Page 26 of His Sunshine Baby (The Silver City #2)

“Where have you been?”

Daniel just got back from Moon-Goddess-knows-where, and shrugs.

“I went to talk to Levi. He was patrolling at the border.”

I frown. Since when is Levi patrolling at the border? Oh, well, I don’t really care. I finish putting on my jeans and a sweater in front of a confused Daniel.

“You’re going somewhere?”

“To my uncle’s. If he’s about to do something stupid, it’s my duty to stop him.”

“Uh… Don’t you think you should…”

“What? Stay at home, keep crying?”

That’s right. I’m a mess, my eyes are all red and puffy, and I’m dead tired because I haven’t slept a wink. I cried so much, my head hurts and I feel sick. What happened with Nathaniel was beyond anything I had imagined. It might have been easier if he had just rejected me, but no, he doesn’t even think this is his baby.

What the hell. I know who I’ve fucked, and I couldn’t care less about his sterility issue. Not only am I mad at him for hiding it, I’m fucking disappointed he doubted me too.

However, I’m done crying. I’m done with everyone keeping me on the sidelines, telling me to stay put and not say things. I need to set things straight. I am not the kind to not do anything, hell no. I grab my coat and Danny follows me, still worried.

“Babe, shouldn’t you talk to Clark first?”

“I will, and convince him to show up to Nora’s gathering too. As of now, I am still part of this clan, and I’ll do what I can.”

“To help the White Moon?”

“To protect my daughter, Danny. If Nora’s plan to rally all the clans is a success, my baby will have a better chance. Silver City has never seen all of its packs united as one before, or a witch like Sylviana standing alongside them. I don’t know about this Dark Witch, but I want to believe that Nora has the right solution. I don’t really care if I’m banished from the White Moon or not, honestly. This issue is much bigger than me or a couple of packs, Danny.”

He slowly nods and grabs his jacket.

“I hate when you’re right about stuff like that. But you’re still right. Let’s go talk some sense into those stupid men.”

We just take our jackets and walk out. Wandering in the streets of our turf has a different feel to me now. Something’s changed. Not only inside my heart, but in the way our people look at me. I can feel it as I walk by.

Do they know already? Or do they still wonder if I’m really pregnant, who the father could be? They probably have suspicions. I don’t really care, though. Strangely, a big weight was lifted off my shoulders once I told Clark and Nate the truth. Even if things didn’t turn out well, I’m relieved that I don’t have to lie anymore.

We arrive at the Main House as Clark, Isabella, and other important leaders of our pack are actually discussing Nora’s invite.

“You saw her… like me, Clark,” says Isa, “and if she really is a Royal, she may be right.”

“Why should we agree to cooperate with the Blood Moon?” says Brant, a young fighter. “I don’t care much about the new Luna, why do we have to listen to their whim?”

When I walk in, Clark, who was supposed to answer, shuts up. A couple of them growl softly, warning me I’m not welcome here. They don’t worry me much, though. I ignore them to turn to my Alpha.

“Please go.”

“What?”

“What if Nora is right?” I add. “She’s a Royal, and some menace is coming. You were there, Clark, at the vampire attack, you–”

“Elena, get out! You don’t have a right to speak here, you lost that right when–”

“Silence.”

I’m growling for real, and Brant is taken aback by my sudden use of my Alpha Aura. That’s right. If you want to get me out, you’ll have to think twice. Let’s see who should shut up.

I turn to my godfather again, the only person I’ll submit to in this room. Not because I’m the lesser wolf, but out of respect for him. Clark is obviously unhappy to see me here, but he won’t be as mean as to kick me out. He crosses his arms, conflicted.

“Elena, what is your point?”

“I’m close to Nora, Clark. I know she says what she thinks, and I believe her too. In any case, the White Moon should go. I’m sure the Sapphire Moon will be there too.”

“The Sapphire Moon?” says Isabella. “Why would they go? They hate the Blood Moon the most!”

