03

Chapter Three: Staying in the pack

   Maurene'S POV

  

  I could still feel Liam's hand behind the small of my back. Not like it made me uncomfortable but it was strange, coming from him to do something like that.

  

  I watched Grayson escort us through the first floor then to the third floor where I knew the guest rooms were. He stopped at the entrance, motioning to us with his hand. “There are two rooms there but you can choose one of them considering the relationship between the both of you.” His eyes glanced between Liam and I then stopped the place Liam's hand was. Liam didn't bother to take off his hand even at the obviousness of what he was insinuating.

  

  After giving Grayson a curt nod, Liam led me to the living room there and slowly pulled back in his hands. “Sorry for doing that.” He apologized quickly and I blinked at him. Gosh, things were getting awkward already.

  

  I gave him a lop-sided smile. “It's nothing. Thank you.” 

  

  We shared a locked gaze and he slowly nodded, before he slumped down on the couch. “But… are we going to be here for the rest of the week?” I managed to ask, my heart beating fast at the thought alone. There was no way I would want to stay here, especially where Nathaniel  was.

  

  Liam shrugged. “I don't know. It has come to this.” He pursed his lips.

  

  My brows drew together. “Liam,”I reached instantly for his hands and shook my head. He looked up in alarm. “I can’t stay here.” I told him and he blinked, taken aback in shock.

  

  “Why?” He questioned, inclining his head to the side. “If it is about the kids, you know I’ve got them covered with Emmalyne with them. She will definitely take care of them. And as a matter of fact, we are not using up to two days here. We just have to check out the site for the project and how Nathaniel  plans to execute this. You know I need the report.” He explained.

  

  I did not stand any argument with him whatsoever but I clenched my fist. “Liam, I know the kids are safe but it would only put me at ease if I stay with them.” 

  

  He pursed lips, nodding slowly. “I understand. We can leave as early as tomorrow and return to the penthouse. Is that fine with you?” He asked and my lips tilted into a smile.

  

  “Thank you!” I went in for a hug on the chair and the door to the living room opened, Nathaniel  bursting through and pausing as he stared at us. The smile on my face disappeared. He blinked, a muscle in his jaw ticking as we locked gaze.

  

  “Miss Maurene, am I allowed to come in?” He asked, his tone clipped, tight and forced. I slowly rose from Liam who turned his head to Nathaniel . His eyes dropped somewhere on my body and I looked down, my shirt had shifted to the side and the top of my boobs was exposed. I quickly set it back into the place, lifting my eyes up to meet his heated gaze. I swallowed hard as I caught sight of the lustful intent twirling into those orbs. I should not be affected by Nathaniel . He was someone I should be far from being attracted to.

  

  I wondered why he felt like that. Not like when we were together, he made love to me. Nathaniel  would return from the night and have sex with me, treating me like I was some sort of sex slave. I didn’t blame him because I wanted to please him. I didn’t want him to go out and do what I was capable of offering him. The day he returned with divorce letter caused a factory reset in my head.

  

  "Sign it, Maurene, and leave!"

  

  We had just finished having sex as usual on a rainy night. He disappeared and after some hours, he returned. I had seen the file with him and I did not know why my heart skipped seeing it. Maybe it was because I had seen it in his office. The most ironic part of it is that he forbade me from entering his office and the day I did, I saw the heading, Divorce Agreement.

  

  I thought it was just there, I did not know it was for me.

  

  “Nathaniel …” He dropped the file on the bed, looking steely cold as he glared daggers at me.

  

  “What are you talking about, Nathaniel ? Why do you want a divorce?” I asked him, still feeling confused.

  

  “You have been unable to bear me a child for how many years and you expect me to be with you? No, I would not. Sign the papers and leave. We are done!” He didn’t wait for me to speak. He disappeared and till the day I left, I didn’t see Nathaniel . It was after that I heard the pack members talking about Amanda. I knew her. She was Nathaniel ’s childhood crush. Something had happened at that time and she was sent abroad but she was back and had successfully snatched Nathaniel  away from me. 

  

  I felt pain and agony consumed me but when I got the news that I was carrying not just a child but three? I was glad and my joy increased.

  

  Nathaniel  didn’t say anything as he stood rooted to the spot, shock still coating his face. I doubt he bought into the lie of me not recognizing him.

  

  Why wouldn’t I recognize him? Even in the faintest of my dreams, I recognize him. The man that broke me and chose a bitch over me. I will definitely remember him. And why is the bitch not anywhere in sight anyway?

  

  “Mr Nathaniel ?” Liam called his name and the connection was broken.

  

  He dragged his gaze away from me as his left brow twitched, an indication that he was upset but was trying to tamp it down.

  

  “Anything the issue?” Liam asked, his face a clear mask.

  

  “Erm… yes… I just wanted to tell you that you should be careful and also, try not to make noises.” He glanced between us and blush stained my cheeks at his insinuation. “There are pups in the pack house too.” He pressed his lips together, probably thinking of what to say.

  

  “Thank you, we will try to be. Right, Maurene?” Liam asked, smirking at me then he added a wink.

  

  I gasped, sending a glance at Nathaniel  who shifted on his feet uncomfortably. “Of course.” I stepped into Liam’s embrace.

  

  I watched Nathaniel  carefully. He was jealous and he could not hide it.

  

  I smirked, looking into Liam’s eyes. I did not know what Liam was doing but whatever he was doing, I hope it was a facade.