My Married Mate

Grandma Plays with Ruby

Mark's POV

While walking to the car my head is hung. I know the moment the door closed to the car I would experience the wrath. Not the wrath of an Alpha, no, this was arguably worse. The wrath of a pregnant wife. While Simon knew my intentions were harmless, Scarlet cannot know. She may not ever be able to know. All she knows is I tried to sabotage her childhood dream. She holds her composure like the queen she is, not letting a single person know that she is upset in any way, her head held high. Our blue 2020 Audi S5 is already waiting for us with the valet holding the keys out. I inwardly laugh for a moment when I think about the fight Scarlet put up for this car. After opening her door for her as always, I walk around to get in the car. The moment the door *clicks* my happy internal dialogue is assassinated by her screams.

"ARE YOU FU*KING SERIOUS MARKELL?!" She spits with venom. Oh Goddess, she never swears. "OF ALL THE DAYS YOU LET THAT GODD*MNED TEMPER GET THE BEST OF YOU, YOU CHOOSE TODAY? TODAY MARKELL?!"

I had a plan though, I knew in that office exactly what would set her off then and I had the perfect coverup for my outburst now.

"It was all a part of my plan. Simon was very interested, I could tell from our conversation while talking to the engineer," I lie almost too easily, it makes me uncomfortable, "so I wanted to make him think he was losing it to help our negotiations," I explain proud of my coverup. "And it worked, didn't it! 10%!" I excitedly point out trying to divert her anger

She drops her face and for the first time in 7 years she says something that has both my wolf, Jax, and I whimpering.

"I don't believe you."

She turns away from me, pulls out her phone while I pull out onto the road and starts texting. I know she would text her mom telling her we were on the way, but I know in my heart she'd also text HIM. She would apologize for my outburst even though he knew it was coming. I inadvertently brought them closer and that made me worry if I could continue to protect her and Gracie. We sat in silence the entire hour drive as Jax and I replayed our lives and wondered how we got here. I would never be mad at Scarlet if she kept secrets about whatever this power is that she possesses, whatever that power might be, I have secrets too. Hell, she doesn't even know my REAL name. But on that fateful night 7 years ago, my wolf sought out Scarlet to protect her and protect her we will. No matter how much shame and pain it causes me.

After a long awkward drive, we pull up to Scarlet's parents' house. Her mom is outside waiting already with Gracie ready to go. Oh Goddess, she looks HORRIFIED! What happened?! Jax is going crazy in my head at the look of Scarlets mom, Marie.

"MOMMY! DADDY! GRANDMA PLAYED WITH RUBY TODAY!"

My stomach drops and I race to Gracie. I look up to my mother-in-law hoping for answers.

"Now, now, all in the good fun of pretend." She says, doing a terrible job of lying with her voice going up an octave at the end. What does she know? Oh no.

"Mommy, why are you so mad? You are completely black!" Gracie says to Scarlet looking a bit worried.

Puzzled, Scarlet says nothing and gives Gracie a small smile.

"Hey Gracie! We're going on a trip tonight! Let's go to the bathroom before we get on the road!"

We walk in the house leaving Scarlet to inevitably vent to Marie about my royal f*ck up. I stop outside the bathroom, making sure Tom, Scarlet's dad, is not around. I turn to Gracie, turning very serious. Her brow is furrowed like she has no idea what is happening.

"Gracie, I need to talk to Ruby. Right now."

Her eyes glow red, and Ruby comes forward. "What?" She sneers at me.

"Ruby, what did you do?"

"Discovered a new gift!" She beams with pride.

"You didn't shift, did you?!"

"No, stupid! I already told you I won't. My human may only be six, but I am not, nor am I stupid."

"What is your gift, Ruby?"

She giggles, "I can see your anger now. You're just as mad as Scarlet was, but you are also sad, why are you sad?" This isn't Gracie's first gift and I have a feeling it won't be her last. I'm worried I won't be able to hide this much longer from Scarlet or her family. I need answers. Now.

I change the subject, "Ruby, we're going to a packhouse for dinner," her eyes light up. "Not so fast, NO ONE can know about you." She whimpers and her face drops knowing she isn't getting to come out and play. "However, I need you to get hurt so their pack doctor can look at you. Can you do that Ruby? In a way that you won't heal instantly?"

A mischievous look flashes across her face. "AB-SO-LUTE-LY!" She all but screams.

Before I can reel her in, Gracies emerald green eyes are back.

"Don't let her do anything stupid. You know the drill, normal werewolves don't get their wolves this early and no one can know for your safety. No one else can know you have your wolf, the Alpha and Beta know and obviously the doctor will know. If the doctor asks her name, lie. Some names are important to the wolf. ONLY talk to the doctor about" I pause thinking of a name, "let's call her Sage. And do NOT mention the powers, normal wolves can't see feelings." I say, my voice laced with concern.

"I won't! But she also doesn't like that name."

"We have to use it for now, okay?" She nods and I pull my daughter into a hug, worried for this night to come. We head out to the car and make our way to the Black Moon territory. Simon's house. I hope he can control his wolf with his mate on his territory.