“They will because of Nora Bluemoon,” I explain. ”She’s a Royal, and that’s one thing the Sapphire Moon respects most. They may hate the Black brothers, but it’s not the Blood Moon or Sapphire Moon this is about.”

They all exchange glances. If they had doubts about attending, the Sapphire Moon clan going should be a strong reason for us to go. Clark will always observe what the Sapphire Moon will do, just because of our old alliance with them. If Nora is so sure they will answer her call, then…

“This is so strange. That girl came out of nowhere and now she’s a Royal? And Black’s mate?” says an elder, doubtful. “Until now, we thought Royals were extinct! What if this is all part of the Blood Moon’s scheme?”

“What about our people who died, then?” I reply back, angry. “You think the Blood Moon was behind the vampire attack too? Even if there’s a chance they are wrong, if we can have any clue as to why they died, we owe our deceased to go!”

Isabella looks at me with endless sorrow in her eyes. She was Eric’s mom. She’s probably the one who wants answers the most, and deserves them. She slowly nods and turns to Clark.

“Clark, I think Elena’s right. To be honest, I don’t care much about our feud with the Blood Moon clan. They showed up when we needed help. The Sapphire Moon didn’t.”

She’s referring to the vampire attack, when the King and Nate came to our territory with their people to help us out. Isabella’s right. No wolf from the Sapphire Moon was spotted that night, but if it wasn’t for the Blood Moon clan showing up, we might have experienced much worse.

One of the elders gives me a glance before turning to Clark too.

“The King has changed recently. Maybe for the better. He’s breaking all ties to the Gold Moon and looking back, we never had any bad encounters with them. We even welcomed them here recently for the first time.”

Clark turns his eyes to me. I know he’s thinking about Nathaniel and my relationship with him. He sighs.

“Leave me alone with my Elena for a minute.”

Brant and a couple of others growl.

“Alpha, she is not–”

“As far as I’m concerned, she’s still my goddaughter, and I’m still your Alpha! Now get out!”

They eventually obey, though they glare and growl at me on the way out. I ignore the petty pack fights, they are the least of my concerns at the moment. Only Clark, Isa, Daniel, and I are left in the room. I turn to my godfather, feeling a bit bad about this.

“Sorry you have to fight them about me.”

“It’s not just about you, Elena,” sighs Isabella. “Those kids are getting cocky anyway.”

“Reagan told me you two talked?” says Clark.

I nod, but honestly, I don’t want to go over it again. My godfather already knows everything he needs to, and there is no reason to involve him any more than he already is in this mess.

“Yeah, but that’s another topic. Clark, I’m concerned about the Opal Moon. Don’t let Xavier attend the meeting.”

Clark and Isabella exchange a glance, surprised.

“What about Xavier?”

“We witnessed him with the Gold Moon Alpha, two days ago, at the border.”

“We couldn’t hear everything,” adds Daniel. “But it really didn’t sound like they were disagreeing.”

My godfather stays doubtful, crossing his arms.

“Are you sure it was Xavier and Taaron King? We have no business with the Gold Moon, and nobody reported such a meeting.”

“Positive,” we answer together.

“Fuck.”

My godfather stays silent for a moment, frowning and thinking. What now? He cannot confront Xavier on our accusations alone, I guess, but it would be dangerous to have him come to the meeting as well. My godfather sighs and turns to me.

“Elena, you stop him. I know you cannot fight in your condition, but as an alpha, you have enough authority to stop your uncle without it. I know Iris and Chris will support you, too. Let him know I don’t want him to come tomorrow, and you are there to say that.”

“Won’t he say I don’t have authority anymore?” I ask, flustered.

“So far, nothing has been decided,” explains Isabella. “To everyone, you’re still part of the pack, pending Clark’s decision. They don’t know about your child’s father either.”

“Does that mean you’ll go, Clark?” I ask my godfather.

