Chapter 88. The Attempts

After several attempts, Damian finally could call his father. He was very embarrassed because Taggart had insulted him. But it hurts more because his father ran away and left problems behind.

“Dad, where are you? what have you done?” Damian shouted at Matthew.

"What's wrong with you? Why are you yelling at me?” Matthew replied in an angry tone, too. He was shocked because his son was becoming increasingly rude to him.

"You've kidnapped Pearl!"

"Don't accuse me like that, Damian!"

Damian panted rapidly. One hand rubbed his forehead, and he wanted to calm himself down. This time, he couldn't hide his upset because of his father's reckless acts.

“Why are you doing this, Dad?” Damian spoke in a lower voice.

“I didn't do anything. What are you talking about?” Matthew said he was still denying the accusation. Damian frowned, not understanding.

"What?"

“You've done a very bad thing by accusing me carelessly!”

“I'm not accusing you. Dad, if you don't turn yourself in, they'll hunt you down. And insanely, you left me with this problem! What are you thinking?" Damian exploded in anger again.

“Don't yell at me, Damian. I know what I'm doing!” Damian shook his head in disbelief.

"Where are you now? you have to come back now.” Damian growled, so annoyed.

“I can't go home now. I still have a lot of work to do." Matthew answered casually.

"What?"

"Yes. I'll go home after my problem is resolved." Damian rested his head in his arms on the table. He clenched his jaw several times, then shook his head.

“Dad, don't make this problem any more complicated. Alpha Bruce is looking for you. He'll throw you out of the pack if you don't come home.”

An annoyed grunt was heard from Matthew. But he was selfish enough to sacrifice his son for safety and the big plan he had put together.

“Please come home,” Damian groaned again.

"I said it earlier; I can't go back yet," Matthew emphasised again.

"What are you planning, Dad?" Damian started to give up asking Matthew.

“Something big. And you don't need to worry. I'll pick you up after my business and plans go well."

Damian's brow furrowed in disbelief. His father made his plans and did not involve him anymore. Meanwhile, after he caused problems, Matthew left Damian alone.

"What are you planning, Dad?" Damian's voice got smaller at the end of his sentence. He seemed to have given up and was very disappointed.

"You don't need to know."

Once again, Damian rubbed his face. Matthew won't come back. This time, Damian must face the consequences alone.

“Dad,”

“It's best not to call me before I sort everything out. Don't worry; everything will be fine.” Matthew hung up the phone without saying anything else. Damian choked in disbelief. He squeezed the cell phone and finally slammed it on the table. Both hands crumpled his hair, and he grimaced angrily.

“I have to find a way. I don't want to die in vain." Damian muttered to himself. He immediately stood up and left the room. Damian was about to leave the nightclub, but Alonzo stopped him.

“What are you doing here? I thought you were gone.” Alonzo answered, then looked towards a corner. Damian's brows furrowed in disbelief.

“I haven't left yet. I have to look for my dad," Damian answered but seemed confused. Alonzo grabbed Damian's arm and showed him something. Taggart and Tamara were talking like they never had before. They sat at one of the corner tables guarded by several Epsilons.

“Tamara is talking to Taggart. If she makes it, he will let us go.” Alonzo told Damian what was happening. Damian's brows suddenly frowned.

"What do you mean let us go?"

Tamara invites Taggart to talk as an old friend. She wants Taggart to reconsider the punishment given to the innocent Damian and Alonzo. She took her strategic role well as someone who should stay like a good bestie to Taggart. An Alpha should also make Luna his personal advisor when making big decisions.

“I don't want to interfere too much. But you involve too many innocent people in this matter.” Tamara spoke calmly and well. He didn't want to get excited or look like he was pitying.

"What do you mean?"

“Alonzo is innocent, and neither is Damian. They weren't the ones who kidnapped the girl.” Taggart looked away. The dance floor was very busy tonight. But that didn't stop Taggart from wanting a fun night out enjoying the music.

"Shouldn't an Alpha make the finest and fairest decisions?"

"Damian is the son of Matthew Bronchorst," Taggart confirmed in a flat tone. Tamara smiled and then touched Taggart's arm.

