CHAPTER 38
LIAM
The night passed with an almost magical peace, and upon waking, sunlight streamed through the window. Gigit had knocked on Shane’s room door very early to bring me a change of clothes.
“I need to go home to see my mother; I have matters to discuss with my father,” I said, as I dried myself, watching Shane do the same. It was so normal, it seemed routine.
“Can I go with you? I don’t have work until tomorrow. I also want to apologize to them for my behavior; I know they were at the mansion event.”
“Fine. Though I don’t think they’re upset. I’d also like to meet my in-laws, darling. I know it’s a bit fast, but…” I said. She smiled brightly and happily.
“Yes!” she exclaimed excitedly, hugging me. “Though we won’t tell them about the pregnancy until we have an ultrasound to show them.”
“Fine, sweetheart, whatever you want to do.”
With a knowing look, we finished getting dressed. As we left the room, we found Gigit and Marc. Their gazes reflected curiosity. Gigit gave me a knowing look, and Marc an expression of anticipation.
“Well, looks like you’re back together!” Gigit said, with a mischievous smile.
Shane ran a hand through her hair, nervous but determined.
“We’ve reconciled,” she declared firmly. “Liam explained what happened.”
Gigit’s eyes lit up, and Marc let out a relieved laugh.
“That’s great, I’m so glad to hear that!” Marc exclaimed, patting Shane’s back.
However, my expression turned serious suddenly.
“What was King Hassel doing here last night?” I asked, and all eyes fell on Shane, who looked confused.
“King Hassel? I have no idea why he would be…” she hesitated. “I truly feel sorry for disrespecting your King by treating him like that. Do you think I’m in trouble?” So that’s where her concern came from. But if my mate feels threatened by his presence, I wouldn’t allow him to be so close to her…
Gigit, frowning, said, “The last thing he told me was that he wanted to apologize to you, Shane, for something,” she said, and her confusion was evident.
“Well, that’s interesting. Whatever it is, we’ll sort it out later,” I replied, trying to remain calm.
I looked at my friends and decided it was time to share my intentions.
“Anyway, there’s something important I want to share with you,” I said, noticing the excitement in the atmosphere.
I invited Gigit and Marc to come with us to my mother’s house. Everyone accepted enthusiastically, and the atmosphere filled with positive energy as we headed for the exit.
Stepping out of the building, Shane noticed that the window of my car had already been repaired. She laughed, turning to Gigit before looking at me.
“See, without your beta, you’d be nothing, Liam,” she teased.
“Nathan is a great mechanic, I won’t deny that, but Gigit has her role too,” I replied, smiling.
“It’s good to know your words don’t affect me,” Gigit pretended to be upset without looking at me.
“Well, I’ll be going with Gigit. See you there,” Marc said to us, and Gigit nodded, accompanying him to his vehicle.
Shane and I got into the car. The engine started, and a surge of emotion coursed through me. I was anxious.
I felt a deep connection with Shane seeing her looking at me, her eyes filled with joy.
“I feel so happy…” she said to me, “but if we’re not going to tell them about my pregnancy, what will we tell them?” she asked, squeezing my hand, as a new life began to grow between us.
I accelerated down the road, the wind whipping past our faces. We arrived at my mother’s house. Upon opening the door, she greeted us with open arms.
“How wonderful to see you all!” she exclaimed with a smile. Then, turning to Marc, “Hello, I didn’t know you! I’m Rosa, Liam’s mother.”
Marc introduced himself, and I saw my mother’s eyes light up upon meeting him. It was evident that she liked him.
“Come in, come in! Your father is in his office with King Hassel.” Mom led us inside, and as we settled in, she mentioned that my father was in his office meeting with King Hassel. In that instant, I felt tension gripping Shane beside me.
I turned to her, noticing her nervousness, and wondered how to handle the situation. The day had barely begun, and already it seemed to be full of surprises.
“In that case, I’m going to greet our King. I’ll be right back, darling. Gigit.” I said, walking towards the office.
Reaching the door to my father’s office, I heard King Hassel’s deep, authoritative voice. “Liam has been out of control since he found his mate,” his voice echoed. “Last night, he transformed into a wolf in the street, in front of a building. We need to find a substitute alpha who can lead the investigation into the murders happening in Chicago while he comes to his senses. And this wasn’t something that was told to me, Alec, I was present when the transformation occurred.”
My blood boiled. I burst into the office, more composed and level-headed than ever, and bowed deeply before King Hassel, a profound reverence conveying respect, not fear.
“Father,” I bowed in greeting.
“Your Majesty, the investigation is underway, I’ll just inform you that the scent left by the killers isn’t one that can be recognized. That makes us all uneasy, and it should be a greater concern. The other day at the mansion, we spoke about it.”
My words came out with unusual assurance. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on me. My father, with a worried expression, cleared his throat. King Hassel frowned.
“So many things happened that night, that this took a backseat. -he didn’t miss the bitterness in his voice- Can’t you describe the smell? What information do we have left?” Hassel asked, his voice taking on a more aggressive tone.
“The smell… is… strange, indecipherable, like a mixture of a thousand different odors, but it’s not of any known animal, not even of supernatural beings.”
A heavy silence descended on the room. The atmosphere was charged with palpable tension. Not even my father seemed to know what to say. King Hassel, for his part, showed a shadowy fascination.
“And how can you be so sure, Liam?” my father asked.
“I’m the best tracker, I’ve taken care of this pack since I’ve been in charge and this had never occurred. It’s obvious that the killer is not human.”
“Human or not, something is hiding in this matter, and that’s one more obstacle. We have to find something new before it’s too late.” Hassel said, “and don’t forget, Liam, that you’re a newly mated male and your senses may be playing tricks on you.”
I grunted in disagreement.
“My mating has nothing to do with it.”
“I’ve spoken with all the other alphas and these murders are only in your territory, I dare say it’s something personal. Odin will stay a few days to help you, I must return to my pack.”
“Son, if this is personal as the King says. You have to find it soon before it continues to cause chaos.”
“My father is right,” I agreed. “I must find that killer before he hurts more people, or at the very least, find the creature that is causing this imbalance in the balance.”
The words came out with almost unshakeable firmness. King Hassel’s unease deepened, and a growing threat could be sensed in the air… Why would a killer want to be invisible in the olfactory nature? Is it truly something personal?
My whole being tensed.
“Is there anything else you can tell us, Liam?” King Hassel said.
“No, there’s nothing else to say. Gigit, arrange a pack meeting in 45 minutes at the company.”
“Liam…” My father started to say.
“Everything will be alright, Dad, I will take care of it.”
“If that’s all, I’m leaving.” Hassel stood up and left, followed by his shadow, which had remained in a corner of my father’s office and exited behind Hassel.
“I’m going to need someone to look after Shane while I investigate.”
“Your sister can do it. Just talk to her.”
“I’ll do that,” I said, pulling out my phone and dialing my sister’s number.