Chapter 59

Nan’s POV

My failure continues to plague me.

‘What have I done?’ This question haunts me as the days go by. It feels less and less like I can stand by my decision.

I thought I could live with the consequences of pawning my mother’s necklace. That I could emotionally let go even if I failed to redeem the necklace on time. But that notion has been slowly disproven.

But it’s also too late. Too late to change my mind. The deed is done.

What would Kay think of my actions? What would Dena think? The thought of my sisters’ disappointment makes the shame worse.

Would I ever be able to find it? Or had some rare collector already found their prize? I hope against all logic that I will.

The only solace to my perturbed state was the constant weight of Lionel’s gift around my neck.

I trace the diamond’s smooth edges when the guilt is too much. I admire the iridescence that reflects off its surface when the light hits it as I imagine my mother’s cheerful face souring at my poor choice. The memory of Lionel’s contentment when I received my gift does a decent job of batting away my sorrow.

My other comfort is that Lionel did not discover what happened. He appeared unaware to the events that had taken place. My gamble had paid off in that regard.

‘It was for the best,’ I tell myself. ‘You did the right thing for Lionel.’

I refused to be like everyone else in his world. I would not drag him into the middle of my personal conflicts. I certainly would not make him chose between me and his mother…even if I now despise the evil old woman.

I sit down the planner for next week. Something I had been nagged into keeping track of by the butler. I had taken to writing down the schedule in my planner before the girls would be home.

‘Busy hands give a quiet mind...’ This had been my father’s favorite phrase. It had served me well over the years.

“Ms. Lupa.” The butler calls out to me.

“Yes, Augustus?” I reply.

“Alpha Lionel wishes to see you promptly. He is waiting in the study.” He informs me.

I stand. “Thank you for letting me know.”

He acknowledges my thanks with a nod of is head before returning to his duties. I begin the path to Lionel’s study. My curiosity now awakened.

The door is closed when I get there. I knock. “Come in.”

I open the door to see Lionel with his back to his desk. He is leaning casually against the desk with one leg crossed in front of the other. His hands rest nonchalantly in the pocket of his dark trousers.

Little tuffs of inky curls fall across his forehead rebelliously. Refusing to fall in line with rest of his carefully styled hair. His eyes are molten chocolate as shards from the blinds fall across him.

‘He looks so handsome even just standing there,’ I lightly blush.

I do not see the other people at first. But then I register their presence as I take in the room. There are three other people in the room.

Behind Lionel stands a rather plain looking man. His blonde hair is trimmed close to his head. He nods once at me when I look at him.

Across from Lionel sit a man and a woman. They face away from me, and I can only see the back of their heads. I only briefly notice the man tensing.

“Lionel?” I ask in puzzlement.

“Come in Nan. Have a seat.” Lionel says calmly.

I glance at the lack of chairs. He gestures towards his own. I hesitate but move forward when he repeats himself.

It is only when I am seated that I get a good look at the other two people’s faces. I stiffen. Horror is my primary emotion as I take them in.

In front of me sits…Mr. Darren and Lionel’s mother.

Lionel’s POV

I got the call midafternoon.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes. Let your little guards know that I’m coming.” My private investigator says without any greetings.

“…is it that bad?” I ask. I flex my fingers at the idea.

“It’s better you see this in person.” That is all he says. My apprehension rises.

“See you then.” I hang up.

When he arrives, his usually obnoxious cheerful demeaner is subdued. In his hand are some files. I shoot him a surprised look.

“Hard copy? You usually prefer digital.” I note.

“Not for this. You know your mom has a few hackers on hand. I figured I’d best personally give you the hard copies in case the hackers flag it and delete them.”

His judgment shows to be sound as I read the files. Every piece of evidence my mother presented did lead to a culprit…her. Not that I was surprised.

‘A bad reflection on the pack…our pack members happiness…she must really hate Nan.’ I conclude. Unfortunately for mother, she had gone too far.

To risk hurting our reputation in the social world and a pack member’s happiness was already something I was not willing to overlook as the alpha. But to specifically target the woman I love? Unacceptable.

I am seething by the time I finish reading the files. I hand them back. I pick up my cellphone.

“Hello?” My mother’s posh tone answers.

“You should come over immediately. I’ve reviewed the evidence from the wedding.” I say rudely.

“Lionel, I know I’ve taught you better than to ignore your manners. I am still your mother.” She replies.

I clench my fists. “Apologies. I thought you would want to see the…results of your work.” I voice.

Hook…

“That’s alright dear. I’m so glad to know you’ve come to your senses. It’s a shame about that woman.”

line...

“I have yet to speak to her about the situation. I would like you to sit in on this conversation.” I tell her.

I hear the gleeful smirk in her tone. “Of course, my son. I’ll have my driver bring me over shortly.”

“And mother?” I ask.

“Yes?”

“Could you bring over the budget manager? I would like to thank him for his diligence.” I lie.

“I suppose. Yes, it would be better to have his presence. That woman can’t deny the truth if we have witnesses.”

…and sinker.

My mother and I speak only shortly after that. I barely pay attention to the topics. I only indulge her that much because I do not want to raise her suspicions.

I had forgotten about the other person in the room until he speaks again.

“You must be pretty crazy about this woman.” He comments slyly.

I glare warningly at him. “Don’t push it. Not today.”

He laughs. Any appreciation I might have had for his hard work dies instantly. ‘I forgot how irritating this man is,’ I growl.

“You’ve done your part. Don’t you have somewhere to be?” I say pointedly.

“I think I’ll stay and watch the fireworks. I’d like to meet this woman who’s gotten you in knots.” He lazily replies.

I pinch the bridge of my forehead. “If you speak a word to her, I’ll tear your throat out.” I flash my alpha eyes to emphasis my seriousness.

My mother arrives in an hour and a half. Behind her walks an older man. I can scent the nervousness from him.

It brings some tiny satisfaction to my predatory nature. To the heightening blood lust. ‘Good. At least one of them knows their place,’ I darkly observe.

My mother amiably introduces him. “Son, this is Mr. Darren. He is the one who caught her red-handed.”

Mr. Darren bows respectfully. “Alpha Lionel.”

I do not acknowledge his respectful greeting. “Sit here. Nan should be arriving shortly.”

Mr. Darren sits quickly. My mother frowns but does as I request. I look at the traitors coldly.

My wolf is snarling in its cage to attack. To punish them. ‘Not yet…’ I decide.

I catch Nan’s scent before I see her. Cherries…lavender…fertility. Something unique to her.

I bid her to come in. Mr. Darren stiffens and his eyes dart to me. Watching me.

I can see he knows something is wrong. I do not elevate his fear. When Nan sits…I see it all.

My mother’s smug smirk. Mr. Darren’s growing nervousness. Nan’s shock and slight fear.

“You will explain yourselves to me…now…” I deeply growl.