He hesitates for a second, exchanging a glance with Isabella, but his Beta is already agreeing with me. He nods.

“Yeah. As you said, we owe them one, and I want to know if this witch theory is real. We haven’t seen one in ages, but our pack is one of the oldest in Silver City, we know there used to be witches in the area.”

I bet he would be in for a surprise if he met Sylviana.

“Moreover, if the Sapphire Moon clan goes too as you say, I do not want to miss that. I just don’t hold the Black brothers in high esteem. Especially now.”

Especially now that one got me pregnant, he means. Gosh, baby, you’re really complicating a lot of things around here. At least I convinced Clark to go and I get to deal with Xavier myself.

“Elena?” he calls to me when I’m about to leave.

“What is it?”

“You still… haven’t changed your mind, have you?”

I think for a second. Have I? I know Clark could turn a blind eye if I changed my mind and agreed to keep my baby’s biological father a secret, but…

“No. Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry.”

I nod and leave behind Daniel.

I’m not going to lie. Whether Nathaniel believes me or not won’t change anything, he is this baby’s father. If I go back now, it will be like I lied this entire time, or I’m really confused about who I had this child with, and I’m not.

We rush to my uncle’s house, following other people’s directions as to where he is currently. I take deep breaths. This definitely won’t be easy. I have to confront my uncle without getting into a fight with him and persuade him, or keep him from going to the gathering. Isn’t Clark overestimating me?

I decide to mind-link my cousins to explain the situation on the way. Both Iris and Chris are shocked to hear what their father did. Iris is a bit more doubtful than her brother, but I expected so, she’s always respected her father more. We agree to meet up at his house, as Iris is driving from the clinic to join us, and Chris is almost there.

When we both arrive, it’s the evening already. Chris walks up to me, but despite his smile, my heart breaks upon the sight of his missing arm. I can’t believe those damn vampires did that. He was such a strong fighter. Now everything from his shoulder down has disappeared; they cut it off after it became obvious the vampire’s venom had filled his whole arm.

Yet, Chris is about the same as before. He runs up to me and gives me a hug.

“I missed ya, Elena! I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks, Chris, I’m… I’m sorry I couldn’t see you earlier.”

“Hey, no big deal. Seriously, they gave me so many drugs I couldn’t remember my own name for two weeks, let alone remember who visited me! It takes forever to get vampire venom out of your system, did you know that? Moreover, you had a good reason, didn’t you?”

He asks while pointing at my tummy, making me blush.

“Chris, you…”

“People talk, you know. I can’t believe you’re having a baby! Is it a boy? A girl? I’m sure my sister knows but Iris stayed quiet as a stone!”

“Because I cannot trust you to shut your mouth about it!”

His sister just arrived, and rolls her eyes before walking up to us, a bit awkward.

“Sorry I’m late, work at the clinic is a nightmare these days. Elena, are you sure about Father? I can’t believe he would do that.”

“Iris, I’m sorry. You’ll see when we talk to him.”

She sighs and nods, stepping into her house first.

“Dad?”

“Iris? What are you… Chris too? And…”

Her father, who stepped out to greet them, suddenly sees me and Daniel. His face immediately goes red.

“What are you doing here! How dare you–”

“Enough, Dad!” says Chris. “Elena is our cousin, she has every right to be here. Moreover, we have things to discuss. Seriously.”

But his father won’t stop glaring at me, pointing at me, furious.

“If you dare to ask for any support for you little bastard–”

“Shut the fuck up!” I yell, annoyed. “You leave my child out of this, Xavier, and to be perfectly clear, you’re the last person I would ask for anything! I came here because I want to know what you’re planning to do with the Gold Moon!”

His anger melts like snow in the sun when he hears those last words. He goes as white as a sheet, stepping back.

“What? How did you–”

“We caught you at the border,” says Daniel, “discussing with them.”

Xavier shakes his head.

