Chapter 57

Nan’s POV

The day of the wedding has arrived.

I had only just saved the day by the skin of my teeth. I was lucky to return to the budget manager before the office closed for the day. We were able to put in the rest of the orders without a problem.

If Mr. Darren was a lesser man, I thought he might collapse in relief. I felt like collapsing myself after my harrowing little adventure across the city.

Some of the coordinators chose to attend the wedding to keep an eye on things. Making sure no other ‘mishaps’ occurred. And to appreciate the fruits of our collective labor.

I was not one of them. Mr. Darren did his best to keep our issue under wrap. But someone eventually noticed that the schedule was off.

He was forced to admit that there was an issue…that had already been resolved. The budget manager had even kept that role I played quiet.

‘It’s for the best I do not attend,’ I muse. I do not want to risk exposing my blunder if the wrong coordinator caught me.

Everything has been fixed. Mrs. Wolfsbane’s trick has been thwarted with no one else the wiser. I should be content.

But I am not.

‘My mother’s necklace…I can’t get it back.’ I acknowledge with no small amount of grief. The thought tears at my heart.

I had been so sure I found the right answer when I pawned it. That I could have my cake and eat it too. I had been arrogant…wrong.

My check for this job came through this morning. I was so excited. I hurried to the pawn shop as fast as I could without piping Lionel’s curiosity.

But when I got there, I was met with unwelcome news. News that dampened my spirits. I was too late to redeem it.

The knowledge of my failure hurt so much worse than the scheme of Lionel’s mother. It was a failure of my own making. My choices had cost me the last gift of my mother.

“Kay, where’s my pencils?” I holler to my middle sister. Annoyed that Kay has once again stolen my good pencils for her drawings.

It was only two weeks past my 13(th) birthday. Mom and dad were out on a date. Dena had been left in charge of me and Kay until they got back.

“I’ll give them to you when I’m done.” Kay yells back from her room. I groan angrily.

“I need to finish my homework dummy.” I shout. My only response is the increase in volume of Kay’s stereo.

I stomp over to my older sister. “Dena! Kay won’t give me back my pencils so I can do my homework.” I whine.

Dena does not look up from the TV. “Just use mine for now.”

“But why should I? They’re my pencils.” I complain.

Dena gives me a warning look. “You know how Kay gets when she’s mad. It’ll be faster to just ignore her.”

Kay had been in a jealous fit ever since my birthday. Mom had officially gifted me the necklace as a family heirloom. Dena and Kay’s birthday presents were clothes and a stereo.

The same stereo Kay blasted when I worked on homework to distract me. ‘You get everything else,’ I wanted to tell Kay, ‘An inner wolf, beautiful looks, everybody’s attention…why can’t I have this one thing?’

Dena had not been happy either. I had known that from her pursed lips. But she let it go.

If it had been Dena…I probably would have handed over the necklace. Dena has always been my fiercest defender. You aren’t supposed to have favorite sisters…but Dena is my favorite.

A knock at the door interrupted my whining. I briefly saw flashing lights from the living room window. The knocking persisted.

Dena frowned. “Stay here. I’ll go check it out.”

She went to answer the door.

Neither of us knowing our lives had changed forever.

Having the necklace had been such a comfort in those following years. I would pull it out when I needed a reminder of easier times. The first time Dena and I seriously fought…when Patti first got really sick…the night I lost my job.

It feels like a chapter in my life being shut for good. Over without my consent. I place a hand in a familiar way over this different necklace around my neck.

‘This chapter might be closing soon too…I’ll try to enjoy the rest of the ride.’ I pledge. A bittersweet feeling wells up.

At the very least, I would still have this token of comfort at the end of the contract. Lionel would still be with me in some way. Comforting me even if we are apart.

That thought eases my mind.

Lionel’s POV

The wedding is beautiful.

Candles hang from the ceiling as though floating in the air. Elegant flower arrangements grace every table at the reception. The atmosphere is lively and happy.

My cousin’s face glows in happiness. Her mate never leaves her side. The wedding is fairytale-esque.

‘Nan did a great job,’ I think. It is a shame she is not here to see the result of her efforts.

I had never paid so close attention to the details at an event before. I knew Nan has excellent taste after viewing the last two parties she has planned. But this is a new level to her skill set.

‘If this is what she can do with support…’ I contemplate. Calculating the ways I could invest in Nan’s career. My businessman side taking ahold of me.

My inner wolf is silent. Bored beyond logic at Nan’s absence. I consider leaving.

I have already completed my duties as alpha by showing up. Signing my approval of the mate bond. Wanting to be with Nan even though I only saw her hours earlier.

I give my congratulations to the happy couple. Then I make my way home. Eager to check in with my daughters and Nan.

A servant appears in front of me and bows his head. I lazily acknowledge him. Glance at his nervous features for only seconds.

“Speak.” I command.

“Your mother wishes to speak to you before you leave Alpha Lionel.” The servant says.

“Does she now?” I ask haughtily.

“Yes, Alpha Lionel.” The man sweats a little. I feel a brief desire to toy with the prey like man.

“Did she mention what she wants to discuss with me?”

It is a little cruel. I know very well my mother would never exchange more words than necessary with a servant. But I am bored and feeling mischievous.

‘Nan would scold me,’ I smirk.

He predictably fidgets. “No sir. Mrs. Wolfsbane only requested I tell you she will be awaiting you in your study.”

“You let her into my study?” I raise an eyebrow. Subtly pointing out his faux pas.

“N-no! She was -she was already there when I saw her.” The servant’s voice grows high pitched.

I glare at him for a few seconds. I only let up when I see beads of sweat form on his temple. “Don’t let this happen again.”

“I won’t, Alpha Lionel. I will do better.” The man swears. I nod and walk away.

I reach the study. My mother’s scent greets me from behind the door. The hints of chamomile and sage from her hand lotions imprinted on my mind since I was a pup.

I open the door and there she is. She sits in a poised manner. Decades of etiquette never fading despite this private setting.

Warmth seeps into her aloof expression. “Lionel, my strong boy.” She beckons me forward.

The silent order would have set off my alpha anger if it were anybody but my mother. I had come to accept these slightly improper displays as part of my mother’s personality. My wolf was not so accepting.

But I shook off my vexation. “Mother, how did you enjoy the wedding?” I ask.

“It was lovely. Dear Scarlett looked beautiful.” She primly remarked.

“It was a lovely wedding. Nan did an excellent job planning it.” I say enthusiastically.

My mother’s face shifts. It wipes away my gusto. “Mother?”

“Now that you mention the subject…my son, there is something I need to tell you.” Mother says delicately.

Warning bells go off inside of my head. “What do you mean?” I ask instantly.

“Lionel…I have bad news for you.” Mother reveals.