Chapter 52
Gradel
My head felt like it was being compressed and my ears tingled yet I maintained composure while anticipating the remaining explanation.
I'd so murder Devin if I set eyes on him.
"From what he told me, your brother asked him to accuse me of taking the bracelet so that you wouldn't trace it back to me. According to Larry, the bracelet was sold the same day to his who just came from a different pack and that was why you couldn't find the bracelet after sending people to search for it. I'm so sorry for not telling you earlier. I just wanted to surprise you." She spoke lightly, inclining her head.
I couldn't be mad at her for any reason. If anything, I thought her to be brave for finding the bracelet even when I'd asked her not to bother.
Seeing the bracelet on the man's wrist again caused my chest to clench with pain, but I ignored it. Since he was here already, I'd do everything possible to get it back from him as that was the only thing that connected me to my late mother.
"You don't have to be sorry for anything. I'm so happy that you were able to do this,"
The apprehension radiating from her slowly settled and her face softened with a smile of relief. "I promised that I would help you to find it and that's what I did, but I'm afraid you won't be able to get it back from Mr Alfred that easily."
I glanced at the Mr Alfred who was taking a sip from his wine and nodded in understanding. "Don't worry, I'll take care of this."
"Alright then. I'll give you both some time to talk." She said and planted a kiss on my lips. "Make sure you take back what belongs to you." She patted my shoulder and walked away.
I squared my shoulders and trained my attention on him. "How much did my brother sell the bracelet to you for?" I questioned.
He fiddled with the black stones and shrugged. "I lied to Iris. My friend didn't sell it to me, he asked me to keep it until whenever he wanted it back so I decided to flaunt it. I mean, it's a rare treasure and I feel good wearing it. But now I understand why he asked me to keep it, it's because of you."
I snarled, considering twisting the man's arm and snapping it out of its socket, but that would bring unwanted attention to me. I had to retrieve my as smoothly as I could.
So I leaned closer to him, ignoring my wolf's demand to tear him apart and said. "As you know, the bracelet belongs to me and I must get it back. I politely request that you give it back,"
He snickered and laughed briefly.
"What makes you think that I'll hand it over to you so easily? My loyalty is with my friend,"
"Oh, but my mate convinced you to come here and you agreed which means that your walls of loyalty have some cracks. Am I right?" I smirked, watching him shift uncomfortably.
He rolled his eyes and his shoulders slumped in defeat. "L-Like I said earlier, I can't just give it back so easily. If I'm to break my friendship with him because of this then there has to be some sort of reward."
"Then tell me what you want and I'll give it to you before the dawn of a new day." I offered with a note of finality.
*********
Iris's POV
What a woman's charm can do is unthinkable.
After having that discussion with Larry, I knew that I had to see the man who had kept the bracelet so I convinced him to come to the party.
He'd asked me how I got to know him after Larry had directed me to his place, and I quickly lied that I was close to Devin and he had sent me to give him an invite.
Easy peasy!
My only wish was that he'd give it back to Gradel without a hassle so that I could be relieved.
Still reveling in the ecstasy of achieving one of the most difficult tasks, a bell jingled, informing us of the Alpha's presence.
The moment I'd dreaded was here and I wanted nothing more but to disappear. Unfortunately, my plan was disrupted before I could even execute it because an arm snaked around my waist and then he flashed the bracelet at me.
"You finally got it back?" I tried to sound excited, hoping that my voice didn't betray me.
"Yes I did, and it's all you." He mused and we bowed as the Alpha took his seat. "Thank you so much, Iris. I will never be able to repay this act of kindness that you've shown towards me."
I forced out a smile. "It's fine. You are my mate and I knew that you weren't complete without your mother's gift. I just had to find a way to get it back."
"Come, let's go and meet my father. We have to be by his side even though I don't want to." He whined, but happiness was blaring on his face.
I wavered, my heart thumping hard against my chest. "Is it important that I come along?"
Oh God, I was really sounding nervous.
"You are my mate, Iris and a part of the family even though they don't want to acknowledge you yet. I've assured you that no one will speak rudely to you, so you don't have to be scared of anything."
I wish he could read my mind and realize that meeting his father wasn't the problem. I was scared of the issue that might ensue if his father went ahead to spill the beans.
"I'm not scared, Grade, I just-"
One of the Alpha's sentinel approached us and bowed. "Greetings, Prince Gradel, My lady. The Alpha awaits the both of you."
"You have no choice now," He winked and held me by the hand. "Let's go and wish your father-in-law a happy birthday." He said sarcastically.