Chapter One: Returning Ex

Maurene'S POV

My hands were trembling and I could hear the erratic beating of my heart against my ear drums.

I jerked forward as the car screeched to a halt. A shocked gasp slipped past my parted lips and a hand reached out to hold me back, I slowly raised my head, blinking my eyes to offer the person an appreciative smile.

"Are you alright?" His voice filled with concern asked, his eyes dimmed at me. I opened my mouth to speak but the words were caught in my throat. There was no way I could speak and my lips would not tremble so I clamped them shut, swallowing down the huge lump.

He inclined his head to the side, expecting a response and I blinked once again, instantly regaining my composure. I looked away from him before he could make out anything and started questioning me.

"Yes, I am." I swallowed hard. "Just a little bit dehydrated." I replied, trying not to look at the haunting building before me.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see he was not satisfied with the reply but thankfully, he did not push further. He picked up the bottle of water next to him and extended it out to me. "Take this." He offered.

I collected it and had a few gulps before closing it. I could feel his skeptical gaze on me and I turned to him, offering him a smile that did not reach my face. It could not, there was no way I could smile genuinely now.

He arched his left brow and uttered a silent snort before reaching into the bag and picking out the files. "You know what to do and say, right?" He asked, giving me a pointed look and I nodded.

"Of course, Liam," I finally answered, fighting the urge to roll my eyes at my boss and best friend.

He finally smiled. "Yes, that's the lady that came with me here." His chest rumbled with a chortle and my lips instinctively curled into a smile again.

Liam Ferdinand, the one who had picked me up and made me his secretary and his best friend. The reminder of where I was hit me and once again, my heart turned heavy and I gripped the edges of the chair.

Why was I back here? This place, this building. One place I had thought I'd never return to.

I forced my gaze to the entrance and it was just how I had left it. No changes were made. That was unlike 'him' though.

"Based on what I discussed with him through the mails, all he needs to do is agree with these conditions and we would sign it. If he disagrees, we leave. Agreed?" Liamasked, inserting the file back into the bag.

I pray it will be as he said.

I nodded, packing my things into my purse and we both stepped out of the car. I almost stumbled back as the fresh air hit me. The scent of the place that was once home to me engulfed me and I could not help the biting pain in my chest.

"Are you alright, Maurene?" Liam's worried voice came again. I hated the way this place made me feel. I thought I had overcome it and I would not have to react like this but when I heard Liam saying this was the place we were coming to, all it took was for the name to be mentioned and for me to lose my balance and my composure.

I bit my lower lip. "Let's do this." I grinned, the muscles in my cheeks straining as I evaded his question.

He gave a curt nod, narrowing his eyes slightly before wearing a serious facial mask and we headed towards the entrance. A familiar figure walked up to us and my eyes widened in recognition, Beta Grayson. He had grown some beards and his body build was now different. I let out a shaky breath as I tipped my chin and squared my shoulders.

I was no longer that Maurene that looked down upon. I was now… who was I now?

He soon reached us and his focus was on Liam. After exchanging pleasantries, he turned his face to me and if that was all I needed as confirmation, he still recognized me.

"You-"

"Good day, sir." I extended my hand out to him, cutting him from saying any other thing.

His eyes narrowed and a smile curled at the edges of my lips. He blinked and took my hand before turning to Liam. They soon started discussing, forgetting me and I liked it that way.

We walked towards the pack house and Beta Grayson opened the door for Liam to get in, he paused when it got to my turn to enter. I met his eyes and there was something I could not decipher. I gulped hard as I passed over the threshold and entered.

I inhaled deeply as the homely scent covered me. I stood rooted to the spot as I glanced around. Was it strange that I was back to this place where I had vowed not to return to?

"You can come," Beta Grayson ushered us into the place where I knew was his office.

A wave of anxiety and fear hit me as I took the first step towards the place. My palms turned sweaty as the thought of me meeting him again consumed my mind. I licked my lower lip as I trailed behind Liam and Grayson as they both went on discussing how the place was built, who had helped them, and how it had been standing without being renovated for a long time.

Someone paused, I did not know who it was because I was looking down at the familiar tiled floor. "Maurene?" Liam's voice came and I lifted my head instantly.

"Yes," I responded, hoping whatever turmoil I was feeling was not obvious.

"You should walk closer." He said, giving me a curt nod.

I pressed my lips against each other and followed closely even though I despised the person I was going to meet there.

"So why didn't the Alpha choose to welcome us?" Liam asked as we moved into another area leading to the office.

"He is quite busy with pack issues here and there," Grayson said, sending a glance back over his shoulder at me.

I fidgeted with the purse in my hand and we finally got to the door. We all paused as Grayson knocked.

"Come in," His familiar and haunting voice said and my heart skipped a beat. My vision turned blurry and I quickly reached out to the wall to hold myself from stumbling.

It was all totally wrong. His voice should not be affecting me this way. At least, not after so many years.

Grayson did not bother to look at me as he twisted the door knob and the door creaked open, bringing me face-to-face with Nathaniel Deluxe. That man I have sworn never to meet again in my life. My ex-Alpha and husband.