“I wasn’t discussing, I was chasing them out! Out of our territory! You don’t know anything!”

“You’re telling me you were chasing Taaron King out? You?” I ask, not believing one word of his. “Come on, Xavier, we know who we saw, and you certainly don’t have what it takes to chase out another Alpha!”

“I don’t owe you anything, Elena! You can’t give me orders and you can’t tell me what to do or not! You’re about to get banished from the pack, and now you think you can give orders? Huh?”

“I am not banished yet, and you have some explaining to do before I do. Clark sent me here. If you are not willing to answer to me, you’ll have to answer to him, Xavier, so spill it now.”

“Dad, what were you doing? With the Gold Moon, no less!” insists Chris, annoyed.

Seeing his son question him too seems to take my uncle by surprise. His eyes go on Chris, then Iris, then back to me again.

“Answer me,” I insist, using my Alpha Aura.

My wolf starts to growl, threatening. I may not be able to fight, but I can still make him obey. Even if there are only a few drops of Royal blood in my veins, it should be enough to have someone like Xavier comply.

“Elena, enough,” says Iris, vexed. “You can’t order my father like that, it’s disrespectful to your Alpha.”

“Maybe it’s time for a new Alpha,” I say, annoyed.

“Elena!”

My cousin looks at me, furious. But Chris is still glaring his father’s way, disappointed.

“Dad, please, answer Elena’s questions. You can’t risk all of the Opal Moon clan because of your selfishness! What did Taaron King say to you?”

Xavier hesitates for a while, looking at me and his children. He avoids our eyes, looking down.

“He only wanted to discuss things! I never agreed to a… to a real alliance. I was… just intrigued. He said he could put more money into Iris’ clinic, and make sure this would stay within the Opal Moon clan. He was saying the White Moon is underestimating me, but if I joined him, he could–”

“If you joined him! Father, how dare you even think of allying yourself with those sharks!” yells Iris, furious. “I can’t believe you even thought of taking any actions for my clinic without even telling me!”

She’s the one most disappointed in her father, and for good reason. I can’t believe Xavier would be so greedy as to do such a thing or even consider it.

“Xavier, I want you to step down from your position as Alpha.”

Everyone suddenly turns to me, shocked.

I’m using all of my Alpha Aura, and I’ve had enough.

“Elena, what are you…?” mutters Iris, shocked.

“I said, step down. You are not worthy to be anyone’s Alpha. The Opal Moon deserves better, and you know it.”

“You can’t force me!” says Xavier, growling.

“I can.”

I take deep breaths like Nora did, and use my inner strength to oppose him. We are a few steps away from each other, but he’s already struggling to face my aura.

He always knew I was stronger. He only pretended not to. I guess now is the time, probably the last time, I use my Alpha Aura to do the right thing for this pack. Chris looks at me with uncertainty.

“Elena, you mean to–”

“I’m not competing to be the Opal Moon Alpha. I am only doing what’s right for this pack. If no one can lead it properly, maybe the Opal Moon has lost its reason for existing. I am not worthy to be an Alpha for this pack, my priorities are elsewhere now. But I would rather give the ownership back to Clark than see my uncle put anyone in danger because of his greed.”

Both siblings exchange glances at that moment, but I can tell they are mind-linking as well, thinking deeply about this situation.

“Chris, Iris! You can’t allow her to do that!”

“Actually, Father, we can,” says Chris, “and Elena is right. You’ve put us in danger one too many times. The Gold Moon clan? Really?”

“I…” says Iris, still unsure.

“How dare you! Both of you!”

“Enough, Xavier,” I say, stepping forward. “Give up. Now.”

“You can’t!”

“STEP. DOWN.”

I used my Alpha voice, at its strongest, for the first and last time. I am tired of this arguing. Xavier tries to think of something to say, but the words are stuck in his throat.

