152
Matt
I woke up to the sound of raised voices, and as I rubbed my eyes to shake off the remnants of sleep, I realized the voices were coming from downstairs. I quickly got out of bed and made my way to the source of the commotion - Tony's office.
As I approached the office, I could hear Tony's voice, full of anger and frustration. "You had no right to bring him here! I don’t care what she says or your tests, it’s impossible.”
“I don’t think you know what that word actually means,” Dagon said. “Not wanting it to be true isn’t the same as it not being true.”
“You’re lying. She has to be lying.”
“We’ve run every test possible,” another voice said. “Even against Ginevra’s wishes.”
“Thanks for that by the way.”
My heart skipped a beat as I heard the name Ginevra. I vaguely remembered her as someone Tony had been involved with in the past. He was so bad at remembering the names of his partners. What was she doing here? Why now?
I knocked and pushed the door open. As I stepped into the office and saw Tony standing there, fists clenched, and Dagon standing across from him with a determined expression on his face, I knew that whatever was happening was complicated. Tony's eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the anger and confusion swirling within them.
"What's going on?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the shock of the situation.
Tony's gaze didn't waver, but he said nothing.
I looked at Dagon then to Ginevra and the child in her arms. He looked nervous. I crossed the room and she grew tense. The child turned his head and Tony’s eyes, my eyes, looked back at me. I felt a mix of emotions rushing through me - surprise, confusion, and concern. I looked at Ginevra who looked like she wanted to be anywhere by here. How was this going to work? How had it happened? I knew that Lucy wasn’t our mate, but I thought werewolves couldn’t have children with people who weren’t their mates.
How wrong had we been? How many lies had we believed?
I could smell Tony on the child.
“Tony.”
“I don’t know what kind of trick—”
“Tony,” I said more firmly.
He growled. “What?”
“He’s yours,” I whispered looking into the child’s eyes. His eyes flashed with familiar light. My lips twitched and I offered my hand.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Matt,” I tried to smile. “I suppose I’m your uncle.”
He blinked. “You have the same face as him.”
“That’s because we’re twins,” I chuckled. “What your name?”
He held out his hand. It was a little clammy like he was sick as I shook it.
“Quillan.”
“What a name.”
“… it was my father’s,” Ginevra said. “He… He loved Quillan.”
I looked up at Ginevra, watching her eyes gloss over.
“I’m sorry for your loss.” I stood and turned to look over at Dagon. “What’s going on?”
The Council representative cleared his throat as Dagon began to explain how Ginevra and Quillan ended up here.
Tony huffed. “As if that was a good idea.”
“The woman has gotten fired,” Matt said glaring at Tony. “Where else was she supposed to be given the situation?”
I sighed and looked around the room. Tony was seething and frustrated. He didn’t know what he was going to do. The pack wouldn’t receive this well, especially with all the fuss he’s made over Lucy. Then, there was the fact that our father was supposed to be back soon.
As the weight of the situation settled on me, I knew that this was just the beginning, but maybe, it wouldn’t be so bad.
“It’s been a long few days,” I said. “Let’s save more talks, heavier talks until after Ginevra and Quillan are settled in.”
Tony whirled on me. I met his gaze.
“Quillan and Ginevra are blood, Tony. We can talk about the logistics of everything later.”
I stepped outside to call for a few servants to make up two rooms right beside them.
“We’ll stay together,” Ginevra said.
I nodded. “Just one then, in our wing.”
Tony looked like he wanted to scream, but he said nothing. Dagon smiled and chuckled a little.
“Who knew?” Dagon said. He approached Ginevra and Quillan. “Officially, if you need additional assistance, I’ll be the one to talk to. There are somethings that will need to be squared away. Paperwork, but you’ll be taken care of.”
“You’re going to make him sign the birth certificate?” Ginevra asked.
“It’s a bit more complicated than that, but that too,” Dagon smiled.
Tony set his jaw. It was almost funny as I gestured out the door.
“How about some food? It’s about lunch time, right?”
Ginevra’s stomach rumbled and she huffed. She stood, carrying Quillan, clinging to him like she would protect him from the world. I followed behind and looked at Tony.
“I’ll get them settled and come back. Try not to aggravate your injuries.”
Reluctantly, Tony agreed, and I led Ginevra and Quillan down to the little alcove that we used to eat with Lucy in. Our nanny hurried around with a few other, bringing food for the two of them. Quillan said a quick thank you before he started grabbing for food.
“Hold on, sweetheart,” Ginevra said softly. “Let mommy cut it.”
He nodded and watched her cut the steak up for him. Looking at her, I could see how tired she looked. I settled into a seat, watching Ginevra as she watched Quillan eat.
“You should eat as well.” I smiled at the two of them. “You look exhausted.”
Her lips twitched. “You’re much nicer than your brother.”
I laughed. “I’ll take that as a compliment. I’ll be back when your room is ready. Eat your fill.”
I stood with a deep breath of relief. This was probably slightly bad timing, but it was perfect for me. Tony would be too stressed about this to even question where I would be for a few hours. The attendant came back to tell me the room was ready. I poked my head in and nodded. I found our beta and asked him to coordinate with the Council representative to get all of Quillan and Ginevra’s things and bring them to the Estate.
“You really think this is a good idea?” He asked. “The Council has to be lying about all of this.”
I gave him a thin smile. “Well, if they are, we’d best play along given everything going on, right?”
His eyes widened and he nodded. “Right. I’ll get it done.”
As he walked away, I wondered what was true anymore. I headed back to where Ginevra and Quillan were. They’d eaten everything and Quillan had gone back to sleep.
“Your room is ready, and I’m having your things brought.”
“But—”
“You’re blood,” I said. “Your place is here, and… given the situation, it’s really the safest place for you.”
Her eyes widened. “Because he’s all bandaged up?”
I chuckled. “Partially. A lot of people would want to take Quillan and hold him for ransom if they knew he was a Chance heir.”
She grimaced. “I really hoped you would be just as against this and maybe we could go home.”
“Sorry. I’m too sensible.”
I led her to the room, gave her my number if she needed anything and left her to it. I don’t think I was out the door before she had gotten into bed and passed out.
I walked back down to Tony’s office and found him pale and drinking a potion, slumped in the overstuffed chair.
"You need to rest too, Tony," I said. “Get up and let’s get you back to bed.”
He scowled. “I’m fine.”
“Tell that to someone who didn’t have to carry you. You've been through a lot, and you need time to recover."
Tony hesitated, but eventually, he gave in and let me get him onto his feet. I led him back to his room and got him back into bed. His eyes were drooping as I pulled his blanket over him. I waited until he was asleep before leaving.
I took a deep breath as I closed the door behind me and bit my lip. As I turned down the hall, I caught sight of Dagon waiting just beside my bedroom door. He eyed me as if he knew everything I was thinking and everything I planned to do.
He smiled, not smug or even mocking, but a little sympathetic.
“Black Web hates the Council more than Hecate,” he said. “Last I heard they didn’t tend to update the Council records but once every fifty years.”
He turned. “They use a paper system, so things get lost all the time.”
My heart raced. He knew that I was going to get tested. How could he have known, but I was grateful.
“Shame,” I said. “I’m sure their liaison is working hard to get them to do better.”
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