Chapter 111 DECEPTIVE HANDWRITING
Percival
Our choices were bound to hurt Edeline, something we both deeply regretted. Yet, we both desired her happiness above all else.
“Percival, may I see the letter Edeline sent you?” Nixx asked, his tone now softer and more familiar. He seemed to relax a bit, his initial anger giving way to curiosity.
“Um, yeah...” I replied, puzzled. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the letter—the one that had shattered my heart. It was the moment when I could no longer hold back my tears, as the person I loved most revealed that she no longer wanted me in her life. I handed the letter to Nixx and watched as he carefully unfolded and read it.
His wolf seemed to bristle with agitation at the idea of his sister encouraging me to pursue a relationship with his mate.
The situation was deeply frustrating.
Nixx locked eyes with me, a sneer curling his lips. “You’re a complete fool.” He thrust the letter back into my chest with a cruel laugh.
I stared at him, my brows knitting together in confusion. “Huh?”
His laughter was laced with sarcasm. “My sister would never say anything like that. I initially thought you were lying, but now I just believe you’re mistaken. This doesn’t match my sister’s handwriting,” he said, leaving me speechless.
“Whose handwriting is it, then?” I asked, squinting at him as he stood there, seemingly calm and relaxed.
“It belongs to your brother,” Nixx explained. “He tried to mimic a different style, but it’s still his handwriting. During Beta training, we learn more than just fighting. We also become skilled at recognizing scents and handwriting styles. This knowledge is crucial for deciphering messages that may be pretending to be from the Alpha, just as it was with your great-great-grandfather. So, my friend, that altered handwriting you see is actually your brother’s, disguised to look more feminine.” He chuckled.
An intense surge of anger washed over me, more powerful than anything I had ever felt before. My jaw clenched as I scanned the letter, my nostrils flaring with frustration. I felt foolish for believing Edeline had given up on me. My suspicions about Darius's ulterior motives were correct. It seemed his plan all along was to deceive me, making me believe that my friend had abandoned me. The betrayal stung deeply, making me feel as if my vision was dimming and my body was tensing with rage. He had made me think Edeline wanted me to be with Tatiana, despite the bond we shared.
I took a step back, giving Nixx a stern look as he seemed to revel in my discomfort. Then, I turned abruptly and stormed out of the clinic, clutching the letter tightly in my hand.
I knew exactly what I needed to do next.
I had to gain access to Darius’s room and uncover the truth about his recent activities.
I was determined to protect my friend and would not give up easily. I would be damned if Darius ever touched her again. I belonged to Edeline, despite Tatiana's pregnancy. My heart—and my wolf—desired only Edeline.
I was acutely aware of her presence as she watched me in the clinic with Tatiana. My wolf's desire to comfort Tatiana was solely because she carried our child, nothing more. She witnessed me tenderly kissing Tatiana's belly—a gesture meant solely for my unborn pup. I thought I might have developed feelings for Tatiana, but I realized that was not the case.
I don’t want Tatiana. I never did.
I have mixed emotions about the pup—any soon-to-be father would.
When I think about it from a human perspective, if a man is already married and impregnates another woman, he might still care about the child, even if he doesn’t want a relationship with the woman. Humans don’t experience heats, so it should be easier to control those situations. But the thought is still unsettling. Regardless of his feelings for the woman, he would likely want to be involved in his child’s life.
Is it wrong for me to want to be a good father? How can I be one?
I deeply regret that Tatiana became pregnant.
Determined, I walked past my dad and Beta Jack, my posture firm as I made my way down the dimly lit path, ignoring my father’s attempts to call me.
I quickened my pace, breaking into a run, driven by an urgent need to find answers. I was desperate to uncover something—anything—that would prove my brother’s interference in the bond between my mate and me. The breeze rushed past me as I sprinted, my muscles pumping with the blood from my racing heart, my veins throbbing with the intensity of my purpose.
Upon reaching the pack house, I flung open the front door and charged up to the third floor, dodging the disapproving glances of the wolves.
Being separated from Edeline was already causing a whirlwind of chaos. I knew what I had to do once this mess was sorted out.
On the third floor, I threw Darius’s bedroom door open with such force that it came off its hinges. I flicked on the lights and scanned the room, trying to decide where to start.
I rifled through all the dresser drawers in his armoire, searching his belongings meticulously. I checked every pocket of every piece of clothing, and explored every corner and crevice. I came up empty-handed.
Sitting on his bed, gasping for air, I forced myself to think.
Darius was predictable in his way—always imitating me. If he had written a fake letter and hidden it in our secret spot, then...
“He would have a hiding spot too,” I murmured, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. I sank to my knees and relied on my heightened wolf senses to pick up any lingering scents on the wooden floor. I sniffed around, crawling in search of clues, trying to locate the area with the strongest scent of Darius.
I must have looked ridiculous.
Then I noticed it—the hiding spot was beneath the rug.
Of course.
I swiftly lifted the rug and saw a wooden board slightly askew from the others. I wedged my fingers into the narrow gap and pried the board loose. What I saw beneath left me speechless.