My mom laughed. “No, I’m not. Amy is as much mine as she is Gavin’s. Her strength comes from more than just him.” I watched as her face fell. “Now, you will either listen to me now, or I will force you. And you do not want to be humbled by me.”
Brandon tried to stay upright, but I felt my mother push her aura, and he folded. He turned on his heel and walked down the stairs, fuming. “This is fucking ridiculous.”
I had to cover my mouth before a laugh slipped out of me. I had to be smart. I couldn’t push this too far. While he was still in range, I looked over at my mom. “Did you really have to do that? He’s my boyfriend, soon mate, you need to do better.” I winked as she whirled to me.
She looked at me for a second, and then she smiled. “You know why I’m pissed and you’re really going to take his side over mine? Today, of all days?”
“Mom, it isn’t like that, and you know it. I’m with you. I’m on your side for what Morgan did to you, but Shannon and Brandonaren’t involved with him or his poor decisions.” I had to pinch my cheek to stop the snort and laughter.
My mom swatted me. “How could you?” She sounded hurt, and then she turned away and made her way towards the stairs, silently laughing as we heard the hurried footsteps of Brandon fade away. “Let’s get this done.”
She stomped down the stairs, and I followed. We made it to the kitchen table where everyone was seated and pulled out the chairs. Shannon sniffed. “Did you make your lasagna?” She wiped at her mouth. “Since we are sitting down, why don’t we eat? No reason to let the food go to waste.”
My mom snorted. “That food is for Amy’s guests. Not you. Plus, didn’t you say that you and Brandon were eating dinner, talking about the final decisions for Amy’s mating ceremony to Brandon?” She narrowed her eyes. “Or are you just as much of a liar as your father is?” My mom leaned in. “Are you fucking Brandon again, Shan? Are you stealing my daughter’s chosen mate for fun while you are pretending to plan her mating ceremony?” My mom stood slowly. “Are you a liar? A cheater?” She slammed her hands down as Shannon’s fear scented the air.
“I, I, I.” She stammered. “Of course not. Amy is my best friend.” She looked at me. “You believe me, right?”
I stared at her for a second too long, and I saw sweat spring to her forehead. Then I smiled. “Of course I believe you. Brandon wouldn’t cheat on me…right?” I turned to him and he swallowed loud enough that I heard it across the table. “You wouldn’t do that to me after what my dad did to my mom, right?”
He jumped, like I surprised him. “Of course I wouldn’t.” But even from here, I could see the guilt eating at him.
“I know your dad has different views about mating than I do. And if that is what you want, we can still cancel the mating ceremony.” I let hurt enter my eyes. “I just refuse to share my mate with anyone.”
He swallowed again. “I know. And I agree with you. I promise I would never do that to you.”
I smiled. “Okay.” I turned to my mom. “I believe him.” She turned to glare at him for a minute and then I watched her crumple.
“I’m sorry, baby.” She turned to Shannon. “I didn’t mean to accuse you. I’m just on edge.”
Shannon nodded and turned to look at her dad. “It’s okay. Let’s get this cleared up, and then we will go and give you guys the night. We will come back in the morning.” My mother growled, but then nodded.
“Fine, but you can only come back if our dad proves me wrong. Otherwise, he stays gone, and only you can come back for your stuff.”
Morgan huffed a sigh. “I was in a meeting, Ain, I swear.”
My mother turned away. But Shannon furrowed her brow. “What do you mean, I would be the only one allowed back to grab our stuff?” She looked at me but I turned away like I couldn’t meet her eyes. “Amy?” I shook my head. “Ainsley?”
My mom huffed. “Do you think I would want to live with you if your father is cheating on me? If we divorce?” She threw up her hands. “Of course I won’t.” She leveled Shannon with a look. “You both were banking on my kindness, and that I have been submissive to you for all of these years, like a good mate. But you both forget who I am, what I am, and how I got here.” She growled softly.
“Goddess Ainsley. I haven’t done anything.” Morgan whined, but my mom growled.
Shannon was still confused. My mom released her full aura. “I was a born Alpha, the only one in my generation. I was a fully bonded Luna. And I got here because my mate cheated on me. Do you think if I didn’t allow my Goddess given mate fuck around behind my back that somehow I would put up with itfrom you?” She pointed to Morgan and laughed. Fully laughed. “You are as fucking delusional as your daughter.” She shook her head. “Let's get this done.”
Morgan stared at her for a minute before he looked at her. “Ainsley, I swear. I was with Vince all afternoon. You just happened to call him when he stepped out.”
She nodded. “Anything else?”
Shannon jumped in. “You know my dad loves you. He has bent over backwards trying to show you how much he cares this last year.” My mom nodded. “I saw him and Vince together when Brandon and I walked past the office.” She nodded. “I swear they were in there all afternoon.”
My mom looked at me and I winced. Her eyes were full of fire. I hissed. “Morgan?” I bit my lip, looking between the three. “Are you sure?” I looked at Brandon. “Maybe you are confusing it with another day?”
Shannon and Brandon both shook their heads. “No way.” Brandon jumped in. “That’s why I came today. I wanted to clear everything up.” He smiled and slid his head towards me, but I allowed my face to drop and I pulled away.
“You too?” I made myself sound hurt. “You're sticking to this story too, Brandon?”
My mom pulled me to her side, and she shot Brandon a glare. “I wish I could say I expected something different, but I’m not.” My mom shot a look at him and, for the first time, a tiny seed of doubt crept into his eyes.
“Ainsley, it hurts me to hear you say that.”
