Sold To The Billionaire Alpha
Chapter 62

Orion

My heart plummeted. Had my mother lied about all of this? How would she even know those details about this man’s life if she had been lying?

I should’ve known better than to believe my mother, I said to Orchid privately. We’re bothering this man over my mother’s fairytales.

I don’t think so, said Orchid decisively. Pieces of the story match.

“What was your sister’s name?” Asked Orchid gently as she leant towards the mirror to study Heath’s expression.

Heath sighed. He was quiet for so long, I began to think he was merely refusing to answer.

“Hannah,” he said eventually with a heavy sigh. “Same as my daughter’s name but everyone calls her Star anyway,” he mumbled under his breath.

I think your mother changed her name, said Orchid.

“I’m sorry to pry like this. I didn’t contact you to dredge up unpleasant memories but could you describe your sister to me?” I asked tentatively.

Heath sighed deeply again. He took another long and painfully awkward pause.

“Maybe we could make this easier for him,” said Fox quietly. “I know Heath a bit. He’s a man of few words. He’s a manly man not a talker. He’s a warrior. You get that, right Orion? You’re kinda the same,” said Fox with a smile.

I nodded.

“Blonde, brunette or redhead?” Asked Orchid, getting straight to the point. “Or black hair or…bald,” she added, thinking it over.

Heath chuckled sadly and nervously ran his fingers through his hair. It seemed as though it was quite painful for him to remember his sister.

“Blonde,” he mumbled.

Orchid and I looked at each other.

“Dark blond or…” began Orchid.

“Very blond,” said Heath, cutting across her.

He laughed a little. His laugh was more lighthearted this time and a small smile formed on his face.

“She always complained about her hair. It was so blonde that it was almost white. She refused to go in the pool for swimming lessons at the Orphanage. The water was kinda murky so I don’t blame her. I swam in it. I was a little scamp. I had no reservations. She didn’t want her hair to turn green.”

“Her eyes?” I asked.

“Blue,” he said with a shrug, looking down.

Show him a picture! Let’s not keep him any longer! What’s the youngest picture you have of your mother? Said Orchid.

“Please, Lord Heath, hold on one moment,” I said, immediately knowing which picture I wanted to show him.

Heath nodded. I moved at werewolf speed down to one of the parlours in the mansion. This was where we used to play board games as a family infrequently. The board game boxes were covered in dust. There were a few photo albums under them. I flipped through the oldest one, finding a picture of my mother as a teenager. She was thirteen in this one. She had been separated from Heath at the age of twelve years. If she was telling the truth, he should recognise her in this one. I snatched a more recent photo along with one of her in her twenties. I dashed back upstairs. I was breathless when I got back to the mirror.

“Here!” I said, showing him the photo of Mother at thirteen.

He looked up slowly. I scrutinised his expression. He stared at the photo like he was looking at a ghost, an apparition. His face paled as the colour drained from it. I saw the look of recognition dawn in his eyes.

“That’s her, isn’t it?” I said with an air of triumph.

I would never blatantly admit it but it was soothing to know my mother could tell the truth sometimes.

“That’s Hannah,” said Heath, dumbfounded. “That’s her.”

I grinned at Orchid. She was smiling too. She had to be the most forgiving woman in the world. Her heart was made of gold.

“I’m happy for you,” she whispered and kissed my nose.

“Are you saying Hannah is alive?” Asked Heath.

“Yes,” I said.

I showed him a picture of her in her twenties along with a recent one.

“Cold Moon?” Clarified Heath.

“Yes,” I said. “But…”

“I’m coming! I’ll leave right away! Can I talk to her first?” He asked.

Orchid and I looked at each other. Orchid nodded.

“Yes, but I must warn you my mother is prone to…bouts of…she’s…” I said, unsure of how to phrase it.

“I know,” said Heath sadly. “She talked to herself all the time at the Orphanage. Those assholes said she was dead. What happened to her?”

