Chapter 21
DAMIEN’S POV
The call came late in the evening, when the house had finally gone quiet and even my wolf had settled into a restless half-sleep inside me.
The screen lit up with a name I hadn’t expected to see at all. George. Grandfather.
I was surprised to see his call. My grandfather never called without reason, and the moment I answered, I felt my wolf lift his head. He was alert, like he knew something was up.
“Damien,” His voice was weak but he still sounded powerful, like the former Alpha he once was.
“Yes sir p>
“You will bring Sophia and Ashley to Stone Manor tonight p>
There was no greeting. No pause. Just a command. Typical George Stone.
I straightened. My wolf felt irritated by that command and so did I. Who did he think he was to just boss me around?
“It’s late,” I said. “And Sophia p>
“This is not negotiable,” he cut in. He coughed softly before steadying his breath. “I will not repeat myself. I want to see them p>
My jaw tightened. “You can’t summon people like this anymore, Grandfather. Sophia is no longer my wife, and Ashley has her own schedule. I won’t drag them across the city on a whim p>
For a moment, there was silence through the line.
Then George spoke again, colder now.
“Your pride is louder than your sense p>
My wolf growled at his words. He felt offended. “You don’t get to p>
“I get to say whatever I want,” George snapped. “Because my health is failing, Damien. And this may be the last night I have the strength to sit at the head of my own house p>
That stopped me.
He didn’t explain. He didn’t soften the blow. He never did. But the urgency in his tone made me feel a bit guilty. He had been sick for a long time. He was expecting to die any day now. No matter how much we tried to console him, he had already made his peace with it.
“I want to see her,” he continued. “I want to see Sophia and Ashley together under my roof. One last time p>
I clenched my fist. “You’re asking for too much p>
“No,” he said. “I’m asking for what you should have given her years ago p>
My wolf went still.
George didn’t wait for my response. “Do you remember what that girl endured in this family?” he demanded. “The coldness. The judgment. The way you let others strip her down piece by piece while you stood by and did nothing p>
“That’s not true,” I said immediately. “I p>
“You failed her,” George interrupted. “When it mattered most. And if you refuse me tonight, you will carry that failure long after I am gone p>
The words hit harder than I expected. They sank deep. His words hit something raw I hadn’t known was still exposed.
For a long moment, I said nothing. My wolf paced in tight circles, confused on what to do. He was torn in between guilt and stubbornness.
Finally, I let out a deep breath.
“Fine,” I said quietly. “We’ll come p>
“Good,” George replied. His tone had gone soft. I could hear his heavy breathing “Don’t be late p>
With that, the went dead.
I stood there for several seconds, phone still pressed to my ear. I felt unsettled in a way I couldn’t explain.
I called Sophia. The phone rang a few times before she picked up. Her tone was colder than I had ever heard it.
“What is it, Damien?” she asked.
“My grandfather called,” I said. “He wants us at Stone Manor tonight. You and Ashley. It’s urgent. His health p>
“I understand,” she said before I finished.
“You’ll come?” I asked, surprised.
“Yes,” she replied. “But not for you. I’m doing it out of respect for George. He was always kind to me p>
The words stung more than they should have.
“I can drive you,” I offered. “Or we can pick up Ashley together p>
“No,” she said firmly.
I felt irritated. Why was she so defensive these days?
“It’s just logistics p>
“And this is just a boundary,” she replied. “I’ll meet you there p>
The call ended shortly after. I told myself her refusal didn’t matter, that it was practical, nothing more. But my wolf felt otherwise.
The drive to Stone Manor was quiet except for Ashley’s voice. She talked about school, about Tiffany, about how unreliable Sophia was.
“Mom never shows up for anything these days.” She said pointedly.
I didn’t correct her. I told myself I was protecting her feelings. Still, I felt doubt. I couldn’t deny the fact that Sophia was different these days. She had changed and I had no idea why.
Stone Manor towered in front of us. We drove into the estate then walked into the mansion.
Grandpa George was already seated in the grand sitting room when we arrived. Ashley ran to him, hugging him tightly.
He smiled for her, but his eyes told otherwise.
He looked disappointed.
“Where is Sophia? Did you not tell her about my summon p>
“I did,” I replied. “I’m sure she’ll be here soon”
Time dragged. I checked my phone again and again until a message finally came through. It was a text from Sophia.
I had a hospital emergency. I’ll be there soon.
When I explained, George’s reaction was immediate and harsh.
“Of course she easily picked work over spending time with you,” he snapped.
I got angry at his words. Why was he blaming me?
“That’s not fair,” I said.
“Isn’t it?” he shot back.
The room felt heavy with judgment.
“Mom always makes excuses,” Ashley suddenly spoke, “she just doesn’t want to come. She has been weird these days p>
I said nothing.
Well I didn’t even know what to say.