Chapter 39: Mama's Boy

*Two Days Before Christmas*

“Remind me why you couldn’t just hire someone to clean the house?” Morgan asked as she wiped down the large mantel in the living room of Elijah and Rachel’s home.

Rachel continued to scrub the baseboards. “Because his mother is coming and I want her to know I can take care of her son.”

“She’s gonna love you, Rach.”

“I hope so, because she means a lot to him. I really want her to like me. Besides, if it was Jordan and Sterling’s mom, I know you would be the same way.”

“I told you from now on, they are to be referred to as those who shall not be named.”

“Whatever. All I know is that you better be nice to them on Christmas.”

“YoU BeTtEr bE NicE tO tHeM oN CHrIsTmAs.”

Rachel laughed loudly at Morgan’s scowl. “You’re so damn childish. Just admit that you miss them. There’s no one to hear it but me.”

Morgan huffed loudly. She missed them so much it hurt, but the thought of seeing them and talking to them after everything hurt more. “I got them presents,” she whispered. Pulling out her phone, she showed Rachel the gifts.

“They’re going to love them.”

Deciding to change the subject, she nudged her sister. “So… what did you get for Elijah and his mom?”

“I got him these new cufflinks he wanted. I had to save up a lot and convince all the stores to lie and say they were sold out. You’d be surprised how much work it was getting everyone to agree to lie to a billionaire, but I’m cute and I can fight, so I was going to either bat my lashes or swing my fists.” She laughed. “I’m kidding, but it was nice of them to do it. Elijah has a good reputation and so to be a part of his surprise, automatically won them over. Oh, and I also got the cufflinks engraved. It was a lot more, but it’s going to be worth it to see his face.”

“That’s the sweetest damn thing I’ve ever heard,” Morgan said, making her lip quiver for dramatic effect.

“Haters gonna hate,” she replied, rolling her neck. “I got his mom this expensive perfume he said she always wears, and I’m going to cook her favorite dish. It took me days to master the recipe, but I think I got it right.”

Morgan always loved how thoughtful Rachel could be. Seeing Elijah come down the steps, she gave him a toothy grin. “Nice sweater… pops,” she said, pointing at the snowflake zip-neck sweater he was wearing. She tugged at the soft fabric. “Oh, nah, this is nice! Mhm, this right hea is expensive. I don’t have to see the price tag to know this ain’t nothing but premium lamb wool. Eli got that ‘ol purebred sheep money. Okay, okay, I see you!”

He pinched her arm gently. “Hush it. Your sister got us matching sweaters for Christmas.”

“Oh no, it’s happening. You two are becoming that couple everyone hates.”

“Then so be it. I happen to enjoy having matching Christmas sweaters.” Grabbing Rachel in his arms, he kissed her temple. “It fits perfectly, Baby. Thanks.” Patting his arm, she stuck her tongue out at Morgan and then returned to dusting.

The doorbell rang, and Elijah hummed, making his way to the door. Opening it, he stumbled backward. “Mom?!” he shrieked.

Dressed in expensive clothing, and her hair pulled into a tight bun, Claire looked at him, and her face turned up in a grimace. “What is that horrible thing you’re wearing?” she asked, pointing at his sweater.

He hurried and removed it. “I thought you weren’t coming until Christmas,” he said, avoiding her question.

“Are you not happy to see me?”

“Of course I am!” he exclaimed, and leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Come in, come in.”

“Thank you.”

Rachel and Morgan shortly joined the two in the doorway, and Morgan could instantly tell something was off. Looking them both over, Claire’s eyes locked onto Rachel, and her grimace returned. Rachel’s hair was frazzled, and her shorts were covered in a mix of every cleaning product known to man. Her tattoos and piercings were in plain sight, and her tank top was low-cut, showing hints of her breasts.

Fighting her urge to comment on her appearance, Claire surveyed the house. “You need to fire your maid, Elijah. It’s filthy in here,” she said.

Rachel shook her head. “I’m sorry for the mess. I didn’t know you would be here this early, but I’m glad that you are. This is my sister Morgan, and I’m Rachel. It’s nice to finally meet you.” She extended her hand but recoiled when Claire didn’t return the gesture.

“I see.” She turned to Elijah. “So, tell me, son, what have you been up to?”

He smiled. “Working diligently as usual.”

“A go-getter like your father.”

She peered at Rachel through her peripherals. “And what is it you do again?”

