2. Fated Reunion?

Nero

I get out of the fucked-up rental car and wait for the contact I’m supposed to be meeting with my brothers, Osiris and Orion. This small Italian town is a far cry from the sprawling urban jungle I’m used to. 

“The Boot’s shitstain,” I mutter under my breath, glancing around the little town that seems too perfect to be real. Quaint, picturesque, and utterly grating on my nerves.

This place is nothing like home. I glance over at my brothers, both looking like they’re spoiling for a fight. 

“Lighten up, Nero,” Osiris says, his hands shoved in his pockets. He’s the optimist of the three of us, always looking for a silver lining. “We’ll be in and out before you know it.”

“Yeah, right. Knowing Matteo, he’ll drag this,” Orion grumbles, adjusting his leather jacket. He’s the one who sees the world more like I do—through a lens of distrust and scepticism.

They flank me as we walk down the narrow cobblestone street towards the meeting spot. Orion and Osiris might be twins, but you’d never guess it by looking at them. Orion’s got that brooding, dark look, while Osiris is all blonde curls and bright eyes. 

Both of them are my Betas and lethal in their own right.

We enter the nondescript café, the bell above the door tinkling cheerily, a stark contrast to my mood. The place is bustling with morning activity, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filling the air. People here greet each other with warm smiles and casual conversation. It’s sickeningly sweet.

It’s a stark contrast to the tension I feel knotting in my stomach. 

“There he is,” Orion mutters, nodding toward the back of the café where the Beta is already seated. The guy’s got a smug look on his face, like he knows he’s got something over me. I clench my jaw and lead the way, sliding into the booth across from him.

He’s a weaselly looking shit, sitting with a smirk that makes me want to punch him. My stomach churns at the thought of being here, making nice with people I’d rather be tearing apart.

“Gentlemen,” he greets us, a slick smile on his face. “Glad you could make it.”

“Let’s get this over with,” I snap. “I know what you want, and you know I’m not giving you what you’re asking for in return, no matter how many times you insist I come here.”

“Always straight to the point, Alpha Nero, but my Alpha is firm. We need that city and those supplies, and we’re willing to pay a good price.”

“I don’t care about your price. We’re not trading weapons and you’re not getting your fucking hands on my city,” I growl, feeling Orion shift beside me. He’s always ready to back me up, and I know he’s itching for an excuse to put this Beta in his place.

The Beta chuckles, shaking his head. “The offer won’t stay on the table forever.”

“Good,” I snap, my patience wearing thin. “Because it’s not a negotiation. It’s a refusal.”

The Beta’s eyes narrow, and I can feel the tension in the room ratchet up a notch. “You’re making a mistake. Alpha Matteo’s patience has limits.”

“So does mine,” I growl. “You call me all the way out here for the same old shit, and insist I come even when the answer will be the same. I’m not giving you that city and you’re getting fuck all weapons from me. We’re done here.”

Before I can respond further, the front door of the cafe swings open and a woman steps into the shop. The sight of her hits me like a shotgun blast to my chest.

Camellia. 

She looks frazzled but as beautiful as the day she disappeared. Her blonde hair braided over her shoulder and her honey eyes sparkling. I try not to stare, knowing my enemies are watching, but my breath is stolen when she heaves a little boy onto the counter. 

A little boy with my eyes.

I feel a strange tug in my chest, an instinct I haven’t felt in years. Could it be? No, it’s impossible. My mate is gone. But this woman... My mind is racing, trying to make sense of what I’m seeing. It’s impossible, but I know it’s her. I’d recognize her anywhere.

How the fuck did she end up halfway across the world five years later?

“Lia!” someone calls at the counter, and she smiles, shattering me further. What the fuck is this? I struggle to keep my expression neutral, but my heart is pounding in my chest. 

/“Are you fucking seeing this?”/ I call Osiris over the mind link. /“Go to the counter and speak to her.”/

Osiris’ gaze follows mine and when he sees Camellia, his heart lurches too. He nods at me and gets to his feet, moving towards her. I force myself to focus back on the fucker in front of me, who is still glaring and oblivious to the shock coursing through me.

“Is there a problem?” he sneers, his tone mocking.

“None of your business,” I growl, my eyes still fixed on the woman. I need to know who she is, why she looks like my missing mate. But first, I have to deal with this prick.

I lean forward, my voice low and dangerous. “Tell your Alpha that if he wants to discuss this further, he can come to me himself. I won’t deal with messengers anymore.”

The Beta’s face darkens, but he nods stiffly. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He stands and leaves, and I barely acknowledge his departure. My mind is consumed with the woman behind the counter. Lia, did they call her that? Could it be her? Could my mate be alive and here in this tiny town?