Chapter 71

The rumors about everything happening in the pack hadn’t missed Ever’s ears. She had been ecstatic when she first heard that Alpha m hated Emma now, believing it was what Emma deserved. That weak, pitiful girl had stolen attention that didn’t belong to her for far too long. But Ever’s joy faded when she learned what had happened the previous day.

That changed everything. If Emma truly had the twins and the Alpha on her side, it meant she wasn’t as alone as Ever had hoped. It meant Emma had protection.

Ever clenched her fists. No. She wouldn’t let this slip through her fingers.

She needed to act before things spiraled out of her control.

After pacing in her room for nearly an hour, Ever finally came up with a plan. It wasn’t enough to sit back and hope Emma’s misfortune continued. No she had to make sure of it.

She went to find her mother, who was sitting on the porch, enjoying the warmth of the late afternoon sun. Her mother was blissfully unaware of everything happening in the pack, and Ever intended to use that to her advantage.

“Mother, we need to go check on Emma,” Ever said, keeping her voice soft and filled with concern.

Her mother, lounging with a book in hand, barely glanced up. “Emma? Why so suddenly?”

Ever forced a small, guilty sigh, shifting uncomfortably. “She’s still family. I know things haven’t been great between us, but she must be struggling. With everything happening in the pack… I just want to make sure she’s okay.”

Her mother finally lowered the book, scrutinizing Ever’s expression. “That’s… unexpected. You haven’t asked about Emma in months.”

Ever bit her lip, casting her gaze downward like a remorseful sister. “I know. And I feel terrible about it. I don’t want to have regrets, Mom.”

It took more pleading, Ever weaving a careful web of words, painting herself as a changed person before her mother finally relented.

“Fine,” she said with a sigh. “But if you’re trying to start trouble, Ever, I won’t tolerate it.”

Ever plastered on her best innocent smile. “Of course not, Mother.”

An hour later, they arrived at the pack’s territory.

Inside the packhouse, Emma had been sitting in her room, absentmindedly staring at the wall when a sharp knock pulled her from her thoughts.

“Emma, your family is here,” Jayden’s voice came from the other side of the door.

Emma froze, her heart skipping a beat.

“My… family?”

He nodded. “Your mom and sister. They’re in our quarters.”

Emma’s breath caught in her throat. She had never expected them to come.

Her feet moved before she could stop herself, the thought of her mother pushing her forward despite the unease twisting in her stomach.

When she stepped into the twins’ quarters, the sight before her made her stomach churn.

Ever was already there, standing with perfect posture, a warm smile plastered on her face. But Emma knew better. That smile was fake.

“Emma!” Ever greeted sweetly, stepping forward as if she truly cared. “I was so worried about you!”

Emma fought the urge to roll her eyes. Ever had never worried about her a day in her life.

Before she could respond, the twins cut in, welcoming Ever.

“It been a while, hope you’re good?”kale asked, flashing his signature grin.

Ever blushed, placing a hand on her cheek as if embarrassed. “Yeah I’m fine. It’s been too long.”

Emma’s mother reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “How are you, sweetheart? Are they treating you well?”

Emma swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing a smile. She didn’t want to alarm her mother, not when she had finally come to see her. “I’m fine, Mom. They’ve been… kind.”

Her mother exhaled, relief washing over her features. “That’s good. I was worried you were struggling.”

Ever tilted her head. “Of course, Emma is fine. She’s in good hands.”

Emma clenched her jaw. She didn’t trust Ever, but she couldn’t cause a scene. Not in front of her mother.

The conversation carried on, the twins engaging Ever in lighthearted banter. Ever laughed at their jokes, played the perfect guest, and acted as though she genuinely cared about Emma’s well-being.

But Emma wasn’t fooled.

She noticed the subtle glances Ever cast around the room, the way her eyes flickered toward the hallway as if waiting for the right moment to slip away.

And then, just as Emma got distracted answering one of her mother’s questions, Ever excused herself.

Emma frowned. “Where is she going?”

Kale shrugged. “Probably to look around. She seems curious.”

Emma’s stomach twisted. That was never a good sign.

Ever wandered through the twins’ quarters, her sharp eyes scanning every inch.

She needed something. Something personal.

She entered one of the bedrooms, carefully stepping inside and looking around. It was too tidy, too well-kept. She doubted Emma even had anything of importance here.

Her gaze landed on the nightstand. A toothbrush sat there, the bristles slightly damp. Ever smirked, slipping it into her pocket before continuing her search.

She moved to another room, pushing the door open quietly. Her eyes darted around, taking in every detail. Another toothbrush sat on the sink.

Perfect.

Ever grinned, stuffing it into her pocket. This was exactly what she needed.

She was about to leave when the door suddenly slammed open.

Jayden stood in the doorway, his piercing gaze locked onto her.

Ever’s heart lurched.

“What are you doing in here?” he demanded, his voice sharp and suspicious.

She stiffened but quickly masked her shock with an innocent smile. “Oh, Jayden! I was just looking around. I got lost, that’s all.”

Jayden didn’t look convinced. His eyes flickered to her hands, his stare unrelenting. “What did you take?”

Ever’s fingers tightened around the toothbrushes in her pocket. She couldn’t get caught. Not now.

She forced out a laugh, stepping back slightly. “Take? What are you talking about? I was just admiring how organized you guys are. Unlike my messy room at home.”

Jayden stepped closer, his body radiating suspicion. “Empty your pockets.”

Ever’s heart pounded, but she kept up her act. She tilted her head, feigning offense. “Seriously? Do you think I’d steal from you?”

Jayden folded his arms. “I don’t trust you.”

Ever swallowed hard. She needed a way out, fast.

Should she lie? Should she run?