“My sister and I own a restaurant here in town, and—”

“Of course you do,” Claire said, cutting her off. “I assume that was funded by my son. He has always been one for pet projects.” She laughed, and Morgan glared at Elijah, who scratched his neck again but didn’t intervene. Taking off her coat, she tossed it at Rachel. “Be a dear and put that away. I’m sure you can find a coat closet in this mess.”

“I’m sure you can find it yourself, or at the very least, your son could,” Morgan said through clenched teeth.

*“Morgan, please, be nice,”* Rachel linked to her, and Morgan’s lips parted as she watched her sister put away the coat.

Pretending to whisper, Claire spoke to Elijah, making sure Rachel could hear, “You know, Alyssa asked about you. She’s still single. You really should call her.”

“I’m with Rachel, mom,” he said low, the tips of his ears reddening.

She turned her attention towards the tattooed beauty and put on a phony smile. “Of course, of course. I mean, I certainly can see why. She’s a clear knockout… somewhere under all of that, I’m sure. I was only passing the message along.” Rachel gazed down at her scuffed shoes, while Elijah remained silent. After a moment, Claire clapped her hands. “Now direct me to the kitchen, so I can get my bearings in time to cook Christmas dinner.”

“Actually, I was planning to cook this year,” Rachel interjected.

Claire shook her head. “I’m sure your food is wonderful, but I haven’t cooked for my son in a while and I’m sure he misses it.”

Rachel glanced at Elijah, who was rubbing the back of his neck for the hundredth time. “You know, Rach, my mom isn’t able to visit a lot. Maybe we could let her cook for Christmas, and you can take a break.”

“But I—”

“Great! That settles it!” Claire said, cutting her off again. “I’ll cook and stay here so that I can make sure your house is actually cleaned, and, of course, keep you company.”

Morgan dug her nails so deeply into her palms, she thought they would bleed. Trying her best to remain calm like her sister asked, she spoke slowly, “Mrs. Montgomery, my sister, does a fabulous job cooking and cleaning and keeping Elijah company in their home.”

Claire’s lips parted. “Elijah, are you living with her out of wedlock?” she asked. Hearing him grumble, she shook her head. “Your father wouldn’t be pleased, and frankly, neither am I.”

“Mom, it’s not like Rachel originally lived in New York. Her turn was a bit of a surprise, and we didn’t really have time to work out the details.”

“Well, maybe it’s time you did.” She peered at Rachel. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure you’re lovely, but the Montgomery family is one of class. We don’t shack up the way you’re probably accustomed to doing.” She ignored Rachel’s discomfort and turned to her son again. “Elijah, certainly you can at least pretend to respect your high-stature upbringing until I leave. Give yourself time to have a clear head and decide what’s truly up to your standards.”

Morgan was ready to blow a gasket. She was done being nice. Claire was disgusting, and she honestly was just as pissed at Elijah. “You’re going to allow your mother to kick my sister out of her home?” she asked, almost foaming at the mouth.

“She’s not kicking her out, but maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if Rachel stayed with you. I mean, at least until after Christmas,” he mumbled.

Rachel’s bottom lip quivered slightly. “You’re putting me out?”

“Of course not!” he shouted. “I just know how much you miss Morgan, and I haven’t seen my mother in months. Would it really be so bad if we didn’t live together right now?” He walked over and kissed her temple, and her body immediately stilled.

Morgan’s eyes burned bright blue. “Oh, hell no! You and your raggedy as—”

Rachel tugged her arm, stopping her. “It’s fine, really. Is it okay if I stay with you, though? He really hasn’t seen his mother in some time,” she said. Seeing her sister ball her fists, she linked to her, *“She means a lot to him, Morg.”*

*“And what?! You don’t?!”*

*“If you don’t want me to stay, it’s fine. I understand.”*

*“Oh no, you’re absolutely coming with me before I kick this old bat in her throat.”8

Nodding, Rachel shook free from Elijah’s arms, ignoring his attempts to link her. As the sisters walked up the stairs, Claire grabbed her son and held onto him tight. All she needed was a few hours alone with him and she would get rid of his trash of a mate.

*****

*Christmas Day*

Morgan and Rachel breathed in deeply as they stood outside of Elijah’s house. Both were secretly dreading what was behind the door and hoped that the day wouldn’t end with more turmoil.

Tapping Rachel, Morgan rolled her neck. “You better stand up for yourself today,” she said.

“Please don’t start.”

