My Ex Husband The Alpha His Brother The Rogue novel Chapter 83

Chapter 83

-Laila

The car ride goes by in silence.

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The minutes are swiftly crawling by and my mind still reels with Kael’s words. And the memory of that night, six years ago.

I didn’t think about it often. I didn’t think about it ever. Until now.

Cameron’s hands on me that night were coarse…not tender. They weren’t careful. They were frantic, urgent desperate… fuelled by lust and the need for release.

His face contorted in pain, desire, and the battle between both.

He didn’t want to hurt me. I’d seen his conflict myself… his horror at losing the battle for control between who he was, and a side of him that wasn’t meant to show.

It was not the most beautiful moment of my life. Or his. It was not perfect, or filled with roses and honeymoon bliss.

It was a man who wanted to be everything else but what he believed he truly was. The weakest of the Blackwoods.

But I never saw it as a weakness. It was ours…our moment. And for whatever it was, we’d helped each other through it.

In that moment, when he was the most vulnerable, I’d promised myself to protect him. Protect his secret.

I had convinced myself into believing everything happened for a reason. That was my love and loyalty to him.

Cameron may not have been born Alpha, but he’d earned the respect he now commanded by his dedication to the pack.

For me, it was then I began to love the stranger who had become my husband.

Because underneath the false image of perfection he let everyone else see, he was just a broken man. Finding his way through this cruel world that only respects strength and bloodlines.

For him, he’d trusted me. A feeling I believe was perhaps more honourable than his unattainable love.

Now Kael knows about Cameron’s darkest secret. And by the end of the night, the whole world might know as

well.

My hands tremble and I clench them tightly in my lap.

Apprehension curls in the pit of my stomach, gutting me from within.

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Chapter 83

I don’t bother glancing over at Kael.

I know his mind is made up. And nothing I do or say can change it.

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I don’t even have the luxury to warn Cameron of what’s coming. Kael’s sitting right beside me, his eyes watching me every so often.

And even if I could, would I choose to warn Cameron? Ruin Kael’s plan and possibly provide Cameron with even more reason to question Liam’s paternity?

“We’re here.” Kael’s clipped tone draws me out of my thoughts.

I glance up as the car pulls up in front of the grand hotel. My heart drops to the pit of my stomach.

The summit has already begun when we arrive.

All ranked Alphas and well–known investors are in attendance. Laughter and music echoes through the hall, creating a deceptively light hearted ambiance.

But I know this mask of cordiality is just a cover for countless ulterior motives.

Kael looks as imposing as always in his tailored suit. His presence immediately commands attention as we arrive at the doorway.

All

eyes shift to us, but Kael barely notices because his attention is fixed on something else entirely. Someone

else

Cameron.

He’s standing in the center of the hall, surrounded by Alphas attempting to curry favor with the Blackwoods.

He’s the exact picture of control.

But I see beyond his mask. I see the slight tension in his jaw, the unease hidden beneath his calm facade.

A flicker of recognition crosses his eyes when his gaze meets mine. He smiles, just lightly.

But it’s more than enough. I blanch.

Kael leans down, his lips brushing my ear. His voice is a low whisper, audible to me alone. “Don’t look away.”

I want to. But I can’t.

Not even as Kael leads us to the group. Before stepping away from me. He approaches Cameron like a predator stalking prey. His steps deliberate.

I’m immediately surrounded by a group of Lunas and I force a smile to my lips, nodding along to their pleasantries. But my attention isn’t with them at all.

18:26 Wed, Oct 15

Chapter #4

I can barely hear the words they’re saying

My eyes trail Karl as he leans in close to Cameron, whispering a few words

Cameron’s face pales.

My heart runs cold I know exactly what Kael is saying.

The secret Cameron thought was buried that night

For a moment, I see Cameron’s composure fall.

The flicker of shame in his eyes. The way his eyes shift briefly, instinctively, to me.

My chest tightens. My heart aches.

Kael’s still whispering words to Cameron. His voice is low, his hand resting on Cameron’s shoulder in a false show of brotherhood.

And then, with the entire hall watching, Cameron slowly clinks his glass.

The sound draws the attention of all the gathered dignitaries. The hall instantly goes quiet. Even the music

quietens.

All attention is fixed on Cameron, anticipating what he’s about to say.

Many already believe Cameron will step down as Alpha today due to the circulating rumors.

But not even rumors prepares them for his next words,

“As of this moment, I will be stepping down as the CEO of Blackwood Co,” Cameron announces, “My ex–wife, Laila Blackwood will assume my duties.”

If the hall had been silent before, it becomes a literal graveyard. No one reacts for a long moment. I’m pretty sure no one even breathes.

And then all eyes are fixed on me. I stiffen on instinct.

My eyes do a quick search of the ball. Grandfather Blackwood is nowhere to be seen.

Neither is Max and Shirley.

Which means no one can prevent the madness that’s about to play out

Kael? His eyes narrow at Cameron’s words.

Referring to me as his ex–wife, rather than as Kael’s wife is Cameron’s last ditch effort at defying Kael. In the presence of dozens of Alphas.

Of course, Kael doesn’t appreciate it. And I count the seconds before the unified front Grandfather had ordered falls apart.

18:26 Wed, Oct 15