Chapter 473

I gave him a sad smile.

"I think over time he will learn to forgive her," I told him honestly. "It's not something to rush, though. You just found out something devastating, and it's going to take time. You need to sit with it for the time being, but also remember that there are people who love you and will always be there to protect you."

He was quiet for a long while, and then he sighed.

"You know what's funny?" He said, his eyes looking away from me for a moment before looking back at me. "I'm mainly just angry because she tried to frame you..."

My heart pinged at his words.

"You are?" I asked.noveldrama

He nodded.

"You're the best thing that ever happened to this family, Judy. Because of you... I'm better at combat and defense... I'm better at school... I'm making my dad proud, and he's home a lot more. He smiles and is happy. It's like we are a real family."

"You've always been a real family, Matt," I told him.

He shook his head.

"It was never like that before. Before, my dad was never home... he never smiled. He treated us like we were his employees. But now that's all changed, and it's because of you..." He told me. "So, the thought of Irene almost ruining that..."

He closed his eyes as his emotions started to get the best of him. It helped that the sleep medication was relaxing him and making him sleepy, but I could tell his wolf was on edge at the very thought.

"It makes me and my wolf angry," he whispered.

I put my hand on top of Matt's and gave him a reassuring smile.

"No matter what happens, no matter what has happened or what would have pened, nothing would ever change between us, Matt. I would find a way to stay in your life. I've grown to adore your family. You can't get rid of me that easily."

He was quiet for a moment as he processed my words.

"Can I ask you something?" He asked, his eyes finding mine.

"Of course, you can ask me anything," I told him.

He let out a yawn, and I knew it wouldn't be long before sleep overtook him. "Do you love my father?"

My heart hammered in my chest at lightning speed. I glanced at the small window next to the door that looked out into the hallway, and I saw Gavin having a serious conversation with Eliza. His body was tense as he listened to everything she was saying. Despite the tension, I couldn't help but notice how amazing he looked. There was never a bad moment when it came to his looks, and I couldn't help but bite my lower lip as I sized him up and down. But it was more than that; these last couple of weeks had shown me that Gavin does have good intentions. That date we went on... how he stood up for me during that dinner party at his mother's house... all the time we've been intimate with one another; even how he calms my wolf without even trying.

There were so many emotions that have been bubbling up throughout these last few weeks but with Matt's

heavy question weighing on my shoulders, I wondered if the feelings that are bubbling consist of love.

Matt's eyes were now closed; he was asleep before he could hear my answer and

a part of me felt bad. I wondered if he was going to remember that question when he woke up next.

Gavin stepped into the room after his conversation with Eliza, and his expression softened when he saw Matt sleeping.

"Thank you," he told me softly as he reached his hand over to me to take. I took his hand without hesitation,

our palms and fingers fitting

perfectly against one othe

and a through

spark of electricity coursed my body, making goosebumps

stand tall on my arms.

I met his gaze, my cheeks flushing as Matt's question sat between us, visible to

me, but invisible to Gavin.

“Of course,” I said... my tone came out breathier than I meant it to.

After a moment of studying my face, a small smile formed on his handsome face. "Ready to go?" He asked. "I wanted to be alone with you for a bit tonight."

My cheeks flushed at his words, and I nodded, letting me pull me towards the door. He kept his hand in mine as he walked backwards, a smirk on his lips, before he turned and walked forward.

Back to Matt's question... did I love his father?

The answer was simple...

Yes.