Chapter 6
CHLOE'S P.O.V.
The next morning, I wake before Jasper, who is still asleep beside me, his breathing steady. I quietly get out of bed, slipping into the bathroom to freshen up before getting dressed.
As I reach for my clothes, his phone vibrates on the bedside table. Glancing at it, I notice a notification. I know I shouldn't look, but something inside me tells me otherwise.
I pick it up, reading the message. A transaction had been completed. My eyes narrow, and I tap on it. A large amount of money has been transferred to a bank account.
But the recipient's name wasn't displayed. Instead, the contact name was saved with a heart emoji. My stomach tightens as a name slips into my mind.
Yvette.
I quickly take a picture of the message with my phone, but just as I am about to place Jasper's phone down, he shifts in bed. I freeze.
“Chloe?” He calls out, and I turn to him wearing a fake smile.
“I'm here.”
He rubs his eyes. “What are you doing?”
“I was getting dressed.”
He nods sleepily and mutters incoherently.
I force my smile in place, urging him. “Go back to sleep.”
Walking into the bathroom, I shut the door, pressing my ear firmly against the door. The moment I make sure he's fast asleep, I send the photograph to Josephine, along with a message.
'Find out who this number belongs to.'
Her reply comes almost immediately. 'I'll try.'
Placing the phone down, I stare at my reflection in the mirror. Something wasn't right. Jasper had been sending money to an unknown, and just coincidentally, Yvette was alive, living a good life at that.
What were the odds?
But what struck me most was a suspicion I feared was true. Lucas...Donald...Yvette. Donald was Yvette's husband before he passed, a result of a war between our pack and rogues. Yvette was pregnant around the time, so logically, Donald was thought to be the father. But a tiny voice inside of me whispered, "What if? What if there was a possibility that Lucas was Jasper's?" I mean I couldn't totally rule out the suspicion given how Jasper dotes on him every now and then.
Later that afternoon, my brother, Steve, calls.
“Chloe, Mom wants you to come over for dinner.” He says in his usual grumbling tone.
“I can't tonight.”
“You should come.” His voice suddenly turns serious, almost urgent.
“Why?”
“Just come.”
I sigh. “Fine.”
When I arrive at my parents' house later that evening, I'm greeted by an uncomfortable sight. Several expensive gift boxes sit on the dining table. I immediately begin to feel uncomfortable. What on earth were they planning?
“What's all this?” I ask with furrowed brows, gesturing towards the gifts.
My mother smiles. “Jasper sent them." My heart sinks. Of course he did.
My father clears his throat. “The Alpha has been very generous.”
I take a seat; Steve was already seated here with Liv.
My mother looks at me. “We heard that you've reconsidered the divorce.”
“I have.”
Her face brightens, visibly pleased. “Good.”
“But that doesn't mean I've forgotten what happened to Sophia.”
Her smile disappears just as my father sighs. “Chloe, we've discussed this.”
“No, Dad. You discussed it. I listened.”
Steve shakes his head. “You're becoming obsessed.”
“Obsessed?” I scoff in disbelief, reaching into my purse and pulling out my phone. I show them the picture of Sophia's bruised form.
“This is what I'm supposed to forget?” I spit coldly.
My mother's face tightens. “Chloe, children get bruises from time to time. It isn't unheard of, especially as werewolves.”
“Not like this! Not with her looking like a prisoner!”
“She is being trained.” She argues defensively.
“She's a pup! She is my pup, your grandchild. How could you be so unconcerned by her well-being?" My voice shakes, my ire igniting. Liv shifts uncomfortably in her seat. Father, on the other hand, looked annoyed, while Steve looked like he couldn't be bothered in the slightest.
Mother exhales softly, taking on a motherly expression. “Jasper is doing what he believes is best.”
I laugh bitterly. “Of course.”
Steve leans forward. “You've always been emotional.”
I stare at him coldly. “And you've always been a very cold-hearted bastard. I often wonder how you were paired by the moon with such a sweet soul. It's a pity to be honest.” I bite back, hoping to vex him at least, and I did.
He clenches his jaw, scoffing. “Don't be a bitch, Chloe. I'm trying to help you.”
“No, Steve. You're trying to sweet talk me into thinking I'm overreacting just because it benefits you.”
My mother reaches across the table. “Please, Chloe. Think about Lucas.”
I close my eyes briefly; there it was again. Always Lucas, never Sophia. And even if it may have been wrong and he didn't deserve it, in that brief moment, I despised him.
"Lucas is not my son." I grit out.