The Truth Behind Adoption
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The Truth Behind Adoption
(Dominic’s POV)
The night was dark, and inside the Moonlight Club, Ryan Quinn followed me as Alpha Reed finished his story. Ryan had just returned from a long trip, his face showing the exhaustion of trave
I watched as Ryan processed the information about the fire from years ago. The fire that killed James Ward and his paramour had been set by Henry Chase when he was only six years old.
“I don’t understand,” Ryan said, running his hand through his hair. “If Henry was just a child, why would Harrison and Melanie treat Victoria better than their own daughter Amber?”
“The law wouldn’t hold a six–year–old responsible,” he continued. “So why the guilt?”
I leaned back in my chair, considering the implications. Alpha Reed had given us the facts, but the emotional reasoning behind the Chase family’s behavior remained unclear.
Ryan’s eyes suddenly widened as understanding dawned. “It’s not about legal consequences, is it?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“It’s superstition,” Ryan said, his voice growing more certain. “They believe adopting Victoria would appease the moon goddess. They think it would stop Henry’s nightmares and illnesses.”
The pieces clicked into place. Werewolf families often held deep beliefs about spiritual balance and cosmic justice.
“They see Henry’s suffering as punishment for James Ward’s death,” I realized. “Taking in Victoria is their way of making
amends.”
Ryan nodded grimly. “That’s why they favor her over Amber. They believe Victoria’s presence protects their son.”
After hearing Alpha Reed’s account and reflecting on his own recent investigation into Victoria’s biological father, James Ward, Ryan pieced together the full story.
“I’ve been looking into this myself,” Ryan said. “Harrison and Melanie were actively searching for Victoria after James died.”
He pulled out his phone, showing me some notes. “They learned that Victoria’s mother, Catherine, had remarried. They tried to bring Victoria back, but Catherine refused.”
“She wanted to keep the death benefits for herself,” I said.
“Exactly. But when they learned Catherine had died, they discovered Victoria was being abused by her stepbrother.”
Ryan’s expression darkened. “They immediately intervened and paid to take her in. But here’s the thing y hadn’t wanted to adopt Victoria when James first died.”
I waited for him to continue.
“Then Henry started having nightmares. Terrible ones that left him screaming and sick. Harrison made it clear to Melanie that they needed to bring Victoria home for their son’s well–being.”
The twisted logic made sense now. The Chase family’s guilt and superstition had created this situation.
“Victoria most likely learned the secret,” Ryan continued. “She used it to gain Henry’s favor and gradually usurp Amber’s position in the family.”
The manipulation was brilliant in its cruelty. Victoria had turned the family’s guilt into her weapon.
Ryan’s face grew sad as he spoke about Amber’s suffering. “Do you know when Amber was born?”
I shook my head, though I sensed this detail would be significant.
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The Truth Behind Adoption
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“She was premature. Born early because Melanie went into shock when she learned about the fire and Henry’s involvement.”
The irony hit me like a physical blow. “She was born on the day Janes Ward died.”
“Yes,” Ryan said quietly. “That’s why they never celebrated her birthday. They see it as a day of tragedy, not joy.”
“She’s been overshadowed by Victoria her entire life because of something her brother did before she was even born,” I said, anger building in my chest.
“The worst part is, Amber doesn’t even know the real reason,” Ryan added. “She just knows her parents favor Victoria and has never understood why.”
The injustice of it all made my wolf snarl with rage. Ámber had suffered for years because of her family’s misguided beliefs and Victoria’s manipulation.
Liam Wilde’s address led me to a budget hotel in the town. I arrived around midnight, the building modest compared to the luxury accommodations I usually frequented.
Liam met me in the parking lot, his eyes widening when he saw me. I could sense his nervousness as he took in my imposing
presence.
“Mr. Blackwood,” he said, clearly intimidated. “Thank you for coming.”
“How is she?” I asked directly.
“Restless. She’s been having trouble sleeping since Oliver arrived.
As we entered the lobby, I encountered Oliver Hunter near the front desk. He looked up from his laptop, recognition flashing in
his eyes.
“Mr. Blackwood,” Oliver said, standing respectfully. “I apologize for my presence here. I know it’s causing Amber distress.”
I studied the investigative journalist. Despite our past conflicts, I could see genuine concern in his expression.
“I have work to finish before I leave tomorrow,” Oliver explained. I’ll be gone by morning.”
I reached into my jacket and pulled out a cigarette, offering it to him. “No need to apologize. We all have our responsibilities.”
Oliver accepted the cigarette gratefully. “Actually, there’s something you should know. My former colleague who investigated Amber’s past will be returning from the UK a month earlier than expected.”
My attention sharpened. “What kind of documents?”
“Crucial ones that could shed more light on Amber’s past. Things that might help her understand her family’s behavior.”
(Third–person POV)
Dominic headed toward the elevator to reach Amber’s room. Liam watched him go, then pulled out his phone to send a message to Paige.
“Amber’s having a rough time,” he typed. “Could you visit tomorrow? She needs a friend.”
Paige was in the middle of a busy evening, dealing with her sister–in–law and preparing for the u announcement. But seeing Liam’s concern, she immediately agreed.
“I’ll be there first thing in the morning,” she replied.
ing “Moon” magazine
Meanwhile, Ryan was scrolling through social media when he saw Liam’s romantic post about Paige. The photo showed them together at Dominic’s London estate, looking happy and content.
Ryan’s face darkened with visible agitation. His fingers moved quickly across his phone screen as he immediately messaged Dominic for the hotel address.
The Truth Behind Adoption
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“Where are you staying? I need to talk to Amber,” he typed urgently.
But Dominic had already turned off his phone, focused entirely on reaching Amber.
Dominic didn’t see Ryan’s message as he approached Amber’s room. He could hear restless movement from inside, confirming Liam’s concerns about her sleep.
He used the spare key Liam had given him and quietly entered the room.
Amber was trapped in a nightmare, her body thrashing against the sheets. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she relived traumatic memories.
In her dream, she saw flashes of horror – a bloody silver whip cutting through the air, a scarred man wielding a silver knife with cruel intent, and a mentally challenged man whose presence filled her with inexplicable dread.
“No,” she whispered, her voice filled with terror. “Please, no more
I moved quickly to her side, gently shaking her shoulder. “Amber, wake up. You’re safe.”
Her eyes snapped open, wild with fear and confusion. For a moment, she didn’t recognize me.
“It’s me,” I said softly, pulling her into my arms. “You’re safe now.”
She clung to me desperately, her body trembling against mine. I could feel her heart racing as she struggled to separate dream from reality.
“The nightmares are getting worse,” she whispered against my chest.
I held her tighter, my wolf wanting to hunt down whatever had caused her such pain.
“I need to tell you something,” she said, her voice barely audible. “About Oliver Hunter.”
I waited, sensing this was important.
“I’ve met him before,” she admitted, her grip on me tightening. “There’s a past connection I never told you about.”
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