All Chapters of After She's Terminal, The Alpha Regrets: Chapter 51 - Chapter 57

Elaine stepped into the ballroom.The lights above the room were bright, shimmering chandeliers that hung down from the ceiling by golden chains. High-ranking wolves milled about, either in clumps gossiping, lingering around the buffet, or in the center floor dancing to the strings orchestra that had their own stage in the back.The sea of faces that passed her were all masked. She didn’t recognize a single one.Elaine herself was in a flowing gown of black and crimson, with delicate beading sewn into the skirt. Her own mask was a similar design.Nancy stood beside her in a dark blue gown and feathered mask. “Do you see him?” she asked.“No,” Elaine replied. “I can’t tell who anyone is in these masks.”Nancy smiled beneath her’s. “I’m sure you’ll recognize him. Come, let’s search.”The pair make their way into the crowd. It’s a dizzying display.

Ayla couldn’t let this stand.Elaine made her look like a fool. A complete and utter fool, and now she was certain to be the laughing stock of the pack. Worst of all, she hadn’t gotten the chance to announce her intentions of taking over Elaine’s foundation. The time had long since passed now, Elaine had gotten Volk’s support.She’d simply have to open one of her own.And, perhaps, poach a few of Elaine’s own investors. Which was why she was here today, meeting with Nancy and Adrian.Ayla sat at a table in some restaurant she’d thought looked fancy enough for something like this. Italian. Expensive. The perfect place for a little meeting with Elaine’s investors. It hadn’t been easy to get them here. But a little lie about her concern for Elaine had finally managed to convince them.Ayla looked up as Adrian was the first to arrive. She smiled.“Alpha Adrian!” she greeted, motio

Elaine walked briskly through the hallway, clipboard in hand. A few caterers hurried past her, finalizing the dinner for tonight and getting the appetizers ready. People were already starting to arrive.She quickened her pace, hurrying through the doors and into the event center’s main room. She glanced around. Two dozen tables were organized around the main floor. Along the walls on either side were information banners or displays, detailing everything people would need to know about the foundation.It was almost surreal.To think it was all starting to come together at last.She spotted Nancy and Liam at one of the tables and walked up to her. “Glad you’re here.”Nancy looked up with a smile. “I wouldn’t miss. We’ve all been anxiously awaiting this day.”“Still don’t have your own building yet,” Liam mused as he lifted a wine glass to his lips.“The paperwork is

Elaine went quiet.She didn’t rightly know what to say to that. Of course, she knew Liam liked her, and she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t thought about it, but…But actually confronting the idea of it was different than just thinking about it. Especially given the circumstances Elaine found herself in. Ones that wouldn’t allow for anything lasting.The silence stretched.Nancy didn’t seem to mind at all, simply letting what she said settle. Liam seemed appalled.“I…” Elaine began, then trailed off. She suddenly stood up. “Excuse me a moment. I need to use the restroom.”It was a flimsy excuse at best but she turned and quickly headed toward the back of the restaurant. Liam watched her go before turning his focus solely to his mother. He leaned against the table. Stared.Nancy met his gaze with a calm one of her own. “What?”“Why did you sa