Chapter 21

Osborne I left Aina on the bed, her breathing slow and even, her face softened by the kind of peace that only sleep could bring. She looked almost too delicate to touch. It wouldn’t be long now before we wed, and from the way things had been, it didn’t seem like my father had any objections to her. Still, I couldn’t shake the thought of him speaking her mother’s name with that edge in his voice—it lingered in the back of my mind like a shadow I couldn’t quite chase away. Leaning down, I brushed a soft kiss against her lips, careful not to wake her, before heading to the bathroom. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d slept in this late—it felt strange, almost indulgent. By the time I stepped out, wearing only a pair of pants, I was already reaching for a shirt when a knock sounded at the door. I crossed the room quickly and pulled it open just enough to see one of the maids standing there. “Shhh—she’s sleeping,” I whispered, glancing back at Aina. The maid bowed her head in greeting. “Good morning, sir. The Alpha requests your presence in his study. You… have a guest.” I gave a short nod, the words sparking a flicker of curiosity, and closed the door behind me. As I pulled my shirt over my head, I paused, letting my gaze drift back to Aina. She was still curled under the blanket, her hair spilling across the pillow like a dark halo. I left the room quietly and made my way to the study. The moment I stepped inside, my steps slowed. My parents were already there, seated across from Aina’s mother and her brother. The atmosphere was polite, but something about it felt… layered. I slipped into a seat without drawing attention, letting the conversation wash over me. Aina’s mother turned toward me with a question, her voice smooth, her eyes sharp. I answered briefly, keeping my tone neutral, but my mind wasn’t entirely on her words. The real problem was my father. For reasons I couldn’t quite name, he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off Aina’s mother. There was a familiarity there, one that didn’t belong in a casual meeting between in-laws. The way she had spoken to him earlier hinted they knew each other well—too well. And the fleeting, questioning glance my mother had given him told me she noticed it too. She wanted answers. “I and my son shall be leaving now,” Aina’s mother said, rising gracefully from her seat. “I’ll bring Aina’s things tomorrow, if it’s alright with you. Then we can discuss the mating ceremony.” My mother clapped her hands together in delight. “Yes, of course. And thank you for entrusting your daughter to us,” she said with a warm smile. I glanced toward my father, catching the moment his eyes flicked to me. He must have sensed my scrutiny, because his expression shifted, and he said, “At least escort your in-laws out.” “I was about to,” I replied evenly. He nodded his head with a smile. I rose as they did, watching as Aina’s mother deliberately avoided my father’s gaze. Both she and her son bowed politely before turning to leave. I followed them out, keeping a steady, respectful distance. Once we were outside, she glanced at me and offered a small smile. “I just wanted to thank you for yesterday. I heard the male wolves were ready to pounce on her.” A sly grin tugged at my lips. “Yeah, but they wouldn’t dare. I would’ve cut off their hands.” She laughed, quickly covering her mouth, In that moment, it struck me—Aina looked a lot like her mother. As they prepared to leave, I hesitated, then spoke. “Can I talk to you privately?” She looked at me with mild confusion but nodded. We stepped away, far enough that her son wouldn’t overhear. “I couldn’t help but notice,” I began, “that you and my father… seemed to share some kind of familiarity.” Her eyes widened, and then she laughed lightly. “Oh, you caught that? That was a long time ago—before you were even born.” I arched a brow. “Really?” She nodded. “You see, Alpha Owen and I were friends in high school.” That alone surprised me. “You were?” “Yes. But promise me you won’t tell your mother,” she said, her tone turning serious. “I promise,” I replied without hesitation. She exhaled slowly. “Your father and I used to… well, date, before he was paired with your mom. We broke up when the pairing happened.” I nearly gasped, my eyes widening. She still smiled as though it were a harmless memory. “It’s all in the past,” she continued. “Not long after, I met my mate. And now, I know my daughter will be in good hands, Osborne. Please… take care of her.” I nodded, still reeling from what I’d just heard, the weight of her words lingering long after she turned to leave. I made my way back to the study, and sure enough, my mother’s voice drifted through the half-closed door. “Are you sure she was just a friend? Because the way she spoke to you suggested otherwise… and you couldn’t even speak afterwards.” Oh boy. Wait until she finds out Aina’s mom was Dad’s ex. I almost laughed at the thought. Life really had a sense of humor—here I was, itching to mark her daughter. I knocked, and the room fell silent. “Come in,” my mother’s voice called. As I stepped inside, my gaze flicked briefly between my parents. I’d promised Aina’s mom I wouldn’t tell, but part of me thought my mother deserved to know. Still… it wasn’t my place. If anyone was going to tell her, it had to be her husband. So I swallowed the truth, keeping my expression neutral, while the weight of that secret settled in my chest. “I hope I didn’t interrupt anything?” I asked politely as I stepped further into the study. My father shook his head. “No.” “I should go, I have things to attend to,” my mother said, excusing herself. The door closed softly behind her, leaving the two of us in the quiet. I glanced at my dad. He was rubbing the back of his neck, a familiar sign of frustration. “Tell me, son,” he began slowly, clearly debating whether to speak. “Would you tell your wife about your ex—who also happens to be your son’s mate’s mother?” I let out a laugh. “Thank God I’m not in that position. You, on the other hand… you’re cooked.” He chuckled with me, but it faded quickly. He sank into his chair, and I took the one opposite him. “Don’t get me wrong,” he said, his voice serious now. “I have no feelings for your mate’s mother. That’s all in the past. I just… feel guilty.” The word hung between us for a moment, heavy. “Why?” I asked, frowning slightly. His jaw tightened. He clenched his fists, then loosened them, as if he wasn’t sure he should go on. Finally, he met my eyes. “Because,” he said quietly, “your mother… was the other woman.”