Chapter 68

I felt my heart flip a few times as I stared down at my phone. I hesitated to answer Michael’s call, but I was still desperate for answers about what happened during the party.

“...Hello?”

Michael’s voice was filled with an unexpected amount of worry and concern. “Mia? Are you alright? How are you feeling? I meant to call you sooner, but I ended up getting carried away with work.”

A small smile threatened to tug at the corner of my mouth. It felt strange to have someone else asking about my well-being when my own ‘supposed’ husband didn’t even care to listen to anything I had to say at the moment.

“I’m alright, I guess...”

I abandoned all thoughts of James and returned to my ongoing mental cycle of trying to figure out what was going on with my inner wolf and why it decided to come out during our time at the party. Maybe it was possible for me to find out more if Michael and I spoke on the matter.

“Actually, Michael, I...Something happened.”

I paused at the idea of telling him about my disability with my wolf. But considering he was the one who was there when the whole event initially took place, I decided it would be better to fill him in on everything.

“When you and I were talking at the party, I felt something strange shift inside of me...I don’t know what it means,” I told him.

“How about you and I meet up and talk about it?” he suggested. “I actually have a free day for once.”

I bit the inside of my cheek and heavily contemplated the idea of going out to meet with Michael. My worries circled around what James would think if I were to just leave to meet with some guy—especially one that he’s not too fond of.

‘Why the actually fuck should I care what James thinks anyway?!’ My inner voice shouted.

My feelings were still strained from my sad attempt at talking to James just before. He had no problem making me feel borderline crazy with my thoughts on Evelyn being here.

I still had no idea what could have brought on such a vicious attitude from him. But I wasn’t in the mood to wait around and let it consume me.

The longer I stood around the house, the more those terrible feelings were eating into me. I needed to get out for a little while.

“I think that’s a great idea,” I said to him. “How about we meet at some quiet cafe nearby? I’ll send the location.”

“Great! I’ll see you soon.”

My anger toward James was certainly the boost I needed to head toward my room and grab my bag. Right as I was about to step through the door, I faltered. Damn. There was still that appointment I was expected to make...

I truly had zero interest in standing around for three hours while a woman continuously threw fabric swatches at me. Now that I was really giving it some thought, aside from the doctor’s appointments, why did I have to follow that damned schedule any further?

‘Since the real Mrs. Derek is back, then there’s no reason why I need to adhere to this stupid schedule anymore,’ I thought.

With a heavy, shaken heart, I left the house.

...

I spotted Michael immediately the second I walked into the cafe. I was greeted with an excited smile and a warm embrace. Michael wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a tight hug.

I took the moment to really decipher if I felt anything out of the ordinary as the two of us hugged. But, no. I felt nothing. There was no overwhelming heat and no emotional outreach from within my chest. It certainly wasn’t the same way I’d felt back at the party.

My wolf remained silent and asleep...I was suddenly overcome with disappointment.

Given all that's happened recently with James and me, a big part of me still cared for him. However, I truly thought that I had actually found my mate.

‘All I want to belong with someone. To have someone stand by my side and be proud.’

Nonetheless, Michael and I returned to the table he’d reserved for us and I began explaining what happened on the cruise.

“The whole thing was rather strange,” I started. “One moment I was fine and the next thing I knew, it was like I was having an out-of-body experience.”

Michael remained aware and attentive the whole time. “And your wolf...It’s actually remained dormant this whole time?”

I sheepishly nodded my head. “Yes. Until that one moment happened. I even heard her say her name to me.”

“What is it?” he asked with a smile.

“Bella. Her name is Bella.”

Michael started to raise a skeptical brow. “Well, what does Derek happen to think about this whole development? Quite frankly, I’m shocked he didn’t follow you here today.”

I let out a small snort and rolled my eyes.

“That’s because James is currently busy with another endeavor at the moment,” I dryly remarked.

“Oh? And what ‘endeavor’ could be so important?” he asked playfully.

“James’ first wife Evelyn Lawrence had made a reappearance after being supposedly missing for the past five years and now he’s bent on spending every last stitch of his free time with her,” I answered curtly.

Michael’s eyes widened to the point of it being comical. He practically choked on the coffee he ordered himself while I slowly sipped on my cup of Earl Grey tea.

“What?” he gaped. “Evelyn Lawrence is alive?”

I nodded my head. “Yes.”

Michael’s surprised reaction gradually turned skeptical. “It’s rather odd that she’s decided to show up now, of all times, you know?”

“I suppose.”

“But, why now? I mean, where has she been all this time?” he asked.

“I think that’s what James is trying to figure out.”

Michael could tell that I was far from pleased with the recent development that had become my new life.

“If Evelyn has returned...Where does that leave you and Derek?” he questioned cautiously.

I slumped back in my chair and let out a long breath. “I don’t know.”