Chapter 27 Brooklyn My eyes widen. Of course what is about to happen is the whole point of this evening, but now that it's about to happen? I'm terrified. Not only am I about to meet my biological father for the first time, but I'm also about to meet the Alpha with the most powerful reputation of all. I never could have imagined being in this position. Never could have imagined what my life has become, and I'm overcome with too many emotions to name. I'm now engaged to a man in love with another man. On one side of me stands the most ruthless, dangerous mafia king in Grayling City-an Alpha in his own right. And on the other side of me-figuratively-is my father and the status that comes with him. Aden clenches his jaw again as he observes the emotions playing across my face, narrowing his eyes on me. "Chin up, little one," he says, his voice steady, giving me strength. "Meet him with pride. Show him the she-wolf you are. You've got more fight in you than you realize." I swallow and nod, trying to be the version of myself that Aden apparently sees. But inside I'm trembling. Hudson walks back over to me with a fresh glass of champagne, his steps slowing and his face growing worried when he sees who I'm talking to. When Aden catches sight of his son, he nods, removes his hand from my lower back, and takes a step away. "Good, there you are." Aden beckons Hudson closer. As Hudson hands a fresh glass of champagne to me, his father reaches into his suit jacket pocket and holds out a black velvet box. Frowning with confusion, Hudson takes it, his face falling slack as he sees what's inside. My own jaw drops when I see the size of the diamond sitting on the little velvet pillow. At least ten carats, emerald cut, set in an art deco style. "It would be appropriate," Aden says, his voice commanding, "for Brooklyn to wear your family's ring tonight, since you are engaged." "Dad," Hudson says, looking up at him. "This was Mom's ring…" Aden nods sharply. This is not a discussion, and it's also not a suggestion. Hudson sighs and lifts the ring from the box. He looks at me and cocks his head to the side, his expression unreadable. My fingers shaking a little, I raise my hand. As Hudson takes it and starts to slip the ring onto my finger, I try to keep the thoughts from swirling around my head. Aden stares back at me, his lips slightly parted, revealing clenched teeth. "Thanks, Dad," Hudson says, his tone loaded, breaking the tension as he takes my hand out of his father's grip, holding it gently in his own. He gives his dad a weird look and then turns his attention to the ring. "It looks good on you, Brooklyn," Hudson says, looking me in the face and smiling. He's trying so hard to make all of this okay, it both warms my heart and breaks it. Around us, people are watching, their faces so curious it borders on desperation. I hesitate, trying to smile back, and then focusing on the ring. This incredible, sparkling rock on my finger. It's half ring, half weapon. It's beautiful, but… Before I can consider the meaning of the ring any further, the room goes quiet, the band dying off as everyone stops dancing and turns towards the door. A man has just appeared in the large doorway, a woman in a slinky grey dress only a few steps behind. Following her are at least four guards, probably more, though I can't see any further behind them to count. He's a tall man-as tall as Aden, but older. He's still obviously an Alpha, though. Lean and strong, if a little weathered. He has a certain power as he begins to cross the room towards us, surveying the crowd as he goes. The woman he came with moves away to the bar. I hold my breath as the Alpha walks toward us, his eyes sweeping over me from head to foot. I open my mouth to greet him but am shocked into silence when he doesn't acknowledge me at all. Instead, he turns to Aden and puts out a hand. Title: ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing Embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Luke Charles Stafford as he navigates from the heartland of the Midwest to the glitzy realm of Hollywood in "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" by CrushReel. This ongoing romantic tale delves into the intertwined lives of characters amidst contrasting backdrops, promising a narrative rich in depth and emotion. Within this captivating episode, Luke's transition from a quaint Midwestern setting to the bustling streets of Hollywood unveils layers of personal growth and unforeseen encounters. As he grapples with newfound challenges and connections, themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery intertwine to create a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level. 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