CHAPTER 241: MEREDITH’S FAMILY (I)

(Third Person).

The Carter family’s estate hadn’t seen much commotion in weeks, until the familiar sound of heels clicked through the corridor, announcing an unexpected arrival.

Monique Carter swept into the living room like a gust of polished wind, her designer bag slung over one arm and sunglasses perched atop her head.

Mabel, seated by the coffee table, blinked in surprise. Across the room, Gary lowered his tablet and arched a brow.

"Well, well," Mabel drawled, rising to her feet. "What a surprise. You didn’t inform us you were coming."

Gary scoffed, already shaking his head. "Why do you keep running back here once in a while, Monique? You are married with two sons. Is something chasing you from your husband’s house?"

Monique gave them both a tight smile and slid gracefully onto the armchair. "This is still my father’s house," she replied coolly. "It’s not like I need permission to be here. Besides, I was bored. And I happened to hear that Alpha Draven has returned. So..."

She looked around with a raised brow. "Has that girl come to visit?"

"Meredith?" Mabel clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes. "Nope. She didn’t return with him."

Monique tilted her head and looked at Gary, silently asking for confirmation.

Gary gave a short nod. "Draven only came back with his Beta. No sign of Meredith."

At that moment, their mother, Margareth, stepped into the room, her floral shawl trailing behind her. She paused in the doorway when she saw Monique.

"You didn’t say you were coming," she said softly. "Why are you visiting this time?"

Before Monique could answer, Mabel piped up with a grin. "She came because she thought Alpha Draven brought Meredith home. Apparently, she missed her beloved youngest sister."

Monique’s eyes narrowed as she turned sharply toward Mabel. "Miss her? Don’t be stupid. How can I miss that useless disgrace? It’s appalling that she shares the same surname and blood as me."

Margareth moved slowly toward the armchair opposite them and sat down with a weary sigh. "Are we really going to make this conversation about Meredith again?"

"Speaking the truth about her lifts the sorrow from our hearts," Mabel said proudly, crossing her legs.

Gary chuckled lowly and looked at their mother. "To be honest, we were just wondering why Alpha Draven didn’t bring her along this time."

"Why?" Margareth asked, her voice calm but curious.

Gary leaned forward slightly. "Apparently, according to Father, Alpha Draven returned to oversee the construction progress of the Great Wall. He’s also holding meetings about the vampires’ reappearance—and the war brewing between us and the humans."

Monique sat up straight. "Vampires?"

Mabel blinked, stunned. "What war?"

Margareth frowned. "Gary, don’t say too much—"

"We want to hear it," Monique interrupted.

"Yes, tell us everything," Mabel added, eyes wide.

Gary smirked and obliged. "The humans have been secretly conducting experiments on our kind. Trying to replicate us. Create werewolves in a lab. Draven believes there’s a secret base somewhere in Duskmoor, and he’s working to locate it."

Monique’s eyes burned with fury. "Filthy humans. Always trying to be what they can’t be."

"They should have been crushed long ago," Mabel added bitterly. "Why haven’t Draven and his warriors wiped them out?"

"He’s playing it smart," Gary said. "He wants to destroy the base first—to erase their progress so they can’t recover from it. But the lab hasn’t been found yet."

Monique hissed through her teeth. "That stupid peace treaty... It was a mistake. We were already losing the moment we agreed to it."

The room fell silent for a beat before Mabel’s lips curled in a smug smile. "Anyway... it seems Alpha Draven must really hate our dear sister, to leave her behind in that tense cesspool called Duskmoor."

Monique snorted with laughter. "Serves her right. Maybe she will be used for an experiment, and we will finally be rid of her."

Their laughter echoed in the room—but their mother wasn’t amused.

Margareth frowned deeply. "What’s funny about your sister being in danger?"

Gary raised both hands in mock surrender. "Relax, Mother. It’s nothing serious. I’m sure she’s safe... Hahaha."

Before Margareth could retort, the front door creaked open and closed with purpose. Moments later, Beta Gabriel Carter walked in. His powerful presence shifted the air immediately.

All four siblings rose to their feet in unison. "Father," they greeted.

Gabriel gave each of them a nod before narrowing his eyes at the tension hanging in the room.

"What’s going on here?" he asked.

No one answered immediately. But the laughter from earlier had long since faded.

"It’s nothing much, Father. Welcome back." Mabel greeted him with a sweet smile.

Soon, the tense atmosphere lifted, and everyone settled down.

"So," Gabriel said, voice gruff but curious, "Monique, when did you come in?"

"Almost half an hour ago, Father," she replied, dabbing her lips gently with a napkin. "I needed a change of air. And it’s good to be home."

Not long after, a servant entered, bowed respectfully, and announced, "Dinner is served, Beta Gabriel."

Everyone stood briefly before settling at the table, and dishes passed with a familiar rhythm.

The long dining table shimmered beneath the golden lights of the chandelier as the aroma of grilled meats, seasoned vegetables, and warm bread filled the air.

Plates clinked, soft laughter floated, and for once, the atmosphere in the Carter home was warm and indulgent—Meredith’s absence unnoticed by many, but quietly acknowledged by one.

Beta Gabriel sat at the head of the table, carving through his meat with slow, practised strokes.

His wife, Margaret, sat at his right while Gary sat at his left.

Monique and Mabel flanked the other end, whispering and grinning in quiet mischief.

Midway through the meal, Mabel leaned forward, smiling sweetly. "Father, I’ve been thinking... maybe we should pay Meredith a visit in Duskmoor?"

Gabriel barely lifted his eyes from his plate. "There’s no need. That city isn’t safe right now. And there is no sense taking unnecessary risks for—" he paused, "that worthless girl."

"I would actually like to visit Duskmoor as well," Gary cut in. "What if something’s wrong? Draven returned to Stormveil without her. Maybe he’s hiding something."