Chapter 153

Chapter 153
Elena's POV

I answered quickly, tucking my hair behind my ear with shaking fingers. "Mom?"

"Finally."

"Sorry, I just—I was outside. I didn't hear it."

There was a pause. "Outside? This late?"

"Yeah, I... went for a walk." I glanced down at myself—my shirt was wrinkled, my bra strap had slipped, and I could still feel the heat in my cheeks. I tugged at my collar, trying to look presentable even though she couldn't see me.

"Well, I wanted to talk to you about something." Her tone shifted, becoming quieter. "You and Caleb are engaged now. That's... official. But Elena, you need to be careful."

I frowned. "Careful?"

"I mean..." She hesitated. "You're young. Things can happen. And I know you two are living together now, but—just don't rush into anything. Not before the wedding."

My face went hot. "Mom—"

"I'm serious. Especially about marking." Her voice dropped even lower. "If you're going to do that, wait for the full moon. It will strengthen your bond and power. It might even help with your... condition. Your first shift."

I stared at the wall, mortified. "I—okay. I get it."

"I'm not trying to embarrass you. I just want you to be smart about this."

"I will. I promise."

She sighed. "Good. Now, there's something else. Your father called this afternoon."

That got my attention. "What?"

"He was... different. Polite. Asked where we were staying, how we were settling in. Then he asked about you and Caleb." She paused. "He wanted to know if you two had discussed wedding plans."

I sat down on the arm of the couch, my mind racing. "That doesn't make sense. Why would he—"

"I don't know. But your father doesn't do anything without a reason. He's up to something."

"Did he say anything else?"

"Not really. Just kept asking questions. It was strange, Elena. He sounded almost... eager."

I bit my lip, thinking. Donald had been furious when I left. And now he was calling to ask about wedding plans?

"There's more," Vivian continued. "This morning, an investor reached out to him. Someone who'd turned him down before. Suddenly, they're interested in working with him."

"Why?"

"The investor mentioned Caleb. Said he'd worked with Caleb overseas. Apparently, Caleb is very capable. Everyone wants to partner with them, but Caleb doesn't need the funding."

"I think your father wants to use your connection to Caleb," Vivian said quietly. "That's why he's being nice. He wants back in."

"He can't," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "Caleb doesn't owe him anything."

"I know. But your father will try. He always does."

I rubbed my temples, exhausted. "What did you tell him?"

"I told him we're fine. That you and Caleb are happy. And if he wants to fix things, he can apologize to Caleb himself." She paused. "I also told him we're not coming back."

A small smile tugged at my lips. "Good."

"He didn't like that."

"I don't care."

We talked for a while longer about everything except Donald. By the time I hung up, twenty minutes had passed.

I stood slowly, smoothing down my shirt. The apartment was quiet. Too quiet.

I walked back toward the bedroom, but Caleb wasn't there. I found him in the study instead, sitting on the couch with his arms resting on his knees. His hair was damp, like he'd splashed water on his face.

He looked up when I entered. "Everything okay?"

I reached for his hand. "My mom also said..." I trailed off, my face heating again. "She said we should wait. For the full moon. If we're going to... you know."

His head turned toward me, and I saw the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes. "Your mother gave you that talk?"

"Apparently."

He was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "She's right."

I blinked. "She is?"

"The full moon makes everything stronger. If it helps you shift..." He looked at me, his expression serious. "Then we wait."

"And if it doesn't help?"

"Then it doesn't." He squeezed my hand. "I'll still be here."

My throat tightened.

"But just talking about that wouldn't take that long," he said.

"It wasn't just that," I said quietly.

Caleb's hand found the small of my back, guiding me toward the couch. Before I could sit, he pulled me onto his lap instead, settling me against him with an ease that made my breath catch.

"Tell me," he said, his voice low.

I shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable. His arm tightened around my waist, keeping me in place.

"About my father," I began. "There's an investor. Someone who turned him down before. But now they heard he has a... connection to you. So they changed their mind."

Caleb's expression didn't shift. "And?"

"They want Donald to arrange an introduction. A partnership." I looked down at my hands. "That's why he called my mom. He wanted to know about the wedding plans, about us. He's already working the angle."

"I see."

That was it. Just two words, flat and unbothered.

I stared at him. "You're not angry?"

"Why would I be?" He reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "It happens all the time."

"It does?"

"People hear my name. They want access. Introductions. Money." His thumb brushed my cheek. "Your father isn't special."

The casualness in his tone made my stomach turn. This was normal to him. Being used.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"Don't be." His hand slid to my jaw, tilting my face up. "You're not responsible for him."

But I felt responsible. For Donald's greed. For every person who looked at Caleb and saw an opportunity instead of a person.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, leaning my forehead against his. "You're too good at all this. It makes me feel... small."

"Small?" he repeated.

I nodded, not meeting his eyes. "You built everything yourself. You don't need anyone. And I'm just—I don't know what I can give you. I don't have money or connections or—"

"Stop."