After Six Years The Alpha Begs For My Return Chapter 13
“Mom,” Ophelia said as she walked to the bedside, “I made the chicken noodle soup you like. Have some while it’s hot.”
My mother glanced at her but said nothing.
Ophelia bit her lip, set the bowl on the nightstand, and turned to Reese. “Mr. Beaumont, I was rude downstairs. I didn’t know you had sponsored Avery’s territorial status. Since you’re rarely back in Gray Harbor, please come to the White Ash River main house sometime.”
Reese looked at her and didn’t reply.
In Paris, he had taught me something: when you observe other wolves, don’t just watch their expressions—pay attention to the shifts in their scent. Smiles can be faked. Fear and hostility are much harder to hide.
Ophelia sounded polite, but beneath the pale floral note of her scent was a taut, acidic edge. The way she looked at Reese was the way someone looks when they realize a higher-ranking Alpha has stepped into a game they can no longer control.
Gideon set down the thermal bags, his gaze resting on Reese for two seconds. “Mr. Beaumont, a word?”
“Not convenient,” Reese refused without hesitation. “I promised Avery I’d stay with her.”
The air in the room tightened.
Gideon’s expression darkened for an instant before he masked it. He said nothing more to Reese, turning to me instead.
“Avery,” he said in a low voice, “I thought about what you said last night.”
I said nothing.
“Everything from when we were thirteen—I remember all of it.” His throat worked. “When you said the person hurting you is the one I’m protecting… that line echoed in my head all night. My wolf hasn’t settled. I can explain…”