Bad Husband novel Chapter 202

Blake’s POV

We were all up before the roosters crowed.

I caught the soft murmur of voices downstairs–Ava and Sophia huddled together on the couch, speaking in hushed tones. Nobody could steen with this kind of electric anticipation buzzing through the air.

Heavy boots on marble announced Tyler’s arrival before he even reached the foyer. He strode in carrying a silver message tube that caught the weak morning light, Northern Lights emblem glinting like a promise.

“Boss.” His voice stayed low, but excitement leaked through anyway. “Lyra came through.”

My pulse kicked up a notch. Ava practically launched herself off the sofa, hope and terror warring across her features. Even Sophia abandoned her tea, watching me crack the seal with laser focus.

The parchment felt crisp between my fingers as I unfolded it. Lyra’s neat handwriting filled the page, but what made my breath catch was the official document attached–battle records from Northern Lights territory.

“Evidence clearing William,” I read out loud, my voice rougher than intended. “During border skirmishes with Shadow Creek pack, one Alpha and warrior defeated several of our fighters. The Alpha displayed unusual strength, possibly enhanced by combat drugs.”

Ava’s hand flew to cover her mouth. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes.

I kept going: “When surrounded, Shadow Creek’s Alpha Carter suddenly collapsed and was killed by enemy forces. William Rivers fought courageously until Shadow Creek reinforcements arrived, forcing enemy retreat.”

Dead silence. This record didn’t just prove William’s innocence–it painted him as the hero he’d always been.

“Finally.” Ava’s voice broke on the word. “Someone’s telling the truth about Dad.”

I crossed to her in three quick strides, pulling her against my chest. Through our bond, I felt everything she was feeling–relief crashing into rage, grief mixing with fierce anticipation for payback.

“Now we’ve got outside proof,” I said, addressing both women. “Time to spring the trap.”

Tyler straightened, already knowing his role. I caught his eye. “You stay put. Watch their backs if things go sideways.”

But Sophia shot to her feet before Tyler could respond. “Actually, Dad, we don’t need a babysitter.” Her chin tilted up, stubborn determination replacing yesterday’s uncertainty. “I can handle Jackson just fine.”

Looking at my daughter–really looking–I saw someone I barely recognized. Just days ago she’d been manipulated by Jackson, and now she was volunteering to set the trap herself.

“Think you can manage him without backup?” I asked, testing. “Guy’s slippery when cornered.”

Her smile turned sharp as a blade. “I’ve got something he wants more than air itself.” She waggled her left hand, engagement ring catching the light. “Plus a few tricks he’s never seen.”

Pride swelled in my chest. When had my little girl grown fangs?

“I believe you can handle it, but do you have restraining cuffs for werewolves?” I asked her half–jokingly.

Nodding with a knowing smile, Sophia was already reaching for her phone, fingers flying over the screen. When she spoke, her voice dripped honey and excitement: “Jackson! Guess what? I talked Dad into meeting with your family today! He’s heading over there soon, so you should come here right now. We can finally set a wedding date!”

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She glanced up at me, eyes dancing with mischief. “Hook, line, and sinker. He’ll be so pumped he won’t thinỷ straight:

My plan was simple. Roll up to the Hayes place with enough muscle to make it look official, let them think I was bringing good Resta Meanwhile, Jackson would come running to Sophia like a dog to dinner, giving us room to work.

*Just remember,” I said to Ava, squeezing her shoulder, the second Jackson walks through that door, you two own the game. I trust you with in- nail this.”

The word trust‘ hung in the air between us. Ava needed to hear it–that I saw her as my equal, not some delicate flower who needed protecting –

Sixty minutes later, 1 pulled up to the Hayes estate with a convoy that would make the evening news. Twelve Gammas in full dress uniform, vehicles gleaming in the morning sun. The kind of show that screamed ‘major announcement coming

Richard practically skipped down the front steps, grin stretched so wide it had to hurt. Martha and half a dozen family bigwigs clustered behind him, trying to look casual while vibrating with barely contained excitement.

“Blake!” Richard’s voice cracked like a teenager’s. “What brings the cavalry to our humble doorstep?”

I kept my expression neutral, just formal enough to be believable. “Got some business to discuss, Richard. About Shadow Creek’s future leadership.”

Vague enough to let his imagination run wild, specific enough to get his blood pumping. The greedy gleam in his eyes could’ve powered a small city.

“Well, hell yes! Come on in!” He practically rubbed his hands together, leading the parade toward his front door.

The Hayes living room felt like a stage set–everything positioned for maximum impression. I settled into the offered armchair, noting Jackson’s absence. Good. He should be halfway to Blackwood by now, chasing Sophia’s bait.

Martha appeared with a tea service, hands trembling just enough to rattle the china. Amateur hour.

“So,” Richard cleared his throat, leaning forward like we were old drinking buddies, “what’s your take on Jackson’s candidacy? Young man’s got real potential, don’t you think?”

I steepled my fingers, playing the thoughtful leader. “Jackson’s shown real leadership qualities. Shadow Creek could use fresh blood at the top.

The Hayes crew nearly broke into applause. If they only knew what I really thought about their golden boy, they’d be measuring him for a coffin instead of a crown.

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