Chapter 9

Nine

HENDRIX

Now that my girl is firmly claimed, clarity rings for the first time in two years. Whatever spell fogged my brain has been vanquished, replaced by my mate's bond, her emotions as true as my own.

After washing up enough to be presentable for my daughter, I slip into her room and freeze instantly. Evie's scent mingles with a pungent odor that occasionally drifts from Tamera, a scent my brothers have commented on but one I've only recently noticed. My eyes dart around the room frantically, realizing Evie isn't in her crib where we left her.

"No need to panic, mate. Our daughter is safe." Across the room, Tamera sits in a rocking chair, cradling my daughter who sleeps peacefully.

A low, menacing growl rumbles in my chest as I instantly challenge her for my pup. "What the hell are you doing?" The words barely escape my vibrating throat, conscious that it's crucial Evie remains undisturbed through this ordeal. Anger floods the bond, hoping to signal the rest of my pack.

Fortunately, Tamera seems oblivious, unaware she's about to face four incredibly angry alphas and a protective mother wolf if Ares wakes before I can diffuse the situation.

She continues speaking, still unaware of my internal dialogue. "After our talk today, I realized the jig was up. You finally caught on. I honestly didn't think it would take this long, but you trusted your longtime friend, even after your brothers warned you." She rocks gently, cooing as if she genuinely believes Evie is ours. "But you just couldn't leave her alone, could you?" Her wild eyes meet mine, revealing her insanity. "I intervened during your presentation day, gave you herbs to make you fall for me and forget her. I tried to seduce you, but she lured you away when she presented as an omega." She sniffs, as if lamenting our love story ruined by my fated mate. "You couldn't even perform that night."

My brows furrow as I struggle to recall snippets of that evening. I remember Ares, flashes of our night together, but nothing beyond that until the next morning.

"See!" she snaps. "Not even memorable! I rubbed myself all over you that night, and you didn't even react."

Though the thought of her near me repulses me, her grip tightens on my daughter, and I fear what she might do next.

"Easy, love." The words are meant for my daughter, but I know she interprets them differently, feeding into her delusion. "You should have just told me. We wouldn't have had to go through all this. We could have been together long ago."

She calms instantly, buying into her fantasy. "You're right," she sighs, gazing down at Evie and brushing hair off her face. "We have her now, so everything worked out in the end."

Nodding slowly, I step closer. "You're right about that." Another step, and another, until Tamera tenses. "I'm glad you stayed. I was worried when you left earlier."

My concern soothes her, and she pats Evie's back gently in comfort. "I almost didn't. I thought about burning this place down with your little bitch inside, but then I smelled her—our daughter—and I knew I had to save her first."

Every hair on my body stands on end in warning, and then everything explodes at once.