Chapter 74

Lionel’s POV

A month has passed since I threw Nan out.

Things had not improved as much as I hoped. My inner wolf is restless. I had been sleeping less and less.

Sometimes I would catch myself looking over to share a look with Nan. Only for my eyes to meet empty space. I would scold myself for this…reminding myself of her deception.

It did not change the truth. That I missed Nan. That I still wanted her.

Vera had only just begun speaking to me a few days ago. They were one-word answers. But it was progress after weeks of the silent treatment.

The one I was truly worried about was Patti.

Patti’s bubbly personality is gone. That toothy smile of hers has not been seen since Nan’s leaving. She no longer playfully argues with Vera or me.

But that was not the worst part of it.

Patti was stuck in her wolf for nearly two weeks in the beginning. Something that had not happened since her awakening fever. I contact the best doctors right away.

“Why is she struggling with her wolf form?” I asked the doctor.

But his answer was what I had hoped to hear.

“Physically she is fine. There does not seem to be any outward ailments to this condition. However…”

I narrowed my eyes. “However?”

“Children like Patti who are born in wolf form will always struggle with their wolf form in…distressing situations. Has there been any huge changes in her life recently? Something that might have emotionally trigger her?”

“Yes.” I nodded curtly. Refusing to elaborate to this stranger.

“I’m afraid there is nothing more I can do at the moment.” He says.

“Nothing you can do?” I repeat angrily. “Then what is the point of you?”

The doctor only shook his head at me. Bravely unflinching in the face of my parental anger. Most likely used to this reaction.

“Only time will help. Her emotional distress is the cause of this. But by your descriptions of recent days…it seems this is her choice.”

My glare had deepened at that. “How could this be her choice?”

“Sometimes big emotions are hard for children to handle. Her wolf mind would be more simplistic compared to her human one. She is most likely using her wolf form as a way to cope with the…upheaval.”

The explanation made me stricken. ‘This is partly my fault.’ I think. ‘Maybe I should have at least allowed Patti a goodbye for closure…’

But it was too late for that. So I accepted the doctors’ words and did my best to bring Patti comfort. I stayed with her while Vera was at school. I spent every spare moment comforting her.

But it was not enough. My presence did not seem to bring Patti the comfort I had hoped for. I am at a loss at how to fix this.

Then the day of the trial came. I went. I needed to look into the eyes of the man who tried to kidnap my children.

Most of the proceedings did not surprise me. Money laundering…bribes…identity fraud…theft…the list was things I had seen before. People like this man were pathetic.

But then one part of the trial shocked me.

Nan’s name is brought up. I expect to hear of their collaboration. Perhaps months of secret communications and meetings.

‘Or an affair,’ My mind spitefully supplies.

The blonde man only spews hate toward her. “Bitch just wouldn’t cooperate. It took forcing the Frost earring before she finally submitted to me.”

That reluctant confession protects Nan from any ensuing investigation. Frost tech often had nasty little blood curses for their wearers if the set parameters were not met. This was one of the many reasons the tech been banned.

If someone was put under the tech in duress…legally, they could not be prosecuted. The trial moved on and the potential kidnapper was sentenced to prison. Yet I could not truly celebrate the news.

The reveal would not leave my mind. It was all I could think about as I returned home. As I took in Patti sleeping in her wolf form.

Had Nan been telling the truth?

Nan’s POV

Thank the Moon goddess for my sisters.

For the last few weeks I have been living with my older sister, Dena. Dena brought me home and set up camp for me in her living room. She had been frantic in concern.

Explaining everything had not been easy. Dena and Kay knew about the contract. But they never could have guessed how Lionel would treat me.

Dena had immediately video called Kay from her sabbatical once I finished explaining my situation. Saying everything twice had left me drained and numb. Kay was furious and outraged…it was the black look of hatred in Dena’s stony eyes that worried me.

“And that’s everything.” I croaked out.

“That bastard! I never would have encouraged you to seduce him if I’d known he would be like this.” Kay growled.

I could hear the slight slur of her words around her fangs. Kay rarely got angry. It was a rare sight to see her lose control.

It warmed my bruised soul.

“I just don’t understand how he could be this cruel.” I say with a tremble to my lips.

“Oh don’t cry sweetie. He doesn’t deserve it.” Kay said comfortingly.

Dena stayed quiet. Waves of murderous rage coming off of her. But she raised her hand to rub my back soothingly and press a gentle kiss to my head at the sound of my hurt.

“I don’t know what to do. Please, tell me.” I beg. Needing my big sisters’ wisdom.

It is not that I forgot about my adoption. Nor have I stopped wondering if they somehow knew. But in that moment…none of that matters.

My life is in ruins. My origins held no weight for me in the face of that. I only needed to know how to move forward.

“There has to be a way to fight this. Someway to get your hard-earned money back and our niece.” Kay suggested after several moments of silence.

But Dena shook her head. “That…beast is Alpha of Wolfsbane industries. Even those within the world of the elite would find it hard to challenge his claim.”

“But surely Nan’s years raising Patti would mean something? Our niece can’t be left with that selfish jerk.” Kay argued.

“I hate to say this…” Dena looked at me. My gut twisted. But I nodded for her to continue anyway.

“Nan is from a poorer background. Nan may have adopted Patti…but she shares blood with him. That already works against her.”

Dena lightly squeezed my shoulder. A subtle warning to brace for her next words. I tense.

“Nan is also wolf-less. You know how people like her are seen and treated. There is no way she could win.”

Kay cannot argue against our sister. We all know she is correct. And I am left quietly resenting myself for being born the way I am.

Maybe if I had been born with a wolf…maybe things might have turned out different.

Things did not get much better.

I still could not find a job. No one wanted to hire a wedding planner without prestigious background or references. I had no doubt the wedding company would not agree to helping me out after Lionel severed my contract with them.

I knew how fast gossip travelled in those circles. My humiliating disgrace had no doubt made its way too many gleeful ears. I would find no help there.

I also could not stay on Dena’s couch indefinitely. It just wasn’t an option for either of us. Luckily, Dena was finally able to secure me an apartment.

The apartment was in a rough neighborhood. My mattress was on the floor and the apartment was tiny. I doubted it was up to code.

The sight of my meagers belongings in the bare shoe box was depressing.

But it was mine.

I’ll pay your bills until you can get a solid job. I’m sorry that I can’t afford a better place for you.” Dena tells me as she leaves.

“It’s fine. Better than being homeless at least.” I reassure her.

It is when she is gone that my hopeful facade breaks. I take in the sight of the cracked walls. I only have a working microwave-there is not even a kitchen sink!

I sink into my mattress. Tomorrow will be better. Tomorrow, I will hit the streets and begin looking for a job until I can do better.

But tonight…tonight I will cry.