“Yes, but he doesn't know anything. you should not punish him.” Taggart turned to Tamara. Their distance was quite close, but it didn't carry Taggart away. He glanced at Tamara's hand, which was still touching the tip of his elbow.

“Don't be so tense, Tagg. You can get stressed if you are too rigid.”

Taggart's brow furrowed briefly. He glanced again at Tamara, who was still smiling at him.

“I am a hybrid. Do you think I can get stressed like humans?” Taggart slipped in a bit of banter that only made Tamara smile. He chuckled slightly, then shook his head.

“I know you are the strongest creature. But that doesn't mean you're a robot, right?”

Their conversation melted away, and Tamara moved closer to Taggart. She portrayed herself as a best friend. They went to the same school, but Taggart was a handsome, stiff young man. Tamara didn't like him at first. Over time, he came back became more handsome, and Tamara began to like him.

“How is your girlfriend? Is she okay?” Tamara asked, making light chats.

"How did you know she was my girlfriend?" Tamara smiled at the expressionless Taggart.

“Of course, I know. A lot of people are talking about you two."

Taggart took the glass and sipped his drink slowly. He started to relax and enjoy everything for a moment. Tamara smiled even more and joined in drinking.

“I love her and we will get married soon,” Taggart spoke in a lower tone. Tamara still smiled and nodded.

"Hmm, I fell in love too. Unfortunately, that guy ended up going with another girl.” Taggart turned to Tamara, looking at him. Tamara acts casually and talks about her problems like a friend who confides in a relaxed way.

"I'm sorry if I made you remember your exes." Tamara chuckled and patted Taggart's arm. Taggart started to smile.

Damian, who had been paying attention, then frowned. Taggart seemed able to chat with Tamara after treating her coldly several times. Instead of being glad, Damian chose to leave.

"Where are you going?" Alonzo interrupted.

“I have things to do.” Damian immediately left without seeing Taggart, who was with Tamara.

"If you allow me, I want to care for your girlfriend. What's her name?" Tamara offers her services as a psychiatrist.

“Pearl Rosenthal. She is being treated at the Kellent Center.” Tamara smiled even wider.

“Can I visit her? I can provide consultations and check her, too.” Tamara reassured her offer. Taggart still looked flatly at Tamara. He took a deep sigh.

“Kidnapping has quite a traumatic impact. I think I can help her through it. Aren't you guys going to get married?” Taggart nodded, still looking at Tamara.

“She could experience trauma and stress, which resulted in depression. You guys will be in trouble if you don't deal with it now.” Tamara added. Taggart thought about it for a moment, then nodded.

"Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.” Tamara smiled even closer, holding Taggart's arm. His eyes tried to tell Taggart that he was someone who could be trusted.

“I will help you. Trust me.”

***

John felt restless and couldn't rest tonight. Pearl hadn't arrived even though it was already past dinner time. Only Keith came to look after him while Briana and Sandra had gone home.

“Keith?” John called Keith, who was reading a book. Keith turned to his father and came closer.

“What do you need, Dad?” Keith asked in a soft voice.

"Where's your sister?"

"Briana is home," Keith answered as usual.

“What about Pearl? Has she called you? Why hasn't she come to see me yet?”

Keith was stunned by the question. John must be curious about Pearl, who hadn't come since he woke up. Meanwhile, Keith had promised not to talk about Pearl's kidnapping.

“I think maybe she's too tired. This has happened. Pearl must have rested.” Keith gave an excuse. He adjusted John's blanket a little. However, John frowned. He seemed to smell something strange.

“Is there something you are hiding from me?”

"Why do you ask like that, Dad?" John took a deep breath and then straightened his gaze.

“Pearl won't leave me, I know that. Something happened to her, and I could feel it.” Keith just bowed his head. He couldn't possibly deny it. Her father could feel that Pearl was indeed missing.

"She’s fine, Dad." Keith tried to avoid it even though he didn't raise his voice.

"Are you lying to me?" Keith just stared at John silently. John still insisted.

“This isn't Pearl. Pearl is a very good kid; I am lucky to have her. I just can't give her the life I promised," John became increasingly sad as if he wanted to say something he was hiding. Keith's brows then frowned. His father started talking strangely.

"What are you talking about, Dad?"