Figure of Speech

“And doing his own healing.” Sarah turned back to them, focusing once more on Hope. “When the time comes, when you’re both ready, you’ll know it.”

“Maybe.” At least Hope looked a little more relaxed and at ease. Chloe hoped she’d helped a little bit, but Hope had gone through so much that Chloe doubted she’d been able to.

“I have to get going. Jim’s going to worry about me.” Ryan was probably getting bored playing video games on his tablet. Despite her brother’s presence Jim had fussed over her before she’d left. “Hope?”

“Hmm?” Hope gazed at Chloe, her expression filled with anxiety.

“Don’t give up, okay?”

Whatever Hope saw in Chloe’s face must have had an effect, because she nodded. “I won’t. You’re right. I can’t let Tito win.”

“Call me if you want to talk.” And Chloe meant that. She’d do whatever it took to help heal Hope.

“Thanks.” Hope glanced toward the window again, to where her mate watched over her from afar. “I just might.”

“Jim?”

Jim froze, his hand on the exam room door.

“James, answer me.”

He glanced over at his mother, ignoring her sullen scowl.

She looked like she always had. Her short silver hair was both stylish and efficient. The lemon-yellow capris, bright white polo shirt and tasteful jewelry screamed country club luncheon. Even her white sandals were perfect, without a single mark on them. They looked as good as the day his mother had bought them.

“I have a patient to see. You can wait in the waiting room, or better, make an appointment.” He threw Irene under the bus without a second thought. “I’m certain my partner would be happy to deal with you.”

Jim started to enter the exam room when his mother’s vicious tone stopped him dead. “Your partner or your girlfriend?”

He almost laughed. “You’ve really been out of my life for a while now, haven’t you?” He shook his head. “Listen. I’m marrying a girl named Chloe Williams as soon as she says yes.” He heard a gasp behind him but ignored it. He’d already scented Chloe, heard the tap of her cane as she came down the hallway, and wanted her to know his intentions weren’t just honorable but forever. Her leg had been bothering her that morning so he’d insisted she take the cane he’d bought for her a couple of days ago. “She’s got red hair, the cutest freckles I’ve ever seen, and is the strongest woman it’s ever been my privilege to meet.” His mother’s gaze darted to Chloe before settling once more on him. “Her family is incredible, and they’ve already welcomed me, and Spencer, with open arms, which is more than you’ve done.”

“I will not welcome your father’s bastard, Jim. I won’t. Not now, not ever.” She clutched the strap of her probably expensive bag and gave him a pleading look that might have worked on him six months ago. “How can you not understand that?”

“I do understand. All I’ve asked is you respect my decision to have Spence in my life.” Jim crossed his arms over his chest.

“No. You’re my son, James. Not him.” Wanda Woods crossed her arms over her chest. “Never him.”

“Fine.”

She relaxed. “Have you spoken to your father about alimony?”

Jim rolled his eyes. “No. That’s the place of your lawyer, not your son.”

She huffed. “He wants me to get a job. Me! At my age!”

His brows rose. “You’re healthy, smart, and barely over fifty, Mother.”

“As if thirty years of marriage count for nothing.” Her gaze darted once more to Chloe. “You’ll understand when Jim leaves you for someone else.”

Jim immediately stood between his mother and Chloe. “Don’t. Do not drag her into your drama. She stays drama-free.”

His mother scowled. “What is she, fifteen? You’re more like your father than I thought.”

“Get. Out.” His teeth were clenched as he desperately tried not to howl at his parent.

“May I?” Chloe’s sweet scent wrapped around him, calming him. “Mrs. Woods, I presume?”

“Not for much longer.” Wanda relaxed her grip on her bag.

“Is all this really worth losing your son over?”

Wanda seemed perplexed. “What do you mean?”

“Look at your son.” Chloe’s hand landed on his biceps. “Really look at him. He’s exhausted, he’s angry, he’s hurting. Is this what you wanted?”

“He’s always been melodramatic.” His mother’s annoyed sigh was one Jim had heard many times before. “And it’s not like you were around to get to know him, were you?” She tilted her head, and Jim wasn’t quite fast enough to stop what his mother was about to say. “How is your ex-boyfriend, by the way?”

Chloe glanced up at Jim. “I don’t—”

“Oh, don’t play coy with me. I saw my son when you were dating what’s-his-name. Were you even legal then? And he’s in charge of the police.” His mother looked delightedly scandalized. “Imagine the scandal if that got out.”

She sounded positively gleeful. It wouldn’t matter if it was all a lie. Gabriel Anderson would lose his job and any chance at a respectable one for the rest of his life. “Why are you doing this, Mother?”

She glanced at him with what seemed genuine regret. “I want alimony.”

“Talk to your lawyer.” Jim threw his hands in the air. “There’s nothing I can do about it. Father no longer speaks to me, remember?”

She shrugged. “He would if you got rid of his bastard.”

He growled, the sound no longer human. He turned away from his mother’s stunned expression toward Chloe, lifting a hand to her cheek. “Go in and talk to the patient for me, pretty.”

Chloe’s eyes went wide. “What about—” She pointed to her lips.

He kissed her forehead. “It’ll be fine, I promise.”

She bit her lip, but straightened her shoulders. “Okay.” She opened the door with a ready smile. “Hello, Mrs. Stanley. How is Van Gogh doing today?”

The door shut behind his mate, and Jim felt free to let loose on his mother. She’d just proven she was lying through her teeth. She knew exactly who Chloe was, and planned on using his mate to force him to do what she wanted.