“Xavier, you know you were wrong. This is all wrong, for the Opal Moon clan to suffer because of you. If you step down properly, Chris can take over and make things right. Don’t let things go overboard because of your greed.”

“You have no right to–”

“I have every fucking right when it comes to protecting this pack!” I yell back. “I am a fighter of this pack, a guarantor of its safety!”

A long silence follows my words. Iris and Xavier are staring at me, and Chris and I are staring at his father. I don’t even hold it personally against my uncle, I only want him to do what’s right. After a long staring contest, I use my wolf again, making my eyes glow a little and growl again. Xavier looks down, helpless.

“Fine. I’m officially stepping down as the Opal Moon clan’s Alpha from today onwards.”

That’s a huge relief. I’m not happy about it, however. I just feel sorry that things turned out this way. I turn to Chris.

“You can fill in for now, kid?”

He nods.

“You can count on me.”

“Elena, you–” starts his sister, but I interrupt her.

“Iris, Chris will need your help too. You’re smart, and you control most of the Opal Moon clan’s facilities already.”

Iris stays silent, obviously bitter. She faintly nods, but that’s enough for me. I’ve done my share, but this Alpha position isn’t mine to take. I’ll leave it to my cousins. I have enough on my plate as it is.

I turn around to leave this place, Daniel following me, but I can tell that my best friend is irritated about something.

“What is it?”

“Don’t you think that was… too easy?”

“Easy? How so?”

“Xavier is the proudest man we know, and he stepped down without a fight. Don’t you think that’s odd? He’s got the guts to discuss business with the Gold Moon behind Clark’s back, yet he barely argues when you force him to give up his Alpha position? I just think there’s something strange about his actions.”

I keep thinking about it. I know this is true in some way, but no matter what, Xavier did give up his position. He cannot go back on his word, and if he’s not the Opal Moon Alpha anymore, whatever deal he made with the Gold Moon is void as well, isn’t it?

“You think too much, Danny,” I sigh. “I mean, Xavier’s never been very brave.”

“Yeah. Maybe you’re right.”

Suddenly, his phone vibrates. He takes it out, and answers it, sending me weird glances. Who is he on the phone with?

“Yes. Okay. Yeah, we’ll meet you there.”

He hangs up, leaving me confused.

“Babe, we’re going to the university lab.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see when we get there.”

After getting his car, we drive there, a long silence accompanying us all the way. I’m used to seeing Danny nervous, but now he seems more uneasy than usual. What is he up to this time? And at the university lab?

He parks, and I recognize the car next to ours immediately.

“Daniel! What the hell?”

He turns off the engine and brushes his blonde hair back before turning to me.

“Babe, calm down. I called him, there are a couple of things I want to discuss with you and him.”

“How dare you call Nathaniel! And without telling me!”

“Elena, please. I’m trying to make things better for you and baby girl, okay? Just hear me out, and we can check what’s going on with your pregnancy and his sterility thing. I promise I’ll explain.”

Damn, I feel like slapping him right now! How dare he fucking do something like this behind my back! How did he even reach out to Nate in the first place! Did Boyan help him? I’m so mad he did it without even talking to me first!

“Babe, please.”

“Shut up, Danny! You traitor! You should have told me!”

“Elena, I know you by heart, you would have said no! I had no choice. So now, just suck it up and trust me! Come on!”

He gets out of the car, and honestly, I want to stay here and sulk. I can’t believe him. After a while, though, I can’t stand being so childish, especially with Nathaniel there. I get out of the car, not hiding how pissed I am.

Nathaniel is standing next to his car now, in his usual jeans and T-shirt outfit. Damn, I hate how handsome he is at a time like this. I probably look like shit, and angry too. I don’t want to talk to him or Danny. I just cross my arms and look down, or anywhere but his direction.

“Hi…” says Daniel, a bit awkward.

“Hello, Daniel, Elena.”

“Let’s go, Danny,” I just say.

