Chapter 58 58
Fabrice POV
Geneviève perched eternally in her high heels struts into the alpha house behind Damien, her posture sharp, purposeful, as though she’s marching toward a battle she’s already chosen.
“Cupcakes?” Aurélie repeats lightly. “Hmm, I’m sure Denise would help with that.”
She presses a gentle kiss to Delphine’s cheek before guiding her toward the house.
“Of course I will, poppet,” Denise replies warmly, winking as she takes Delphine from Aurélie’s arms. Miss Lambert follows closely as they head for the kitchen.
The moment we step inside, Geneviève slams Damien’s office door. I catch the hiss of her voice too low to make out the words but the sound of Damien’s answering growl carries clearly through the corridor.
Aurélie frowns faintly beside me.
“Lucas, in here. Now!” Damien bellows through the closed door.
His beta obeys without hesitation.
“What happened?” I murmur to Aurélie as Théo and I trail her into the main living room.
The space has changed since she last lived here. The alterations are subtle, but unmistakable decor choices that scream Geneviève rather than Aurélie. Where Aurélie favored earth tones and calm neutrals, Geneviève’s presence announces itself loudly.
Bright pink and yellow zebra-print cushions clash violently against the cream L-shaped sofa. I can’t believe Damien allowed it.
“I ran into a slight issue,” Aurélie says quietly as Théo and I draw closer, instinctively forming a small circle around her.
My wolf snarls the moment I notice the dark stain at her collar.
“Why is there blood on your top?” I reach out, tugging the fabric to expose it.
“The man I met,” she admits, tight-lipped. “He… didn’t offer the warmest welcome.”
“He hurt you?” Théo’s nostrils flare, his body tensing. His alpha had been injured unguarded.
That violated every instinct we possessed.
“I can defend myself,” Aurélie snaps, her growl sharp and commanding.
Théo immediately lowers his head, baring his neck. “I’m sorry, Alpha.”
“What did you learn?” I press, needing answers.
“Nothing,” she exhales. “Only the same demand that I dissolve my alliance. I don’t understand…” She glances toward the doorway, lowering her voice. “If Damien isn’t involved, then why are they so desperate to dismantle the Darkvale group alliance?”
“Goddess knows,” I mutter. “We received a report this morning suspicious activity near a quarry in the west. One of the Bloodnight packs flagged it.”
Her eyes sharpen. “Does Damien know?”
“The report came in earlier today. Lucas is likely updating him now.”
Her jaw tightens. “I think we need to leave. As soon as possible.” She turns to Théo. “Can you gather the men and have them ready in the courtyard?”
“Yes, Alpha,” he replies instantly, nodding before leaving us.
“Leave?” I ask once we’re alone again. “What about information on Dominique?”
“We’ll follow up on the quarry report,” she assures me. “But the longer we stay, the more likely someone uncovers the truth.” Her voice lowers further. “If Damien’s enemies learned the lost Bloodnight heir exists…” She shakes her head. “I have a terrible feeling, Fabrice. We need to go before anyone finds out.”
“Aurélie, I” I hesitate. I feel the opposite. Staying close to Damien feels safer. Strategic. If he is involved, this is how we’d know.
“Of course,” she adds coolly, “you can stay if you want to bond with Florence.”
“No.” The word leaves me instantly. “I follow you. I protect you and the children.”
It was a vow I made beneath the full moon on the night they were born the Moon Goddess bearing witness. I would not break it.
“I’ll speak to Lucas before we leave,” I continue. “If there are any updates, he’ll contact me.”
“I’ll collect Delphine’s clothes from upstairs,” she says. “Meet me in the courtyard.”
Damien POV
“What news, Lucas?” I ask, settling behind my desk and reaching into the drawer for a smoke. My hands are shaking I can’t get the damn thing lit fast enough.
Her driving was reckless. Deliberate.
I’d spent my youth tearing through human towns, racing through the night, terrorizing anything foolish enough to cross my path but Aurélie’s driving awakened a fear I didn’t recognize.
Was it because she was the mother of my children?
If she died, I could claim parental rights. So why did my wolf feel like this?
Or was it the tingles?
That strange sensation every time I touched her the pull I couldn’t name, couldn’t understand.
“One of our western packs reported unusual movement near a quarry,” Lucas says, handing me the file. “It’s the only lead we have.”
“Who else knows?” I demand.
“Beta Fabrice and his head warrior,” he replies. “They were with me when the report came in.”
My jaw tightens. “This is the first I’m hearing of it.”
Geneviève scoffs from behind me.
“And I don’t understand why you’re helping her, Damien,” she snaps at Lucas. “Send her away and while you’re at it, ask for a divorce.”
She turns sharply and storms from the office, already pulling her phone from her pocket.