CHAPTER 284: THE SAD NEWS II.

"No, my love, it’s not like I’m moving away," Renn said, standing up and walking to where she was. He tried to touch her, but she shrugged him off. "I’ll still be in Mistvale where the east pack lives."

"It doesn’t change what I’m saying," Angela told him. She was so angry at his decision, but she tried to stay calm. "You shouldn’t give up because of her. You shouldn’t leave everyone who loves you just because of a woman that barely cares about you."

"I made this decision because I want to be free from her. I can’t stand being around her, and if I stay away, she won’t have any reason to harm you."

"I don’t buy this idea. I can’t stay in the academy without you," she said, tears gathering in her eyes.

"It’s just for a semester, my love," Renn said gently, holding her face in his hands. "You can still see me during the weekends. Just imagine that I’ve already graduated."

"But you haven’t," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"It’s an imagination, remember?" Renn smiled faintly, bringing his lips close to hers. They barely brushed when a knock came on the door. "I guess that’s for you."

"I know," Angela sighed, walking to the door. When she opened it, her aunt was standing outside. The sun was already high, and she was dressed neatly for the day.

"Good morning, Aunt Bellezza," Angela greeted softly.

A smile appeared on her aunt’s face as she replied, "Good morning, my sweet pumpkin. I’m sorry to disturb you, but we have a meeting. The board will convene at twelve noon."

"What? Is it today?" Angela was surprised. She totally forgot about it.

"It’s today. I also forgot about it," Renn said from behind her. He knew it was going to be another tough day because the discussion would be about Angela and how she got admitted into the academy. "We’ll go and get dressed immediately."

"I don’t have clothes here," Angela whispered, but her aunt heard it too. She wished she had said it through a mind link.

"There are clothes in my closet upstairs. You may choose from there, but hurry up," Bellezza told her.

"Thank you," Angela said, grateful. There was no time to think about anything, so she ran upstairs and picked a short black gown that stopped just before her knees. As she looked around, she couldn’t help but smile. "My aunt has one of the most jaw-dropping closets I’ve ever seen."

"I know. You’ll have yours soon," Renn told her as he buttoned his shirt.

"When and where?" she asked as they both finished dressing up.

"When you move to our new home... with my brothers," Renn chuckled as he opened the door for her. "I’m thinking of building a beautiful mansion so we can all live there."

"Is that even possible?" she asked as they went down the stairs. The four of her mates were from different packs. How could they all live in one mansion? And where would it be? The north, west, east, or south side of the city?

"Let’s go," Bellezza said when they stepped outside. They got into the car and drove off to Marcus’s place.

In less than five minutes, they arrived and entered the house. Angela noticed her father’s upset face. Stales was sitting on the couch with Hailey and Seraphina, playing a game. There was no sign of her other mates.

"Finally, the honeymoon is over," Marcus said as he stood and walked toward his daughter. He gently held her and guided her to sit. "How are you doing? Have you eaten?"

"Yes. Renn prepared breakfast for me," Angela told him. Even though it didn’t end well, she didn’t want to make his effort seem unimportant. Maybe after they were done with the board issue, she would talk to him properly about his decision, because no matter what, she was not going to let him leave just like that.

"I see... he’s trying to impress you," Marcus said as he turned and looked at Renn. "You better do more than that."

"Marcus, please don’t start scaring the boy," Bellezza interrupted as she sat down beside him. "It’s too early for that. Let’s talk about the board."

"Where are my brothers?" Renn asked, looking around. If they were anywhere nearby, he would have sensed it by now.

"They went to have a talk with Principal Valois before the meeting starts," Marcus replied, rubbing his palms together. "I told them to make her understand that she must be on our side."

"You should have called me. I would have gone with my brothers," Renn said quickly, already heading for the door.

"No, red-haired. You will stay back," Marcus said, standing up. "I wanted you to stay behind."

"Why?" Angela asked, frowning.

"I have my reasons. It’s better he stays back and that’s all," Marcus insisted, sitting down again like nothing had happened.

"And I asked why. You are not the boss of us," Angela reminded him, her voice sharp. "If there is a reason, then tell us. And if there isn’t, then stop trying to scare us."

"She is right, Marcus," Bellezza backed her up. "You can guide them but you can’t command them to do as you please."

"It’s not about me, Bella," Marcus said, standing up again. He turned to Angela. He could hear her heartbeat now and it seemed his message had already been passed. "You think I won’t know?"

"Know about what?" His sister stuttered, stepping backward. It was clear that Marcus had found out the truth she kept away from him.

"What do you know?" Hailey spoke for the first time. She turned to her two partners and they looked shocked. They already knew what it was.

"That he is the son of that evil woman," Marcus said with spite, his hot gaze narrowing at Renn. "You thought I wouldn’t know?"

Angela’s heart skipped. She was going to tell him yesterday after dinner but she didn’t get the chance. "How did you know about it? Did someone tell you?"

"No, my child," Marcus shook his head, his eyes still fixed on Renn though his voice softened as he answered his daughter. "I found out on my own. I mean, look at him. He looks like her. Look at Hailey, they all look alike."

"Yes, but it is not easy to guess that," Angela said, folding her arms across her chest. She hadn’t been able to put that together until Miss Valois took off her wig and makeup.

"If you knew her from her teens like I do, you would understand what I mean," Marcus said, his voice low and hard. He looked at Angela as if he carried the weight of years of hurt.

"He is not like her mother," Angela said quickly, stepping forward to stand between them and protect Renn. "He is my mate. He is a good man."

"He better be," Marcus snapped, and his hand tightened around his phone as he checked it. "Look who is calling now... your other mate, Kaito."

Angela turned to Renn to say sorry, but he only nodded. Through the link he sent calm, warm words that told her he understood Marcus and that he was not angry. She let out a small breath and held his hand like a lifeline.

Marcus addressed the room as he rose. "They were able to convince her, and the meeting will start soon. I must go."

"Should I come?" Angela asked, worry threading her voice.

"No. Your identity must stay hidden, remember?" Marcus answered without looking back.

"Good. Stay together, all five of you, while I join the rest at the academy," he said, taking his coat from the chair and slipping it on. "Listen to your aunt Bellezza. She will show you around. If anything goes wrong, I will be waiting."

"What could possibly go wrong?" Renn asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Your..." Marcus stopped, swallowing the hard edge in his throat. He changed his mind; the boy did not deserve the rest of that sentence. "Principal Valois might betray us, and if she does, I will have no choice but to follow my plan."

"Your bloody plans," Bellezza muttered. "If you plan to fight, tell us first... and on time. "

"I will," Marcus promised, then left the house.

The room felt too quiet after the door closed. Stales spoke first, his tone edged with fear. "Do you think she will betray us?"

"She is capable of that," Renn said, his voice steady but soft, and the worry in it made Angela flinch.

"Let us hope for the best," Seraphina said, forcing a small smile that did not reach her eyes.

Angela squeezed Renn’s hand and tried to breathe. Outside, the day felt heavy and full of things they could not yet see, but in that small hold between them she found one small, fierce comfort.