Chapter 40

**THEO**

The whole situation is a mess. When Cal and Elena returned from dinner at Eric's, they told us about their evening... which went strangely well, but also about the bombshell they learned.

The car Finn saw one night outside Elena's and that she saw following her into town was Victoria's. Honestly, I don't even know what to make of all this. She took off just after Elena left the pack... ah yes and Elena took the opportunity to tell us that Matt had found the letter she had written to Arthur where she mentioned that she owed it to Moira to make sure her daughter was okay. Like I said, the whole thing is a mess. As soon as you think you've got a lead, you end up with a bag of knots. We're all in the dark.

The next morning, Elena woke up to a call from Jacob informing her that he'd found at what bank her dad had a safe deposit box. I volunteered to go with her - we don't know what we'll find, and I want to be there just in case.

We hit the road fifteen minutes ago and Elena is already fast asleep. I don't know if it's the pregnancy or if it's psychological, but I find her even more beautiful - not that I thought that was possible. We've finally finished the preparations for her presentation next weekend and I'm afraid this whole thing is going to spoil the party. She deserves to celebrate her place as Luna calmly and enjoy herself.

When we arrive in front of the bank, I kiss my companion on the temple to wake her up. She yawns and stretches.

"I'm sorry I fell asleep."

"You don't have to apologize. If you're tired, you sleep period."

She snorts and opens the door to get out of the car. I send a message to the group informing Finn and Caleb that we've arrived.

**CALEB**

After warning everyone not to disturb me in my office, I called my mother. She answers on the second ring.

"Caleb?"

"How do you know it's me?" She must have my number... probably my dad, who gave it to her.

"Eric gave it to me...I'm sorry I should have used it..."

"That's not why I'm calling you," I cut her off curtly. "I'm calling to find out what you were doing outside Elena's the other night and why you followed her into town?"

She answers nothing, all I hear is her rapid breathing.

"I... your father told me she was your mate. I just wanted to catch a glimpse of you... see that you were all right..."

"Bullshit. For that, you could have called."

"And you would have answered me?"

"Of course, I would have. Shit! You'll always be my mom and I'll always be there for you even if the reverse isn't the case." I growl.

"I... I don't have an excuse. I screwed up... from the beginning until today." She sniffs. "I promised your father but... can I see you?"

"You know where..."

"No I can't come to the pack in broad daylight. If I send you an address can you meet me there within the week?" I sigh, running my hand over my face. "I'll tell you all about it. I promise I will. If I'm not going to be part of your life, I might as well tell you everything."

"Okay give me the day and time and I'll be there."

We hung up right after that. I bury my face in my hands. I can't believe it... I'm going to see my mother after all these years without hearing from her. What are her secrets? I hope she really will keep her word and tell me everything. She may have all the answers to our questions, but it's costing me to go and see her. I thought I'd feel relief or anger, something, but I don't think I have any feelings left for her. At this point, I could almost consider myself an orphan and maybe that's why the moon goddess has granted me a mate who is related to my two best friends whom I consider my brothers.

I find it quite difficult to carry on with my work after talking to my mother. I feel like that teenager again, waiting for his mother to come and get him. That's all I wanted... for her to come back and take me with her, away from him. She was just as responsible for the boy I'd become as he was because she'd done nothing. She sank into her sadness and remained inactive. For a long time, I felt guilty for not protecting her more, but now I see things differently. It was up to her to protect me, not the other way around. My child hasn't even been born yet and I know that I'll never let anything happen to him, that I'll do everything in my power to protect him and make him a responsible adult with a good heart.

I should simply do the opposite of everything my parents did with me. In any case, I'm confident that he'll be well looked after and I know that the four of us are on the same page.

I'm brought out of my thoughts when Finn enters my office without knocking and slams the door behind him.

"I did say..."

"They fucking found something." He cuts me off and stands beside me. "It's okay I'm with Cal." He adds, setting his phone down on the desk. The call comes from Theo's phone and we're on speakerphone.

"This is sick stuff. It fucking changes everything." Theo answers.

"What did you find?" I ask him impatiently. I want him to drop it and drop it now.

"We found a motive," Elena says softly. Finn and I exchange a look. It's clear she's been crying so whatever it is must be big.

"A mobile for..." Finn starts but Theo cuts him off.

"A motive for Eric to have possibly wanted James dead."