Chapter 337

Something told me I didnt have a choice , she said softly .

You managed to find my apartment .

It scared me .

Stella didnt give Irene her phone number the last time the met ; actually , Irene had one of her men track and find Stella on their own time .

It didnt take them long to find the rundown apartment that she lived in within the Redmoon pack .

Irene was disgusted when she saw the pictures her men sent her of the apartment .

That was no place to raise a baby .

She had her men give Stella a note , requesting that she met with her at the same coffee shop with a date and a time .

A part of her didnt think that Stella would show up , but she was pleased that she did .

Im sorry I had to track you down like that , Irene told her She shrugged one shoulder .

I thought it was Ethan who hired them to find me at first .

After I told you everything that happened , I assumed you went to him and now hes after me , she whispered , tears filling her eyes .

Her bottom lip trembled .

Irene could see that she was afraid .

It made her stomach clench ; Ethan must have threatened her , which made Stella even more afraid of him .

Im not going to hurt you , she told Stella , her voice calmer than she felt .

Im sorry that my fiancé had hurt you and scared you .

I hadnt told him about our talks yet .

He doesnt know that I know anything .

Stella sniffled and nodded .

She reached into her purse and pulled out a piece of paper .

She unfolded it and slid it across the table .

Irenes breath got caught in her throat .

This is my baby , she whispered softly .

It was Stellas first ultrasound .

She hadnt got the abortion like Ethan wanted and , in a way , Irene was relieved by that .

She didnt want this innocent baby to lose its life because of Ethans carelessness .

But at the same time , what kind of life could that baby have ? Living in hiding within the Redmoon pack in that rundown apartment building ? It wasnt safe for either of them , which made this meeting necessary .

How far along are you ? Irene asked , staring at the picture .

A month , she whispered .

I hadnt been with anyone else in almost a year .

Its definitely his , but once Im further along , I can take a paternity test to know for sure .

Irene shook her head .

I believe you .

Its not necessary , she said softly .

Stella blinked away the tears and looked up at her .

Really ? She asked .

Chapter 337

Irene nodded and reached her hand out to hold onto Stellas Im sorry this is happening to you .

I wish there was something I could say to make things better .

Ethan was wrong for this , and he shouldnt have threatened you .

More tears spilled out of Stellas eyes ; Irene wanted to cry too , but she kept a strong composure .

It isnt your fault .

You were kind .

Far kinder than I would have been .

Im sorry I ran from you at first , she whispered .

Irene shook her head , not wanting her to feel bad .

None of this was her fault and she wouldnt allow her to blame herself .

It was Ethans fault .

She was determined to make things right , for this girl , for Judy , and for herself .

They were all victims of Ethan , and it ended with Irene .

Irene pulled her hands away and reached into her purse .

She pulled out a thick envelope and slid it across the table towards Stella .

Stellas brows knitted together .

What is this ? She asked , grabbing the envelope .

Open it , Irene said simply .

Stella carefully opened the envelope , and her breath hitched .

It was a huge wad of cash ; there had to be thousands of dollars in cash if not a million .

W … what is this ? she asked , glancing up at Irenes serious face .

Its money , Irene answered , raising her right brow .

Its for you .

But … why ? Stella asked , releasing the money as if it had burned her .

It fell to the table .

Im not getting an abortion .

I made up my mind already .

She put her hands on her belly protectively .

I want to keep him or her .

They are my baby and- Its not for an abortion , Irene told her , cutting her off .

She held up her hand to keep her from saying anything more .

Its so you can raise your baby without worry .

Its enough money to get you out of here .

You can leave this pack and go to another .

You can find a decent place to live and raise your baby without worry .

Ethan will never find you .

Stellas eyes grew wide.

What ? Stella whispered after a beat of silence .

Irene reached over and grabbed her hands again , looking deep into her eyes as she spoke her next words slowly and carefully .

Leave Redmoon … get as far away from here as possible and raise your baby , Stella .

Im giving you an out .

Take it .

And with those words left in the air , Irene shouldered her purse , stood to her feet , and walked away without looking back .