His words hit like a slap, confirming suspicions I’d buried deep. Back then, public rejection by Marcus had shattered me. As a scentless wolf, I’d believed he was the best mate I could hope for. I’d chosen to ignore the signs of his cheating, too afraid of being alone.How wrong I’d been.
Rory growled inside me. “We have Draven now. This worm means nothing.”
“Marcus, we would never have worked. You’re a disgusting excuse for a man,” I said. “But here’s some advice- confess. You’ll get a reduced sentence.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Because my mate has the money and power to make sure you never see daylight again. He already hated you, but now knowing you helped kill his parents? He’ll ensure you rot in that cell.”
“He has no proof! When that car crashed, I was at my wedding with your cousin.” He smiled cruelly. “I chose that date specifically for the alibi!”
His shamelessness stunned me. I needed to find his weakness, something that would make him talk. Marcus didn’t care about anyone but himself, except… there was one person he still respected.
Caroline’s POV
Marcus, this bastard, cared about exactly one person in the world-his mother.
Lillian had always been kind to me during the time I was with her son. I remember how she’d welcomed me into their home with genuine warmth, despite my status as a scentless wolf. She’d even texted me after Marcus publicly rejected me for Selina, apologizing for her son’s behavior and telling me I deserved better.
“Marcus, I heard your mother is very upset about everything happening. Has she visited you?” I asked casually.
His smirk vanished instantly. “No, Carrie. Mom hasn’t visited.” His voice softened when answering. “Her health isn’t good enough for prison visits. Doctor’s orders. Why are you bringing my mother into this?”
“I imagine she must be worried sick. I always liked Lillian. A good woman who raised five children alone, and now her youngest has brought her this heartache.”
“Leave my mother out of this,” he growled, pulling against his restraints.
“Wouldn’t you like to talk to her? Through video call?” I leaned forward slightly. “To reassure her and check how she’s doing? I know she can’t stand Selina, so they don’t speak. Your mother probably has no idea what’s happening.”
Marcus grew serious, all traces of his cynical smile gone. He stared at me intensely before saying, “You don’t think a simple video call with my mother will make me talk, do you? You’re smarter than that.”
“I’m proposing something more substantial. Are you interested?”
“I’m listening.”
“You know you’re facing a lengthy sentence for kidnapping my son.”
“Yes, I’m aware.”
“I know your mother’s lupus symptoms have worsened. What if Draven paid for her treatment at the country’s top lupus hospital? Comfortable private room, best specialists, no waiting lists, all medications covered.” I paused, letting it sink in. “Plus, I could ask Investigator Magnus to arrange video calls with her. In exchange, you confess everything about Howard and his operation.”
Rory approved of my strategy. “Good. Target his only weakness.”
Marcus’s expression changed as he processed my offer. He looked down, fidgeting restlessly in his seat, then met my eyes again. Something had softened in his gaze.
“I’ll accept if you can get me weekly video calls with her.”
“That’s nearly impossible, Marcus. Monthly is more realistic.”
He sighed deeply. “Fine. Get that, and I’ll tell you everything.”
I stood and called for Draven and Magnus to return. “I’ve made progress with Marcus, but I need both of you to finalize the arrangement.”
“Let’s hear it,” Magnus said calmly.
I turned to Draven, placing my hand on his arm. “Marcus’s mother Lillian suffers from severe lupus. I thought perhaps we could cover her treatment at the country’s leading lupus center. She’s always been kind to me, nothing like her son.”
Draven’s jaw tightened as he looked at Marcus with undisguised contempt. “The irony isn’t lost on me that I’d be paying for healthcare for the mother of the man who helped kill my parents.”
He ran his hand through his hair. “But if you vouch for her character, I’ll do it. She shouldn’t suffer for her son’s crimes.”
“Thank you,” I whispered through our mind-link. “This could break the case wide open.”
“Anything for you, my love,” he responded silently, squeezing my hand. “And to get justice for my parents.”
“Investigator,” I continued, “could you arrange for Marcus to video call his mother today, and possibly monthly thereafter?”
“Today is no problem. Monthly calls would require Council approval, which I can request but not guarantee,” Magnus explained carefully.
“Then no deal,” Marcus snapped.
“Are you seriously willing to deny your mother the best medical care over a video call schedule? Your selfishness is astounding,” Draven said with disgust.
Marcus looked away, conflicted.
I could see the battle raging within him, his selfishness warring with genuine concern for his mother.
“Fine,” he finally conceded. “But the Investigator must try with the Council. And I want to speak with my mother before I tell you anything.”
“I’ll have my beta arrange the hospital transfer immediately,” Draven confirmed, stepping away to make a call.
While we waited for the video call setup, I observed Marcus closely. His leg bounced nervously under the table, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his uniform. For the first time since I’d known him, the arrogant mask had slipped, revealing something almost human beneath.
“The tech team is ready,” Magnus announced after several minutes. “They’ve contacted your mother and she’s waiting on the line.”
Marcus straightened in his chair, running his hand over his shaved head self-consciously. A large screen on the wall flickered to life, and after a moment of static, Lillian’s face appeared. She looked older than I remembered, her once vibrant features now drawn and tired, her skin pale with the characteristic lupus butterfly rash across her cheeks.
“Marcus?” Her voice quavered. “Son?”
Marcus’s expression changed completely as he moved closer to the screen, his eyes shining with tears.
“Mom,” he whispered.
Lillian’s face on the screen was a mixture of love and disappointment as she gazed at her imprisoned son.
“Marcus, my boy. What have you done?” Her eyes welled with tears.
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