Chapter 106

Selene

When Phoenix and Philip finally emerge from the room, I'm still bracing myself for the worse. But they don't look like they've been yelling at each other. Meanwhile, my mom is a crying mess on the couch. I tried to stop her, but she kept talking more and more about Dad and sort of lost control of herself a little.

Philip immediately storms across the room, his steps urgent. Without hesitation, he scoops her up, holding her close. "What's wrong, baby?" he murmurs, allowing her to bury her head in his chest.

In the past, seeing them like this would've made me vomit, but it's really nice that he actually seems to care about her like a mate should. Phoenix has really made me soft.

Mom wipes at her tear-streaked face, sniffling. "It's fine. We were just reminiscing about Selene's childhood and I got a little emotional." She forces a weak smile, clearly trying to piece herself back together.

Philip, nods, his arms still around her. "Why don't we go home and I make you feel better?" he suggests, his voice soft but firm. I bet after he and Phoenix talked he was ready to get the hell out of here, so I'm sure he's somewhat glad he didn't have to make an excuse for why they had to leave so quickly.

She nods, then turns to hug Phoenix and me. "Please allow us to visit again soon, okay?"

A small tugs at my lips. "Of course, Mom."

Philip gives me a knowing look, something almost...resigned in his eyes. Then, they turn to leave. As soon as the sound of their car fades in the driveway, I turn my full attention to Phoenix. His face is haunted, just like I knew it would be.

He must've found out something bad. Worse than the shit we learned last night from Nathan.

I throw my arms around him, burying my face in the crook of his neck. "Are you okay?" I whisper, knowing full well it's a stupid question. Of course he's not. "What happened?"

His breath is shaky, and when he finally speaks, his voice is strained. "My mom...she's not who I thought she was."

Oh shit. He has a secret mom too?

I pull away, looking up at his face. "What do you mean? Did your dad have a baby with another woman and your mom raised you?"

Phoenix laughs a little. "No, nothing like that, although I think that would've been better than what my dad told me."

I gasp. "That would've been better?"

He nods, clenching his jaw. "I found out that my mom cheated on my father. Used those pills to hide it. And...she was laundering money for her human lover."

My face twists with confusion and shock. "What the hell? Are you serious?"

He nods grimly. "That's what he said. And when my dad caught and killed the human, my mom decided the best option was to kill herself."

My jaw drops to the fucking floor. "Holy shit!"

Yeah, I agree with him. This is way worse than what I thought it would be.

"Are you sure? Like do you think there's a possibility that he's lying?" I ask, sounding hopeful.

"My dad is a good liar, but he isn't a good actor. He was so emotional, like he was trying not to fucking break, and it made me so uncomfortable seeing him like that...but I get it. He's been holding onto that shit for years. I actually feel bad for him now."

I feel like my mind has been blown, and through the bond, I feel just how strongly this is hurting Phoenix. I feel so bad for my mate. But what can I do to make it better?"

I reach up, cupping his cheek. "I'm so sorry, baby. This is a lot to process for me, so I can't even imagine how hard it is for you. But I'm glad Philip opened up to you about everything, and was honest for once in his life. He didn't get violent at all, right?"

Phoenix shakes his head. "No, his anger was all aimed towards my mom," he answers quietly. "Now that I think about it, that was the first civil conversation we've ever had where we weren't at each other's throats."

Relief washes over me, but it's tempered by the weight of everything we've just learned. "And what is the plan now?"

"He told me who's involved and we're going to take them down. We need to sit down and come with an actual plan, but for right now, we all need to stay low. Let the Council think we don't know shit. We'll make our move when the time's right."

I nod in agreement. "That's the smartest move. That will give us time to gather some evidence that's more than word of mouth."

Because that's seriously all we have right now. Nathan's word, Philip's word. No real evidence.

Before I can anything more, the door swings open, and in walks Makayla, Loki, and Luke. Judging by all the shopping bags, they've been at the mall all goddamn day. Loki and Luke carry them, while Makayla sips on her smoothie.

I stifle a laugh, shoving down my emotions about the bullshit we've just been dragged into. "Have fun, guys?" I ask, turning around in Phoenix's arms so that I'm facing them.

Makayla grins. "Oh, hell yeah. I pretty much replaced my wardrobe, and even got you a few things. Phoenix can thank me later," she says, winking at my mate.

Oh, Goddess.

I shake my head, smiling. "Do I even want to know?"

"I'll leave them on your bed." She heads upstairs with Luke and Loki following behind her. They don't seem thrilled, but I do see some satisfaction on their faces because they're making her happy.

I can't help but laugh at the image of Loki following her around the mall, that brooding look on his face, scaring the hell out of everyone.

When Luke finally comes back down, he immediately walks over to us, his expression filled with concern. "Phoenix, you okay?"

I pull away from mate, knowing that he needs his uncle right now. "I'll meet you upstairs, okay?" I say, kissing his cheek.

He nods. "Okay, little wolf."

Then, he and Luke go into the office and close the door.