Forbidden Temptation My Mafia Fiance's Alpha Father (Brooklyn and Aden) novel Chapter 27

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.