The truth
24: 24.
The truth Ivy’s POV
Later I give Thomas a tour of the villa while Ryder takes Noah and Olivia for a walk in the forest to the other side where there’s a lake.
We sit on a sofa in the wide living room.
Thomas is suddenly serious.
“I feel like there’s something that’s troubling you, Ivy. You know you can tell me everything, right?”
At first I think it’s too soon to reveal all of my secrets.
Then I think it’s important for him to know the dangers he and the twins can face here in the land of Silver Claw.
“You’re right. Now that you’re here I think it’s important that you know everything.”
“Now you’re making me nervous. Are we good?” Thomas asks.
“Yes…yes, we’re good. I hope you’ll still be happy with me after I tell you I told you a lie,” I say.
“A lie? Tell me. We can take it from there. I told you before that when you found out that the Alpha of Silver Claw is your fated mate that you can tell me anything. I meant that. All I want is the truth.”
I take his hand and kiss the inside of it.
I love this man very much.
He’s so understanding.
“I lived here with Silver Claw for a long time, I thought it was where I belonged. I tired to find a way to make a life. You know that Theodore and I were married and all that he did to me.”
“Yes, my love, I hate thinking about it all. He was very cruel to you.”
“Yes, he was. This is why I’ll not allow this fated mate discovery to change my feelings about him. I know him — the real him. I’m still getting a divorce from him. But there’s something else.”
Thomas waits.
He’s not pushing me, he’s patient and kind in his normal way.
I’m so grateful for that.
“I told you the father of the children was a wolf in Ice Moon pack and that he died before the children were born. That was a lie. Theodore is their father.”
“That monster is their father? I suppose now he’s desperate to meet them, now that he has found you all again.”
He told me I was lying.
And then for a bit I thought the quadruplets had died.
I had a terrible accident at the beginning of the pregnancy, even my friend Nicole, the doctor, thought they had died.”
“Oh babe! You’ve gone through so much. I wish I could have helped you in some way at that time. It makes me so very sad.”
“It was difficult, I won’t lie. But when Dawson found me and took me home, I realised I hadn’t lost the children. What a wonderful gift that was!”
Thomas has tears in his eyes.
“And now we have these beautiful children that we love so much. Do you think he’ll fight you for custody during the divorce?”
“No. He won’t.”
“Why?”
“Because he doesn’t know anything about the children. I don’t want him ever to know that the quadruplets lived. He didn’t want them when they were tiny in my womb, so why should he have them now?”
“I won’t ever allow it. He must never know the truth!”
Thomas pulls me onto his lap and wraps me in his arms.
The caring and love is too much and I start weeping.
How happy I am to have him in my life!
He holds me tightly.
“Ivy, you’re doing the right thing. He doesn’t deserve those beautiful children. I will do all that I can to keep your secret. You can count on me 100%.”
I kiss him.
“Thank you, Thomas. You’ll never know how much that means to me.”
We’re kissing and I don’t hear a car arrive.
We somehow miss the knock on the door too.
Or maybe he didn’t knock, knowing how he thinks the world is owned by him.
I hear something and look up and there is Theodore.
I’m still on Thomas’s lap, his hand is under my shirt, we’re kissing.
I look at Theodore without moving.
Thomas removes his hand from under my shirt but follows my lead and holds me on his lap.
“Theodore, what are you doing here?” I ask, annoyed.
“So you just walk into people’s houses?”
“This is not your house.” He’s staring at Thomas as if his look could kill him.
“Nevertheless we’re staying here,” I say.
“You have no right to barge in.”
He ignores my protests.
“So this is the boyfriend?”
“Theodore! You can’t come in here, without permission, and start asking questions.”
I’m surprised to see he’s slightly taller than Theodore.
Why do I always think Theodore is so big?
Thomas holds out his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Theodore. Yes, I’m Thomas. Ivy’s fiancé.”
I’m surprised to hear that we’re now engaged, though I’m happy to see the look on Theodore’s face when he gets this bit of information.
Theodore mechanically shakes Thomas’s hand.
I can see he’s filled with anger and jealousy but I don’t care.
My biggest concern is that Ryder keeps the twins away.
I check my watch.
He said they’d be gone for two hours.
We still have thirty minutes.
I must get Theodore out of here quickly.
“So why did you come here, Theodore?” I ask.
He drops Thomas’ hand.
Thomas smiles.
It’s clear he dislikes Theodore and is enjoying how uncomfortable he’s making him.
“I came to tell you about the meeting to finish our negotiations. Tomorrow at my house, 2 pm. Does that work for you?”
“You could have easily called.”
“Yes.” He’s lost for a reason.
Then he adds.
“I wanted to make sure you’re fine…make sure you’ve settled in nicely.”
I want to laugh at the superficial pretence of his lie.
I don’t though.
“I’m fine and the time for the meeting is fine. Ryder and I will be there. We’ll finish everything then.”
“Yes.” Theodore stands still making no move to leave.
His fists are tight at his side.
He’s still angry and jealous.
He doesn’t go.
And then it is too late.