Chapter 0039
I internally cursed as I walked to her front door. Her purse was on her shoulder, so I reached inside to grab a set of keys. I was surprised at how dark her house was; it was as if nobody else lived there, but I knew at least her mother should be home at this hour. It was ghostly quiet, giving me an eerie feeling.
It didn’t take long to find the staircase upstairs and even less time to locate her room. The scent of her space led me in the right direction. Her room was a perfect reflection of who she was as a person. Academic awards were showcased on her wall, while her athletic achievements were displayed on the bookcase across the room. Clothes were scattered across the floor and draped over her desk chair. She had a well-organized desktop computer setup, with numerous textbooks and notebooks covering her desk.
A photo of her and her parents sat on her nightstand, capturing a moment where she looked so happy. Another framed picture showed her with her friend Nan, whom I recognized from Carter’s Resort.
I didn’t bother changing her out of her clothes; I wasn’t going to cross that line. Instead, I tucked her into bed, making sure the covers were securely wrapped around her before I left.
“You’re late,” my mother said as I walked into the house.
“I’m right on time,” I replied, glancing at the clock.
“If you’re not early, you’re late,” she countered, raising her brows. “Everyone is in the kitchen already. Dinner will be ready shortly.”
“Hi, Grandma,” Irene said as she stepped around me into the house.
My mother’s face softened as she reached her arms out and wrapped my daughter in a hug.
“Oh, Irene, sweetie, I thought you were going to be too busy to join us this evening. I’m so glad you’re here,” she breathed.
“I wanted you to officially meet my fiancé,” Irene said, motioning for Ethan to step beside her.
Ethan stepped closer and gave my mother a polite smile.
“It’s an honor to finally meet you, ma’am,” he said, bowing his head in respect.
My mother chuckled and placed a hand on his cheek in a warm gesture.
“He’s quite handsome,” she said to Irene with a sly wink.
Irene blushed, wrapping her arm through Ethan’s and resting her head on his shoulder.
My mother’s eyes found Matt, and she smiled sweetly at him.
“Hello, Matthew. You’re looking rather handsome yourself,” she added, motioning for Matt to come with her.
He looked up at me, uncertainty written across his face. He didn’t often come to my mother’s house, but I insisted he join us for dinner. I gave him a short nod and followed my mother through the living room and into the kitchen.
I motioned for Irene to do the same. She took Ethan’s hand and pulled him along with her. I sighed and followed them inside.
The moment I stepped into the kitchen, I wished I could turn around and walk right back out.
“Gavin, you’re here!” Daisy exclaimed as she walked around the table to greet me.
Beta Taylor was also there. He was often invited to my mother’s family events since he had been practically family my entire life. I gave him a stern look, and he offered me an apologetic smile, likely for not warning me that Daisy would be here.
She immediately wrapped her arms around me, but I quickly shimmied out of her embrace.
“What are you doing here, Daisy?” I asked, not bothering to hide the edge in my voice.
“I invited her,” my mother said, beaming up at Daisy.
“I thought we already discussed this, Mom,” I said through clenched teeth, my anger rolling off me in waves.
“You know your mother and I have always been close friends,” Daisy said, batting her lashes at me. “Me being here isn’t any different than Beta Taylor being here, Gavin. I also assumed you would have come to your senses since the last time we spoke.” She folded her arms across her chest.
“How about we just sit down for dinner?” my mother suggested, ushering Daisy to her seat.
I stood, staring at the neatly set table, realizing that the only available seat was right next to Daisy.
I had to fight to control myself.
Taylor stepped beside me and leaned in so only I could hear his words.
“Melissa died years ago, Alpha. Perhaps your mother is onto something. You should be moving on.”
