Rejected by my ex, Claimed by the CEO

Chapter Sixteen

Aurora placed her hands on her hips, glaring at me with disgust. My chest tightened as the accusation hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. “That’s not what this is about,” I replied, shaking my head, desperate to redirect the conversation. The truth of my feelings for Harriet was far more complicated than a simple affair; it was about bonds unbroken, choices unmade, and a connection that transcended mere lust.

“Then what is it about? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you're still hung up on a woman who walked out on this pack!” Aurora's voice was rising again, sharper and more desperate, and I could see the breaking point of her patience.

“She left to save herself. This is about her happiness, not some petty jealousy game you’re trying to play.” I took a step forward, making sure to keep my voice steady. “You may see this as just a crush or some pathetic fixation, but you don’t understand what Harriet means to me. I should never have let her go.” I swallowed hard and bit my lower lip. Harriet’s beautiful face haunted my mind, and I couldn't shake off the memory of her moans when I pleasured her. The look on her face when I told her that I was choosing Aurora. How could I have been so stupid?

“This is so foolish,” Aurora scoffed, her frustration morphing into anger, eyes blazing with indignation. “You think you can fix what’s broken? Do you think she’ll welcome you back with open arms? You’ve got to be kidding me. She’s merely an omega. How could she possibly be Luna material? You’re crazy!”

“I don’t expect her just to forgive me,” I replied, frustration creeping into my tone. "But I can’t ignore what she means to me or that I never got to say goodbye to her.”

“Goodbye? Do you think it’s just that easy? She’s moved on, Damon, and it sounds like she’s found something better than what you’ve given her!” Aurora's words were a blunt dagger, twisting in the raw wound of my heart.

Sandra remained silent, her tears catching the light as she watched the confrontation unfold, a shadow of guilt and pain through her eyes.

“Is that what you think?” I shot back at Aurora, disbelief lacing my voice. “That I gave her nothing? That I pushed her away when I would have done anything to keep her safe? You don’t know the truth of it!”

“Oh, I know enough!” Aurora stepped closer as if fueled by anger and insecurity. “I know that she is gone, Damon. And I know that you need to move on. We have a pack to lead. I have put up with enough of your uncertainty. You have a responsibility, and it’s to me, not some ghost of an omega!”

“Harriet is not a ghost!” I shouted, my emotions erupting like a dam breaking—all the hurt, all the anger bubbled over. “She’s a living, breathing person with a heart; whether you like it or not, she will always be a part of me! I can’t wipe away what we had because it suits you!”

“Then go after her! Chase her down and grovel at her feet. Let’s see how far that gets you,” Aurora hissed, venom spitting from her lips. “But do not expect me to stand by and watch while you abandon our future for your past!”

“Maybe our future isn’t what I want!” I felt wild and reckless; my heart raced, realising that I couldn’t give her what she wanted. I couldn’t pretend. “Maybe I don’t want the life you assume is mine!”

“How can you even say that?” Aurora sputtered, her voice wavering. “After everything we’ve been through, you’d throw it all away for someone who might have replaced you?”

My heart shattered in that moment.“No—Harriet hasn’t replaced me. You don’t understand! I failed her, and I live with that burden every day.”

“Alpha Damon—” Sandra interrupted softly, taking a cautious step forward, hands reaching out. “Please don’t fight.”

“No!” I barked, spinning around to face her, fierce and protective. “This isn’t your fault! I need to know what Harriet is feeling. If she’s happy, I can’t bear to imagine someone else being the cause of her smile.”

A heaviness settled between us, thick with unspoken words. Whatever was said next would inevitably transform everything. Aurora’s face twisted in rage, the tension snapping around us, ready to explode.

“Then why don't you go find her?” Aurora shot back, her anger doing little to mask her fear. Instead of lashing out at me! If you think you can win her back, then do it. But know this, Damon—I won’t wait forever.” With that, she spun around and walked off without looking back.

“Alpha Damon…” Sandra whispered, her voice fragile.

But I was already sinking into the chaos swirling around me; all I could think of was Harriet, her smile, her laughter, and how she made the world feel alive. The raw, savage ache of wanting to hold on to that feeling burned brighter than the pain within me.

“I need her back, Sandra,” I finally said, trembling. “I can’t let her go without knowing the truth.”

Sandra looked confused, but I knew it was time to admit the truth. I thought choosing Aurora would make it all disappear, and I could forget Harriet. But I couldn't.

“Sandra, you have to help me find Harriet. She. She's me.” I hesitated momentarily, but then the realisation dawned on Sandra’s face, and she gasped. Her hand flew to her mouth.

“Harriet is your mate?”