Chapter 104

Selene

Philip and my mom arrive right on time, and of course, Mom has brought chocolate cake. It's a thoughtful gesture, but this isn't just a simple dinner tonight like we told her it would be. Things are about to get heated, and no amount of sweets are going to make this night not an absolute shitshow.

"Mom, you know you didn't have to bring anything, right?" I tell her, placing the container in the center of the table.

She smiles. "I know, honey, but I've missed you so much. I figured a little piece of home would help." She smooths down her black dress, like she's nervous about something. Or maybe I'm just imagining things because I'm nervous myself.

We all settle at the table, Phoenix and I on one side, and our parents on the other. I don't know how tonight is going to go, but by the tension already radiating between Phoenix and his father, there's a storm brewing and it's about to hit hard.

"So," Mom begins, trying to cut through the uncomfortable silence. "How have you two been? Setting into your new roles okay?"

I glance at Phoenix, who is barely touching his food, and take the lead. "Yeah, we're doing pretty good. Things are moving along smoothly. Makayla and Loki are settling in as our Beta male and female, and they've been a huge help." I slice into my steak, the knife gliding through like butter. "This is amazing, by the way! Evelyn, , you've outdone yourself."

Evelyn, the omega in charge of the kitchen, ducks her head a little, clearly flustered by the compliment. "Thank you, Luna Selene. I'm glad it is satisfactory."

We're still working on the omegas not speaking so formal around us. I didn't like it when Philip and Mom were here, I don't like it now. But we'll get there eventually.

I steal a glance at Philip, who doesn't look at all interested in the food. Instead, his gaze is locked on Phoenix. "So, what changes have you made so far, Phoenix?" His tone seems casual, but there's an edge to it that I don't miss.

Phoenix shrugs, keeping his voice leveled. "Nothing major left, just retraining the warriors and working on recruiting more of them."

Philip's knife pauses mid-cut. "What's wrong with the way they were already trained?" he asks sharply.

"Nothing really," Phoenix says, his jaw tightening. "Just...the old tactics don't work for our new threats. Loki and I are making sure everyone's up to speed. Even the ancient assholes who try to question our authority."

Philip hums, his expression neutral but his wolf flashes in his eyes. "Although I agree that they should never question your authority as Alpha, maybe they have wisdom to offer. Some of those men are old enough to be your grandfather. Did you at least hear them out?"

Phoenix snorts, and I can feel his irritation flaring. One of his hands curl into a fist beside his plate. "Of course. But it was just a bunch of complaining. Just because you grow older doesn't always mean you become wiser. From what I've seen, some people tend to keep doing the same dumb shit over and over again, stagnant in their adult mindset."

"Phoenix," I warn through our mind-link. "I thought you said you weren't going to purposely start anything tonight."

I hear his molars grind together beside me. "I'm just speaking the truth. If he gets offended by that, oh fucking well."

I shoot him a stern look. "If he gets upset, and just walks out of here, we're not going to get the answers we're looking for."

Knowing that I'm right, he blows out a huge breath before changing the subject. "Christina, you look lovely tonight. I can't wait to try your cake."

Mom beams. "It's a family recipe. Selene used to ask for it all the time when she was a kid."

Phoenix chuckles, the tension easing slightly from his voice. "I can imagine. She's got a sweet tooth, all right."

Oh my goddess. I hope he's still talking about food.

"Oh, yes!" Mom laughs, her eyes softening. "When she was a toddler, I'd find her sneaking into the pantry at night for cookies. She'd be covered in crumbs, her little pigtails bouncing. It was the cutest thing ever!"

"Mom!" I protest, my cheeks flushing.

A wicked grin spreads across Phoenix's face. "Oh yeah? I'd love to see some pictures the next time you and Dad visit."

"Hey, don't charm stories about my childhood out of my mom!" I exclaim telepathically, giving him a pretend glare. He just smirks in response.

After dessert, where Mom's cake was absolutely fucking amazing, Phoenix finds the opportunity to finally to pull his father aside, while I distract my mom by asking her about the cake recipe.

"Hey Dad," Phoenix says casually, standing and moving towards the hallway. "I actually need to speak to you privately about something...I found something strange in the archives. Mind stepping into the office?"

Philip eyes Phoenix with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, but he nods. "Of course."

After they disappear out of the room, I turn back to my mom. I try to keep the conversation light while the real conversation happens behind closed doors.

"That cake was so good, Mom. It reminded of when Dad and I would sit at the table and play board games while you baked."

He would never go easy on me, but I was still just as competitive as he was, and we both had loads of fun. Fuck. I miss him.

Okay, maybe that isn't as light as I intended.

Mom gives me a sad smile, her eyes misting a little. "I was just reminiscing about that earlier too. I really miss him, and that doesn't mean I'm not madly in love with Philip, but your dad was my fated mate. That's just a hole in my heart that will never go away."

I reach across the table and squeeze her hand, understanding the pain of that loss in a way I hadn't appreciated until I found Phoenix. "It must have been so hard for you, having to move on. But I'm glad you have Philip."

Her smile softens, but something in my words make my heart twists, because deep down, I wonder how much she really knows about her own husband. What if she doesn't know him at all, just like Phoenix didn't know his father?

I wish I could ask her, but bringing it up would only raise suspicions. It could also put her in danger. Philip might not have killed his wife directly, but I'm not taking any chances with my mom.

So instead, I force my mouth to remain closed. For now, I'll let her leave with Philip tonight and pretend everything is okay.

Even though Phoenix might be in there having another bombshell dropped on him.