Chapter 3 No.3

Ava's heart pounded as she stepped into the conference room, coming face to face with the man she had hidden from for the past seven years. She watched as he looked up at her, his glare softening, his eyes full of unreadable emotions.

"Welcome, Miss Daisy," Alex said, offering her a handshake. She took it, her hand trembling slightly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, forcing a smile onto her face. Alex gestured around the table.

"This is Mr. Luciano, the CEO of the company," Alex said, introducing Luciano to Ava. "And this is the board of directors."

Ava nodded, taking in the faces around the table. She recognized some of them from her research on the company, and they all seemed friendly enough.

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Ava said again.

Alex gestured for them to take a seat at the table.

Alex cleared his throat and started speaking. "Miss Daisy has a lot of experience in the fashion industry, and she will be a valuable asset to our team. She has an eye for detail and a passion for creating beautiful designs. I'm excited to see what she can bring to the table."

Luciano's gaze lingered on Ava, his expression impossible to read. Ava shifted nervously, coughing to break the eye contact. Derek patted her on the back, causing Luciano's fist to clench.

Derek smirked, breaking the tension. "Shall we get started?" he asked, looking at Ava expectantly.

Alex nodded. "Go ahead, Miss Daisy. The board is all yours."

Ava took a deep breath to steady her nerves, and began to speak. She outlined her proposal, discussing the benefits it could bring to the company. She could feel Luciano's gaze burning into her, his eyes following her every movement.

The presentation went on for what seemed like an eternity, but finally it was over.

"That was excellent, Miss Addams," one of the board members said, breaking the silence. The others nodded in agreement, and a few even clapped.

"You may all leave now," Luciano said, his voice low and harsh. The other board members filed out of the room, without a word. They knew better than to defile his order.

Ava felt a shiver of fear as her eyes met Luciano's. She began gathering her things, wanting to get out of the room as quickly as possible.

"Alex, wait for me in my office," Luciano said, his eyes still fixed on Ava.

She hurriedly packed her things, her hands shaking. When she looked up, Luciano was right in front of her. She gasped, having no idea how he had moved so quickly.

"Mr. Luciano," Derek started to say, but Luciano cut him off.

He pulled out a gun out of nowhere, aiming it at Derek's head. Ava gasped, her heart racing.

"Tell him to leave," Luciano ordered, his voice icy cold.

"Derek, please go," Ava said, her voice shaking.

"But dais....."

"For my sake." She cut him off, forcing a smile, hoping it would hide her fear.

Luciano's fist clenched as he watched Ava beg another man.

Derek glared at Luciano, his expression full of anger and contempt. He turned and left the room, the door slamming behind him.

Luciano lowered his gun, his eyes never leaving Ava's. A range of emotions played across his face, from anger to sadness to relief.

"Ava." he called, his voice trembling with emotion. His wolf was howling inside him, its joy at the sight of their mate almost overwhelming.

Ava's mouth went dry and her words caught in her throat. She struggled to find her voice.

"Lu-Lu... Lucian.". She manage to choke out.

She stared at him with her heart pounding in her chest. He still looked the same as he always had. He was even more handsome then she remembered. Tall and broad-shouldered, with a frame that was both muscular and lithe.

His dark hair was shiny and neatly coiffed, and his green-black eyes were mesmerising. From a distance, they looked almost black, but up close they were flecked with tiny gold flecks that seemed to shimmer in the light. They were beautiful. His eyes were the first thing she fell for.

Lucian stepped closer, placing a hand on her waist and pulling her close. She could feel his breath on her face, his lips only inches from hers.

The heat of his body radiated against hers, and his breath was warm on her face. His lips were so close to hers that she could feel the soft brush of his breath against her mouth. Her heart was pounding in her chest.

"Mr Lucian.". She called, her hands pressing against his chest, trying to push him back a little.

"Ava.". He called in a low but warning voice.

There was something in his voice that made her shiver, a note of authority that made her knees weak. She found herself unable to look away from his eyes, her heart pounding in her chest.

She bit her bottom lip nervously, not even realising what she was doing.

Lucian's eyes immediately flashed with desire and want.

"Lucian, please let me go". She pleaded.

"Why? Why should I let you go?".

"So you can leave me again? Like you did seven years ago? Or is it because your new man is waiting outside for you?".

Ava stared at him in shock.

"Answer me Ava.". He yelled, tighten his grip on her.

A painful whispered escape her lips.

"Lucian you're hurting me". She cried.

"I'm hurting you? Do you have any idea how I almost lost my mind when I couldn't find you beside me? Do you know how much pain I went through? Do you know how much I have missed you, long for you? Only to find out you're safe and healthy but in someone else's arm, reeking of his scent" His voice low and dangerous.

"Did you ever loved me Ava?". His voice was low but filled with pain.

Ava's eyes flashed with anger, her jaw clenched tight.

How could he question her love for him

Before she could speak, another voice cut through them.

"GET. YOUR. HANDS. OFF. MY MOTHER."