He Doesn't Love You Anymore (Amber and Ethan) novel Chapter 44

Enemies?

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Enemies?

(Amber’s POV)

The shrill ring of my phone jolted me awake at g`am. Thumbled for it, my eyes still heavy with sleep

“At Amber?” Lucas’s voice came through, sounding oddly urgen

“Lucas? What’s wrong?” I sat up, instantly alert,

“Uncle Don’s been acting weird. Can you come to pack headquarters today?” There was something in his tone I couldn’t quite place.

Thesitated, remembering his comment about Dominic’s possible affair. “Is she there?”

“Who? Oh–the she–wolf?” Incas passed. “Yeah, she’s scheduled for a meeting with him this morning”

My wolf Cora growled inside ine, possessive and angry. “I’ll be there.”

After hanging up, I spent nearly an hour deciding what to wear. My first instinct was something revealing ternind Dominic exactly what he had at home. But then I reconsidered.

If this she–wolf was a business client, appearing too provocative might seem desperate. I needed to look like the confident Luta of the Blackwood Pack.

I settled on an elegant white dress with a subtle moon lily pattern. The fabric hugged my curves without being obvious about it i tied my hair back with a simple silver moonstone hairpin and added a pearl necklace.

The drive to downtown Silvercrest took longer than expected. By the time I arrived at Blackwood Pack headquarters at 11:30 am, the summer heat was sweltering. I stepped out of my car, grateful for the building’s shade.

Lucas was waiting in the lobby. When he spotted me, his eyes widened slightly

“Wow, Aunt Amber,” he said, taking the container and bag I carried. “You look amazing.”

I smiled, pleased by his reaction. “Thanks. Is he busy?”

Lucas nodded to a beta attendant, who quickly arranged for my car to be parked in the Alpha–only section. As we walked toward the elevator, Lucas studied my outfit

“I thought you’d wear something more…” he trailed off, gesturing vaguely.

“More revealing?” I raised an eyebrow

He had the grace to look embarrassed. “Well, yeah. You usually like to show off your curves more.”

1 smoothed the fabric of my dress. “I need to look like a proper Luna in a business setting. Besides, Dominic picked this out.”

This wasn’t entirely true–Dominic had merely commented that he liked the dress when I wore it to a pack dinner last month.

Lucas pressed the elevator button. “Alpha is attracted to more than just looks and clothing, you know.”

His words struck a ner

a nerve. “What do you mean?”

“Just that Uncle Dom isn’t shallow. There’s more to attraction than appearance.”

The elevator doors closed, and I felt a sudden pang of insecurity. Lucas’s words reminded me of Ethan and Melissa. Ethan had always insisted he was attracted to my intelligence and strength, not just my looks. Then he’d left me for his secretary.

Cora whimpered anxiously inside me.

“Tell me about this she–wolf,” I said, trying to sound casual. “The one you mentioned on the phone.”

Lucas shifted uncomfortably. “She’s a major client of Blackwood Enterprises in the human world. Very wealthy, very influential.

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“And beautiful?” Ter

Tcouldn’t help asking

“She’s attractive,” Lucas admitted. “But you’re more beautiful, in my opinion. “

“But in Dominic’s opinion?” I pressed

Lucas shrugged. “That’s for you to find out. You’ll see them together soon enough.”

My anxiety deepened. Cora paced restlessly inside me. This wasn’t ke dealing with an employee like Melissa. This was a client

someone with power, someone the pack needed.

If I caused a scene and offended an important business partner, how would that affect my position as Dominic’s Luma? The pack would see me as a liability

“We’re almost there,” Lucas said as the elevator climbed higher. “Try to stay calm.”

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “Tam calm.”

The elevator slowed as we approached the 88th floor.

“Remember,” Lucas whispered, “whatever happens, you’re still Luna.”

Before I could ask what he meant by that, the doors slid open.

There, right in front of me, stood Dominic. He was smiling–a gennine, relaxed smile I rarely saw in public–and talking to a stunningly beautiful she–wolf

She was tall and elegant, dressed in an impeccable business suit that complemented her figure perfectly. Her dark hair was styled in a sophisticated updo, and she carried herself with the confidence of someone accustomed to power.

But what struck me most was Dominic’s demeanor. He looked… content. At ease. My enhanced senses picked up his relaxed posture, the absence of the tension he usually carried in his shoulders.

Then he noticed me. His smile vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, hard look.

“Why are you here?” he asked, his voice lacking any warmth.

I felt as if I’d been slapped. The chill in his voice froze me in place. Lucas had been right–there was something going on.

My cheeks burned with embarrassment. I stood there, clutching my purse, suddenly feeling like an intruder. Just moments ago, he’d been so engaged with the other she–wolf, and now he was looking at me like I was an unwelcome interruption.

“L…” My voice faltered.

Lucas stepped forward smoothly. “Lana Amber brought you lunch, Alpha.”

His announcement caught the attention of nearby employees and executives. Several heads turned our way, including the she- wolf’s

She glanced between Dominic and me, then checked her watch. “Ishould go,” she said, her voice smooth and cultured. “There’s an etergency with my pack.”

She turned to Dominic “We’ll have to reschedule our lunch. Perhaps tomorrow?”

Lunch? They had planned to have lunch together? I felt a fresh wave of hurt wash over me,

Dominic nodded. “Of course. I’ll have Felix contact your assistant

The she–wolf smiled at him, then gave me a polite nod before walking toward the elevator. Dominic held the door for her, his attention fully on her until the doors closed.

I watched this exchange with growing unease. Cora growled inside me, sensing a threat to our mate bond.

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(Third–person’s POV)

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