“She got adopted,” said Orchid gently.

“She didn’t look for me?” Wondered Heath, suddenly seeming a lost little boy.

“She must have changed her name from Hannah to Orla for some reason and…it’s best you hear it from her,” I insisted.

I sent a guard nearby to fetch my mother and summon my father along with adequate security.

“Just a few minutes,” I said to Heath.

“My head is spinning,” said Heath, putting his palm on his forehead. “I’m not a Lord by the way. That’s just my daughter-in-law. She calls everyone that. Well, almost everyone.”

“Your daughter-in-law? So you have a son?” I wondered.

That would be my first cousin.

Heath nodded. “Harper,” said Heath. “Hannah is his twin.”

“Can I meet them?” I asked.

“Why the f**k not?” Said Heath throwing his hands up in the air and laughing a little.

That comment caught me completely off guard. I burst into laughter.

“Wait, Harper?” I said. “Alpha Harper, the new Alpha of Ice Moon?”

Heath nodded. That was the name Fox had written on the mirror.

“Then Hannah is…” I said.

“Hannah as in Hannah Star, Luna Star of Viper Moon. Yes,” confirmed Heath.

“Your children are part Fae. Winter Fae?” I said.

“Yes,” said Heath with an exasperated sigh. “I’ve seen enough magic for a lifetime,” he mumbled, rolling his eyes.

I chuckled.

“Right now this bloody snowman is hopping around the room, eavesdropping on us,” said Heath, turning the mirror slightly so I could see the snowman.

Orchid gasped. Fox laughed. There was a snowman with a carrot nose and branches for arms looking at us with a deer in the headlights expression. He quickly turned around, facing away from us, unconvincingly pretending he had not been looking.

“That’s amazing!” Exclaimed Orchid. “He’s so cute!”

“Ugh, you and my daughter-in-law Holly will be great friends then. She loves this one. He’s her favourite. She gets him to do all her dirty work, spying and attending events in her place when she doesn’t want to go,” said Heath, selling out Holly.

“I don’t know to what you are referring, Lord Heath, but I must say you have a fantastical imagination,” said Holly in the background.

“Why is everyone hanging out in my room like it’s some nightclub or something? I’m hearing like ten different voices,” grumbled someone on their end.

“That’s Harper,” said Heath. “He’s up from his nap.”

“Dad, I’m an adult. It’s not a nap,” grumbled Harper.

Harper peeked at the mirror. He was a younger version of Heath but with much longer hair, just about the same length as mine. Magnus and Cerberus brought my Mother in at that moment with Father in tow.

“What’s going on?” Asked Father.

“You’ll see,” I said, getting up from the vanity and taking my Mom’s hand.

I put her to sit in my place. She gasped when she saw Heath, clasping her hands over her mouth, making her handcuffs clink.

She was wearing silver handcuffs with a safety lining so they did not burn her skin but still stopped her from shifting and escaping.

“Hannah,” whispered Heath.

She began to cry, keeping her trembling hands over her mouth.

“I’ll step outside for a bit,” murmured Fox.

“It’s okay, Fox. You’re welcome to stay,” I said.

Fox shook his head. He went out into the hallway. I leant against the wall. Orchid stood close to me. Father went to stand near to Mother, putting his hand on her shoulder for comfort.

“I’ve done terrible things, Heath,” whispered Mother breathlessly.

“It’s okay, Hannah, it’s okay,” said Heath. “Just breathe, okay.”

Mother nodded shakily.

“I’m coming there, okay. I’m coming to you,” said Heath.

“No, I don’t want you to see me like this,” said Mother.

“I want to see you. It doesn’t matter,” said Heath. “They told me you were dead, Hannah,” said Heath, his voice cracking a little.

“I know,” she said softly.

“What?!” Demanded Heath. “You know?!”

