Page 34 of Eclipsed Heart

“Yeah, since you’ve made it so I can’t link to her and hear it myself.” Pearl’s hands quivered.

I strolled over to mybelovedsister and stared her in the eyes. I asked, “Do you want to know why she did what she did?” I wanted to be close so that she’d know every word I spoke was the truth.

“I do,” Mom said from the other side of Charles.

“She said it was to protect our family due to how this pack treated Mom, Dad, her, andme.” I watched Pearl’s face as I continued, taking in every twitch. “Especiallyme,due to what Charles,you, and your friends did to me. The queen promised her a safe and respected place for thefourof us in the Southwest Territory if Stevie helped her.”

Pearl’s expression sagged, the tang of regret hitting my nose.

“Gods,” Mom murmured. “My baby girl.”

“And despite her trying to protect you, you imprisoned her?” Dad’s chest heaved.

I lifted my hands. “I had to. I’m queen now, and she put everyone in this territory at risk. Even good intentions don’t make a wrong thing right.” I loathed hurting them, but my hands were tied.

Bodey moved back beside me, the two of us shoulder to shoulder. “The advisors agreed, as did Samuel. That decision was hard for Callie, believe me. I felt it.”

My parents leaned against one another, taking that in.

I could offer them something of a compromise. After all, they were the only thing close to parents I had now. “When I get back home, I’ll let her call you. That way, you can hear everything she has to say and talk to her for a little while.”

“And we’re supposed to trust what she says?” Pearl crossed her arms. “For all we know, you could force her to confirm what you just told us, and we wouldn’t know any better.”

There Pearl was, trying to sow more doubt between my parents and me. I hated that it was so easy for her to do that—to paint me as the villain.

When Bodey casually placed an arm around my shoulders, I froze. I’d expected him to be angry at Pearl, but instead, it was like he’d banked the fire inside himself.

He cleared his throat. “Good point. I’m thinking Mr. and Mrs. Beck should either ride back with us or drive themselves up so they can talk to their daughter face to face.”

“Why am I not invited to see mysister?” Pearl thrust out her chest. “You’d think I’d be given that courtesy too.”

“If you hadn’t taken part in routinely being cruel to your sister—the queen and my mate—you’d be welcome.” Bodey didn’t bother to hide his contempt. “Not only that, but you insulted her today, knowing that she is now your leader. Disrespectful people are not invited into our home.”

Charles snarled. “We’ve been there before. Why does it matter now? She has a right—”

“Theo brought you, and it wasn’t his place.” Bodey stared Charles down, his wolf surging forward. His eyes took on a glow. “And if you keep trying to argue with us or spread rumors about us, then you’ll only prove that you’re as dumb as I thought and will make an enemy of us.”

“Are you threatening me?” Charles averted his gaze despite his eyes twitching as if he was trying not to look away.

Bodey beamed. “Oh, I’m not threatening you. I’m merely informing you of the consequences if your ass doesn’t get in line.”

I leaned into my mate’s shoulder, enjoying having him at my side. I linked,Just remember that there’s no telling what Zeke told them. Dad and Mom didn’t know what really happened, so it made sense that they were upset with me.

Yeah, your parents are less angry now, but I think Charles and Pearl have gotten worse,he replied, leaning down and kissing the top of my head in front of everyone.

Couldn’t disagree there. That resentment had festered for years. They’d wanted to break me, but instead, I was stronger than them now. Accepting that had to be bitter for wolves like Pearl’s and Charles’s…not that it gave them a pass.

“If your offer is sincere, I’d like to come and see Stevie.” Mom bit her bottom lip.

Dad nodded. “And it’s best if we go today since we work tomorrow. We can drive ourselves.”

That was what I’d figured they’d say. Zeke wouldn’t like them staying with us; he liked to have all his pack members in one place. “Sounds good to me.” I gestured toward the house. “Do you mind if I grab some of my stuff?” Though Jasmine’s clothes worked, they were too tight and short for true comfort.

“Of course.” Mom waved me toward the front door. “I’ll grab some bags so you can pack.”

Dad, Bodey, and I entered the house while Charles and Pearl headed toward his home, most likely to tell the rest of their crew what had just gone on and make me look bad. Moments like these used to scare me, but not anymore. I had Bodey, and I wasn’t stuck here. Though they might be a threat, we’d suss them out the same as we would Zeke.

Bodey and I went into Stevie’s and my room, his eyes scanning everything. He chuckled. “I love that fuchsia is your favorite color. It fits you.”

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