My best friend hesitates before walking ahead, taking us to one of the labs he works in. I make sure to stay away from Nate despite the glances he sends me. Stay cool and calm, Elena. Deep breaths; don’t get flustered.

Daniel takes out a large envelope, handing it back to Nathaniel.

“I checked your medical file. It is as you said: azoospermia.”

I look at them, confused.

“You checked his…?”

“Yes, babe. When he mentioned his sterility, I wanted to check for myself. So we talked, and he gave me a copy of his file. Nathaniel has azoospermia; basically, when he comes, it’s blank and, well, he cannot have children. It’s due to trauma, and the surgery required to heal it, as it says on the file, is impossible by today’s medical standards.”

I just can’t believe that. Daniel went as far as checking Nathaniel’s medical file? To be sure? I stare at the envelope, and Nathaniel holding it with a long face, totally confused. I turn to Daniel again.

“He’s really infertile?”

“Well, he was, back when he was diagnosed. To be honest, I’ll say science is on his side.”

“See? I didn’t lie to you, Elena,” says Nathaniel.

I glare at him. I am not crazy, or a liar. This baby is his, no matter how many medical files he brings. I turn to Daniel. At least I know my best friend trusts me.

Daniel takes a deep breath, crossing his arms.

“I want to check again,” says Daniel.

“… Excuse me?”

“Those tests were done ten years ago. They reflect how things were back then, but maybe it has evolved. Science has yet to explain everything and, moreover, we are werewolves. Who knows if something has changed since then, healing you in the process? So, I want to retest you, do a new test. If the results are the same, then we can confirm you are not–”

“You think I wouldn’t know if I could have children?” yells Nathaniel, suddenly furious. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’ve had many, many women before Elena! I would have known if things had changed, and I would have checked!”

He takes a deep breath, trying to calm down, before turning to me.

“Elena, it’s nothing against you. I swear I’d give anything to be this child’s father, biologically. But your best friend just confirmed it: I cannot. Even if Daniel asks me to go through all the tests to check whether I’m cured or not, it won’t be ready until–”

“Let’s do a paternity test.”

He looks at me, speechless. I try to look at him, keeping my cool as best as I can. Honestly, I want to slap him and make him go away.

“I don’t care about you being infertile or not. Danny will do a paternity test and clear things up. It’s quick and sure, alright?”

“We will do a real test, not that cheap stuff from a drugstore,” adds Daniel. “I just need a sample of your blood, and we have everything at our clinic to test Elena’s baby.”

Nathaniel frowns.

“Isn’t that illegal?”

I roll my eyes. Is he really testing my patience now?

“My cousin owns the clinic, she can have any doctor do it for me. Do you want to check the doctor’s credentials too, perhaps?”

He seems a bit embarrassed for a moment. Yeah, it may not be their buildings but we do have our own facilities. Eventually, he sighs and turns to us, hesitant toward me and Daniel.

“Fine… Let’s do that then. If it can put an end to this.”

I hate the way he said that. Like a nightmare that should be over soon. Something he doesn’t want anything to do with. I just wish he could understand I’m carrying his daughter, not anyone else’s.

“Danny, just take whatever you need, and let’s go.”

“Wait, Elena, we need to talk.”

I glare at him. Now he wants to talk? About what? I don’t want to talk to him. I’m just mad and I haven’t had time to sort out my feelings yet. Damn it. I exchange a glance with Daniel.

“ Five minutes? ”

“ I’ll be right next door if you need me, babe.”

“ Thanks, Danny.”

Daniel walks out, but I know he’s staying close by. I turn to Nathaniel, wondering what he wants with me now. I cross my arms like I’m protecting myself and my child.

“Elena, I’m sorry I–”

“I don’t want an apology, Nate. Just tell me what you wanted to say and let’s get on with it.”

“… Fine. I don’t want you to come to the gathering.”

Wow, I didn’t expect that one. I’m confused. Why would he suddenly say that?

