Chapter 49

Chapter 49

She opened the box with excitement. When she saw the pink gems inside, she gasped loudly. Her eyes lit up with joy, and a big smile spread across her glossy lips.

“Oh!”

“Dad!” she gasped, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. “I love it! Thank you so much!”

She let go and quickly ran over to Judy to show her what I had gotten her.

“I’ve been looking for something special to put inside my car. I think these would look so cute on my mirror. Don’t you think?” she asked Judy while showing her the gems.

“That was my thought too,” I agreed.

Judy glanced at the gems, considering how they might brighten up the car’s interior.

Judy smiled at Irene, though it was a small, forced smile. I was surprised to see Judy trying to get along with her, especially since Irene was marrying her fated mate. My wolf let out a frustrated huff at the thought. I didn’t understand why Judy seemed to be making an effort.

Judy finally broke the silence. “It’s really pretty. It’ll look nice,” she said.

Irene jumped up with excitement. “I’m going to put them in my car right now! Come meet me before you leave!”

“She said that and then hurried out of her bedroom, leaving me alone with Judy. I looked at Judy and stared again at her outfit, which had a deep frown.

“I thought we had an agreement about your clothes?”

I spoke to her harshly.

Her face turned pale, and she swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump in her throat.

“I had a small accident with my clothes,” she said, shrugging as if it was no big deal.

“What kind of accident?” I asked, curious.

I asked her, my voice growing serious. I tried to convince myself that I only cared because I needed to know if there was an accident on my property, especially if it involved my employees. It was important for me to be informed.

She bit her bottom lip, looking thoughtful.

“During my sparring,” she began,

“Matt, I tore my shirt,” she said.

She wouldn’t look at me, which made me think there was more to the story. If I knew Matt, I would bet he had something to do with her torn shirt.

Judy wore a shirt that made it clear she was trying to cover up for him. I decided not to press her any further.

“Irene was kind enough to let me borrow her clothes,” Judy said. “But I won’t stay.” I could tell she was feeling uneasy.

“I should get going,” she said.

I stood still as she walked closer to me, trying to reach the door. Her arm brushed against mine lightly, and my heart skipped a beat. I frowned, surprised by the feeling that washed over me.

Judy paused, and I could see a look of confusion on her face. I wondered if she was feeling something too.

When her eyes met mine, it felt like time stopped. For just a moment, it was as if we were the only two people in the world.

“I’m going to see you later,” she said, her voice soft and breathy.

I nodded and watched her hurry out of the room. My heart raced, and I silently scolded myself for letting her get so close.

My wolf was restless, longing for her. I quickly silenced him, pushing those thoughts away from my mind.

I shook my head and left the room, walking down the stairs. Ahead of me, I saw Judy, a little distance away.

She didn’t look back as she walked away. When she reached the doorway, she stopped. Irene was walking into the house with a frown on her face.

“Is everything okay?” I asked as I stepped off the last step.

“Yes,” she replied.

“I guess so,” Irene said softly. “The gems look amazing in the car. I took some pictures to send to Ethan.”

After that, she called him. He told her he would be busy for the rest of the night and wouldn’t be able to talk.

“I won’t see him until tomorrow.”

I noticed Judy tense up when Ethan’s name was mentioned, and I had to stop myself from frowning at her.

Matt walked in from the living room, and when he saw Judy, his face brightened.

“Can we finish…”

“Are you ready for our lessons?” he asked her, not paying attention to anyone else around.

Judy smiled softly at him.

“I’m actually going to head home,” she said gently. “But I’ll be here tomorrow.”

Matt’s expression changed as he processed her words.

I looked at his sad face, and my heart went out to him. He really was a lonely kid. Judy might have been right when she said he longed for connection.

“But we didn’t get to finish,” he said with a pout.

She placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him.

She placed her hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“I promise, we will practice longer tomorrow,” she said reassuringly.

He looked like he wanted to argue, but I stepped in to help.

“What I’m hearing is that both my kids are home tonight?” I asked.

“I asked, looking at both Irene and Matt. “How about I have the maids cook us a special meal? We haven’t had a family dinner in a long time.”

Irene seemed to brighten at the suggestion, and so did Matt.

“That’s a great idea,” she said, giving me a side hug.

“I’m in!” Matt replied happily. “But only if Judy joins us!”