Deciding to let it go, Morgan knocked on the door. After a few moments, Elijah answered and smiled widely at Rachel. “You look beautiful,” he said. “I’ve missed you.”

She gave him a small smile before her disappointment set in. “I thought we were going to wear matching sweaters?”

“Yeah, about that, my mom saw this one and really wanted me to wear it to match with her. She went through all that trouble to get it. I couldn’t tell her no.” He tugged at the scratchy fabric, hoping to get some type of relief.

“Oh, okay. Well, here, I still wanted to make your mom’s favorite,” she said, handing him the dish she’d prepared.

Leaning down, he kissed her cheek, noticing that she stiffened. “What’s wrong, Baby?”

“Oh, you’ve got to be shitting me,” Morgan said. Grabbing her sister by the hand, she bumped past him hard. “Corny ass sweater. I’m breaking out in hives just looking at that shit,” she mumbled as she pulled Rachel inside the house. Jordan and Sterling sat on the couch as if in waiting for her. Her heart fluttered, and her wolf let out a small whine.

*“We can do this,”* it said.

She inhaled. Hesitantly, she walked over, and kissed them both on the cheek. “Hey, Merry Christmas,” she said, and their faces reddened in return. They wanted to scoop her into their arms but refused to make her even more uncomfortable than it was clear she already was.

*“She’s trying,”* Sterling linked to Jordan. *“Let’s not fuck up this olive branch.”*

“I-I missed you both,” she stammered as she shifted her weight back and forth. “And you both look really nice.”

“Merry Christmas to you as well. We’ve missed you too, and you look as beautiful as you always do,” Jordan replied, and Sterling gave her a smile of agreement.

Claire approached them and her mere presence made the air thicken. “Oh, now the blue eyes make sense. So you’re sharing again, that’s… nice,” she said.

Morgan’s wolf grunted loudly inside of her. *“If she don’t get her ten shillings to pass the dead waters of Hades’ boatman face ass away from us.”*

Jordan’s jaw twitched, and Sterling scowled, but Morgan placed her hands on their chests. “It’s okay,” she said sweetly while her eyes burned with an ember glow.

Claire rolled her eyes. “Relax. I was only teasing. It’s all new, so you have to excuse me. One woman running around with two men.” Unable to stop herself, she roved her eyes over each twin. “I suppose I can understand the fascination. You are both extremely handsome, wealthy, and talented, but back in my day—”

Morgan raised her hand and Claire silenced. “Let me stop you and your dime-sized veneers right there. If I was interested in hearing about your rendezvous on Noah’s ark, I’d read about them in the bible.” She placed her hand on her lips in thought. “Maybe you should try finding a man that’s willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good of the world to *run around* with you. That way, you’ll be occupied with your own life and not minding everyone else’s business.”

Jordan almost choked on his spit while Sterling immediately covered his mouth to control his laugh. *“Jesus, that even hurt my feelings. Little Red knows how to articulate the hell out of an insult. It’s amazing to watch when you aren’t on the receiving end.”*

*“Yes, she can be quite vicious when she wants to be. You should have heard what she linked to me in Le Loup’s conference room the time I reprimanded her for not reading the rule book. I had to go into my office and shut the door so that I could cry a little.”*

They pursed their lips to keep from laughing as Claire grumbled something under her breath and walked away.

“Don’t pay her any mind. She’s always been that way,” Jordan said.

“Yeah, well, she’s not gonna be flapping her gums too much longer when I snatch those big ass teeth. How do you flirt and insult someone at the same time? Fucking weirdo. Did y’all know she convinced Elijah to put Rachel out?”

“He did what?”

Sterling huffed. “He has always been a mama’s boy, and she always knew how to play that card well.”

Before they could continue the conversation, Claire called everyone for dinner. Quickly seated at the dining room table, they took hands. Claire smiled at Elijah. “I just want to thank my son for the opportunity to spend Christmas with him. It means so much to me, much more than you know.” She ran her hand over the large spread on the table. “I hope everyone enjoys it. It was a bit of a hassle to make. I basically had to rearrange the kitchen to find some decent stuff inside it. Elijah, you must start eating things that are actually edible.”

*“Do you not see your mate?”* Jordan linked to Elijah as he watched Rachel sit in silence with her eyes glued to the table.

*“You know my mom. Rachel just needs to spend more time around her, and she’ll understand her humor.”*

The three men peeked at Morgan and saw her eyes were blue.

*“Do something. Luna is about five seconds from destroying this entire house,”* Sterling’s wolf said.

