CHAPTER 109: I THOUGHT YOU LEFT.

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"Hello everyone," Grace greeted in the tiniest and most twisted voice Angela had ever heard. Angela was still shocked that her mother was actually doing this. The only reason she had agreed to come to this table was because of Renn.

"Angel..." Renn smiled, shifting to his left and placing his hand on the bench. "Here, have a seat." She wasn’t sure if she wanted to sit or not, but before she could answer, Grace slipped into the seat beside the man sitting across from Renn. Angela let out a quiet sigh and sat down next to Renn.

"Father, this is Angel," Renn said.

Angela’s eyes moved to the man across the table and her jaw nearly dropped. He wasn’t tall but was broad and strong, with thick brows and a jaw so tight she wondered if he had ever smiled. His long black hair was neatly tied back, and the thick fur he wore made him look even bigger.

"This is Angel?" Renn’s father asked in a deep, powerful voice that could make anyone shiver. Without waiting for confirmation, he went on. "Finally, I meet you. My son says you are his friend."

"Oh... did he say that?" Angela replied, but caught her mother’s frown from the corner of her eye. That frown clearly warned, don’t you dare ruin this for us.

"This is your mom, I guess?" Renn’s father asked, turning to Grace. "Your son took after you. I can see the resemblance."

"Really?" Grace smoothed her hair with her fingers and flashed Angela a quick smile.

"Yes. I am Gerald of the East," the man said, reaching out his hand. Grace placed hers in his, and he kissed her knuckles. Angela felt like sinking into the ground.

"I know. King of the East pack," Grace replied with a trace of excitement in her voice. Angela stared at her, surprised. They had never talked about werewolves at home, yet her mother knew there was a king in the East.

"My dad is old-fashioned," Renn whispered to her.

"What about your mom?" Angela whispered back, glancing at the calm woman seated next to Gerald. "Why is she so quiet about it?"

"That’s not my mom, Angela," Renn explained. "That’s my dad’s sister. My mom is dead."

Angela’s expression softened. "Oh my... I’m so sorry."

"It’s been years now, so you don’t have to worry," Renn said. "Even my dad... we only started talking recently. I’m used to having no one."

Angela nodded, finding the whole situation strange. She thought it might be the right moment to ask what had happened, but when she turned toward her mother, Grace was deep in conversation with Alpha Gerald. She laughed at every joke he made, joined by his sister.

Renn, on the other hand, was quiet. He idly tossed grapes from the table into his mouth. When he noticed she wasn’t eating, he leaned closer and asked, "Are you alright, babe? Do you want something else?"

"No, Renn, I am fine," Angela replied, trying not to let Grace ruin her mood any further. She felt his fingers brush against hers, and a cold shiver ran through her spine when she realized what he was doing.

"I miss you, babe," Renn whispered, taking her hand gently and rubbing her thumb with his. "How about we go out this evening and spend some time together? What do you say?"

Angela turned to look at him. His voice carried a warmth and softness that made her want to throw herself into his arms, but she forced herself to stay composed.

Renn leaned in so close that their faces almost touched. She quickly looked away before anyone could notice.

"I’ll send you a message later. There’s something important I need to tell you," Angela said. Guilt pressed on her chest for keeping the truth from him and the rest of her mates. They were all falling for her, and she had no idea how they would react once they knew the truth tonight.

"Okay, babe. I hope it’s nothing bad?" Renn’s voice was full of concern. "You’re not planning to break up with me, are you?"

"I wish that was the case, but I can’t get rid of you no matter what," Angela replied. Her words made him laugh, and he squeezed her hand gently. She laughed along with him.

"What’s so funny, kids?" Alpha Gerald asked, glancing at them.

"It’s nothing serious, Dad," Renn answered.

"We will leave now, sir," Angela said as she freed her hand and stood from the table. Grace’s eyes followed her, full of disappointment and clear annoyance.

"Why are you in a hurry, dear?" Grace asked, squinting one of her eyes in a way that told her daughter to sit back down.

"I have to read for my test tomorrow," Angela lied. She turned to Gerald and thanked him before taking her mother’s hand so they could leave.

Angela ignored her mother’s ranting. She said her goodbye and made sure to walk away quickly, heading straight to Alex and Stales’ parents. They welcomed her warmly, and she felt their happiness at meeting her. She even received gifts from them, which brought a small smile to her face.

On her way out of the visiting ground, she spotted Taros’ and Kaito’s families seated together at the same table. It was like watching two powerful royal families sharing a meal. The table gleamed with wealth and class. Angela tried to hide, hoping none of them would see her. She had no wish to meet Kaito’s father.

Once she left the visiting grounds, Angela quickened her pace until she reached the MalynsterRiver. Her chest tightened when she didn’t see Hiro there. He must have left after waiting too long. Frustration bubbled inside her, and she almost kicked the tree next to her. She checked her phone and saw she was an hour late from the time they had rescheduled.

"Why did this have to happen today? Why did Grace have to visit and ruin everything?" Angela muttered, standing by the river with the gifts still in her hands. There was no time to go back to her room and put them away, so she had come straight here. Yet, even after rushing, she had missed him. Hiro must have been disappointed.

She was about to leave when she felt it—two strong hands sliding around her waist, pulling her back into a familiar body. His scent wrapped around her, telling her exactly which one of her mates it was. She leaned into him and closed her eyes, letting herself breathe in that sense of peace.

"I thought you left," she said softly.