Free Web NovelChapter 67: Chapter 67 Solo Mission Begins
Bella’s POV
Once I finished explaining the contract details to Hugo and made it crystal clear that reckless behavior would not be tolerated, I demanded privacy from both men.
Derek complied without hesitation, but Hugo fought back like a petulant child.
He produced an entire symphony of protests - deep grunts, theatrical coughs, exaggerated groans, and dramatic foot stomping. The performance was designed to draw my children from their room, hoping they would beg me to let him stay longer.
His plan failed spectacularly.
I had anticipated his tantrum and sealed my children’s bedroom door the second his theatrics began.
He would not manipulate me through my kids.
Once both men departed, I secured every lock and settled near the window with thoughts of pouring wine.
My children’s voices from their room reminded me that their afternoon rest had ended, making alcohol impossible.
"What’s your current state?" Chloe inquired after we had entertained the kids, provided their meal, and finally earned a moment of peace while they absorbed themselves in television.
The case file felt heavy in my grip as I paced the living room’s perimeter.
"Overwhelmed beyond measure," I admitted, brandishing the documents that contained my current investigation.
"I realize I lack the expertise to offer meaningful guidance or propose theories about these circumstances. However, childhood memories surface of my father sharing tales about my mother. He described her origins in an extremely ancient werewolf tribe."
Chloe’s mention of tribal connections immediately captured my focus.
"The fire-starting tribe?" I blurted with excessive eagerness.
"Absolutely not." Her head shook with genuine confusion, leaving me curious about alternative possibilities.
"Please, take a seat," I suggested, grasping her hand and guiding her toward the expansive window where two comfortable chairs flanked a modest table, positioned strategically away from the children’s area.
"Share everything about your mother," I pressed.
"Her bloodline traced to ancient tribes, exactly as I mentioned. My father encountered her deep within forest territory. During that period, he possessed no wolf companion, explaining our eventual settlement in human territories. My mother would recount tribal legends to him, particularly their shapeshifting abilities." She hesitated, studying my expression as though expecting comprehension.
"Shapeshifting capabilities?" I questioned, thoroughly bewildered.
"Precisely. She described her tribe’s malevolent nature. They coveted others’ possessions relentlessly, and this greed flowed through their bloodstream. My mother attempted escape for that reason. Despite generational passage, the tribe retained magical powers alongside their fundamental hatred. I remain convinced they inhabit forest depths somewhere. My mother’s presence there confirms their continued existence." Her voice trembled slightly, likely triggered by maternal memories.
"Truly heartbreaking," she whispered.
Our previous conversations never explored her personal history.
My knowledge consisted only of her father’s arrival in human lands when she reached five years old, accompanied by his certainty that she would never manifest a wolf.
"Hold on! What became of your mother?" I demanded, confusion mounting.
Her fingers began manipulating the crimson thread circling her wrist.
That thread originated from her mother’s deteriorated dress, if memory served correctly.
Her mother had wrapped it around her newborn wrist.
Growth required periodic loosening and readjustment for proper fit.
"The tribe tracked her location. They discovered her cohabitation with my father in forest territory. They reached her first and executed her. My father’s immediate flight followed his realization that death awaited him next." She exhaled deeply, settling back into her chair’s embrace.
"Explain shapeshifting differences from standard werewolf transformation?" I inquired, receiving only a shoulder shrug.
"Possibly monstrous transformations," she offered.
"These tribal discussions and ancestral complexities create severe headaches. The motivation behind child murder remains incomprehensible," I complained wearily.
My body stretched backward, arms extending while fingers drummed against the paperwork.
"Something reached my ears," she spoke barely above a whisper, forcing my attention upward.
"Those two alphas from earlier? Eavesdropping wasn’t intentional, but avoidance proved impossible. Your wolf has awakened?" she mumbled, words nearly inaudible.
My neck hairs rose instantly.
Swallowing became difficult as reality struck that concealing truth from her was impossible.
My children’s condition would eventually reveal their wolf nature to everyone.
If they remained here, honesty about my own wolf became necessary for my continued presence.
"The situation defies simple explanation," I responded, acknowledging the inadequacy of my answer.
"Your return to human territories seems unlikely now?" she probed.
"Uncertainty dominates my thoughts. Entry permission seems doubtful," I admitted.
Her posture shifted anxiously in her seat.
"What happens to everything you established there?" she continued questioning.
Shrugging represented my only possible response. Future planning remained impossible.
"Chloe, case resolution might prove beyond my capabilities. The children’s circumstances, combined with tribal involvement, make me question our investigative direction entirely," I explained through exhaustion.
My phone screen illuminated with the librarian’s contact information.
Eyes widening, I seized the device immediately.
"This call demands immediate attention. Watch the children, please," I requested, excusing myself while rushing toward my bedroom.
Behind closed doors, I accepted the call.
"Have you discovered anything regarding the writer?" I asked directly.
"Indeed, direct contact was established. His address has been sent via text," the librarian confirmed. freeωebnovēl.c૦m
Her positive news restored my depleted energy levels.
Learning about my wolf had become an urgent priority.
The librarian’s previous warnings about grey wolf dangers required verification - truth or mere speculation.
After disconnecting, I recorded the provided address.
"Solo mission," I declared, remembering how companions inevitably created complications and fueled gossip.
Risk elimination demanded isolation.
Decision finalized, I selected black trousers, grey shirt, and black jacket.
My hair pulled into a tight ponytail, allowing facial framing from loose strands.
After positioning protective warriors around our suite, I departed to meet Mr. Upton, the mysterious book’s author.