*“Noted. Operation distract a mate is a go.”* Sterling cleared his throat. Reaching for a random dish, he placed a spoonful on his plate before stuffing some in his mouth. “This is delicious!” he exclaimed.

“Thanks,” Rachel responded meekly.

He grinned. “You cooked this, Rach? I should have known. It’s great. I would ask for the recipe, but I would rather pay you to come and make it for me.”

“Hush. You know I’d make it for free,” she said, chuckling.

Claire held her scowl and made sure she ate everything except for the dish that was secretly the best one on the table. For the rest of dinner, everyone sat awkwardly, trying not to talk. Afterward, they reclined in the living room to open gifts.

Reaching under the tree, Elijah handed a gift to his mother. “Here mom, this is from Rachel,” he beamed.

Carefully unwrapping the package, she held the perfume as if it was poison and put on a fake smile. “Oh, thanks, dear,” she said to Rachel. “I’m sure at some point I’ll cycle back to this old fragrance again.”

Rachel looked at Elijah, who averted his eyes and grabbed another present. He handed it to her. “Here Baby. This is from me.”

Hesitantly, she opened it and stared at the velvet box inside. Lifting its lid, she saw a large pair of diamond earrings. “They’re beautiful,” she said. “Thank you.”

“I remembered seeing you eyeing them in the window when we walked past the store. You didn’t say anything, but I could tell you really wanted them.”

Her bright smile returned. “That’s really sweet of you, Wolfie.”

Claire smirked. “Wow! Those are certainly beautiful. Expensive too. Strangely, I don’t see anything under the tree from her to you, though, but I’m sure she got you something just as worthy,” she said.

“She didn’t have to. I got them because I knew how much she wanted them. I’m not concerned with there not being anything under the tree for me. I know she doesn’t have much.”

Rachel hid the box containing the cufflinks in the pocket of her sweater. Feeling the burn of oncoming tears, she closed her eyes.

“Elijah, you’re being an absolute ass!” Jordan barked.

Sterling leaned forward. “You have one more time to disrespect Rachel, Elijah. One more fucking time.”

“It’s fine. Excuse me,” Rachel said, leaving the room with Morgan in tow. She refused to break down in front of his mother. She could take a lot of things, but Elijah had cut her deeply. Making her way into one of the guest rooms, she looked at her sister silently as tears streamed down her face.

“Rach…” Morgan pulled her into her arms. Listening to her sister’s sobs. her eyes blued again and her wolf showed itself on her face. “We’re getting out of here,” she said, and Rachel nodded. As the two left the guest room, they overheard two voices.

“Mom, you’re being really hard on Rachel,” Elijah said.

Claire scoffed. “It’s not my fault she’s beneath you. She’s lowbrow, classless, and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if she wanted nothing but your money.” Claire glared at him. “I mean diamond earrings, Elijah? I thought I’d talked some sense into you when you agreed not to give her the other thing, but now I see I haven’t. Your father would be so disappointed if he were still alive. A girl like that? Fine, have fun and get it out of your system if you must, but don’t consider bringing her home.”

“Mom—”

“Is that what you think of me?” Rachel asked, making Elijah jump. Ignoring Claire, she trained her eyes solely on him. “Well? Is it?”

“N-no, of course not,” he stammered.

“Then are you going to tell her that?”

He quickly moved towards her. “You know I don’t think that about you, Rachel.”

“Are you going to defend me, yes or no?”

Looking from Rachel to Claire, he found himself stuck. He grabbed Rachel’s shoulders. “Rach, she’s my mother. She doesn’t have anyone but me.”

Jerking away from him, she shook her head and slammed both velvet boxes in his hand. “Be with her then,” she said through tears, and darted from the room.

Morgan cut her eyes at Claire. “You’re so lucky my mom isn’t here, lady, because she would have beat you like a drum. In fact, don’t ever let me find out your address because I’m going to have her pay your funky ass a special visit.” Facing Elijah, she gave a hard, silent look, then rushed off to find her sister.

Claire folded her arms across her chest. “That one has a horrendous mouth. I can only imagine the breeding of their parents. Trust me, you can do much better.” He couldn’t hear her. The sound of Rachel’s tears drowned out everything around him. His wolf raged against his chest, and his throat dried as he opened the foreign velvet box. He ran his fingers over the monogrammed cufflinks, then pulled out the note that was neatly folded inside.

*Something special for my someone special. I love you always— Rachel.*

He reread the words over and over until his tears blurred the letters.