The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 54

I was ten feet away when Jason’s mother reached for a platter covered in shrimp.

“Wait-

But Ava was already shaking her head. “I can’t have that. I’m allergic to seafood.”

Jason’s mother froze mid–reach. Her hand suspended over the platter like she’d been turned to stone.

“Allergic?” The word came out slowly. Carefully. “What kind of allergy, dear?”

“Shellfish mostly. Mommy says it makes my throat close up if I eat it.” Ava delivered this matter–of–factly. Like discussing the weather.

I reached them, breathless. “She has several food allergies. We’re very careful.”

Jason’s mother straightened slowly. Her eyes moved from Ava to me.

“Shellfish,” she repeated. Barely above a whisper. “That’s very specific.”

“It’s relatively common.” Too defensive. Way too defensive.

2

“Is it?” Her gaze returned to Ava. Studying every feature. The shape of her face. Those unmistakable green eyes. “My son has the exact same allergy. Shellfish makes his throat close up too. Exactly the same way.”

The words hung between us. Heavy. Damning. Undeniable.

“What a coincidence,” I managed.

“Yes.” Her voice had gone soft. Knowing. “What a remarkable coincidence.”

She was suspicious.

It was written across every line of her face. The way she kept looking between Ava and me. Connecting dots I’d tried keeping scattered.

“Mom, can I go play some more?” Ava tugged my hand, completely oblivious.

“Of course, baby.”

She skipped away. Leaving me standing there with Sarah. I looked around, searching for an escape.

My eyes locked with Riley’s. She raised an eyebrow in question. My face read panic in response.

Riley made her way toward us.

“How old is your daughter-”

“Excuse me, I’m so sorry to interrupt I just need to borrow Vanessa. There’s a work issue, but they haven’t been able to reach you.”

Thank god for Riley.

“Oh? My phone died earlier and I forgot to charge it. Will you excuse me, Elder Luna?”

Sarah nodded graciously as I walked off with Riley.

I couldn’t answer. Couldn’t lie anymore. Not to her. Not about this.

Her hand found my arm

gentle but firm. “We need talking. Soon. But not here.”

I leaned over and whispered, “I owe you one.”

Chombe 54

“You owe me 100 at least,” She whispered back, laughing. I couldn’t disagree.

Across the room, I noticed Jason watching me. That searching expression I’d come to dread.

Brittany’s POV

Something was wrong.

I’d been watching Jason all evening. Something was definitely off.

His attention kept drifting to that woman. Vanessa Harper.

But it wasn’t professional interest. I knew the difference. I’d learned recognizing that look years ago.

This was how he used to look at Laila.

That obsessive focus. That hunger.

I hated it.

I pressed closer against his side. “Darling, you seem distracted.”

“I’m fine.”

He’d brought up rejection again last week. Said maybe it’d be better for both of us if I initiated it. If I set him free.

Six years. Six years I’d invested becoming Luna. Building this position. Securing my future.

And this woman shows up with her sick kid, and suddenly Jason’s questioning everything?

My eyes found the little girl. Ava. Playing with other children near the far wall.

Something about her had been nagging at me all evening. Scratching at my consciousness.

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