The Past Returns
Aurora's pov
The dining hall was warm and lively.
Soft chatter filled the air as pack members sat around the long table, the clinking of cutlery and quiet laughter creating a sense of normalcy I hadn’t felt in a long time.
The pack was lively, voices low but steady, some teasing, some respectful. Kiera smiled at me from across the table and gave me a small, reassuring nod, which made me relax slightly.
Roman, as always, was composed and calm, his presence commanded the room without any effort.
Our peaceful moment was broken by the sudden creak of the dinning room door.
Everyone turned, the hum of conversation faltering.
A woman walked in with an air of confidence so sharp it cut through the room.
She had long strawberry blonde hair, eyes like polished onyx, and a smile that didn't quite reach them.
She strode toward the table and stopped infront of Roman and
leant down, pecking him on his cheek.
A cold, tight knot formed in my gut as I just took in the scene infront of me.
What the hell was happening?
Roman's body stiffened, his fists were clenched on the table, and I was left stunned.
Who was this woman?
The woman's smile widened, but there was a cold edge to it. "did you miss me."
"Scarlett," Roman gritted out. "What are you doing here?"
She pouted, crossing her arms.
"What sort of question is that Roman. I'm your fiance."
My heart sank into my stomach. My eyes darted to Roman, searching for the reaction I both feared and needed. His jaw clenched subtly, eyes narrowing slightly as if measuring the threat. The entire table had gone silent; whispers rippled like a nervous current through the pack.
Roman suddenly stood, his chair scraping against the floor. “Scarlett,” he said, each syllable deliberate, heavy with authority. "If I may remind you, I ended our engagement a long time ago," Roman's gaze flickered to me, his hand reached out and squeezed mine.
"I've finally found my mate."
Scarlett's eyes narrowed, her lips curved into a thin, measured smile that made my stomach churn.
"Your mate?" she grinds through clench teeth. " If you claim she's your mate then why don't I see the mating mark on her neck?"
The question hung in the air like a challenge.
Heat rose to my cheeks but not from embarrassment but from anger.
Before I could stop myself, I pushed my chair back and stood.
The sound echoed louder than it should have.
“That's none of your business,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.
Every eye in the room turned to me.
Scarlett blinked once then laughed softly.
“Oh,” she said, stepping closer, her gaze sweeping over me like I was something beneath her.
"Well aren't you a feisty little human."
I held her stare, refusing to back down.
“But let’s be honest,” she continued, her tone turning mocking. “If you weren’t his mate… Roman wouldn’t have taken a second look at you.”
The words hit but I didn’t flinch.
Didn’t look away.
Because I knew what she was trying to do.
Break me. Undermine me and I wouldn’t give her that.
Before I could respond Roman spoke.
“Watch how you speak to her.”
His voice cut through the room like a blade.
Everyone went still even Scarlett.
Roman stepped closer to me, his arm wrapping around my waist.
“She is my mate,” he continued, his tone colder than before. “And you will show her some respect.”
Scarlett’s eyes flicked between us, something darker now lingering beneath her calm exterior.
____________________________________________________
Kiera's pov
The tension hadn’t even settled when Roman moved.
“Aurora,” he said quietly, his voice softer now as he looked at her. “I’ll be back.”
Before she could respond, his expression hardened again. He turned and grabbed Scarlett by the arm, and then dragged her toward the door.
“Let go of me—” Scarlett snapped, but Roman didn’t even slow down.
The doors slammed shut behind them.
Silence followed and everyone in the room watched including Aurora.
She stood there, still, her eyes fixed on the door long after they were gone.
My chest tightened.
Damn it.
I pushed my chair back and stood. “Hey,” I said gently, walking over to her. “Come on.”
She blinked, like she was pulling herself out of her thoughts. “Where?”
“I have something to show you,” I said, nodding toward Darius. "I'm not leaving you here to mope."
Darius smirked. “Yeah, join us it will be fun."
Aurora hesitated for a second… then nodded.
“Okay.”
The moment we stepped into the game room she froze.
Her eyes widened as she looked around.
And honestly? I didn’t blame her.
The room was nothing she had seen before. A pool table sat in the center, sleek and polished. There were arcade machines along one wall, a dartboard, a lounging area… even a small bar.
“What is all this?” she asked, clearly stunned.
I grinned. “It's called a game room.”
She let out a small breath, still looking around like she’d stepped into another world.
I grabbed a cue stick and walked over to the pool table. “Come on, I’ll show you something.”
She followed, grabbing a cue stick
curiosity slowly replacing whatever had been weighing on her.
I explained the basics, positioning her hands, showing her how to aim.
“Like this,” I said, guiding her lightly.
She nodded, focusing and then took the shot.
The ball rolled smoothly across the table and clacked perfectly into the pocket.
Darius blinked. “Wow.”
Aurora looked up, surprised. “Was that… good?”
I laughed. “That was very good.”
A few more rounds later, it was obvious.
“She’s better than you,” Darius said, shaking his head.
Aurora smiled really smiled and something in me eased.
Good. She needed this to get her mind off Scarlett.
Darius grabbed a bottle from the bar and held it out to her. “Here have this it's a celebration drink.”
Aurora shook her head quickly. “No, I don’t think that's a good idea.”
“Oh, come on,” I said, nudging her lightly. “Just a little. We're here to have fun, remember?"
She hesitated… then sighed. “Okay… just a little.”
Darius grinned like he’d just won something.
As she took a small sip, her face scrunched slightly.
"Is it good?" I asked.
“It’s… not bad,” she admitted.
I leaned back against the table, watching her.
She was distracted now and not thinking of Scarlett. She seemed more relaxed now. Exactly what she needed but in the back of my mind I couldn’t stop thinking about Scarlett and Roman.
I just hoped for everyone’s sake that
he handled this quickly and sends her right back to which ever hole she crept up from.