Chapter 501

Gavin's POV

When I got to the mansion, I wasn't expecting to see guests. I scowled as I stared at Judy who looked like a deer caught in the headlights. I could hear her heart pounding against her chest and her breathing picked up, like she was just caught red handed.

"Who gave you permission to have a party in my mansion," I asked folding my arms across my chest. Of course, I wasn't really upset, but seeing her squirm was just too much fun. I knew she was here, and I wanted to ask her to join me for dinner tomorrow evening. I also wanted to check on Irene and the baby while I was at it so I figured I'd stop by instead of calling. Though I was here earlier in the day to drop Judy off, I didn't stay long, nor did I really come inside.

"A party?" She asked, raising her brows as she glanced at Tabby and Shirley. "This is hardly a party."

I realized there was one person missing from this get together; well, technically two, but I figured Nan was with her mate Chester in his room.

"Where's Irene?"

They all looked at one another and I could practically smell the tension radiating off them. it immediately put me on alert.

"Probably asleep," Judy settled on.

I could tell immediately that she was lying; not only could I smell the lie, but she had obvious tells. Like the way she tugged at her fingers or subtly licked the corner of her lip. I narrowed my eyes at her and was about to say something, but then I heard Irene's voice.

"Dad?" She asked, walking into the kitchen, Chuck trialing in behind her. Both of them looked disheveled and they reeked of sex. A growl escaped my lips as I glared at Chuck, who paled immediately. "W... what are you doing here at this hour? It's so late."

"What is he doing here at this hour?" I countered, my eyes never leaving Chuck's face.

I knew Chuck from past encounters; he was a competitor of the Gamma competition and was a fair fight. If Judy hadn't won, it would have been him. He was a fair gamma under Jeremy's jurisdiction, but I didn't know him personally, which worried me. The last thing Irene needed was another Ethan situation. I knew what she was like when she was interested in a guy, and I didn't like it.

"We were just leaving," Shirley said quickly. "Right, Chuck?"

"Uh..." he glanced at Irene, a blush tinting his cheeks. "Yes."

Irene looked upset by him leaving, but I didn't give a shit. I wanted him gone and I didn't want him to come back. My wolf was close to losing control but then in an instant, Judy put her hand on my back, her touch immediately soothing him back into my control. Nobody has ever had that type of effect on my wolf before and it startled me. I whipped around to look at her, my eyes wide for a moment, which seemed to jolt her.

She looked into my eyes for a long moment, suddenly the rest of the room faded away.noveldrama

"It was good to see you again, Judy," Chuck said, breaking through the barrier Judy and I had created with just one touch and one look.

Judy blinked, coming back to reality as well as she smiled at Chuck.

"It was good to see you too," she replied.

Shirley and Tabby both gave her hugs; a small growl escaped me when Chuck tried to give her a hug as well, a growl I couldn't suppress. It made him stand down and rethink his next move.

After another round of goodbyes, they finally left.

I turned to Irene.

“I'm not having you stay here for you to invite men over," I scolded, folding my arms over my chest. "Until can find a family to adopt that baby, you are responsible."

“I didn't invite him over, Dad," she said, rolling her eyes. "And no offence, but I am an adult. I can spend time with whoever I want."

"You need to take some time for yourself. You've been put through the ringer with Ethan, and I don't want to see that happen again."

"What makes you think it would happen again?" She asked. "Chuck is a great guy and-"

"You don't know him," I said, cutting off her words. "You know nothing about him or what he's capable of, Irene."

"I've spoken to him a few times. We met at the competition..." Irene told me. "You should be happy that he's a gamma and can properly protect me."

"I don't trust anyone I've barely met... especially not with my daughter."

"I think maybe we should just end the conversation here," Judy suggested, stepping between us, her stance almost protective. "It's been a long day, and we are all tired."

Irene nodded in agreement.

"Fine," I said, relenting.

After another beat of silence, Irene said goodnight and then went to her room. I

turned to Judy, my eyes narrowed.