Chapter 0087
Gavin’s POV
“I do love her, sir,” Ethan said, bowing his head in my direction. “I would never do anything to hurt her.”
I stared at him, my eyes narrowing, but I remained silent as I processed his words. He was trying to convince me, but I didn’t trust him. Not yet.
Walter, however, was less reserved. “I took Judy on a date last night,” he said through his teeth. “Ethan and Irene happened to be at the same restaurant. He couldn’t take his eyes off her the entire time.”
I wasn’t expecting Walter to bring up his date with Judy so openly, especially after I had told him to stay away from her. But in his fury toward Ethan, he hadn’t realized what he was saying.
I glared at my nephew. “I thought I told you to stay away from her,” I growled.
Walter sighed deeply and met my gaze. “I know, Uncle. And I’m sorry. But I couldn’t help it. She’s not like any other woman I’ve met. She’s incredible, and we have so much in common. I really like her, and I think she might like me too.”
My blood ran cold as I listened to him speak about her. It was hard to deny the sincerity in his voice, but I didn’t have the right to stop him from pursuing Judy. She was her own person, and what she did in her free time wasn’t my business, no matter how much I wanted to control the situation.
“We’re going out again tonight,” Walter continued, his tone more resolute. “I don’t want to date her behind your back, but I will if needed.”
I pressed my lips together, my eyes never leaving his. The tension in the room was palpable.
“That’s some nerve you’ve got,” Ethan sneered, folding his arms across his chest. “I saw the way the waitress was flirting with you the entire time. You barely did anything about it.”
Walter scowled, his voice cold as he responded. “Not that it’s any of your concern, but she’s been dealt with. Judy and I spoke about it, and she’s fine.”
Ethan rolled his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief. “Judy’s smart, and she’ll see right through you one day. You two aren’t going to last,” he muttered, his voice dripping with disdain.
“That’s enough!” I barked, my voice cutting through the tension. I had to regain control. “This isn’t about Judy. This is about Irene.”
My Alpha aura flared, the air thickening with the weight of my power. Ethan visibly shuddered, lowering his head in submission. “I swear to the Goddess, Ethan,” I continued, my voice dark with warning, “if you hurt my daughter, I won’t hesitate to kill you. But first, I’ll make you suffer. Death would be too good for you.”
Ethan nodded quickly, his voice shaking as he assured me, “I would never hurt her. I love her, Alpha.”
Even as he spoke, doubt gnawed at me. Walter was right. It was strange—unnatural, even—that Ethan would walk away from his fated mate for Irene. Unless, of course, he thought that being with Irene would give him power. It was too calculated, too opportunistic.
“You don’t seem surprised to find out that Ethan and Judy are mates?” Walter asked, breaking the silence.
I turned my gaze to him, my expression unreadable. “Because I already knew,” I answered.
Walter raised his eyebrows, surprised. “You knew?”
“Yes,” I confirmed. “Judy and I had an understanding. Her past relationship with Ethan wouldn’t affect the future I have planned for her. I won’t let it jeopardize this wedding.”
“Judy knows that you know?” Walter asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. “She never said anything…”
“It’s not her responsibility to inform you,” I replied firmly. “You didn’t need to know. Your main focus should always be on Irene. Don’t make things more difficult than they need to be.”
Ethan swallowed, his eyes flickering between Walter and me, knowing full well that he couldn’t go against me if he wanted to get what he desired.
“Yes, Alpha,” he said quietly. “My main focus will always be on Irene.”
“Good,” I said, my voice flat, void of emotion. “Now go.”
Ethan nodded, turning to leave. Walter followed him with his eyes before turning back to face me.
“You’re okay with this?” Walter asked, his voice tentative.
I didn’t answer right away, instead letting the silence hang between us. As much as I wanted to be possessive over Judy, I knew I couldn’t keep her from living her life. But I couldn’t shake the knot in my gut, the primal instinct to protect her from everything, even my own nephew.
“I didn’t say that,” I muttered, turning away from him. “I don’t care if you’re my nephew, Walter. If you hurt her, I’ll kill you.”
