I'm the Alpha's Crush (18+)|✔️

Chapter 62

A/N: As we get deeper into Sophie's backstory, things are going to be revealed that make her look pretty terrible. If you would, please reserve your final judgment until you see the whole picture - I promise that it's not as bad as it looks at first glance.

"Sophie! Oh my goodness - my baby girl is back!"

I barely had time to process my horror before bony, braceleted arms pulled me into a hug.

Her cheek pressed against mine, and I noticed that she felt shorter, almost - smaller in some indefinable way.

As it tickled the skin of my nose, I saw that sometime in the intervening years, she had embraced the natural, silver hue of her hair, allowing a stripe of it to color the front of her short bob.

Stiff as a plank of wood, I stood still while she embraced me, remembering a childhood full of hidden pinches and hissed rebukes. I remembered the sharp points of manicured nails, and the way they would dig into my skin when I'd displeased her.

When she released me, I stepped back, fighting for my equilibrium.

"So," she raked her critical gaze over me before glancing, curious, at Malcolm, "are you going to introduce your escort?"

Swallowing, I steadied myself before answering, "This is my date, Malcolm. Malcolm, this is my mother, Kerri."

She smiled with the same welcoming grace she always wore - in public.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Malcolm; Did you just get in?"

He shot a glance my way, "We just got into town - we flew into Albuquerque last night."

"Oh! Where are you staying? Because we do have some guest rooms if you need-"

"We're staying in a hotel." I cut her off.

Her warm demeanor cooled slightly, "I'm just being polite, Dear. Our doors are always open to you, after all."

Were they open when you screamed at me to get out?

"Well, how did you two meet?"

My blood crystallized, ice forming along my veins.

No-

"Well," Malcolm came up beside me, taking my hand in his, "I'm the Alpha of the Syracuse Pack."

Her eyes lit up with sudden interest as a frigid fist gripped my heart.

"Is that so?" She drew a step nearer, and I fought the urge to take Malcolm's hand and flee.

Across the room, Evie's voice interrupted, "Mom? What are you doing here?"

She turned, assuming an expression of polite confusion, "What do you mean, sweetie?"

"I mean," she placed subtle emphasis on the word, "that you said you were going to be busy getting your nails done."

"I did." Holding out her hand, she flashed her manicure; short, chic, and painted in a muted, neutral tone that complimented her skin. Turning to me, her eyebrow quirked ever-so-slightly, "Besides, when I heard that my darling, erstwhile, eldest daughter was finally back, I had to see for myself."

Evie's jaw clenched, and her eyes shot an apology my way. "Well, Mom, we're all busy getting things set up here. If you're willing to lend a hand-"

"Hmm? Oh, no, Hun. You know what the doctor said; I shouldn't be exerting myself-."

Evie sighed, "Sure, Mom. We'll see you at the rehearsal?"