45. A Mate's Unwelcoming Return

Astrid growls at the back of my mind. My heart stutters at the sight of him. He is in his human form, looking as healthy and strong as an alpha of his fame would. My gaze drags from his coiffed hair to his neatly trimmed stubble, to his expensive-looking casual clothes. My eyes finally settled on his face, impassive as ever.

He has been doing well it seems and that makes the hurt and anger churn even more inside my chest.

“What brings you here, Alpha Isaac?” I ask, thankful that my voice had not wavered. My gaze wanders past his shoulder and into the house. I don’t hear or see Isleen. I guess Caius or Harmony has handled that matter.

“How have you been?” he asks instead of answering. His voice sounds slightly raspy like it did when he used to stay in his human form despite his beasts trying to take the reins.

The grip on the strap of my tote bag tightens. “How do I look?” I can’t bother to keep the venom from my tone because why should I?

His gaze softens. His expression chang