Chapter 20: Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Carol’s POV

Tension hangs in the air as Aiden’s expression stiffens. I feel my heart drop into my stomach.

“Aiden?” I say slowly. When Aiden looks into my eyes, I know something has changed. He presses his lips together. Judging by the triumphant expression on Aiden’s father’s face, he knows something has changed, too.

“Her scent is gone, isn’t it?” He smirks. Aiden doesn’t respond, which only confirms his suspicions. I can hear a wave of murmurs spread throughout the crowd around us.

“Guards,” he calls out, “take this deceiver out of our home.” Mr. Cruz’s voice carries a current of authority that clearly can’t be denied. A number of imposing–looking werewolves arise out of the crowd, each wearing smart black uniforms. I step back in a panic.

“I’m not a deceiver!” I deny loudly. “The pills must be defective!” Mr. Cruz stands uncompromisingly in front of me, and Katrina crosses her arms and smirks behind him. I turn to the guards in desperation, hoping they will hear my words. Aiden steps between me and the guards in a protective movement.

“They can’t be reasoned with,” he says under his breath. “They’re gammas–determined workers who will always stay loyal to the most dominant alpha in the room.”

I swallow down my words. My spike of panic is slightly calmed by the realization Aiden is still standing by me. He must know I’m not deceiving him, I think with a rush of fondness. I don’t know how he’s sure, but God, I couldn’t be more grateful.

“Aiden, step away from her.” Mr. Cruz demands firmly. “I forbid you to stay by this fraud for another moment.” The guards begin to surround Aiden and I, but Aiden stands firm.

“Something is wrong here,” Aiden argues. “Where did you get this drug from?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Mr. Cruz says haughtily. “The imposter must be removed at once. Guards!”

The guards, who had briefly paused at Aiden’s words, continue to advance forward. Aiden continues to stand firm… Judging by the way he tenses up his body, he’s getting ready to hold them off.

I feel my heart beat out of my chest. I don’t want Aiden to have to fight – especially a group of people. Still, it’s not like I want to get thrown out and banned from seeing his family, either. The thought of being thrown out into the cold in my heels and dress feels beyond humiliating.

My eyes

search the room around us helplessly. The faces of the crowd around us watch with varying expressions of fascination and disdain. It seems that there isn’t a soul who can help me now.

I find my

gaze landing at last on Mrs. Cruz. Her expression has a note of uncertainty to it. My mind is a storm of emotions. I know that I haven’t done anything to deceive Aiden. This is clearly a set–up, most likely orchestrated by Mr. Cruz and Katrina. Whatever has happened is the fault of the pills, not me.

Mrs. Cruz’s expression begins to shift. I blink in surprise as I do, for a moment, I think I see a faint green aura emanating from her. It reminds me in a strange way of the pink glow I keep seeing from Aiden. My brow furrows. Before I can rub my eyes, she turns toward her husband suddenly.

“What on earth are you doing, Johnathan?” She says sharply. The crowd looks at her in surprise. Even the guards halt and turn towards her. “This is completely absurd. Making our son’s new girlfriend take a pill just because you carry a grudge humans? Ridiculous!”

–

Mr. Cruz begins to sputter with shock. “I darling – he begins, his normally stern voice taking a placating

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Chapter 21

undercurrent. Mrs. Cruz raises a hand to stop him from speaking.

die

“Don’t call me darling. You only call me that when you know I’m right,” she accuses, “What did you do? Where did you find such a dangerous drug?”

Mr. Cruz looks shocked into silence. It’s clear he isn’t used to anyone denying his orders, even his wife. Mrs. remains relentless. She snatches the pill bottle out of Mr. Cruz’s hands and looks at it with narrowed eyes.

“Well, if this drug is legitimate, then I should be able to take it, shouldn’t I?”

Cruz

My jaw almost drops in shock. I have no idea why Mrs. Cruz is standing up for me so suddenly, but I am filled with gratitude. A smattering of gasps arise from the crowd as she tips her head back and tosses a pill into her mouth.

“Wait – Miranda – Mr. Cruz says desperately. It’s too late. Mrs. Cruz narrows her eyes and inhales deeply. I can see the expressions of the werewolves around her change, too.

“These pills. They don’t counteract a scent–producing drug.” Mrs. Cruz declares. “It erases any scent. Even mine has disappeared.”

The energy in the air turns electric as the crowd begins to whisper with confusion. I look at Mrs. Cruz with shock.

Why did she defend me?

For a moment, Mr. Cruz stands stock still with a completely blank expression. Mrs. Cruz is unsatisfied by his lack of response. She crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow

“You may be my alpha, but I am your Luna,” she hisses. “Do not ignore my questions.”

I watch her with amazement. So this is what it means to be a Luna, I think, amazed. She’s like a female alpha, sure, but there’s even more to it. She holds her own power within the household that feels completely different from an alpha. It’s undeniable.

Mr. Cruz’s expression crumbles into bitterness. “It isn’t that simple,” he spits. “I didn’t find the pills myself. It was Katrina who gave them to me.”

The attention in the room turns toward Katrina. I can feel the tension only build in the air. Katrina’s eyes go wide, and she holds up her hands as if in self–defense.

“I this must all be some kind of mistake,” she stammers. The crowd whispers restlessly as she continues to cry out.

This is all just a huge misunderstanding. I only want what’s right for the Cruz family!”

Inwardly, I scoff. There’s no way anyone believes her, right? I think. It’s obvious she’s trying to just save face now that she’s been caught. Apparently, I am not the only one who doesn’t believe her.

“Really? ‘What’s best for us?” Mrs. Cruise challenges, planting her hands on her hips. “All of this is awfully convenient. for you, Katrina. Isn’t it interesting that this happened accidentally, but you were the one who stands to gain something?

A wave of surprise passes over the audience. I’m utterly flabbergasted that Aiden’s mother is going so far to defend me. I glance around the crowd judging by the surprise expressions, this is out of character for her. Slowly, members of the audience begin nodding. It’s clear that thenLuna’s leadership is influencing the crowd

This must be one of the abilities of Luna, I think. Aiden had mentioned both gainmas and betas at this party likely, werewolves lower in the hierarchy. It seems a strong Luna can be just as influential as a strong alpha.

Mr. Cruz’s face twists as he realizes that his party has quickly gone awry. “Enough!” He shouts.

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Chapter 21

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