Chapter 170
Claire’s POV
55 vouchers
The next day, George decided to consent to a blood test. A healer was brought straight to the palace, and the blood was drawn as George and I sat near each other in the sitting room.
“The results will take a few days,” the healer said. “We will move it along as quickly as we can.”
“Please take your time to ensure accuracy,” the King replied. “That is most vital.” He looked at me. “Until we receive the results, you, your children, and Gideon are welcome guests in my home.”
“Thank you,” I told him, even as I recognized the underlying threat. Once the results returned, if I wasn’t his true daughter, I was sure our reception would be less glamorous. I wondered if he and Victoria would give us time to pack or things before they would cast us out. Though that would still be preferable to a jail sentence.
Perhaps I had better leave my bags packed just in case a quick retreat was necessary. What a shame it was to be unwanted, but it was a game I was familiar with, and I would take the necessary precautions for my children and me. Gideon, I was sure, could take care of himself. And Ivan likely would remain welcome regardless of the result.
When the test was done, George went to show out the healer, while I stayed behind on the chair. Princess Susanne, who had been present for the blood drawing, continued to stand there near the doorway with her arms crossed.
From outside, I could hear Gideon and the children playing. I wished I was with them now, but after giving blood, it seemed a good idea to sit for a moment, to be certain my body was alright before I started any strenuous activity like tag. A game my children played with the utmost seriousness.
“You shouldn’t even be here,” Susanne said, a scoff in her voice. “You have some nerve staying around, and forcing my father into this situation.”
“I just want to know who I am,” I said.
“If you don’t know that already, that’s hardly my family’s problem,” she said. “Be honest. You just want our money and power. Well, if you think my brother and I are going to give up anything willingly, you have a lot of nerve.”
“I don’t have any intention of taking anything from you or your family,” I said. I was starting to feel like a broken record, saying that again and again. “I only want to know the truth of my lineage. To know where I came from, and also to pass this history down to my own children.”
“Your children aren’t taking my place either,” Susanne said.
“No one wants that.”
She huffed. “Yeah, right. I don’t buy that for a minute.”
It was becoming increasingly obvious to me that it didn’t matter what I said, Susanne was not going to believe me. She had her ideas about me, and I knew that wasn’t going to change. I could pledge, make an oath to the Moon Goddess, that I didn’t want anything from her or her family but acknowledgement, and she still
10:37 Mon, Feb 9
Chapter 170
wouldn’t buy it.
Talking to her and trying to reason with her was a waste of time.
公司 84
55 vouchers
After a moment, I felt enough time had passed for me to rest, so I stood and left the room without one more word to Susanne. I could feel her icy glare on me the entire way until I was out of sight.
I’d have to be careful with her. She didn’t trust me, and I felt a strong urge to watch my back.
–
I went outside and was immediately embraced – and very nearly tackled by my two overexcited children. Gideon also rushed over in their wake.
“Easy,” he said. “Your mom might need a minute before she’s ready to play. You too keep racing. I want to see some good running out there.”
“Okay!” Nova said. “Come on, Leo!”
“I’m going to win this time!” Leo announced.
As the children ran off, Gideon called, “Stay where we can see you!” Then he gestured for me to sit on a nearby two–person bench. He took the spot beside me and let out a deep breath, like he was exhausted from the exertion of tag. I knew better. An Alpha had unparalleled stamina. He just didn’t want me to feel bad for needing a minute, and likely he wanted to check on me himself.
“How did it go in there?” he asked.
“It was okay,” I said. “The Alpha King said we could stay until we get the results.”
Gideon hummed. “Well, I guess that’s better than telling us to hit the curb already.”
I nodded. It was nice, feeling a kind of comradery with Gideon like this. Here, we felt like a unit – us against a potentially hostile host. I was glad that he came with me and was supporting me now. This all would have been much more difficult on my own.
I wasn’t ready to tell him that yet, however.
As we were sitting there, I was surprised when George came outside.
“I hear children’s laughter,” he said, laughing himself. “Do you think I could get to know them?”
All of the standoffishness George had shown with me earlier vanished immediately as Gideon and I called the children over and introduced them to George. At once he slipped into the grandfather role, even if that role was unofficial yet.
“Nova and Leo, such strong names, strong wolves! I trust you will look after each other.”
“We do!” Nova said.
“I protect my sister and my mom,” Leo said bravely.
All of us smiled. “Good boy,” George said. “I take it your wolf will be big and strong, just like your mother’s.”
10:37 Mon, Feb 9
Chapter 170
Leo looked down.
:
Nova glanced away. “My mom’s wolf is big and strong, but she can’t maintain it for long.”
George’s brow raised slightly. “Oh?” He glanced at me.
2
20
“My wolf was damaged when I was young,” I said. “It is quite powerful, but only in bursts. She needs long periods of rest in between shifting.”
George’s eyes added some sadness. “I’m sorry to hear that. You have no idea of the cause?”
“No,” I said. “It’s been that way for as long as I remember.”
His face scrunched up in a troubled expression. My heart ached, wondering if this was one more reason he might reject me as his daughter, even if the results came back to show that I was.
Perhaps he would think me too weak to be connected to him. My wolf was quite strong, stronger than most, but…
“If you will excuse me,” the King said. He turned to the children. “It was very nice to meet you both.”
“Nice to meet you,” Leo said.
“Yeah.” Nova added.
When George went back inside, the children returned to their playing. Gideon looked at me.
“Whatever you are thinking, I won’t allow it,” he said.
I looked at him, surprised.
“You are a brave and capable woman,” he said. “And your wolf is strong, regardless of its setbacks. I will not stand for anyone, even you, thinking you and your wolf are anything less than amazing.”
Leo’s POV
Nova and I ran off into the courtyard, but only so far as to not be immediately overheard by our parents. There, we looked back and saw Mom and Dad speaking softly, leaning into each other on the bench. They looked like they were in their own little world, totally oblivious to the world around them.
They looked like they were in love.
10:37 Mon, Feb 9
Chapter 171
Chapter 171
