Chapter 41
Samantha’s POV
“Your daughter kidnapped my children,” I snapped at him, disregarding any respect for whoever he was in this pack. “That’s what’s going on.”
Richard’s eyes darted to Olivia, whose carefully composed mask faltered for just a second before she straightened. He ignored her and addressed Dominic instead, his tone shifting to something smoother, almost rehearsed and reverent.
“Alpha Dominic,” Richard began, his tone oozing with false diplomacy, “I’m sure this is just a misunderstanding. Olivia was not trying to harm anyone. She was only doing what she thought was best for the children.”
“What she thought was best?” I repeated. “She had no right to take them from me! What kind of twisted logic are you trying to sell here?”
Richard raised a hand as if to calm me, but it only stoked the fire in my chest. “Samantha, let’s not forget that Olivia and I have already proven our loyalty to your children once. Do you recall the Summit? When Devon and Diana wandered off? Who found them? Who brought them back safely to you?”
I froze. The twins had been missing for hours, and I had been on the verge of losing my mind with worry. Richard and Ethan had been the ones to find them wandering near the road. But that did not justify what Olivia had done now.
“That has nothing to do with this,” I hissed.
“It has everything to do with this,” Richard countered, stepping closer. “It proves Olivia cares about their safety as much as I do with kids. She has every right to be concerned when she sees their own mother is incapable of keeping them out of harm’s way.”
His words hit me like a slap, and for a moment, I was stunned. But then the anger surged back, stronger than before. “Excuse me?” I said, my voice trembling with fury. “You think I am incapable? I have raised these kids on my own for years. I have protected them, cared for them, and loved them in ways your daughter would not even begin to understand. Don’t you dare question my ability to be their mother!”