02

Chapter Two: Ex again? 

 Nathaniel ’S POV

  

  I dropped the file I was working on as the door creaked open. I knew I was to meet some business associates today and it was because I have been doing a good job of shifting the day we will meet. You can’t blame me, taking care of the pack has been one hard task.

  

  I raised my head, looking at the people who were standing at the door. Liam Ferdinand is a man who knew what his job was and has made a name for himself. He was no Alpha but he was well aware of the operation of the werewolves among humans. They all stepped in, my eyes caught a lady’s heels behind them. I was told that Liam had a female Secretary which was really strange because from what I heard about him, he was not one to keep females close to him. He did it to avoid so many scandals.

  

  I noticed a shadow over Grayson’s face and my brows twitched but I was distracted by Liam who extended his hand out for a shake which I gladly took as I rose my feet.

  

  “Thank you for coming over,” I said, hoping I sounded sincere.

  

   I turned to his secretary. “I really do appreciate you coming—” I paused mid air as my eyes clashed with the lady’s orbs. They widened immediately and I almost reared back into my chair. A muscle in my jaw twitched as I tried to sniff in her scent.

  

  How didn’t I smell her?

  

  We both locked gazes. In a brief moment, the look of shock on her face was replaced with indifference. “Maurene?” Her name came out more of a whisper than words but she did not reply.

  

  “Maurene?” I called her name again, this time more intent and with more recognition. She blinked, dipping her head down as she looked at me with unfamiliarity.

  

  “Yes, that’s my name. Mr. Nathaniel .” She said, taking my extended hand into hers. The particular jolt of spark vibrated through the place our palms joined and she took it back almost immediately, as if she could feel it too.

  

  “Maurene, don’t you recognize me?” I asked her, my brows furrowing as I took a step further but the desk obstructed me, holding me back in place.

  

  Her lips twitched. “Recognize you?” She glanced between Grayson and I. Then she said, “I don’t remember meeting you, sir.” She shook her head. 

  

  “Maurene, you –”

  

  “She said she doesn't remember meeting you. I feel like that is your cue to not press further.” Liam cut in, his hand reaching for the small of her back and raw jealousy streamed through me at the way he laid his claim on my mate before me.

  

  “You–“

  

  “You can take your seat, Mr. Grayson and… Miss Maurene.” Liam cut in, pulling back the two chairs before my desk. I sucked a deep breath in, trying to calm my wolf.

  

  But wait, why can’t I find her scent? She was my mate and I should have been able to know she was close by. What the heck did Maurene Crawley do to her scent?

  

  With my eyes watching her every movement, I sat and leaned forward on the desk. I dragged my gaze away from Maurene and met with Liam's narrowed eyes. The air in the room was so tense that I could feel my wolf trying to crawl into the surface but I raised my mental block, trying to remain as calm as possible. But can I ever be calm when Maurene is sitting before me and staring at me like she didn't fucking recognize me?

  

  “As we have discussed through the emails, we have brought the files. The moment you sign these papers, it is done and work will start.” Liam said, turning to Maurene who reached for the bag on the desk and zipped it open, slipping out the files.

  

  My eyes keened on it, wondering why they wanted to be done as soon as possible. I still needed time to get close to Maurene.

  

  “What do you say, Alpha?” Liam's voice dragged me back again from my thoughts and I relaxed, pinching the bridge of my nostrils.

  

  “I still need days to go over the files.” I told him.

  

  His brows furrowed slightly. “If you can remember, you were sent the draft of these contracts.” He started, making an annoyed noise deep in his throat. 

  

  “Even at that, we still need to discuss some things and I need to show you the place that would be used for the project.” I explained to him. Maurene faced him skeptically and then back at me. Narrowing my eyes at her, she blinked and she was now back to the Maurene that does not recognize me.

  

  “You must be kidding me, Nathaniel .” Liam hissed as he rubbed his nose. An act he does when he is annoyed. Maurene only wore a passive face so I could not detect anything to convince myself at all. Instead I was confused.

  

  I said nothing as I thought of what to say next. “If you do not mind, Grayson will lead you to the guest rooms.” I signaled to him. “Please make sure to rest and also, I will have the maids prepare some meals for you.” I told them as I picked a file and a pen to distract myself. I noticed the reluctance in Maurene's movement. They took the bait and rose to their feet. He took her hands and envy latched on my heart as they walked out. I didn’t miss the appreciative look Maurene had given him and it made my heart constrict in my chest. That look should only be for me. I dropped the freaking pen and hissed angrily.

  

  Wasn’t that Maurene? 

  

  That was her. Why won't I be able to recognize my ex-mate?

  

  Damn! She was driving me crazy.

  

  I fished out my phone and dialed a particular  number. It beeped and his rough voice came through. “Hello.”

  

  “Andreas, I need you to do something for me.”

  

  “What's that, boss?”

  

  “I need a full profile of Liam Ferdinand and Maurene Crawley.”

  

  “Consider it done, sir.”

  

  With that, I hung up and stared into space. I am going to find out if she was the one truly.