Chapter 218- Poor Dante

Chapter 218: 218- Poor Dante

Arabella’s pov:

I had spent most of the morning in the Alpha’s office, going through the files Chris had left behind. The audit was almost complete, but that wasn’t the only reason I was there.

I wanted to understand exactly what responsibilities I was expected to take up once I became the Alpha of Blackthorn pack. The pack’s finances were only one part of it. There were agreements with neighboring packs, pending requests from warriors, disputes over land, and dozens of other matters that required the Alpha’s approval.

I was examining one of those files when the door slammed against the wall, and I found Dante standing in the doorway.

For a moment, neither of us moved. I hadn’t expected him to come here, and seeing him so suddenly made my heart race.

Get a grip, Arabella. Relax!

Dante’s gaze traveled over me, lingering far longer than necessary before returning to my face. "What are you doing here, Arabella?"

I managed a confident smile and raised the folder in my hand. "Finishing the audit. I need to prepare my final report for the King, and some of the documents I need are in your father’s office."

The file didn’t have anything related to the audit and I prayed hard to Moon Goddess that Dante trusted me enough not to check it.

He glanced briefly at the folder, but his attention soon returned to me. "You could’ve asked someone to bring it to you."

"I know, but I prefer checking things myself."

Dante stepped inside and closed the door behind him. "You’ve changed," he remarked, approaching the desk. "I almost didn’t recognize you when I first saw you after you returned."

I chuckled. "Three years is a long time."

"It is." He stopped in front of me, looking me over again. "And you’ve become even more beautiful."

I placed the folder on the desk. "Thank you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I still have work to finish."

But Dante didn’t move aside. "Arabella, wait. There’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time."

I looked at him, wondering what he had to say. "I missed you," he said. "More than you probably realize. And I know I made a mistake letting you go."

"What bullshit is he uttering?" Astraea suddenly woke up in my head.

"Oh. Good morning, Astraea." I teased her since it was already noon. My wolf was still regaining her strength and spent most of her time sleeping.

I brought my focus back to Dante. He was married to Vanessa, who was carrying his child, and here he was telling me how much he regretted losing me.

"You’re married, Dante," I said flatly.

"I know." He gave a small sigh. "But that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten you. We had something once, Arabella."

What? We never had anything. Before I could respond, he reached out and brushed his knuckles across my cheek.

I went still, more out of disbelief.

"Look at you," he murmured. "I was such an idiot back then."

You’re still an idiot, you idiot!

His hand began moving down toward my throat, but I caught his wrist before he could go any further.

I was tempted to break his wrist, but that would only draw unwanted attention. I didn’t want to destroy my hard work just for the satisfaction of breaking one of his bones.

"Don’t," I warned him, holding his gaze. "There was nothing between us, Dante. And I suggest you remember that before your wife finds out what you’re doing."

"You’re mistaken, sweetheart... I was only..."

"Dante!" I rolled my eyes as I called his name in my sweetest voice. "The only reason your wrist is still intact is because I have more important things to do. Don’t make me reconsider."

Before Dante could respond, the office door flew open.

"Dante?" Vanessa stood in the doorway, her eyes darting between her husband and me. Dante immediately stepped back, putting some distance between us.

"Vanessa! I was just telling Arabella that she needs to stop this nonsense," he said quickly.

What?

Dante was shaking his head as though he were terribly disappointed. "She still has feelings for me, babe. I was trying to explain that I’m married now... about to become a father, but she doesn’t seem to understand."

I wanted to laugh. Bastard! He was acting as though I was the one who cornered him in his father’s office.

Vanessa turned toward me with a look of pure disgust. "Are you seriously that desperate, Arabella? My husband is going to be a father soon. He loves me! And you’re still chasing after him? Have you no shame?"

I looked at Dante, who was doing an excellent job of pretending to be uncomfortable, then back at Vanessa.

I couldn’t help laughing, which only seemed to irritate them both even more.

"What’s so funny?" Vanessa demanded.

"I’m just impressed." I picked up Alpha Chris’s folder from the desk. "Three years of marriage, and your husband is still sniffing around his ex-mate like a horny dog. Tell me, Vanessa, is he always this desperate for attention, or is married life getting a little boring?"

Dante’s face turned red with anger. "Watch what you’re saying!"

"Why?" I looked at him with fake innocence. "Dante, didn’t you just tell me you don’t enjoy being intimate with her anymore? That she’s gotten so fat you can’t even lie on top of her?" I glanced at Vanessa’s belly and smirked. "Oh, and didn’t you say you keep finding excuses to stay out of the bedroom because you can’t stand seeing her naked anymore? Something about her looking like a buffalo?" I cocked up a brow. "Or did I misunderstand that part too?"

"That’s a lie!" he snapped.

I turned to Vanessa, whose lips were trembling with anger and humiliation. "You know, I almost feel sorry for you. Here you are, defending a man who can barely stand to look at you. Tsk, tsk. You really need to spice things up in the bedroom, Vanessa. Or should I send you some sexy lingerie? Maybe that’ll help get your husband’s attention back."

"Shut your mouth!" Vanessa shouted, placing her hand on her chest... as if she was about to get a heart attack.

"Vanessa!" Dante held her quickly. I tucked the folder under my arm and headed for the door.

"Don’t worry, Dante. She’s been having these little heart attacks since we were kids. She’ll survive."

After saying that, I walked out, leaving Vanessa crying in his arms, demanding an explanation from him.

Poor Dante was desperately trying to defend himself.