Alpha Your Warrior Ex-Wife is Back (by Aurora Starling) novel Chapter 114

“I will try to think of a way,” I said softly with determination. “Something that will make him come with me willingly.”

Ivan sighed softly. “I trust you. But you have to be very careful. Daphne might be gone for now, but she’s never really gone. She will keep her eyes on this pack. Wait for my signal, and when it comes, take Leo and come to me. My pack's borders are safe for all three of you.”

I held onto my phone firmly and answered. “Alright thank you, Alpha Ivan.”

“I meant every word I said, Claire,” Ivan spoke with determination. “Don’t take unnecessary risks. Just focus on getting Leo to come with you. Protect him at all costs.”

“I definitely will,” I whispered.

We spoke a few more words—mostly assurances, mostly lies to keep each other calm—and then I hung up.

The moment I ended the call I laid on my bed exhausted but my heart was beating fast with worry and anxiety.

But before I could place my phone on the night stand I heard a faint creak. My instinct quickly alerted me and I got up to look at my door.

I turned to look at the door. There was nothing.

The hallway beyond looked empty, the candlelight flickering gently against the walls. But I could feel something. A presence—light, almost imperceptible—hovering just beyond sight.

I called out. “Tell me who is there?” But no one answered.

I rose and walked to the door, opening it just a crack.

The hall was empty, but a faint scent hung in the air—something floral and expensive, cloying, unmistakably Daphne.

My stomach felt very uncomfortable. “Goddess, no…” I whispered.

In shock I stepped back as I kept holding onto my phone to my chest as realization struck me like lightning. I hope she didn't hear.

But I knew she had to have heard.

Daphne’s POV

From her hiding spot in the shadowed alcove near the staircase, Daphne covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.

For a brief moment, Daphne almost stormed into the room then and there—ready to throw open the door and watch Claire crumble under the truth. But no.

No, that would be too easy. Too fast. Where was the fun in that?

She pressed her fingers to her lips, thinking, then smiled.

If she told Gideon right now, he might react violently. He might even kill Claire on the spot. But where was the satisfaction in that? No, no—she wanted to see her suffer, to watch her perfect little lie unravel thread by thread until everyone she cared for turned against her.

Especially Gideon. Especially Leo.

“Not yet,” she whispered to herself, retreating into the deeper shadows. “Not yet, my dear. Secrets are only valuable when revealed at the perfect moment.”

She straightened her cloak and began walking back toward her room, her mind whirling with possibilities.

Her reflection caught in a mirror as she passed, and for the first time in days, she smiled—truly smiled.

“You’re not the only one who can play pretend, Claire,” she murmured to the empty corridor. “Let’s see how long you can keep up your sweet little act when your truth comes crashing down.”