“They made me out to be a liar when I tried to get my adopted parents to go back for you. They told everyone I didn’t have a little brother. I almost thought I didn’t sometimes. I figured they must have lied to you too. They wanted you. You were a natural fighter from the start. I think that’s why they let me go and not you. There was one day when I ran away from my adopted parents to go back to the Orphanage to get you. My plan was ruined by the Head Nun. Well, she wasn’t a nun anymore, but she still called herself Mother Superior. She and a pale man she called the benefactor said they would kill you if I didn’t stop. They also wanted me to change my name. I don’t think they wanted you to be able to find me. I’m so sorry, Heath. I’m so sorry! I’m a sorry excuse for a sister and I can’t face you,” she said, breaking down into sobs that shook her whole body.

“No, you’re my Hannah and I’m coming to see you,” said Heath defiantly. “And I’ll bring my daughter. She’s named Hannah too,” said Heath with a small smile.

“Really?” Said Mother, her tears ceasing instantly

I knew Mother would love that. The narcissist inside of her craved acknowledgement but I was still happy for her on some level.

“And I have a son, Harper. Alpha Harper of Ice Moon,” said Heath. “Hannah is the Luna of Viper Moon.”

A slow smile spread over Mother’s face.

“So successful,” she murmured. “My children are Alphas too,” she said proudly.

“I know!” Said Heath happily. “I just met Alpha Orion, of Cold Moon right? And his brother Perseus is ruling Snow Moon? All this time I didn’t know you were their mother. I would’ve come to your pack lands ages ago, had I known.”

Mother nodded.

“If you had still been named Hannah, I could’ve found you,” said Heath sadly.

“I’ve always kept a low profile,” said Mother. “I don’t attend many meetings with my husband.”

“I’ve realised. I saw him a few years back. He was alone at a Northern Alphas’ meeting. I was so close to you. I was in the same room as your fated mate and I didn’t know,” said Heath, shaking his head.

“If Alpha Harper of Ice Moon is your son…then you had a relationship with Princess Hesper? I heard something awful happened to her. That means you have no fated mate,” Said Mother sadly.

“No, well yes, Hesper is my fated mate and she was missing for a long time. It’s a bit of a long story but thanks to my kids, we’re a family again. Hesper has been returned to me. You’ll meet her soon!” Said Heath, practically beaming with joy.

Mother’s smile slipped off of her face.

“Don’t trouble her, my dear Heath, just bring the children and come. Don’t trouble poor Princess Hesper. Just family. Let’s have family time!” Said Mother.

Uh oh. Mother’s feathers were already ruffled because Heath had a mate.

Your mother is so possessive with every male relative in her life, said Orchid, keeping her tone gentle.

I sighed outwardly.

I know, I said privately.

Orion, I know this is a tough time…began Orchid in my mind.

Tell me, Baby! Don’t hide things from me, I said at once, sensing she was holding something back.

Bisa is still here. The Hawthornes are here. Your Uncle is about to come along with your cousins. We’re both going to be hosting some long-lost family members this week and as crazy as it is…I don’t want to wait, said Orchid.

What are you saying? I asked, folding my arms.

She wriggled her way into my arms. I held her to my side gently and kissed the top of her head, wondering where she was going with all of this.

Let’s get married while all of our relatives are here. Let’s get married as soon as possible, said Orchid.

My mouth was agape. I was floored.

Are you serious?! I asked. Who are you and what have you done with Orchid?

Orchid giggled. She swatted my chest playfully.

Are you turning me down? She said slyly.

I took her left hand, the one with the engagement ring on it, and brushed my lips against her knuckles.

Of course not. I’m ready when you are, I said, nuzzling her.

Heath was detailing how he was going to round up his children and their mates so they could all visit Cold Moon.

“I have to go away for my health, Heath,” cautioned Mother.

“I figured as much. I can see the…” Heath paused and merely pointed to his own wrists to indicate my Mother’s handcuffs.

Mother nodded.

“But you can visit her there too!” I said to Heath. “I’ll discuss everything with you as soon as you arrive.”

