Page 40 of Amaris Rejected

"Not yet. Given everything that's happened, I haven’t had the chance to meet with an attorney. We also haven’t had the opportunity to discuss visitation or Zoe's support. I do have a proposal for you, though."

"Not another stalling tactic, Devon," I moan, rolling my eyes.

"Maybe, but just listen," he pleads. "I’m stepping back from my Alpha duties for a while. Dad’s going to take over. He’s more than capable. I want to visit the Sunlight Shimmer Pack for a bit so I can help co-parent Zoe. I’ll watch her while you work and support you as you try to get your mom well. I’ve already made inquiries and bought a house within walking distance of your clinic."

I start to protest, but he waves me off. "Please, hear me out. It’s fully furnished and has five bedrooms, each with an ensuite. One bedroom is on the ground floor with a handicapped-accessible bath. This will make it easier for your mom while she recovers, and you won't have to worry about steps like you do in your apartment."

"It has a large backyard," he continues without pause. "A two-car garage with a separate apartment above it, where I can stay, out of your way. The deed is held in a trust in Zoe's name, a gift from me and my family for her."

He pauses to catch his breath. "I'm not asking for any concessions, just to be a part of Zoe's life. When she feels comfortable with me, and you are secure, she can visit me here at home. I’ll resume my Alpha duties then. I have a few things to wrap up here, so it’ll be a few weeks before I arrive. Will that work for you?”

I’m not an unreasonable person, so I consider it. "And the divorce?"

"I'll sign once an attorney looks it over and we’ve outlined joint custody and visitation."

Joint custody!That sends a chill down my spine. I’ve taken care of her alone for two years. I didn't ask him to come into my life and turn it upside down. Granted, it has brought me my mom. I’m fair, but sharing custody doesn't sit well with me. Goddess, guide me.

"Okay," I say. “But I’m not sure about custody; it will be an ongoing adjustment."

"Okay?" He looks overjoyed, as if he didn't expect me to agree.

"Yes," I agree. I have a nagging, uncomfortable feeling tugs at me, but I shake it off for now. Zoe comes first, and that feels like the right thing to do.Right?

Lyra makes a circle in my head and curls up."Feels right to me,"she sighs. But I’m only more confused.

Chapter 29 - Investigation

Devon

I said goodbye to Zoe and Amaris yesterday. It’s been an unusually tough couple of days, and I hated to see them go. My energy is dragging today. I snort, realizing how much I miss the tea Jeni used to bring me every morning. That odd thought gives me pause.

I’ve been trying to figure it out since Amaris told me I always put Jeni’s feelings before hers. From the time we were wolflings, around ten or eleven, I’ve been protective of Jeni, almost obsessively so. However, we’ve only ever been friends, except for that one awful night we crossed a line. Even though neither Rue nor I remember it, the thought makes me feel sick and Rue furious.

Since Jeni’s arrest last week, I feel oddly free of her. Without Amaris's insistence that I resolve this, I wouldn’t even give Jeni another thought. I’m done with her.

I sense Enforcer Hill standing at the door just as he knocks. "Enter, Hill," I bellow.

The door swings open, revealing Enforcer Hill and Enforcer Fillion clad in their typical black tactical gear. "Alpha, did you want to see us?"

"Yes, I would like an update on the investigation." I gesture towards the chairs in front of me, and they each take a seat.

Hill dives right in. “We have signed confessions from both Mr. & Mrs. Hollis. They corroborated Amaris's vision. Luna Garnet Quinn is implicated in the kidnapping and conspiracy to murder Minette Quinn's newborn pup, Amaris. They even provided evidence that Luna Garnet Quinn interfered with the true mate bond by drugging both Minette Quinn and Alpha Lange Quinn with spiked teas and medicinals.”

He pauses before continuing. “There’s also an accusation that Luna Garnet Quinn killed her own true mate. She’s blackmailed Mr. & Mrs. Hollis for two decades to do her bidding. She’ll go down when she faces the Alpha Commander’s court.”

"Wait. Spiked tea?" I interrupt, my thoughts immediately turning to the tea Jeni brought me most mornings. "Has anyone searched Sheila's rooms since her arrest?"

"Not yet, Alpha. Honestly, we've been overwhelmed by this," Enforcer Fillion volunteers. "We plan to do that in the morning."

"You’re probably exhausted, but let's do it now."

They nod and follow me to the second floor, where the singles’ rooms are. I punch my Alpha code into the lock, and it clicks open. I let the enforcers take the lead since they are more familiar with the protocol during a search than I am.

Sheila’s apartment is a two-bedroom, as Jeni often stayed at the pack house. "Did either of you question Sheila before she was taken into Kingdom custody?"

"I did," replies Fillion.

"Did you ask her about spiked teas?"

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