Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 32

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
By R. Joseph

**Coward.**

**Leilani.**

**1**

Few are privy to the truth, but four years ago, my life took a sharp turn. After my parents cast me aside for being the pack’s wolfless runt, I found solace in the arms of Jarek and his pack. It was with them that I experienced my first shift.

Yet, that moment was laced with agony—an intensity so fierce it felt as though it could claim my life. From that day forward, I vowed never to shift again.

Jarek, ever the optimist, tried to sway my decision. He held a belief, one that I dismissed, suggesting my wolf might have been deliberately weakened to prevent me from shifting. But how could I fathom that my own family would inflict such cruelty? It seemed utterly impossible.

Pushing those dark thoughts aside, I stepped into the bright, brisk atmosphere of Frostclaw Inc., my heart lifting at the sight. The fluorescent lights illuminated the corridors, and my new office, located on the first floor, mirrored everything Jarek had ever gifted me—radiant, stunning, and brimming with vitality.

As I settled into my plush chair, a gentle knock interrupted my thoughts. I looked up.

“Come in!”

In walked Yvette, Jarek’s striking assistant, exuding professionalism in her tailored blue blazer, crisp white blouse, and flannel trousers. Her red hair was swept back into a sleek ponytail, and her piercing blue eyes sparkled with an intensity that felt as if they could peer into the depths of my soul.

“Ms. Sinclair,” she greeted softly, inclining her head in a respectful nod. “There’s a guest waiting downstairs.”

A frown creased my brow. That shouldn’t concern me, I thought. But Yvette continued, her tone unwavering.

“Alpha Jarek received an urgent call this morning and had to make a quick trip to Georgia. However, he had a meeting scheduled for now—one we inadvertently forgot to cancel. He asked me to check if you could manage it in his absence.”

My heart sank. What???

But I couldn’t let him down; the weight of his expectations rested heavily on my shoulders. I nodded at Yvette, steeling myself. “What’s the meeting about?”

“Pitching,” she replied succinctly, causing my frown to deepen.

Sensing my confusion, she elaborated, “The CEO of De’Storm Enterprises wants to pitch an idea to us. They’re interested in collaborating on our ongoing project.”

“So they’re here to—”

“Sell themselves,” I murmured, the realization dawning on me. “Send them in.”

As Yvette left, I contemplated calling Jarek. I wanted to ask him what on my résumé gave him the impression that I could handle closing deals this early in my career. But before I could dial, the door swung open with a force, and two familiar figures strode in as if they owned the place. An icy wave of dread washed over me.

Oh, De’Storm meant ‘Stormborn’?

How had I been so oblivious?

With a spine that felt as rigid as steel, I rose to my feet, forcing a bright, albeit strained, smile onto my face. “Ah, Alpha Caelum, Alpha Zevran, it’s a pleasure to have you here,” I said, my voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. Their expressions soured upon recognizing me.

Zevran’s face contorted into an expression of discomfort, while Caelum, ever the brooding type, couldn’t hide his displeasure.

“Where’s Alpha Frostclaw?” he demanded, his tone dark and devoid of pleasantries.

I straightened my posture, meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve. “He’s away on an urgent business trip. Today, I’ll be your point of contact.”

I knew they were communicating through their mind-link.

Chuckling to lighten the mood, I gestured toward the chairs in front of me. “You may both take a seat, gentlemen.” When they remained unmoving, I added, “I’m aware you’re not gentlemen. I, Leilani, have witnessed firsthand how barbaric you can be. But this is business. This is my office. So, either sit down as I’ve politely requested, or get out.”

**3**

A thick silence hung in the air, stretching uncomfortably between us.

No one dared to speak or move until Caelum broke the stillness with a disdainful snort. “I think we’ll be leaving then. It’s preferable to do business with a whore who’s slept her way to the top and has little to offer beyond her body.”

His words pierced through me like a dagger. I clenched my fists, struggling to contain my fury as I glared at him.

In that moment, it felt as if we were transported back in time—back to four years ago.

Back to the day he had called me a slut. A whore. And worse, all because of him. He had sullied my reputation, twisted our past, and left me to bear the brunt of his actions.

Memories from that day crashed over me like a relentless wave, and I gritted my teeth, blinking against the tears that threatened to spill.

Then, in a moment of madness, I smiled. Slowly. Brilliantly. Just as icy as the disdain in his eyes.

“Between us, we both know who the real whore is…” I drawled, ensuring each word landed with precision. “At least I didn’t throw myself at you four years ago. You did. And you made me take the fall. So not only are you a whore, but a coward as well.”

“Leilani…”

“Now, before I’m compelled to summon security, I suggest you leave.”