Chapter : 801
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see a text from Gavin; I couldn’t help the smile that tipped the corner of my lips.
Gavin: Might be a little late tonight. I can pick up dinner on my way home if you want to dismiss the staff early.
Me: Can we do pizza?
The thought of having comfort food sounded perfect, and my stomach growled at the thought of it. I glanced at the time. It was nearing 2 pm; maybe I should have taken the staff up on a snack. I could go into the kitchen and grab some food, or maybe I could run to the packhouse and see Chester. I knew that’s where he was working this afternoon. Nan was busy with her restaurant, and I didn’t want to bother her, plus she would probably end up at the packhouse later anyway because she helped there as well.
Now that she was fully staffed, she was able to take some time off and spend time at the packhouse to help out with certain meals and events.
I could use a friend right now, and I need someone else to talk to.
My phone buzzed again, and I already knew it was Gavin before I saw his name flash across the screen.
Gavin: Pizza sounds great. Just let me know what everyone wants, and I’ll grab it on my way home.
Before I could reply, he sent another text.
Gavin: Did you speak with your parents?
Me: Yes, we can talk when you get home.
Gavin: Good news or bad news?
I let out a breath.
Me: Heavy news.
Gavin: Are you okay?
Me: Again, we will talk when you get home. It’s a lot to say over text message, and I’m still processing it myself.
Gavin: Okay. I love you.
I couldn’t help but smile at his words; no matter how many times he tells me he loves me, my heart will also flutter in my chest.
Me: I love you too.
I shoved my phone back into my pocket, downed the rest of my tea, and stood to my feet. I needed to get out of here and go to the packhouse. was going to go crazy if remained: in this villa any longer. But just as I started to leave the parlor, I heard a voice in the hallway, heading towards the stairs.
The footsteps were hurried, and the voices carried in frantic, almost hysterical waves.
“Why can’t you just listen to me for like 5 minutes!”
“Because what you are saying is fucking crazy! Just leave me alone, Erik.”
“What you felt for him wasn’t real. Can’t you understand that? He was never your mate in the first place. I’m your mate!”
“Then why don’t I feel it? Why doesn’t my wolf recognize you as her mate??”
“Because you are too heartbroken over that loser to see what’s right in front of you. But if you just give me a few minutes to explain, you’ll see that I’m right.”
I tried to get closer, trying to figure
out who he was talking to. Her voice was so familiar, but I couldn’t figure out where I had heard it before.
It didn’t help that she was crying and her words were rushed out.
“I’ve been over this over and over again… my heart cannot take any more of this. Why can’t you people just leave me the hell alone!”
“I’m not the same as them, Irene!” Erik all but shouted, and at the sound of Irene’s name, I stumbled out of the parlor and into the hallway, drawing both their attention to me.
Erik stared at me with wide eyes, and Irene just looked pained, not at me, but at the situation.
She looked
like a caged animal; her arms
wrapped around her legs, and her bottom lip trembling as she tried desperately not to sub, Buteould see the pain in her eyes and the desperation to escape.
“Go upstairs,” I tell her.
“We still need to talk-” Erik tried to interject, but I held up my hand, proud that my hand didn’t shake with pent-up nerves.
“Upstairs, Irene,” I tell her.
Her shoulders visibly relaxed, and she gave me a nod before she retreated up the stairs. Erik looked like he wanted to chase after her, but I stepped in front of him, folding my arms across my chest.
“You don’t understand,” he said through his teeth.
“You’re right, I don’t,” I said, raising my brows. “I’m heading to the packhouse, you’re going to drive me, and on our way, you’re going to explain to me what the fuck is happening.”