Chapter 27

**Chapter 27**
**Judy’s POV**

“I told you,” Adam said, folding his arms across his chest. Not only had she failed to help him with his schoolwork, but she was also struggling to get him to focus at all.

“I can’t believe she’s encouraging his distraction. She should be fired right away. I’ll post the job again on the werewolf job board.”

I was shocked by what Adam was saying. When I first met him, I thought he was kind and sincere.

He used to want me around, but now it felt like he was trying to get me fired. I didn’t understand what I had done to him to deserve this kind of treatment. I would be lying if I said it didn’t hurt a little.

“Is this true?” Gavin asked, his eyes locked onto mine.

I looked up at him, my lips pressed into a thin line. I could feel my cheeks getting warm, probably turning red, but I tried to ignore it and turned away.

We walked over to the table where Matt’s schoolwork was left.

“See for yourself,” I said, picking up the papers and handing them to Gavin.

Gavin took the papers and started looking them over. I noticed his eyebrows raise in surprise.

“This is Matt’s work,” he said.

“Handwriting,” he said thoughtfully as he looked over all the assignments we had completed. “He did all of this?”

I nodded, crossing my arms over my chest and glaring at Adam, whose face instantly turned pale.

“Yes,” I replied, keeping my eyes fixed on Adam. “Matt did all his schoolwork and even studied a bit. I believe it’s important for a young boy to have balance in his life. Too much work and no play can lead to problems.”

Matt was working hard on his assignments, which could easily lead to quick burnout and a lack of focus. To reward his efforts, I let him play some games, just like I promised him earlier.

I then turned my attention from Adam to Gavin. Gavin was watching me with a confused look on his face.

Matt feels lonely, Alpha Gavin. This loneliness is bringing out his rebellious side. When you spend time with him, you see that he is actually a sweet and caring young boy.

Gavin raised his eyebrows as he set the stage to discuss Matt further.

“Are you trying to teach me how to raise my son?” he asked.

“Of course not,” I replied. “But maybe punishing him without really understanding why he did what he did isn’t the best approach.”

“Even for you, Alpha,” she said.

He opened his mouth to respond, but I suddenly felt my scarf slipping down from around my neck onto my shoulders. I quickly reached for it, trying to pull it back up, but it was already too late.

Gavin was staring angrily at my neck, where a hickey was visible. His dark eyes were intense, and I could see his nostrils flare as he took in the sight.

“It’s not what it seems,” I whispered quickly, wrapping a scarf around my neck. I just wanted to hide it from him.

I tried to explain to him what had happened, but I couldn’t share the whole story. Gavin had already asked me to stay away from Ethan because Ethan was going to marry Irene. Gavin wanted Irene to have a good life with Ethan, and he didn’t want me to get involved.

If I told Gavin that Ethan was the one who gave me the hickey, he wouldn’t believe me when I said I didn’t want it. He’d think I was lying. He wouldn’t understand that Ethan practically forced himself on me.

Gavin would assume I pursued Ethan myself, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Gavin was clearly upset about something, though I wasn’t sure what it was. He muttered, “It doesn’t matter,” his irritation evident in his tone. I could see it in his eyes; there was a frustration that he couldn’t hide.

He would never understand my perspective on the situation. I had tried to explain myself, but it seemed like my words fell on deaf ears, leaving us both feeling disconnected.

“Just make sure you handle your private life better. I don’t want any of that around my son. Understood?”

I nodded and bit my lower lip.

—

**Chapter 0027**

“Understood,” I replied.

He turned away.

Gavin stared hard at the butler.

“You told me that Judy didn’t finish her mission for the day. But from what I’ve seen, she has not only completed her mission but has gone above and beyond. How could you spread such false rumors, Adam?” Gavin said, his voice filled with anger.

The dog barked loudly, making Adam jump.

“Uh…” he stammered, not sure what to say.

“You aren’t allowed to speak in my presence for a month,” Gavin said firmly. “Now get out of my face.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Adam said, his voice shaky as he hurried out of the room. His head hung low, showing his defeat.

I tightened my scarf around my neck. Once I was sure it wouldn’t slip again, I straightened my posture to prepare for what was next.

I looked up at Gavin. “I should get going,” I said. “It’s getting late, and my mother is probably wondering where I am.”