Xavier’s expression softened immediately when he saw them. A gentle smile touched his lips—one that once belonged only to me.
“Brielle,” he said lightly, “this is Victoria. You may have heard me mention her before. We grew up together.”
Childhood friend.
The words twisted painfully in my stomach.
Victoria offered me a polite smile. “I apologize for arriving at such an awkward time, Brielle.”
Xavier continued casually, “Victoria and her pup will be staying here in the mansion for the time being. After the rogue attack, it’s safer for them here.”
My eyes drifted to the boy—Liam.
Dark hair. Familiar eyes. The resemblance was undeniable. I didn’t need the Moon Goddess to confirm what my heart already knew.
I forced my lips into a small smile. “Of course, Alpha. Whatever you think is best.”
Inside, something fractured quietly.
The following morning, I woke to unfamiliar noise—soft laughter, footsteps, the sound of furniture scraping across the floor.
“Omega May?” I called sleepily, rubbing my eyes. “What’s happening?”
But when I opened my bedroom door, I froze.
Victoria stood inside my room, surrounded by omega maids carrying boxes, blankets, and fresh linens. She turned toward me with a faint, knowing smile, her fingers trailing across my vanity as though she already owned it.
“Oh, Brielle, you’re awake,” she greeted sweetly. “I hope you don’t mind. I’m just… getting settled.”
“In my room?” I asked, my voice sharpening as the last traces of sleep vanished.
Her smile remained perfectly composed. “Well, technically, this used to be my room years ago. Before I left. It holds sentimental value for me.”
“This is my room now,” I replied, folding my arms. “Whatever it used to be doesn’t matter.”
Victoria sighed softly, her eyes glistening as though tears threatened to fall. “Liam really wants to stay here with me. He said the scent feels comforting, familiar somehow. I didn’t want to cause trouble.”
My jaw tightened. “Then perhaps you should ask Xavier to prepare another room. There are more than enough available.”
Before I could continue, the door swung open abruptly.
Xavier entered, his Alpha aura filling the space instantly—heavy, commanding. His eyes moved from Victoria’s teary expression to me, his features hardening almost immediately.
“What’s happening here?” he demanded.
Victoria sniffed softly. “I was just asking Brielle if Liam and I could stay in this room, but she—”