Chapter 97

Damon (59%)

My arms tightened around her as a frown creased her face. I wasn't stupid; I knew she wouldn't appreciate my mentioning another girl. And I knew that if I told her why the dream was bothering me, she'd demand a full explanation, and I wasn't ready to give it.

"Oh but I've never met your brother," she said, and I nodded.

"And you'll never get to meet him," I muttered. She sighed.

"Well, if you know that, why are you so bothered?" she asked.

"Because my brother is a conniving bastard, and he's more retarded than I give him credit for. He always had his eyes on the women I kept close," I murmured. She raised an eyebrow.

"How many women have you kept close?" she asked. I smiled, interlacing my fingers with hers.

"They don't matter because you're the only one I've ever loved and want by my side forever," I murmured, staring into her eyes to show my sincerity.

A beautiful smile graced her face, and she leaned down, kissing my lips.

"You and your brother—did you have a falling out over a girl?" she asked. I nodded.

"My brother is my mortal enemy, so we weren't speaking before it happened. The girl wasn't just close to me; she was my best friend. She helped me with so much, and besides Luca, she was the only one I felt comfortable with…," I paused as I sensed Clara's aura shift.

"Are you okay?" I asked, gently cupping her face. She frowned.

"It seems you had a strong connection with that girl. Are you sure you didn't love her?" she asked, and I frowned.

"Clara, I didn't even know what love was until I met you. If you're uncomfortable talking about her, then…"

"No, I'm sorry. My jealousy got the better of me. My wolf didn't like hearing about another girl being your best friend, but I'm okay now. I want to hear the full story," she murmured. I kissed her lips.

"I and my wolf belong to you and your wolf. Nothing can change that," I murmured, and she smiled.

"What did your brother do to this girl? I heard from Delilah that you were both found standing over her dead body, and you were holding a knife," she revealed. I nodded slowly.

"My brother raped her to spite me," I revealed. She gasped, her eyes widening.

"I'm sorry what?" she questioned in disbelief. My hold on her tightened as I relived that day.

"I heard her screaming, but I was too late. When I went in, they were both naked, and she was covered in bruises. She begged me to let her leave the pack because she didn't want to be near my brother. I didn't want to let her go, but she insisted. She couldn't leave without a reasonable explanation; my father never would have allowed it. She was the greatest herbalist in the pack, if not the world—a true gem. So we staged her death, and I took the fall. No one would question me; everyone was afraid of me then. Afterward, I told my brother to leave and threatened him never to set foot in the pack again," I explained. She looked genuinely interested.

"So she's not dead? And your parents let you banish your brother just like that?" she asked. I nodded.

"She's not, but I have no idea where she is, or where my brother is. My parents tried to stop me, but my brother wanted to leave, so he did and never looked back," I explained. She whistled.

"That's a whole damn story. Delilah said you used to be close to your brother," she murmured. I nodded.

"Yes, but a lot happened. Anyway, I don't want you anywhere near my brother. If he comes back, stay away from him, okay?" I murmured. She nodded.

"Okay." After cuddling for a while, she sat back down and called for Luca and the driver. They got into the car, and we wasted no time getting to the mansion.

I groaned at the sight of my father standing in front of the house. We got out of the car, and I took Clara's hand as soon as she was close enough before she walked towards the house.

"Wait inside for me. I need to talk to my father," I murmured, kissing her cheek. She nodded, bowing her head to my father before entering the house.

"She still hates me, doesn't she?" he asked. I nodded.

"I mean, you did have her mate imprisoned," I murmured. He chuckled.

"If only she knew how thick-headed and thick-skinned you were, she wouldn't care so much. Anyway, we need to talk. Come with me to my study," he offered. I shook my head.

"I want to be with my wife," I said. He rolled his eyes.

"Oh, please, I'm not asking you to go on vacation with me. Besides, your mother is inside. She wants to talk to your wife. She still feels bad about how she treated Clara and can't get over it. We should let the women talk while we talk," he suggested. I pursed my lips.

I was about to go with him when we heard a thud followed by Clara's scream. Without hesitation, I ran into the house and saw Clara standing over my mother's unconscious body.

"Darling!" my father yelled, rushing to my mother's side and lifting her into his arms. I went to Clara and pulled her to my chest.

"What happened?" I asked, watching my father carry my mother out of the house.

"We were talking, then she suddenly started gasping for air and fainted," she revealed. I tried to calm her, though my heart was racing. Has my mother's illness returned…?