Chapter Two #2
“Perhaps,” Augustus murmurs, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.
“But it’s complicated. My reputation has taken a hit.
The Kaye name is a cause for hesitation among the other families now.
Every contract is on hold. It is going to be hard to build trust again.
The rumors don’t help. The whispers, the scandal. It’s been difficult.”
I nod, understanding the unspoken pain behind Augustus’ words. “Well, now that I’m here, you don’t have to worry.”
Of course, now that I’m back, I need to revive my family’s standing in this city. I am sure not everyone remembers who I am. Several youngsters have taken up positions as the heads of their families after all.
Still, with the capital and connections I am returning with, I already have mails from different families wanting to work with me. The Kaye family is my first pick because Augustus is my friend and because he is one of the few people in power who knew me.
Augustus’ eyes glitter with what must be gratitude. “Thank you, Ryan. Your approval will do a lot to restore faith in The Kaye name.”
“I am sure it would have been restored on its own with time. You have accepted your illegitimate daughter and made things right. I’m sure that it will blow over soon. There has never been a family that birthed a white wolf only to fall into oblivion,” I add.
If only for that, the Kaye family is cemented in history.
“Who would have thought your wanton ways would land you fathering the White Wolf of legend?” I tease.
Augustus snorts. “I certainly didn’t see it coming. It seems I was blessed by the moon goddess to produce powerful Omegas.”
He says it as a joke, but it’s true. I had already left before she was born, so I never met her, but even while I was away, I’d heard the name of his first daughter.
Leila Kaye was known as the most powerful discovered Omega.
I am sure, like me, she would have gotten a lot of offers from other countries, but I suppose there was nothing out there quite as good when the strongest Alpha of her generation was from here as well.
“You really do have great luck,” I mutter. “I do feel bad for your other daughter, though. The tabloids have been unkind. Is she alright?”
Augustus scratches his head. “Well, she seems alright. Like I said, she is taking it well.”
I cock my head to the side. Seems? Augustus is my friend, but the man is not without his failings. Arranged marriage or not, this situation is entirely his fault for cheating on his wife. He should be doing more to care for his daughter.
It seems he sees my disapproval because he launches into a tirade of explanations and excuses.
“I have been too busy struggling with the fallout of the scandal on the business, you know. Too many contracts to be renewed, but I can tell that everyone is stalling as if waiting for the other shoe to drop before they decide if they still wish to work with me.”
I fix him with a level stare. “Well, like I said. I am here. Your business worries should be taken care of, so you should have the time now to be there for your daughter. She has lost her mother, her position, and even the man she was to marry. She should at least have her father.”
I am scolding him, but for some reason, Augustus’s expression is blank and thoughtful as he looks at me strangely.
“What?”
Augustus shakes his head. “No, nothing. I just realized that you’re right. I should have thought of her, especially with her marriage talks falling apart. I should have gotten her a new suitor.”
I narrow my eyes at my friend. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
Augustus clasps his hands together. “You have not remarried since you lost Selene. Do you have a betrothal with anyone already?”
My brows raise as I finally see where he is going with this. “Augustus…”
“I’m serious,” my friend says, sitting up straighter.
“Leila may not be the white wolf of legend, but she is a powerful Omega. She will give you splendid heirs. A union between you two will extinguish all the negative news about her being rejected, and a union by marriage will solidify our business talks.”
I blink. “You want me to marry your daughter?” I’ve seen enough pictures of her in the news to know that she is incredibly attractive, but I have not paid that thought much mind. Somehow, growing up with Augustus, I never imagined there would be a day where I would be taking his child as a mate.
“Why not?” Augustus says with a shrug, though his eyes are sharp, watching me closely. “You’re wealthy, well-respected, and a powerful Alpha that rivals the Linds boy. She is a fitting Omega. A match would be advantageous—for both of you.”
I keep my eyes on Augustus, searching his face for any hint of humor as his words sink in. But it’s clear, he’s not joking. He means every word.
Marry his daughter? Years ago, the mere suggestion would’ve had us both doubled over with laughter. But now, sitting here beside him, it’s no laughing matter.
And he’s not wrong. Being the second most powerful Omega is still a formidable position. She’d undoubtedly bear strong pups.
He’s right about the heir, too. I’ve spent years building wealth beyond our borders, solidifying my family’s name and legacy. All that’s left is the next step—a successor to carry it forward.
Marrying her would also shut down the smear campaign that’s been hounding her. He’s right about that as well. The accusations against her aren’t rooted in truth—anyone can see she’s innocent of her mother’s misdeeds. But the constant scrutiny must be hurting her chances of finding a worthy mate.
Not that I’ve ever cared what the media thinks. Why should I start now?
“Perhaps you are right,” I agree, much to Augustus’ delight.