The Phantom Wolf

Chapter 104 (A Way Out?)

*Pearl's POV*

What, wouldn't that be too risky?

I couldn't see Charlie anymore, since Carlisle was blocking my view of the human, but I heard the Chief respond. "You won't have a strong case. Pearl's been missing for 11 months. The topic of how you all met will come up, and any response you give will be investigated and scrutinised. On top of that, none of you have any biological connection to Pearl. The system will always try and keep immediate family together, regardless of the child's personal wishes." He finished, his statement sounded final.

I saw Esme take step forwards from my left, she looked angry. I don't think I've ever seen Esme look this angry before. When she spoke, her tone was dark and serious. The complete opposite to what it is usually like. "The system is flawed. You'd rather keep a child with their abusive parents because it means less paperwork for you, and is an overall easier solution, but that is not in the child's best interest. Pearl, shouldn't have to go back with a neglectful mother." She spoke in a firm voice.

She sounded so serious. Hearing Esme's obvious support for me, warmed my heart. She's nothing like Sue.

I wish Esme was my real mother...

Carlisle then spoke up, not willing to give up, he pressed the matter further before Charlie could respond to Esme. "If the gross negligence and emotional abuse Pearl suffered under Mrs Clearwater's care came to light, would we have a chance at winning the case if we tried?"

Charlie answered bluntly, "It's slim. Besides, you would need to provide some sort of proof for your case. And I'm assuming that proof doesn't exist?" He questioned pointedly.

There isn't any proof... It would just be my word against Sue's... Leah and Seth would never choose me over her... They'd back up whatever lies she told...

My face was downcast, as the realisation hit me like a truck, there wasn't really anything we could do about this situation. Sue's brought this matter publicly, she's already drawn a lot of attention to us because of that. Running away will just cause more issues, but it sounds like putting up a fight is just as hopeless.

I'll just have to wait out my time under her care. And leave the moment I turn 18.

As I resigned myself to my fate, I failed to notice all of the looks on my family's faces. They had all made a silent agreement with each other without my knowledge.

"We can take this to court. We'll fight for custody of Pearl." Carlisle suddenly announced. Catching me completely of guard.

What?! That's nuts! It's way too risky! Going through a legal battle could be detrimental to our existence. The chance of us getting outed as supernatural would be massively increased!

Charlie said it himself, everyone in this room would be investigated! What happens if a human digs up something they weren't supposed to find?! We could all end up getting exposed!

It's too much of a risk!

Carlisle began talking to Charlie about the legal process, but all I could focus on was how stupid of an idea this was. I know they love me, but I'm not worth this much trouble! I can just hide out in my room at Sue's house until I turn 18. Then I'm free to do whatever I want. I know I'll hate it, but it's a lot less of a risk to my family.

"Hang on a second..." I tried to interrupt Carlisle and Charlie's conversation. My voice was filled with uncertainty, but i tried to make myself loud enough for them to hear me.

If they heard me, they didn't acknowledge me. They continued talking like I hadn't spoken at all. My fear began to rise again, but this time, it wasn't for myself, it was for my coven. My family. I felt Jasper trying to squash it with his gift, but, ultimately, his interference didn't feel like it did anything.