Too Late Alpha The Mate He Never Wanted (Iris and Eric) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Eric’s POV

I grabbed my jacket, throwing it over my shoulders as I headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” Zara’s voice caught me mid-step.

I didn’t stop moving. I struggled to put on my shoes, trying to wear one while hopping on one foot.

“Marcus found something,” I muttered.

She sat up, narrowing her eyes at the clock. “Eric, it’s past two in the morning.”

“I know,” I said, finally getting my foot in. I grabbed the other shoe, put it on with a grunt. “That’s why I need to go. If he’s calling me at this hour, it’s not something that can wait.”

Zara pushed the blanket off her legs and stood up slowly, arms crossed. “What exactly did he find?”

“I don’t know,” I said impatiently. “He just said I needed to come see it myself.”

She narrowed her eyes. “That’s not clear enough. What if it’s nothing important?”

I shrugged, running a hand through my hair. “Then I’ll find out and come back. I’ll call you later.”

Her lips parted like she wanted to argue, but before she could speak, the bedroom door creaked open.

“Mommy?”

We both turned at the same time.

Tiffany stood in the doorway in her pajamas, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

“Where’s Daddy going?”

Her voice was small and groggy as she looked between Zara and I.

Zara stepped toward her quickly, crouching to her level. “Hey baby, it’s okay. Daddy’s just stepping out for a little bit.”

Tiffany’s eyes welled instantly. “But why? It’s very dark outside…”

I crouched down in front of her too. “It’s okay, Tiff. I just have to check something. I’ll be back soon.”

She blinked up at me, her lips trembling. “Can’t you stay?”

My chest tightened. Not again.

“Tiffany,” I said gently, “this is important. You’ll be fine here with Mommy. I promise.’

Her face crumpled. “I don’t want you to go…”

I reached for her, drawing her in for a quick hug. Her arms wrapped tightly around my neck, and she buried her face in my shoulder.

1/3

Chapter 32

+25 Bonus

“I’ll be back soon, okay?” I whispered.

She shook her head, her body shook. “No. Please stay. Please, Daddy…”

I exhaled slowly. I had nothing left to give tonight, especially emotionally. My thoughts were already filled with guilt, regret and confusion. I didn’t have the strength to comfort anyone else right now.

“Tiff…” I pulled away and tried to force a smile. “Mommy’s right here. She’ll take care of you.”

“No!” she cried, grabbing my jacket. “I want you!”

I stood up, trying to detach her hands from my coat gently. She tried to hold on, but I was getting too impatient and annoyed.

“Tiffany, behave yourself right now.” I snapped.

The words came out sharper than I meant. The second they left my mouth, the room fell into silence.

Tiffany froze. Her lips trembled harder. Her big, teary eyes stared up at me.

I had never ever spoken to her like that. Her face twisted with tears.

“Eric,” Zara warned with a scowl as she pulled Tiffany toward her.

I didn’t respond.

I was too exhausted, and overwhelmed by everything.

I glared at Zara instead, silently blaming her for delaying me, causing Tiffany to wake up.

While she was still comforting Tiffany, I turned and walked out.

I could still hear Tiffany bawling behind me as Zara tried to comfort her.

I clenched my jaw, trying to drown her sobs out.

I paused briefly at the door. Then I shrugged to myself. “You can always buy a gift when you come back. Maybe a new tea house.”

I closed the door behind me.

I had no idea what Marcus found, but whatever it was, it had to be serious for him to call at this hour.

What had Marcus found?

Could it be Iris?

Was she still alive?

A sharp pain shot through me at that thought.

I gripped the steering wheel tight, my heart pounding in my chest.

It happened again, this time, it pierced through me so sharp that I slammed the brake without even realizing it.

2/3

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify