My Ex Husband The Alpha His Brother The Rogue novel Chapter 4

Nothing Like The Rogue

~Three Years Later

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~Cameron

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Barely a year ago, the Blackwood legacy had my name on it. Exclusively.

Today, Blackwood Corporation welcomes a new partner. Kael Blackwood.

My brother. The outcast of the family who was never in the line of succession. He’s an Alpha rogue. Not even a pack wolf. He doesn’t deserve to be here.

But somehow, he’s warmed his way back into our grandfather’s good books. Returning with an entire corporation to his own name, at a critical moment when Blackwood Co. is in dire state.

And now, there are two Blackwoods in Thorneville.

I stand on the balcony, watching him weave through the crowd of bootlickers, all eager to suck up to him.

The traitors.

His return has created a narrative that he might reclaim his ‘rightful’ place, being the eldest son.

My Beta, Josh whispers from beside me. “Shouldn’t we do something about him?”

I shake my head slowly. He’s not worth my effort.

He’s not a threat to my position as Alpha. Not yet. But his rapid rise through the ranks is unsettling.

“Just keep a close eye on him.” I say.

Kael glances up, as if sensing my gaze. Our eyes meet. His eyes are as cold as ever.

We haven’t spoken much yet. But there will be time for that.

Tonight, Blackwood Corporation will be hosting a gala to celebrate his partnering with Kael’s corporation, Mystic Inc.

From what I’ve heard, Kael will also be introducing his wife and son to our grandfather.

I’m not looking forward to the event. Or watching him prance about in the spotlight.

—

The gala began a half hour ago. Crystal lights shine overhead and waiters mill about, tending to the guests.

Around me, a few neighboring alphas and some executives clink glasses.

Nights like these are opportunities to solidify corporate power and pack alliances. But for me, it’s just a reminder of just how uncertain my position has become.

I hate every second of this.

Sarah is on my arm, her nails digging in through my suit. Her smile is tight, and her dress is even lower cut than usual. Revealing way too much cleavage than is ever necessary. I used to be charmed by her sweetness. Her wide, innocent eyes, portraying the perfect illusion of purity.

“Did you notice how they practically lined up to greet your brother?” she whispers to me, too close to my ear. Her breath reeks of overpriced champagne. “Gods, they’re so pathetic.”

I don’t answer.

With each day that goes by, I’m losing my patience with Sarah. But I let her stay on my arm. For Kelly. My daughter is the only reason I haven’t told Sarah to pack her things and go back to whatever pit she crawled out of.

Kelly deserves stability, even if the rest of this is barely holding together

Just then, Kael walks into the hall. The atmosphere in the room shifts almost instantly

His aura is naturally intimidating. Perks of being born Alpha. He moves like he owns the place, with a calm confidence that’s hard to match.

There’s no trace of the rogue he was a few years ago. Immediately, the sharks flock around him. Back then, half these people wouldn’t give him the time of the day. Now they’re lining up to kiss his ass.

Kael makes his social rounds through the crowd. Exchanging handshakes, brief nods, and smiles that don’t reach his eyes. And then he walks over to me.

“Cameron,” he says with a cordial nod.

“Kael,” I return, forcing a smile to my lips.

The tension between us is thick enough to cut through. More than a few people glance over, shamelessly eavesdropping.

Sarah chips in uninvited, “You clean up well for a rogue.”

Kael’s eyes shift to her. “You must be Sarah. I’ve heard… things.”

She looks completely different…yet just the same.

But it’s her. It’s really her.

And she’s not alone. There’s a little boy by her side, holding her hand.

My brain goes blank.

The boy. No…no way.

He looks just like…

Grandfather speaks before I can. “Isn’t that… Laila?”

Sarah freezes. “What the hell is she doing here?”

The boy lets go of Laila’s hand. His eyes scan the room and then they lit up. “Daddy!”

His voice rings out through the hall. Attracting the attention of all the guests.

The little excited voice tugs at my heart. Within my mind, my wolf shifts uneasily.

That little boy…it can’t be!

Laila looks mortified.

He dashes towards me. I’m frozen in shock. My heart is beating too fast.

Me? No…not me.

He runs right past me. I turn slowly.

All eyes trail him, mine included.

He leaps right into a pair of waiting arms. It’s him.

Kael Blackwood.

My brother is the father of Laila’s son.