“What? Why? What are you planning?”

“Nothing, Elena,” he says. “The Blood Moon only wants to talk. But I’m afraid not everyone will be as nice and understanding as Nora and Damian. I don’t want you there if something happens, Elena.”

I’m speechless. He’s worried about me? Is that why? This isn’t what I expected at all. Seeing me hesitate, he resumes talking, thinking I’m doubtful.

“Elena, no matter what, I still love you. I’m still going to worry about you. If something happens to you, I won’t be able to help; you’ll be with your pack and I’ll be with mine. I don’t want that, but I need to be there fully to support my brother, too.”

I’m choking up a bit. I did not expect those words or his concern for me. Why? Why does he always confuse me with his words? He steps closer, but my feet are stuck to the ground. He doesn’t touch me though. Nathaniel stops a foot away, so close yet not touching me. It’s even worse than I thought.

“Elena, please. Promise me you’ll stay away, stay in your territory. If you don’t do it for me, do it for your baby.”

“...Okay.”

He lets out a sigh of relief, nodding.

“Good. I–”

“Bye.”

I leave the room, unable to bear it anymore. I don’t want to be in there with him. I cross Danny’s path on my way out, just letting him know I’ll wait in the car.

It only takes a few minutes for Daniel to come outside, a sample from Nathaniel with him. My baby is his, I’ll prove it to him. I insist on going directly to the clinic to do this stupid test, though it will take a couple of days for the results to come back.

“You think this gathering will go well?” I ask Daniel as we leave the clinic.

“I hope so. Nora can be convincing, and most packs will at least be respectful since she’s a Royal and the King’s mate.”

I guess things will be over tomorrow night. I can’t believe I promised him not to go. I should be there, by Clark’s side, with my pack. So many things have changed because of this pregnancy… however, I’m not changing my mind. I will protect my baby no matter what.

Once we get home, I try to call Clark, to tell him I won’t be going to the gathering. My godfather doesn’t answer my call, so I just leave a message to let him know. He is probably busy, with the gathering coming up tomorrow.

I fell asleep without even realizing it again. I’m confused when I wake up, not to my alarm but from my phone’s ringtone. Who calls me at… 6:00 a.m.? Half-asleep, I answer the call.

“Elena?”

“Clark? What is it?”

It’s never good to receive a call from my Alpha at such an hour. I sit up. Is it about Xavier? Or the fact I saw Nate again?

“Do you know anything? About Diego?”

“Diego? Clark, why the fuck should I know anything about him?”

I feel anxious all of a sudden. Why is he bringing up that asshole now? He stopped stalking me two days ago, but I haven’t seen him since and I didn’t want to!

“I just needed to check.”

“Clark, what happened?”

“Diego’s dead, Elena. We found him an hour ago. His body was outside our border, in the neutral part of the forest.”

“His body? What… How did he…?”

“He was killed, Elena. Someone shot him, one bullet, right in the head. No traces of any fight, and no one heard the gunshot either. It was an execution.”

Holy Moon Goddess.

Diego’s dead? And… killed? Who the hell did this? It wasn’t even a fight, someone just killed him like a dog!

“Elena, stay at home for now. I’ll alert the police, but… you might be a suspect, considering your past with him. I don’t want you to go out for now. I got your message, too, I also think it’s best you don’t come. I need someone here to watch the Opal Moon clan, make sure no one tries to fight Chris or gets involved with the Gold Moon. I need you here.”

He needs me here? More like he needs me to stay where he can watch me.

Who the hell killed Diego? I can’t believe it! It doesn’t feel real. For a werewolf as strong as him to simply be shot down like that? Who could have... and right before the gathering too! I doubt Clark will go public about it, but…

Suddenly, a thought crosses my mind. He wouldn’t have done this, right? I hang up, and notice Daniel, in his pajamas, at my door.

“Is he dead?” he asks.

“Daniel, what the fuck do you know about this?”