“Will you give us some time together?” Pleaded Mother, looking up at me.

I instinctively looked back at Orchid to make sure she was comfortable with my Mother spending more time around the mansion before departing to go to the institution.

“If they’re going to be here a few more days, can we bring a doctor here for her and Ellie or um Joan? I’m not sure which name is the real her,” said Orchid softly.

“Absolutely!” I said to Orchid.

“Yes,” I said to Mother. “You can spend some time with your brother and his family,” I said, patting her shoulder gently.

I gestured for Magnus, Cerberus and my father to return her to her room.

“I won’t go anywhere,” said Mother to Magnus. “My brother is coming! So you can take these off!” Said Mother, jingling her handcuffs.

You cannot take them off! I specified privately to Magnus.

I wouldn’t dream of doing anything of the sort! Insisted Magnus.

I would allow Mother at least a week with her brother. After that, it was up to him how often he wanted to visit her in the Institution. I knew Perseus had plans to visit her daily. I could not see myself doing that but I would not miss important days: her birthday, Mother’s Day. I figured we could cart Ellie or Joan off sooner rather than later as she was a stranger, but I did not want to think about that right now.

“What did she do?” Asked Heath as soon as Mother left.

“She conspired against my mate,” I said. “Possibly several times.”

Heath sighed but he did not seem surprised.

“That’s not out of character for her unfortunately,” revealed Heath.

I raised my eyebrows.

“She was just a girl back then,” I reasoned.

“Yes, but she was…I don’t know the word but my mother was her father’s second chance mate. So Hannah and I are half-siblings. Well, Orla and I, since that’s her name now,” said Heath with a shrug. “She hated my mother. My mother was her stepmother. I was only a baby but years later she told me herself how she tried to get rid of her new stepmother by putting glass in her food, hair removing cream in her shampoo, dog s**t in her slippers. Hannah…Orla, I mean, was only five or six when she did those things. She told me about them with the straightest face. I would’ve been five or six and she would’ve been eleven or twelve when she told me those stories. She also told me that she stopped terrorising her stepmother the moment she found out the new baby would be a boy. Orla had been terrified it would be a girl. A new little girl to replace her as Daddy’s favourite. But when Orla found out I was a boy, her whole demeanour changed. She told me she would help her stepmother with everything during the pregnancy. My Hannah, your Orla, always took good care of me even in the womb. She saved my life as a baby. She’s far from perfect but she’s not heartless. I’m sorry for what she probably put you through,” said Heath.

“All I have to do to get her to like me is get pregnant, preferably with a boy,” said Orchid, trying to lighten the mood.

Heath smiled.

“Uncle Heath?” I said tentatively.

Heath’s smile widened. Harper was still peeking in curiously along with Holly, his pregnant wife and mate.

“Ensure that everyone packs something they could wear to a wedding,” I suggested.

“A wedding!” I heard Holly squeal.

She and the snowman began rejoicing in the background. I did not recall inviting that triple scoop of snow to my wedding but I would allow it for the sake of peace among these new family members. Orchid also seemed fond of the frosty so that was a plus.

“Will do!” Said Heath. “Who’s getting married?!”

“We are,” said Orchid, looking at me. “It’s a bit spur of the moment but it’s what we both want.”

“I know two amazing wedding planners!” Blurted out Holly, bursting into view. “They’re good with short notice!” She added.

Orchid chuckled.

“Okay, I’ll take your word for it,” said Orchid. “You can give me their numbers.”

“Will you be having a bachelorette function?” Inquired Holly excitedly.

“Um…” began Orchid.

“No,” I said firmly.

Holly frowned.

“We’ll put that as a ‘maybe’,” said Holly, writing in a notebook she had conjured out of thin air. Holly and her snowman were already causing trouble.

“So cuz,” said Harper, also coming into view. “Do I have your permission to make a portal from my castle to yours?” Said Harper, waggling his eyebrows.

“Knock yourself out,” I chuckled.