Chapter 148
Iris
I nearly choke on my coffee when the news segment begins the following morning.
“Breaking news in the Willford family scandal,” announces the reporter, standing outside what looks like an enormous mansion. “DNA test results confirm that Selina Willford, the former fiancee of Alpha President Arthur, is not biologically related to the prestigious Willford family.
The camera cuts to Caleb Willford standing at a podium, his face grave. The headline at the bottom of the screen reads: “Willford Heiress Not Biological Daughter–Family Claims Infant Switch at Birth.”
I turn up the volume, transfixed.
“After extensive testing, we have confirmed that my sister–the woman we have raised and loved as Selina Willford–shares no
biological connection to our family,” Caleb states. “We believe there was a deliberate switch at the time of birth, orchestrated by
parties who perhaps wished to infiltrate and even potentially destroy our family line.”
My mind flashes back to yesterday at the hospital, to my strange connection to Caleb and his equally–strange question to Arthur. “Are you sure she’s human?”
But that’s not possible. No way in hell.
The press conference continues, with Caleb announcing a worldwide initiative. “The Willford family is launching a global DNA search to find our true blood relative who was taken from us. Anyone who submits to testing will contribute to a charitable
donation to the Ordan Central Orphanage Fund, regardless of the results.”
That’s the orphanage where I grew up. My heart squeezes at the mention of it. I haven’t been back there since I left at eighteen, determined to pave my own way. But it was a good upbringing regardless of the circumstances, and the headmistress of the orphanage, Giulia, was always kind to me.
“We will make a donation for every person who comes forward to be tested,” Caleb continues. “Our missing family member deserves to know their true heritage, and we intend to find them, no matter how long it takes.”
The anchor returns, explaining that the Willford family is one of the oldest and most powerful werewolf bloodlines in Ordan. Their search has already sparked enormous interest, with testing centers being set up across the country.
“Could you be the missing Willford heir?” the anchor asks, looking directly into the camera. “Visit any participating medical” center to find out. All it takes is a simple cheek swab.”
I turn off the TV, my thoughts a jumble. The Willford family is searching for their real daughter, who was allegedly switched at birth with Selina. Someone who grew up not knowing their true heritage. Someone who could be anywhere.
Someone like me, who never knew her parents.
1/2
+20 Bonus
I shake my head, dismissing the ridiculous thought. No, I couldn’t possibly be the missing Willford. What are the odds? Besides, I’m human, not a werewolf. I’ve never shown any signs of werewolf traits. The Willfords are looking for a werewolf, obviously.
Still, the news triggers memories of the orphanage.
I never knew why I was left there. The story I was told was that I was found abandoned on the orphanage steps when I was just days old. No note, no blanket, no identifying items. Nothing to give me a clue about where I came from or who my parents were.
in his hand.
The sound of Miles‘ footsteps pulls me from my thoughts. He run
into the living room with a crayon drawing in his hand.
“Mommy, look!” he says, thrusting the paper at me. “I drawed our family!”
I take the drawing, my heart melting at the sight. Miles has drawn three stick figures–a big one with brown hair, a bigger one with black hair, and a small one between them. Me, Arthur, and Miles. We’re all holding hands, the sun shining above us.
“It’s beautiful, little wolf,” I say, giving him a kiss on the forehead.
“Is Daddy coming back?” Miles asks, his green eyes–so like Arthur’s–looking up at me hopefully.
I sigh. “I don’t know, sweetheart. Daddy’s very busy right now.”
After the hospital yesterday, Arthur promised to call, but he hasn’t. I’m not surprised, really. Selina may not be a Willford, but she’s still in a coma because of him. Of course he’s staying with her. And yet….
“Why don’t we bake some cookies?” I suggest, changing the subject. “It’s my day off, and I’m feeling much better.”
Miles brightens immediately. “Yes! Chocolate chip?”
“How about we make cookies for the children at the orphanage where I grew up?” I find myself saying. The idea forms as I speak it, surprising me. “We could visit them today.”
Miles tilts his head, curious. “You didn’t have a mommy and daddy?”
“No, I didn’t,” I say softly, ruffling his black hair. “I grew up in a place with lots of other children who didn’t have parents.”
