Rejected, And Became A Heiress (Cara)

I listen to the sound of the phone ringing as I dial Lilia. It only takes a few rings before she answers.

""Well?!" Lilia screeches./

A 'hello' would have been nice, but I'll take what I can get..

"It's done. I put the powder all over her. You can rest easy now." I say with a sigh.

"Wonderful!! Thank you so much, my dearest brother. I knew I could count on you!" And she hangs up.

As I'm putting my phone away, it starts to buzz in my hand.

"Lilia?" I answer, assuming she'd forgotten to say something

"No, this is Eamon." My brother sounds tired. "Why were you expecting Lilia?"

"Just got off the phone with her," I explain. "She asked me to take care of something for her, and I was giving her an update."

And?"

"It's done." I say simply.

"What did you do, Richard?" Eamon sounds tired. More tired than usual.

"Gave Cara Wilson some anti-fertility powder." I sigh, knowing that it's not worth it to try to lie to my oldest brother. He always seems to figure out the truth anyway.

I can actually hear him grinding his teeth through the phone. "Richard, you shouldn't be getting involved in that mess. It's none of your concern."

"Thanks for the lecture, Eamon, but I can handle myself." I continue, "And I wouldn't have needed to step in if you'd have helped her like she asked."

"You don't know what you're going to talk about," Eamon says gruffly.

"I know that family is supposed to support each other." I retort.

"Yes, but " He sighs heavily, interrupting himself. "I haven't been honest with you."

"What do you mean?" I'm curious now.

"Lilia might not actually be family. His voice is heavy, each word coming slowly.

My brain can't comprehend what he's saying. "What do

you-

"I have reason to believe that Cara Wilson might be our real sister."

What the hell?!

Chapter 18

Alaric

I don't know what's gotten into me biely, I can barely recognize myself anymore,

I knew Cara was a gold digger, and yet I still got involved with her. I know Cara's body is off limits due to doctor's orders, and yet I still go to the apartment to find her. It's like I can't keenyself away. But why?

"And you still think this is just about the sex?" Grry asked me with a rueful chuckle the first time I went to the apartment after we got the updated medical certificate.

"Stay out of my head, alright?" I replied testily.

"Where is it you would like me to go then?" My wolf growls back. "Or have you forgotten that my existence is tied to yours? Do you think I enjoy simply watching while you destroy our lives" "Just shut the FUCK up!" I yelled at him harshly.

Perhaps too harshly, looking back.

Grey and I haven't been the same since. He barely talks to me now, and when he does, he's dripping with disdain.

try to brush off my emotions and keep a level head as best as I can.

The wedding moves closer each day, and each day I'm more impressed by Cara's work.

Not only is she doing a fantastic job with all the wedding planning tasks, but she's also handling her Beta responsibilities, plus some assignments that I would have given to my ex-Cam George. I look at my calendar and notice that Cara's birthday approaches

She's done all that I've asked of her and more, so it feels only right to reward her. I want to do something special for her to show some appreciation

In a purely professional sense, of course.

Grey merely huffs loudly, not quite bothering to start yet another argument with me about Cara, but not quite willing to let my warm thoughts of Cara go without some sort of snide gesture.

On Cara's birthday, I arrange to stop work to go to the apartment to see Cara. My phone rings as I'm finishing up at the

office.

"Alasaaric!!"

Lilia squeals gleefully. "Where ARE you?? I miiiisssss youuu.

She sounds off. She sounds... drunk.

Where are you?" I ask quickly.

"Oh, there's a party! There's a a party and everyone's heeeeerreee... But you're NOT here!"

"Shit," I whisper to myself under my breath. I look at my calendar again and see one of the nobles had planned an event for tonight. 1 declined the invitation due to Cara's birthday, but it looks like I'll have to make an appearance anyway to collect