Chapter 16
I was stunned to see Ethan standing before me, next to Irene. My wolf immediately retreated, hiding herself deep within my mind, shutting me out completely.
“Ethan?” Irene said again, touching his arm. He was too busy glaring at me to notice his fiancée trying to get his attention. But once she touched him, he blinked a few times, as if remembering where he was and who he was with.
He finally looked at her, noticing the concern in her eyes.
“Do you know this woman?” she asked again.
“Uh, no,” he replied, shaking his head, clearing his throat. “Sorry, I’m not sure what just happened. I’ve never met her before.”
His words felt like a slap in the face. Two years together, and that’s what we had become—strangers?
Irene still looked uncertain, confusion written on her face. I was too stunned and hurt to say anything, my gaze fixed on Ethan as he consoled his fiancée. My heart was bleeding at the sight of them.
“Ethan was probably just surprised that I brought a woman back to my home,” Gavin said, intervening.
The moment snapped me back to reality, and I finally pulled my gaze away from Ethan, looking up at Gavin. He remained calm, his eyes fixed on Ethan, almost as if issuing a silent warning.
Understanding flickered in Irene’s eyes as she turned her attention to me. Her blue eyes softened with curiosity, kindness, and something I hadn’t expected.
“My father never brings his girlfriends home, so I understand Ethan’s confusion,” she said. “You must be very special. I apologize for the strange introduction. I’m Irene Landry, and this is my fiancé, Ethan Cash.”
I forced a smile, not wanting to give the wrong impression. It wasn’t her fault Ethan had cheated, and she seemed like a sweet enough girl. The least I could do was make an effort, especially since I’d be around for a while tutoring Matt.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said cautiously. “I’m Judy Montague.”
“Montague?” she asked, her brows furrowing. “That last name sounds familiar. Where have I heard it before?”
“My father is Reggie Montague,” I replied. “The Delta of the Redmoon pack.”
“Oh, right!” she exclaimed, her face suddenly paling. “I’ve heard what happened with his company. I’m so sorry for you and your family.”
I nodded, not wanting to delve into my family’s issues, especially not with the woman my mate had left me for.
Irene seemed to understand, sensing I wasn’t comfortable with the topic. She cleared her throat and shifted her focus to her father.
“Dad, where did you find this stunning young woman?” she asked, placing her hands on her hips. “I didn’t know you were in a new relationship. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m not in a relationship with Miss Montague,” Gavin said sharply. “She’s Matt’s new tutor.”
Irene’s eyes widened.
“Another tutor?” she asked. “What number is that? Forty?”
“Forty-nine,” Gavin murmured. “But I believe this one will be different. Your brother seems to have taken a liking to Judy. I’m hoping she’ll stick around for a while.”
“A tutor, huh?” Ethan remarked, his eyes finding mine. “Isn’t that something?”
Something in his gaze made me uneasy. He almost seemed relieved, like he was glad to hear I wasn’t here as Gavin’s girlfriend, but only as Matt’s tutor.
Gavin cleared his throat, his eyes darkening as he fixed his gaze on Ethan.
“You should start considering your wedding date to ensure that neither of you has any entanglements and that you are both devoted to each other,” Gavin said, his tone sharp.
Ethan paled upon hearing his words. I understood the double meaning. Gavin knew about my history with Ethan and that I was his fated mate. His words were a clear warning, and judging by the look on Ethan’s face, he understood it too.
Irene smiled and wrapped her arm around Ethan’s.
“Oh, we are definitely devoted to each other,” she said, beaming. “Ethan is the best guy I’ve ever been with. Did I even show you what he bought me?”
She pulled herself away from Ethan’s side, reaching into the collar of her dress. She pulled out a stunning golden necklace with a purple pendant, encrusted with small diamonds. It was the very same necklace I had seen in a high-end jewelry store window last year. It was incredibly expensive, and I had asked Ethan to buy it for me multiple times. But he always brushed it off, getting me something else instead.
