of finality. Dina gaped at her father unbelievably.
"Now what were you saying about your sister?" Mr Blackstone turned to face Dina.
"She's not my s...."
"Shut up!" Her father thundered.
Alan had found himself a spot on the cushion, his head bowed and in between his hands. He couldn't believe it. His rejected mate was back after four years and she was with someone else. Not just someone else, Alpha Skyler Quinn, the Alpha of the neighboring pack. He was well known for his fierceness and ruthlessness.
Alan boiled with rage. He was the only one allowed to have her. No one else. She was his! His mate! Yes, he had rejected her but she wasn't supposed to be with someone else after that. She was supposed to be bugging him, begging him, and waiting for his forgiveness. She was supposed to be giving herself willingly to him, do anything he wanted. She was meant to be miserable!
Yet! There she was, looking all happy and fresh. Healthy, unlike someone who should be grieving over rejection. And she had gone ahead to get another man for herself. A good-looking one at that.
Alan admitted he was handsome but this other man was another beauty altogether. There she was, proudly in his arms. The way his hands wrapped possessively around her waist was enough to make Alan go gaga. Alpha Quinn was not going to have her, never! She was his and if he couldn't have Fira, then no one else would!
Alan got up angrily as if he was stung by a bee.
"I'm leaving". He declared and all eyes were on him.
"What do you mean you're leaving?"
"Why are you leaving?"
Mr and Mrs Blackstone spoke at the same time.
"See Dad!" Dina broke down in tears. "He's been acting way off lately all because of Fira and the moment he set his eyes on her today, his attitude towards me changed drastically as if I were his archenemy".
Dina slumped on the floor in a heap. She was pained. Why on Earth did Fira come back? She should have just killed her on her engagement night. Then, her life would have been easier. But no, she had played the 'kindness card' and even miles away, Fira had still ruined her happiness. Now, Fira was back and all that she had worked for, and sacrificed for was already crumbling.
"I should have killed her when I had the chance". She cried and Alan paused in his tracks.
"What did you just say, Dina?" The room had gone deadly silent.
"Didn't you hear him?" It was her father this time.
"Nothing that concerns you, Alan. I believe you were leaving. There's no padlock on the door. Find your way out and go run into the arms of your dearly beloved mate who shamed you on your engagement night". With that, she got up and stormed up the stairs, leaving a shocked Alan, a quiet and guilty-looking mother and an angry father.
"Flora get a hold of that daughter of yours before I lose it on her!" Mr Blackstone shouted.
Alan walked out and slammed the front door shut. Getting into his car, he drove off. Deep inside him, a deep feeling of desire to see Fira again began stirring.
***
"Thank you so much, Alice". Fira said to the 16-year-old girl who babysat her son.
"It's okay Miss Blackstone. He's a handful but he's fun". The girl smiled cheekily.
"I know. I know. You've told me a million times". Fira rolled her eyes, slumping on the couch.
"And you've thanked me a million times".
"But I have to, courtesy demands".
"Not a problem Miss B". Fira smiled at the nickname the girl was fond of calling her.
"Is he asleep?" Fira took off her shoes, keeping them to the side of the couch and taking a mental note to pick them up to her room once she was done with Alice.
"He's refusing to sleep but he said I shouldn't worry about sitting by his side". Alice shrugged and Fira's eyes widened.
"But it's past his bedtime. He should be asleep and you shouldn't have left him alone". She stood upright.
"I locked all the windows Miss B and he's been saying he wants to go see Grandma". Alice was trailing after Fira who was already on her way to Miguel's room.
"But he knows he can't go to Grandma's till the weekend". Fira pushed the door open. The only light that was on was Miguel's bedside lamp.
"Hi, mum. Good evening". The little boy dropped the story he was reading and smiled widely at his mother.
"Hi, baby". Fira climbed onto the bed, smiling.
"What are you reading?" She peeked into the book.
It was Aladdin and the lamp story.
"What are you doing past your bedtime?" She wrapped her arms around him.
"To be honest I don't feel too good Mama". Fira looked up at Alice who was standing by the door.
"Can you excuse us for a moment Alice? And please wait in the living room for me. I'd love to have a chat with you". Alice nodded and walked away.
She slumped on the couch, deep in thought. Did Miss B want to get rid of her? She needed money the most now. Her prescriptions were almost finished and she needed a refill.
"What's wrong baby?" Fira asked Miguel, concerned.
"I don't know. I just don't feel good".
"Maybe you missed me too much or maybe you missed grandma too much. Heard you wanted to go see her". Miguel shook his head.
"Not that?" He nodded.
"You'll be fine okay. Try and get some sleep. You've got school tomorrow. Please, for Mama". Miguel nodded and Fira kissed him on the forehead, pulling the duvet up him.
"So Alice". Fira said, strolling back into the living room.
"Yes Miss B". She shot out of the chair.
"I was wondering if you could work extra hours for me tomorrow. I mean watch over Miguel for a few extra hours. I won't be back home early".
"I'll pay you extra". Fira added before Alice could reject.
"Alright Miss B".
She handed over a 70$ bill to the girl.
"Miss B, this is too much". Alice cried in alarm.
"Of course, it's not. 25 for today, 25 for tomorrow, and the extra 20. Please don't say no".
"Thank you so much Miss B. See you tomorrow". Alice hugged her and walked out.
After locking the door securely, Fira went to her room to undress and search for a dress for the dinner date. She knew she was unwilling at first, but she was anxious and curious and decided to give it a try.
Closing her eyes to sleep, she dreamt of the night of her engagement but this time, it was different. Instead of the man's blurry face, it was replaced by the CEO's. Alpha Quinn.