Chapter 3 The Boy in the Wheelchair

Gabrielle's POV

My fingers went numb, and the remote slipped from my hand, clattering loudly against the floor.

Mom glanced at me, her brow furrowing immediately.

“Gabby? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. What’s wrong?”

I forced myself to swallow, but my throat felt dry.

“Nothing,” I said quickly, too quickly. “I just… I’m wondering who would do something like that.”

Mom sighed and reached for the remote, switching off the TV.

“I hope whoever is responsible for that wicked act is found and punished properly. A life sentence wouldn’t even be enough.”

She paused, then added, as if it were settled,

“We’re leaving tomorrow. Ronan is sending a car at dawn.”

Then she turned and walked toward the kitchen, leaving me alone in the heavy silence that followed.

The air in the room suddenly felt too tight.

If I stayed here, it wouldn’t take long before something gave me away.

Either the hospital would trace the drop-off… or Maria would crack under pressure.

But living under Ronan Blackthorn’s roof… felt like stepping into both safety and danger at the same time.

His protection could erase suspicion, no one would suspect the new stepdaughter of the Alpha but I'd also have to control my emotions even though I don't approve of the marriage.

By morning, I had made my decision.

We loaded our boxes into the sleek black SUV that arrived at dawn.

“Fine, Mom,” I said quietly. “You’re right. This could be a fresh start. You get a new husband… and I get a new life.”

Her face lit up instantly, and she squeezed my hand like she had been holding her breath for weeks.

“That’s my girl. I knew you would understand. Ronan is a good man. He will take care of us.”

I nodded, even though my chest felt tight.

“Welcome home,” the driver said as we pulled up to the massive estate.

The gates opened slowly, revealing a grand mansion and Alpha Ronan Blackthorn was waiting on the steps.

“Victoria,” he greeted my mother warmly, pulling her into a brief embrace.

Then his attention shifted to me.

“And you must be Gabrielle,” he said with a calm smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Come in. Let’s get you both settled.”

Inside, omegas in neat uniforms took our bags without a word, and Ronan guided us into a spacious sitting room.

“I know this is sudden,” he said, pouring drinks from a crystal decanter, “but I am glad you are here. It has been… quiet since my wife passed. The mourning period is over, and the elders thought it best I move forward.”

He glanced at my mother with something almost gentle. “I believe we will manage well together.”

Mom blushed slightly, and I forced myself to speak politely. “Thank you, Alpha Blackthorn, for accepting us.”

“Ronan,” he corrected lightly, smiling. “We are family now.”

He set the glass down and continued, “The wedding will be in a week. It's a small ceremony with only elders and close pack members. After that, you will both settle in properly. Gabrielle will be starting at Raven Wood University soon”

I nodded faintly, though nothing about this felt real.

As we were shown upstairs, Ronan paused at the hallway leading to the guest rooms.

“One more thing,” he added. “You will meet my son at dinner tonight. Kalvin.”

Something shifted in his expression, just slightly.

“He is recovering from an accident. It has been… difficult for him.”

My steps slowed. “An accident?”

Ronan’s jaw tightened.

“He was out running late at night, as he often does. Someone hit him and left him on the road. A passerby found him just in time and got him to the hospital. The doctors said if he had been there even a little longer, he would not have survived.”

My breath caught, but I forced my voice steady. “That’s terrible.”

“It is,” he said quietly. “He is angry now. At everything and I honestly don't know what to do”

He turned away slightly, softening the moment.

“Anyway, the omegas will take you shopping tomorrow. Anything you need for school, just get it, no limits”

I blinked. “T…Thank you Alpha”

A faint, almost awkward smile crossed his face, then, after a pause, he spoke.

“And… if it is not too much trouble, could you tell me what your mother likes? I would like to get her something before the ceremony”

The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard No offense, though. I’m not trying to take your father’s place.”

I almost laughed at how earnest he sounded. Instead, I waved a hand dismissively.

“Look, you don’t have to try to win me over. My real father doesn’t even have a place in our hearts anymore. He walked out and never looked back. So I really don’t care about him.”

“Just treat my mother right. That’s the only thing I care about. She loves sunflowers, dark chocolate, and most importantly, cameras. You know, she used to be a photographer. Just don’t do too much.”

The corner of his mouth ticked up. “Thank you, Gabrielle”

I shrugged and turned toward the balcony doors so he wouldn’t see my hands shaking.

I had just lied through my teeth, because the only thing I wanted was for Mom and Dad to get back together.

Irrespective of everything he had done, I couldn’t deny the fact that he was once the best father a girl could ever ask for.

Sometimes, I wondered where he was.

Dinner came faster than I wanted.

Mom was already seated, glowing in a way that made my stomach twist with guilt again, and Ronan stood at the head, looking almost relaxed.

“I have a good feeling about this,” he said as I slid into my chair. “You and Kalvin are going to get along just fine. He’s rough around the edges right now, but underneath it, he’s a good kid. You’ll see.”

I gave a polite smile that felt like cardboard and reached for the soup tureen.

The ladle was heavy in my hand. I dipped it in, watching the creamy liquid swirl.

“Dad, I already told you… I’m not hungry. Why can’t you just leave me the hell alone?”

I turned slowly.

I almost passed out right there from shock.

Because sitting in a wheelchair, a

few inches away from me, was the cute stranger I had hit and abandoned at the hospital.

Kalvin Blackthorn.

My new stepbrother.