Chapter 32

Gaston's POV

A few weeks have gone by in the blink of an eye, but a lot has happened. From finding my mate once again to bringing her to my house. I used to think she's a prostitute, but I think I was wrong.

She became my son's caretaker, but then I started doubting her when she became so close to my son. I remember that she doesn't remember that passionate night we were intimate because she was drugged by her "brother.".

I had a feeling that man who hooked me up with my mate isn't who he claims he is, so I had my beta Victor investigate it. Just for me to find out that he was her ex-husband. I was enraged to find out that the man sold his loyal wife for money, and she didn't have a clue.

I also feel very disappointed with myself. I bought his lies, and now I have to face it. I always feel guilty when Tara smiles at me because I am reminded of my sinister action.

I still don't know how to tell her that she has slept with me before or that werewolves exist and I am an alpha king.

I shook my head; it will be too much for her to digest, and she'll hate me and fear me. I don't ever want that to happen.

My mind flashes back to what Selena told me last night. I don't believe her because I know she's jealous, but I don't think she'll be mad enough to joke about such a matter. Or

Could it be true?

I went to the garden but didn't see her; then I went to the nursery. I kissed Lucian on his forehead and then left for the study room.

I opened the door, imagining if Selena was right, and Tara didn't deny it, but when I saw Tara, I saw innocence.

"Tara, I need to ask you something," I said, my eyes searching for hers.

Worry was written all over her face. "What is it?"

I feel bad having to confront her about this matter, but I'd rather do this to hear from her side of the story than to go behind her back and spy on her.

"Selena told me something," I began, my voice measured. "About you and Chad."

Her eyes widened. "What did she say? And how did she know Chad?"

She seems restless after hearing Chad's name, and I understand her. She's been maltreated by that worthless man; she can't bear to hear his name.

"How she knew him is not necessary right now, Tara," I said.

"You know Chad as well."

I do know Chad because he sold her to me, but I'm not ready to tell Tara yet. I'm just scared of her after the reaction.

"Calm down, Tara. I don't know Chad." I lied through my teeth. I exclaimed, "She claimed you're meeting in secret, that you're plotting something."

She laughed and let out a breath of relief. What's so funny right now?

"That's ridiculous. Selena's just trying to drive us apart." Tara said nonchalantly.

My expression remained sceptical. "I want to believe you, Tara, but I need the truth. Are you hiding something?"

She gazed at me, stung by my doubtfulness. I don't mean to question her like this, but I have no choice.

"I swear, Gaston, there's nothing between Chad and me. Selena's manipulating you." I looked deep into Tara's eyes; my wolf's telling me to believe her.

Would Selena be stupid enough to lie to me in such a manner?

"I don't think Selena would be foolish enough to lie to me, so why now?" I questioned.

She stepped closer, her voice firm and smart. "Because she wants to hurt me, us. I don't know what her motives are, but I know I'd never betray you."

My eyes searched hers, seeking truth. She held our gaze, pouring all her conviction into my words. She's not lying.

"I trust you, Tara," I said finally. "But I'll investigate. If Selena's lying, she'll pay for this. I need to figure out what's going on. Selena's been acting strange lately."

Selena seems a bit shadier and more silent than usual; until last night, I don't think I've spoken to her since my mom left abroad.

I gazed at Tara, an unwritten expression on her face. She's worried and scared.

I pulled her into a tight hug and soothed her hair. I'm sorry I questioned your loyalty, Tara, but it's for the best. I wish I didn't have to do this, but it's crucial.

I also feel really bad for not telling her the truth. She doesn't know that her baby is alive and that she's even taking care of him.

I found out she was Lucian's mother after thorough investigation. I had to go back to the hospital and ask—well, instead, I had to punch the doctor across the face and threaten him to give me the names of all the mothers of the babies the day I found Lucian, and because he claimed to be stubborn, I had to treat him well.

After I was given the names, I was in complete shock when I saw the seventh name on the paper. It was Tara...she gave birth to a baby boy. Who was supposed to be executed but was sold to me. At first I was angry, enraged, and flabbergasted that the woman whom I fell in love with and who is my mate wanted to execute my child. I wanted to make Tara's life a living hell. I also found her suspicious that she is here to kill Lucian.

Then there was a change of heart. I noticed the way Tara cared for Lucian like her own; I started wondering if she was even capable of hurting a fly. After the day she saved my mom, I was dumbfounded. Could I be wrong about her?

After everything, my mom blamed her and never appreciated her. I had to review the files with a cool head, and when I read the baby's file again, I found out that Tara didn't agree to the execution because she didn't sign the papers or agree to the terms and conditions, so I'm guessing this was a setup and Tara had no clue about it.