Free Web NovelChapter 45: Chapter 45 Apologize
Sylvia’s POV
I stood frozen, my mind struggling to process what I’d just heard. My mother—Alpha Astra Frost of the Frostfang Pack—had just apologized to me. The woman who had never shown weakness, who ruled our territory and Frostline Enterprises with an iron fist, was actually saying sorry.
My wolf stirred inside me, equally surprised at this unprecedented moment.
"I’ve never blamed you," I finally said, managing a small smile despite the shock still coursing through my system. "Mom, I know how hard it’s been for you all these years."
The weight of what she’d endured wasn’t lost on me. A female Alpha leading one of the most powerful packs in the region, running a multi-billion dollar company surrounded by men who would rather see her fail than succeed. The constant battle to prove herself worthy of her position, day after day.
"You fought your way to the top alone," I continued, my voice growing stronger. "I understand why you’ve been so demanding with me. I’ve never held it against you."
Mother’s perfectly painted red lips parted slightly, disbelief flickering across her features. I knew what she was seeing—the reflection of herself in my face. Everyone said we looked alike, especially when I let my Alpha nature show instead of hiding behind the façade I’d maintained for Zane’s benefit all those years.
Tears glistened in her eyes—another first. She moved toward me hesitantly, but I closed the distance between us instead. Before I could say anything else, she pulled me into a tight embrace, her head resting against my shoulder.
"I was wrong," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I’m grateful that you understand."
My body tensed at the unfamiliar contact. Physical affection had never been part of our relationship. As a child, the most I could hope for was a pat on the head after accomplishing something significant. As an adult, even that had disappeared.
After a moment’s hesitation, I wrapped my arms around her, accepting this rare moment of connection. freёwebnoѵel.com
"I’ll learn everything I need to about the company," I promised, leaving unspoken my vow to lighten her burden. I wasn’t one for flowery declarations—I preferred to let my actions speak for me.
When she finally released me, her eyes studied my face intently before her lips curved into a smile. "Sylvia, when you have time, bring your mate home."
"Why?" I asked, instantly uncomfortable.
My eyes darted away from hers as anxiety crawled up my spine. The mention of Caesar sent conflicting emotions racing through me. Our mating was still so new, so unexpectedly intense—and complicated by his position as King of all North American packs.
Mother noticed my discomfort but chose not to press. "What’s wrong with wanting to have dinner with my daughter’s mate?"
She had a point. Caesar and I were legally mated now—it was normal for him to visit my pack. But Mother wasn’t as clueless as Hugo or Zane. She’d spoken with Caesar in audio conference before, and if she discovered his true identity as the Wolf King...
After weighing the risks, I relented. "Fine. When there’s an opportunity, I’ll bring him."
The satisfaction on her face was evident. "Good. Let me know in advance."
I nodded, though privately I wondered if Caesar would even have time. He was probably busy with his first love—his duties to the Crown.
"Mom," I said, changing the subject. "What about Alpha Hugo? How will you handle that situation?"
At the mention of Hugo’s name, the vulnerable mother disappeared, replaced by the formidable Alpha I’d always known.
"Don’t worry about that," she said, her voice hardening. "I’ll handle it properly." She paused, her expression softening slightly. "Your sister mentioned she had no idea. Selene was deceived too—she needs time to process everything."
There it was—that flash of sympathy in her eyes when she mentioned Selene. Even after everything that had happened, even after Selene had accused me of stealing her engagement spotlight, even after I’d been questioned by everyone including my own mother, she still favored my sister.
A familiar bitterness spread through my chest. If I hadn’t recorded Hugo’s disgusting proposition, how would today’s events have played out? Would anyone have believed me?
"I understand," I said flatly. "It’s getting late. I should head back."
Before she could question my sudden change in mood, I added, "Get some rest. Next time, I’ll bring him to see you."
---
The drive back to my apartment gave me time to replay everything that had happened at the Frostfang Pack house. I couldn’t help wondering what kind of excuse Selene would come up with to explain away this disaster.
And Hugo—would he claim he’d mistaken me for someone else? That it was all a big misunderstanding?
The thought made me laugh bitterly.
"Don’t disappoint me, Selene," I muttered to myself as I gripped the steering wheel tighter. "Surely you won’t keep a man like that. Or are you saving him for some special occasion?"
But my sister wasn’t my concern anymore. I had my own life to figure out—a life that now included an Alpha King mate who had claimed me completely, body and soul. A mate whose very existence I was still coming to terms with.
The mate bond hummed between us even now, pulling me toward him despite the distance. I wondered if Caesar could feel it too—this constant awareness, this need to be near one another.
I pushed the thought aside. I had other priorities right now, like figuring out how to balance being Caesar’s mate with reclaiming my birthright as future Alpha of the Frostfang Pack.
---
Author
Meanwhile, Hugo hurried after Selene, who was walking aimlessly ahead of him.
She didn’t know where she was going—anywhere was better than staying in that room with Mom’s confused stare and Sylvia’s mocking expression. The humiliation was too much to bear.
She couldn’t stand the sight of Hugo either. What did he mean by "let’s not talk about her right now"? Where exactly did she rank in his priorities?
Hugo caught up and blocked her path. "Selene, please let me explain."
"What else is there to explain?" Tears glistened in her eyes, her usually pale face flushed with anger, giving her a vulnerable, innocent appearance despite her fury.
"What’s going on with you and Sylvia?" she demanded. "If you don’t want to be with me, you didn’t have to propose. We can go to our parents and cancel everything if that’s what you want."
Hugo panicked internally. He actually liked Selene quite a bit. His parents adored her, always praising her as the perfect match for him. While she might not be as striking as Sylvia, she was still considered a jewel of the Howling Peaks Pack, and having her on his arm made him look good.
No, he couldn’t afford to lose her.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, his voice dropping to a soothing murmur. "Selene, baby, it was all Sylvia’s doing. She was trying to seduce me, but you’re the only one I love."
His eyes—the feature most women found irresistible about him—locked onto hers with practiced sincerity. "Don’t be ridiculous. We’re engaged. I want to spend my life with you. You’re the only one in my heart."
Under his tender assault, Selene’s resolve began to crumble.
She took a deep breath. "Fine. I’ll give you another chance. But what about Mom? How do we explain this? Sylvia played that recording for everyone to hear."
Hugo’s face darkened at the memory of Sylvia’s triumphant expression. "Don’t worry about Alpha Astra. I’ll handle her."
Selene considered this and decided it made sense. She nodded silently, her eyes still wet with unshed tears.
Hugo gently wiped them away with his thumb. "Don’t cry anymore, sweetheart. It breaks my heart."
"I made dinner reservations," he added with a smile. "Come out with me tonight."
Just like that, they seemed to fall back into their roles as the perfect engaged couple—as if the entire humiliating scene had never happened.
