Chapter 10 Secrets and Lies

I followed Shirley out of the room, gripping her arm firmly to keep her from rushing back in. I dragged her down the hallway, out of earshot from Katya. Behind us, I heard the door close-Mateo doing his part to give us privacy.

Shirley spun on me. "My daughter is your mate, isn't she?"

"You don't get to demand answers from me." My voice was tight. "You poisoned your own daughter. Start explaining."

"I already told you. She needs to build a tolerance."

"Where did you even get wolfsbane? It's banned across nearly every pack." I could hear her heart skip, the scent of fear rising from her skin.

"I... grew it," she admitted.

That stopped me cold. Cultivating wolfsbane was forbidden for good reason-deadly, unstable, and far too easy to misuse. It could grow wild in some regions, sure, but no one was supposed to harvest it, much less farm it.

"Where? How much do you have left?" I demanded, sniffing the air for any trace.

She looked away, jaw tight.

"I don't understand why you'd do this. Why would you risk her life for this? I could have you exiled-or worse. Is that why you left your last pack? To avoid punishment?"

Her expression flickered. "No. We were going to be banished anyway... because I hit the Alpha's daughter."

I didn't fully buy it-my instincts whispered there was more to the story.

"Katya is staying at the packhouse for now. Tell your husband to bring her things tomorrow," I said flatly. Her mouth opened, but I cut her off with a glare.

"I wasn't asking. Until I understand what's going on, she stays with me."

As I turned to leave, she spoke again, her voice softer this time. "Can I speak to her-just for a moment? I need to apologize."

"Not until you hand over everything. You won't go near her until I know she's safe."

Her lips pressed into a thin line. Then, with a sigh, she reached into her back pocket and pulled out a small container. It looked like a coin pouch or pill case. She shoved it into my hand.

"I want to see my daughter," she muttered.

"If she says yes," I said, then turned away and shut the door behind me.

Katya looked up, concern etched on her face. Mateo stood as I approached, moving aside so I could sit next to her.

"Is my mom okay?" she asked, her voice small. It shook me how her first thought was still for the woman who had nearly killed her.

"She's fine," I said carefully. "She wants to see you. I told her it was your choice. But after what she did, I don't see why you'd want that. Would you?"

"She's my mom," Katya replied. "She'd never hurt me on purpose."

"Do you really want to talk to her?"

She nodded. "Yes... but I want to go home now."

I shook my head gently. "We'll talk about that after she leaves. I'll give you five minutes with her."

"Wait... what do you mean after she leaves?"

"You're not going home, Kat. You're staying with me."

Her pulse spiked. I could hear it. Her breathing grew shallow, almost panicked. Mateo threw me a sharp look.

"No-I want to go home," she said, eyes brimming with tears. "Please."

Something about her fear twisted in my gut. Why was she so afraid? Nothing we'd done warranted that kind of reaction. And yet... she clung to the idea of going back to a woman who had nearly killed her.

"We'll talk after your mom leaves," I said, motioning for Mateo to go. He nodded, stepping out. Shirley entered moments later, hurrying to Katya's side.

"What did you do to her?" she asked softly, brushing her fingers through Katya's hair as if it could erase everything.

"She's upset. You have five minutes," I said firmly, then stepped into the hallway.

The doctor came out shortly after.

"Can you give her something to help her rest?" I asked quietly.

"I could, but... let's see if her mother can soothe her first. She's afraid of you, Alpha. Are you sure bringing her home is the right call?"

"She won't be staying with Shirley. That much I know," I said. "And she has no reason to fear me."

The doc nodded, though his face remained uncertain.

I moved further down the hall, away from the door. Mateo stepped into position to keep an eye on things. My attention shifted when I caught the scent of cigarette smoke. Derrick was walking in, the anger still lingering behind his tired eyes.

"Derrick," I greeted him.

He looked more worn than I'd ever seen him. "Is she alright?"

"She's stable. Your wife's with her now."

Derrick winced but didn't object. "Shirley... she wouldn't intentionally hurt Katya. She just goes too far sometimes."

I grabbed his arm as he turned to go in.

"There's something you should know. Before Shirley tells you."

He turned to face me fully. "What is it?"

"Katya's not just your daughter. She's my mate."

His eyes widened in disbelief. "She's your...?"

"Shirley figured it out. Katya hasn't. And I haven't told her."

"Why not?"

"She'll know when she turns eighteen. If your wife hasn't told her already."

We both turned as we heard Katya sobbing from behind the door.

"This might actually be a good thing," Derrick muttered.

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you being her mate... it might help her."

"Help her with what?" I asked sharply.

He hesitated. "Until I know you won't reject her, I'm not saying anything. Katya deserves someone who sees her, who gives her a chance. If you hurt her, Alpha or not-I'll kill you in your sleep."

Mateo let out a low whistle behind me, but I didn't flinch.

"You have my word, Derrick. I would never reject her. Nothing will change that."

Derrick nodded slowly. "Good. Then I'll speak to her."

He turned and disappeared into the room, shutting the door gently behind him.