Chapter 86

I suddenly felt my throat grow dry as I turned to her, and for a second, neither of us moved.
Her hands were clasped in front of her, her fingers pressing tightly against each other, and her eyes—though they remained lowered—betrayed her.
She remembered.
She definitely remembered. But she hadn’t told anyone.
The relief that surged through me was enough to knock the breath from my lungs, but it was short-lived because now I had to greet her without looking like a guilty idiot.
“María José,” I murmured, dipping my head a little as I reached for her hand.
Her fingers barely touched mine before she quickly pulled away with her entire body stiff.
I pretended not to notice.
Instead, I forced out a quiet, “It’s good to see you.”
She gulped.
Then, so softly I almost didn’t hear it, she whispered, “You too.”
Dios mío.
I had to look away.
Thankfully, Don Diego stepped forward then, drawing everyone’s attention. I knew it took him great restraint not to break something… anything on my head for our little confrontation.
I was aware Father had apologized on my behalf, hence, for now, everyone acted as though that little show didn’t happen yesterday.
“Luna,” he greeted my mother, bowing his head. “It is an honor to welcome you and your family to my home once again.”
My mother replied with a warm, if not entirely genuine smile.
“Diego. It is greatly pleasant to see you. I see your great work on the internet. I’m so proud as the Luna of this pack that we have you as a Gamma.” she greeted him.
Really? Oh, Máma, don’t make me throw up right here. There was nothing great about this man. In fact, his entire body consisted of corrupted flesh and evil blood pumped in his veins.
Great man, my foot.
Mother’s sharp eyes turned to his daughters. “And your girls—they are as beautiful and mannerful as always.”
Diego’s chest puffed at the praise. “I have raised them to be nothing less.”
Álvaro muttered something under his breath that was probably insulting, but I didn’t catch it.
I was too busy focusing on María José again. She still wouldn’t look at me.
Dios.
Before I could spiral any further, Diego motioned toward the entrance of the villa.
“Come, come. Let’s not stand out here. Please, my home is yours.”
And just like that, we were ushered inside.
I had to admit—the bastard knew how to make an impression.
The villa was as grand as ever. I almost wondered why I hadn’t taken notes last night when I snuck in.
It was filled with the kind of wealth that was meant to be admired. The floors were polished to perfection, while gold accents lined the furniture. The scent of fresh flowers was in the air, no doubt placed strategically to add to the aesthetic.
My mother, naturally, ate it up.
“This home,” she gushed, lightly trailing her fingers along the back of a detailed carved chair, “has always been one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.” Google seaʀᴄh
Álvaro, ever the suck-up, nodded in agreement. “Impeccable taste, as always, Don Diego.”
“It is our pride,” Don Diego admitted. “We have done our best to preserve its beauty over the years.”
“Well, you’ve certainly succeeded,” my mother assured him.
Camilla beamed, clearly delighted that someone other than her father was appreciating their wealth.
Rosa simply nodded in agreement.
María José… well.
She hadn’t said a word since I’d touched her hand.
I glanced at my wristwatch but wasn’t even looking at the numbers.
Don Diego accepted the compliments with a modest smile. “I am honored that you think so.”
Then, finally, my father began to tread on the deeper topics at hand.
“How has the security been?” he asked.
Diego exhaled, his expression calm. “No trouble at all. Everything is as it should be.”
If I had been drinking anything, I would’ve choked.
No trouble at all?
No trouble at all after everything I overheard between him and the elder last night?
Liar.
It was obvious he was lying, but I had no evidence. No proof to expose his lying ass and let the pack know their lives could be in danger.
So I bit my tongue and let it slide… for now.
Don Diego gave a modest incline of his head. “It is my duty as Gamma to ensure the safety and stability of our people. But I must give credit where it is due, Alpha. Your leadership has shaped the pack into what it is today.”
Oh, please. The mutual ass-kissing was getting unbearable.
My father chuckled, shaking his head as though Diego had just flattered him beyond measure. “You are too humble. It is men like you who uphold the structure of our pack.”
Then, without missing a second, he sighed and gestured toward me as if I were some unruly child being presented for punishment.
“Which is why I had to make sure my eldest son followed me here today. He dared to disrespect you over an Omega and must make amends.”
The room fell silent, my fists clenched without my permission. Okay, so what?
I was the killjoy? Mention Axel and everyone acts like they’ve been fed lime?
And did he really have to drag María José into it?
I knew the moment the words left Father’s mouth. I knew that he had just belittled María José in the worst way possible, as if she wasn’t even sitting in the same damn room.
I knew it because my jaw ached from clenching it.
And because when I turned my head…
… She was already looking at me.
Just for a second.
A whiff of movement; a glance too quick for anyone else to notice. But I noticed.
Because there was pain in her eyes.
Pain in María José’s eyes was like a dagger to my own heart. I would not stand by and watch any… No matter who they were belittle her.
Never.