Adrian’s POV

I spent the entire day in a meeting with Alpha Wade. The discussion took place in the meeting room. We finalized the paperwork to… (The sentence cuts off here. More context is needed.)

Alpha Wade was pleased with the project. People assumed I’d secured the deal, but in reality, Alpha Wade had gotten the better end of the bargain. I essentially gave him the opportunity to save his pack from war by showcasing my fighters’ capabilities.

“Thank you so much, Alpha Adrian. This is a great opportunity. I hope you’ll look after my younger brother.”

“Sure,” I replied, glancing at Alpha Seth. He appeared calm and calculating. Though older than me, his experience was less than mine.

After the meeting, Alpha Wade invited me to a celebratory party.

“I don’t want to go,” I said directly. I wasn’t in the mood. This project, while a dream for many packs, held no excitement for me.

“Oh, I apologize for not getting your approval. It’s a small gathering of pack company CEOs. I’ve already invited them, and they’ve all accepted.”

I paused, hearing him say, “All.”

“Is she coming?” I muttered, loud enough for him to hear.

“She? Who?” Alpha Wade asked.

Patric, sitting beside me, chuckled. “He means CEO Natalia.”

He gave me a knowing look, which I ignored. Alpha Wade laughed.

“Of course she is. Beta Eric told me Miss Natalia accepted and will be there.”

I raised an eyebrow. Is she not heartbroken? How can she attend?

“Let me just say, without your deal, we’d have almost given it to her pack company. She’s brilliant, a shrewd negotiator, and has a bright future,” Alpha Wade praised her.

Alpha Seth nodded. “By the way, I couldn’t believe Alpha Jason had a sister. I heard she’s quite impressive in her position…”

I turned to Alpha Seth. His eyebrows shot up when he saw me looking at him. Alpha Wade addressed his brother. “Alpha Adrian admires her greatly, Seth. I think it’s more than admiration, so perhaps you should keep your distance.”

Alpha Seth nodded. “I didn’t know Alpha Adrian was pursuing her. If I had, I wouldn’t have looked at her.”

Patric cleared his throat, rising and patting my shoulder. “Alpha, we need to discuss something. Let’s head back to the hotel.”

I stood, nodded to Alpha Wade, ignored Seth, and left with Patric.

“Bro, you just ignored the pack Alpha,” Patric said, shaking his head.

“He doesn’t deserve my greeting.”

“Why? Because he mentioned Natalia Hansley?” Patric asked, rolling his eyes.

I glared at him. He continued, “Come on, Adrian. It’s been weeks since you got your DNA results with her daughter. You said you hated her. Then why…”

“I’m not answerable to anyone,” I muttered, looking away.

It was true. I’d been watching her. The deal was just a way to see her again. I didn't know why, but I couldn't stay away.

“You know she has children from another man. As Alpha, you can't accept another man’s children.”

I clenched my jaw.

“I haven’t considered that,” I replied.

“Oh, please. Stop lying to yourself, Adrian. You love that woman. Otherwise, no one would follow their ex-wife, knowing she has a new boyfriend. Having someone else’s children is…”

I scowled, interrupting him.

“Shut the fuck up! How long will you keep bringing up her children?!”

“Why do you want to forget? You need to consider this path. Don’t tell me you’re so in love you’d accept her twins.”

I growled. The driver, startled, pulled over. I opened the door, slammed it shut, and grimaced at Patric through the window.

“Stop making things up, Beta Patric. I don’t love her. I hate her. Understand that. Now go back to the hotel without me. Don’t follow.”

I walked away. The car remained stopped; other drivers honked, forcing the driver to restart the car.

I ignored everyone. People stared. I felt like I was losing my mind. A college-aged girl bumped into me.

“So sorry, sir,” she apologized.

I nodded and walked on.

“He’s so handsome! Why didn’t he look at you again? You’re the most beautiful girl in this pack,” I heard another girl say.

Beauty meant nothing to me. I wasn’t a womanizer. Even Lynda, who was attractive, I never slept with. There was another reason… I couldn’t look at her the way I used to look at others.

Then my wolf spoke. “Just accept it. You’ve fallen for your mate.”

The final section appears to be promotional material and not part of the narrative. I have removed it.