Free Web NovelChapter 78: Chapter 78 Dangerous Family Reunion
Bella’s POV
When I finally told Parker I needed solitude after our intense conversation, he respected my wishes and left my hotel suite without argument.
My mind craved quiet. I desperately needed space to process everything that had unfolded between us.
Returning home had shattered every expectation I’d harbored about this reunion.
Learning the truth about my buried memories, combined with hearing each alpha’s version of events, had left me emotionally drained and mentally exhausted.
Deep down, I understood that leaving town years ago had been the right choice.
The alphas had still failed me that fateful night when not one of them possessed the courage to defy their powerful families for my sake. Derek and Parker had proven themselves cowards when it mattered most.
Hugo remained a mystery. We hadn’t addressed his role in my past heartbreak yet. He’d mentioned having feelings for me once, but I struggled to accept that revelation as truth.
He’d never offered me a single explanation for his cruel behavior back then, let alone a convincing one.
Days passed before shocking news dominated local headlines. The eccentric writer and researcher who’d been stalking our community had allegedly attacked the alphas and died during their defensive retaliation.
The public reaction was surprisingly indifferent.
Witnesses emerged from the shadows, describing how Upton had completely lost his sanity over the years. They spoke of his disturbing habit of spying through bedroom windows, declaring random children either blessed or cursed by supernatural forces.
Community members recalled his unsettling presence in the forest, where he’d lurk among the trees during full moons, studying werewolf transformations for his twisted research.
With Upton’s death, social media exploded with relief. Residents celebrated feeling secure in their homes again, grateful that their privacy was finally restored.
Their joy felt hollow to me. Upton’s demise had eliminated my only source of answers about my mysterious condition.
"What exactly is this?" I questioned Hugo as he entered my suite carrying a thick manila folder.
My children had scattered toys across the living room floor, their innocent giggles creating a soundtrack of pure happiness.
Hotel living was wearing thin on my patience.
Alpha Jack had telephoned that morning, extending an invitation to relocate to a private residence. I’d been organizing my belongings since dawn, preparing for the move.
"These documents contain Upton’s stolen library materials and excerpts from the single book he managed to publish there. We discovered everything hidden in his basement laboratory and decided you deserved to examine them," Hugo explained, extending the folder toward me.
I snatched it eagerly, hungry for any information that might illuminate my past.
Before I could examine the contents, I noticed Hugo’s nervous energy. He kept running his fingers through his hair and stealing glances at my playing children, who remained blissfully unaware of our adult conversation.
"Something’s bothering you," I observed, clutching the unopened folder against my chest. Reading Upton’s research would have to wait until I had complete privacy.
"I wanted to extend a dinner invitation to you and the children," he announced carefully.
My head began shaking before he finished speaking.
"Relax, this isn’t some romantic proposition," he clarified quickly, reading my defensive body language.
I studied his expression skeptically. His intentions weren’t entirely clear to me yet. freeweɓnovel.cøm
"This would be a family gathering," he continued.
Those words triggered immediate alarm bells in my mind. I knew exactly which family members he was referencing.
"Stop looking at me like I’ve committed a crime. I’m only suggesting this because I want Zack integrated into my future plans," Hugo protested when I rolled my eyes dramatically at his proposal.
"The dinner would be small and intimate, where I’ll officially announce our engagement date to the people who matter most in my life," he elaborated, confirming my worst fears about the guest list including both his parents and my so-called relatives.
"Hugo, I’ve explained this repeatedly. I have zero objections to including Zack in our ceremony. My concern centers on feeling vulnerable around the people you consider beloved family," I stated firmly, crossing my arms defensively across my chest.
I searched his features desperately for some indication of understanding, some flicker of recognition that acknowledged my legitimate fears.
He needed to comprehend how terrifying it was for me to return to a place where I’d once faced genuine threats to my safety.
My innocent children couldn’t be exposed to that toxic environment. freёwebnovel.com
"I hear you completely, Bella, and I genuinely sympathize with your position," he responded, his hands finding his waist as his fingers fidgeted nervously with his leather belt.
His anxious posture revealed that this conversation challenged him emotionally as well.
"Do you truly comprehend my situation?" I challenged him harshly, because genuine understanding would prevent him from making such an unreasonable request.
"I’ll be standing right beside you," he promised solemnly.
His words made me lift my gaze to meet his eyes directly, evaluating his sincerity through silent judgment.
"Don’t pretend I’ve never stepped up to defend you before," he growled defensively when he noticed my doubtful expression.
"Except you weren’t there when I needed protection most, so your past efforts feel meaningless," I replied coldly, remembering the night he abandoned me without explanation.
He met my harsh stare unflinchingly, then allowed his tense shoulders to drop slightly.
"I give you my word that nothing harmful will happen. If anyone attempts to disrespect or threaten you, they’ll face my wrath first."
My eyes rolled instinctively, but then a strategic thought crossed my mind.
To uncover more information about my unusual wolf abilities, I needed access to that family estate. I needed opportunities to question people privately, particularly my father and stepmother who might possess crucial knowledge about my condition.
This dinner invitation could serve my investigative purposes perfectly.
"Alright, I’ll attend your family gathering. However, I’m only bringing Zack along," I decided, already formulating plans to keep my other children safely away from potential danger.
Monitoring one child would prove far more manageable than juggling multiple kids while navigating hostile social dynamics.
"Absolutely not," Hugo disagreed immediately, shaking his head firmly. "I refuse to exclude the others from this important occasion. They mean just as much to me as Zack does."
He spoke those words quietly, his gaze drifting away from direct eye contact with me.
Did he expect me to swoon over his manufactured generosity toward my children?
"Besides, Derek and Parker will be attending too. They can assist with childcare responsibilities. Please consider it," he pressed persuasively.
I exhaled slowly and nodded my reluctant agreement.
"Fine, but understand this clearly. I’ll leave immediately if I feel disrespected or threatened. My children’s safety comes first, and I won’t hesitate to remove them from any uncomfortable situation."
He placed his palm over his heart in an exaggerated gesture of sincerity and agreed to my terms.
The decision was final now.
I would soon face my manipulative stepmother and cruel father, the man who’d never acknowledged me as his legitimate daughter and never intervened when others tormented me mercilessly.
