Chapter 5
CHLOE'S P.O.V.
A million thoughts ran through my mind as I left the café. Yvette was alive. For three years, everyone had believed she was dead, including me. Yet here she was, living comfortably in Woodvale, while I nursed her son and took care of him like my own. While my daughter was being treated worse than an orphan omega.
The very thought had me wanting to wolf out. I grip the steering wheel tightly as I drive home, my wolf restless inside me. A hunt would be the perfect distraction, but it was a luxury I couldn't afford right now.
I needed answers. But more importantly, I needed evidence. Reaching home, I'd managed to pacify my restless wolf, knowing no good would come out of a confrontation, especially after what happened yesterday.
I wasn't going to confront Jasper yet, not until I had everything I needed.
Walking into the house, my phone vibrates in my hand. I glance at the screen, my heart racing. It was Sophia. I answer immediately.
“Soph?”
There is silence on the other end, and for a moment I fear the worst. “Mommy…” Her tiny voice nearly breaks me.
“Sweetheart, are you okay?”
“I… I don't want to stay here anymore.”
My eyes sting with hot, sad tears. “Where are you?”
“I don't know.” I hear sniffling. “They said I was bad because I wouldn't finish my training.”
My fingers tighten around the phone. “What did they do to you?”
“They…” Her voice cracks. “They made me kneel again.”
My wolf whimpers. “Soph, listen to me. Mommy is going to get you. I promise," I mutter strongly.
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Then when are you coming?”
I open my mouth, but before I can answer, the call abruptly ends. “Soph? Sophia!”
I stare at the blank screen before calling back immediately, but it is unreachable.
“Damn it!” I scream, throwing my phone onto the couch. I need to get her out, now. I reach for my phone again and dial Briella. The call connects after a few rings.
“Chloe?”
“I need you to prepare something for me.”
“What is it?”
“A child abuse lawsuit.”
A brief silence rests between us. “Against who?”
"Jasper's family."
Another pause.
“Do you have evidence?”
“I have photographs, reports, and testimony from someone inside the house.”
“Send everything to me.”
“I will.” I end the call and take a deep breath. I couldn't let my anger make me careless; I needed to play this smart.
That evening, I walk into the dining room to find Jasper, Catherine, and Lucas having dinner. My claws dig into my skin, drawing blood as I conjure up ways to rip the bastards to shreds.
The moment Lucas sees me, his face lights up.
“Aunt Chloe!”
I pause. Jasper looks at me with surprise, and Catherine smiles. I force myself to smile back. “Hello, sweetheart.”
Lucas gets up and runs toward me.
I crouch down, wrapping my arms around him. “Did you miss me?”
“Yes.” He smiles brightly. For a moment, guilt washes over me. He was innocent. None of this was his fault. I pull away and gently fix his shirt.
“You've grown so much.” Jasper watches us with obvious satisfaction.
“See Mother?” he says to Catherine. “I told you she would come around; she cares for him. After all, he is her son.”
I look at him in mock confusion. “Come around?”
He walks toward me. “You know what I mean.”
I smile faintly. “Perhaps I do.”
He reaches for my hand, lifting it up to place a kiss behind it. “I knew you wouldn't throw away our family.”
I swallow the disgust rising in my throat.
“I've been thinking.”
“About?”
“Maybe we should try again.” Catherine looks surprised and evidently suspicious.
Jasper's eyes brighten in excitement. “Chloe…”
I place a hand on his chest. “But I need you to keep your promise.”
“Which is?”
“Sophia.” His smile falters.
“You said she'd come home after six months.”
“And she will.”
“You promise?”
“I promise.”
I force myself to smile.
“Then perhaps there's no need for a divorce.”
Jasper immediately pulls me into his arms, kissing my forehead. "There was never going to be a divorce, love."
My body stiffens, but I force myself to relax.
“It's a good thing you've come to your senses.” Catherine chips. My wolf snarls at the commanding and obnoxious tone, but I ignore her. For now.
Jasper pulls away and looks at Lucas.
“Go on, son. Call her Mom.”
Lucas looks shyly at me.
“Mom?”
My heart aches.
I kneel in front of him.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
He grins at me. “Mom.” I hug him; he was a sweetheart. Pity he was caught up in this mess. Behind him, Jasper looked satisfied, as did Catherine. Neither of them notices the coldness in my eyes, or perhaps they pretend not to.
Later that night, Jasper walks into our bedroom holding a stack of papers.
“The divorce papers.” He waves them, then rips them in half. Again and again until he drops the pieces into the bin.
"Well, that's done. Good thing you came back to your senses, isn't it?” he says sweetly.
I stare at the shredded papers, another faux smile etched on my face, as I nod.
He smiles and kisses my forehead. "Come to bed, Chloe.” I force myself not to recoil at his touch, biting down the urge to rip his pathetic self apart. I would bid my time, but for now, I would play along with their stupid charade if it meant seeing my daughter again.