The Wife's Redemption

Chapter 2:Behind Closed Doors

It has been almost a week since the fire, and even though news is beginning to spread of Valerie’s recovery the pack is feeling the underlying tension from the Alpha. Even though Damon was controlling the pack from the hospital, his enforcers were tearing through the pack looking for leads. Damon wanted answers. First his brother’s murderer, and now his wife almost died in a fire set to his estate. Everyone seemed on edge, though no one seemed to know anything more than anyone else.

Dominik preferred the quiet as he worked. Since the fire he had been present everyday, and that presence was starting to wane on Ellorie’s spirit. The constant stress to keep everything quiet and perfect for him was exhausting. She wished he would just go to the office and give everyone a chance to breathe. He came out occasionally to complain about noise, to demand more coffee, and to sit in complete silence at meals. It felt suffocating.

The older children had basically stuck to their rooms when they were home avoiding any contact that might lead to a disturbance. It might even have seemed peaceful compared to the house which was usually so full of noise. At least the older children had an outlet as they went to school for part of the day. Drea had even stayed away for a few nights which Ellorie found concerning but Dominik did not even seem to notice. She could not help feeling concerned that Drea thought she needed to hide in the shadows in order to date her assistant. She was sure Damon would understand.

Ellorie has tried to keep the house quiet by taking the younger children to the gardens in the afternoon while Dominik barely left his study. It wad a beautiful day as Ellorie swayed back and forth on the swing Dominik had built for her in the willow tree. It casted a perfect amount of shade and the girls loved running among the leaves as she relaxed. Danica and Daina chased each other around the yard squealing and laughing. Danica's long hair was flapping in the breeze as she adamantly refused to let anyone put it up. Ellorie laughed thinking it would be nothing but a tangled mess later.

The back door was pushed upon with force enough to hit the building. The sound caused Ellorie to jump off the swing and run out from under the tree to see who was coming her instincts on high alert. Dominik's quick steps caused all the children to stop moving and freeze before they could even make out his face clearly. Ellorie raised her hand to cover the light from the sun. “Ellorie,” he shouted, still quite a distance from her but she relaxed a little knowing it was him and not some intruder.

Ellorie was still frozen in place though as she motioned for children to come to her. Devyn was steps behind Dominik which made her blood run cold. Devyn had no reason to be here, but if Dominik had called him there was trouble. Devyn was in charge of security at the mansion anyways, and sometimes forgot that did not mean he was in charge of the mansion. Dominik only seemed to draw the line when Devyn challenged him, which he was doing more and more as he aged.

When Dominik reached her his face softened as he kneeled, coaxing the girls to come to him. They wrapped their little arms around him and for a second it felt like a normal family meeting. The sound of Devyn cough interrupted the moment and made Ellorie wonder why he was at the mansion again. It seemed he could not stay away this week and it was upsetting. Dominik stood up slowly and turned to Devyn, “Take the girls inside to Mrs. Fields.” he said gently so as not to scare the girls.

Devyn pocketed his phone he had been sending subtle text messages on and held out his hands. He looked around briefly almost nervously as he waited for the girls to make their way towards him. Each girl took a hand as he led them inside.

Once they were out of hearing distance. Dominik motioned to the table and chairs in the distance. They walked silently till they reached the table and sat down.

“What is it?” Ellorie questioned as her fingers traced the metal work on the table.

“The prosector just released a statement about the fire,” Dominik said.

“That’s a good thing right.” She paused and rambled on, “That means they know who started the fire right.” Her next words stopped short as she looked at the expression on Dominik’s face.

He leaned back in his chair, an amused look crossed his face as he answered her question, “Seems the district attorney is pressing charges of arson and attempted murder, on Valerie.”

“Valerie,” Ellorie whispered, caught off guard. Just to be sure she asked again, “On Valerie?”Dominik laughed but Ellorie did not see the humor in the situation. “I don’t see what is so funny.”

“He’s an i***t if he believes the lies that he is spreading,” Dominik chuckled.

“So you know he’s lying, and you think it is funny.” Ellorie huffed.

“He is going to try and convince people that Valerie started a fire in Dante’s room to get back at Elena for having an affair and had a change of heart and ending up getting caught in her own fire. Like I said he is an idiot.” Dominik answered carelessly.

“How do you even know this? Surely he did not spout this nonsense on the news.” Ellorie replied unconvinced anyone was that dumb. Sure she had heard the rumors about Damon and Elena from Dominik and Devyn but she had never placed any stock in the absurdity of it all. She had felt that if anyone was faithful to his wife it was Damon, though there were a few times when it was hard even for her to give him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps Valerie had had enough of people talking and took action. Though she could not believe that Valerie would ever harm a child.

“Because I don’t lurk in corners like you do, Wife, waiting for information, I have connections in the DA’s office.” He laughed.

“Of course you do,” she replied.

“Let’s just say he was all too pleased to gloat that he finally has something on the Dare family. He believes, wrongly, that this will be the first in a line of cases that will bring the Dare family to its knees. His words are not mine.” Dominik paused and thought before continuing, “I think it will prove just how much he doesn’t know and will likely be the end of his job. Making false charges on the Boss’ wife is a new low even for him.” Dominik laughed. “Damon will not let this go unnoticed.”

“What do you suppose he will do?” Ellorie asked.

Dominik shook his head, “What he does, you will never know about. And I better not hear that you were digging into it either. Do you understand?” he asked her.

Ellorie smiled, “Like crystal,” she laughed.

Dominik smiled as he spoke and reached out to take Ellorie’s hand. “This is good for us.”

“How can it be good for us, Dominik, our Luna will be on trial for arson and murder and you think it will be good for us. How can you even make such a statement?” Ellorie replied in disbelief.

“Damon will be distracted by the trial and will stop looking into the family’s past dealing.” Dominik said like it didn’t matter. Dominik was about to say something else when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and looked at his wife. “I have to take this.” Then he stood up from the table and walked far enough away that she could not hear.

Ten minutes later he returned to find her still waiting. “I didn’t think you would still be here,” he said uncomfortably.

“I did not think our conversation was over.” Ellorie replied gently hoping he would sit back down and tell her about his call. She knew better though and could read the tells across his face before he even opened his mouth to speak.

“It is over,” Dominik declared, “I have to get back to work.” he turned and started walking away but turned still in ear shot, “Don’t forget what I said, Ellorie.”

“Yes, Sir,” she answered, lowering her head in submission to his wishes. She sat for a few more minutes and then stood to re-enter the house and find her children. She knew what he wanted, but on this Ellorie thought she owed it to Valerie to help. There were so many girls and women she had been unable to help in the past. She could not stop now even if she wanted to.