by Jana Leigh
“Who are these people, Frank and Tina?” Braden asked.
Cami stepped forward with Jo in her arms and said angrily. “Tina was a drunk who could never force herself to pay attention to her daughter, and Frank was an asshole who beat Jo on a regular basis. I grew up with her; there is no way she is who you say she is. We have known each other since grade school.”
“Oliver"s family was kidnapped and murdered when Josephine was only a baby. Oliver was a mess when he first found out about his wife, but then they sent a bloody blanket to him and he went off the deep end. He secluded himself for more than ten years; it took all of us to get him to return to the Pack.” Braden said. “I was there for your birth.
Oliver thought the spirits had blessed him with the most beautiful daughter there ever was. He barely let you out of his sight. Your mom used to say that she was going to have to watch him because he would spoil you so bad, you would be a brat.” Jo shook her head and then cried out, “I am not her, don"t you get it, I can"t be her!” She said and then ran out of the room. Tey followed her.
Cami stopped and looked at the Council members. “You had better figure this out because I won"t have you hurting my friend. I was there to pick up the pieces every time her father beat her. I was the one who took her to the hospital, and then changed her bandages. She does not deserve this. Unless what you are saying is true, because I would love nothing more than to be the one to tell her she does not share the same blood as those pricks. Just make sure you are right before we get her hopes up.” Cami and Jaden left the room and Quin spoke to Braden quietly before following. This was turning into a nightmare, or a blessing, the outcome had yet to be determined.
Chapter 8
Jo ran into Levi, who swept her up and ran for the elevator, seeming to know that she needed to get out of there. Tey followed and took her from his arms once the elevator was moving.
Trent and Levi secured their apartment, and Tey went in, sat on the couch with her in his lap, and let her cry. She had really no idea what the hell was going on. When she was growing up, Frank used to call her the „Worthless Piece of Shit" that he had to support. She was his slave and no one knew the extent of the damage that man caused.
Not even Cami.
Tey rubbed her back and heard Cami, his Alpha, come into the room, and then Cami sat next to him. She took her friend"s hand in hers and rubbed it.
“Jo, honey, listen.” Cami started.
“I can"t do this.” Jo said.
“No one is asking for anything, honey. We don"t even know if it"s true.” Cami said rubbing her leg.
Jo sat in silence and looked around her. These people were her family, the short time that she had been here she knew she belonged, now it was time to talk to them.
Levi and Trent stood in the entrance to the room. Quin and Jaden had taken a seat across from them. She took a deep breath and began to talk.
“Do you remember the night you ran away and hid in my closet until stupid Frank found you and kicked you out?” She asked. “You know what it was like when we were growing up, he would have a bad day and take it out on me.”
“Of course, that was the one time I saw you stand up to your dad, and was he ever pissed. I was scared to leave; I remember taking care of you so many nights when he beat you. You said you would be fine. When I wrote later, you said it had all died down.” Cami whispered.
“I lied. That was one of the worst nights of my life. I spent years in therapy for it. First, he was happy to just hit me, yelling at me for hours, and hitting me when he thought I was not listening to him. Then he went and grabbed a bottle of whiskey. I only remember bits and pieces of it really. He got drunk, really drunk and was yelling in my face. Telling me, I was worthless just like my mother. Then he said something I will never forget. He said „my FUCKIN" brother could never do anything right, and he was going to be damned if he was going to hide his secret anymore." I had no clue what he was talking about, but I do know that was when everything changed. He grabbed me and started kissing me. At first, I couldn"t think, my own father, then I fought him.
Thank god, he was drunk or who the hell knows what would have happened. He ripped my shirt and tried to take off my pants, but I got free, ran to my room, and locked the door. He busted it down and I thought I was dead. He started slapping me and hitting me everywhere. I must have passed out because I woke covered in bruises and with no clothes on. I don"t remember if he raped me or not. I packed my stuff and left that morning before he woke up. My neighbor was the one who forwarded your letters. I did not want to tell you, I just ran.” Jo said and sobbed into Tey"s shoulder.
“Oh honey, I am so sorry.” Cami said crying, Jo had told them about the therapy and all she worked through. She still had no idea whether he had raped her that night, the first time she had sex, and Jo had to get drunk in order to go through with it. It made it easier not to know, the shame and the dirty feelings she worked through would have taken over her life if she had found out her father took her virginity.
Jo could not answer and just cried. Quin and Jaden gathered Cami in their arms, and they sat for a long time in silence absorbing what Jo told them, but Tey knew he had to stay calm for her.
“What if what the woman said was true? How would he ever want a daughter who is as fucked up as I am?” Jo whispered.
“Listen to me.” Quin said and stood up. “I don"t care who your parents are. You are Jo, Cami"s best friend and Tey"s mate. That will not change. You are who you have grown up to be, a wonderful and giving woman. I am proud to call you a friend and member of my Pack.”
Cami cried harder at her mate"s words, and Jo smiled at the man. Tey tightened his arms around her and whispered in her ear. “You are my life. Nothing will change that, I don"t care what happened in the past. You were a defenseless child, and he was a FUCKIN" pervert.”
Jo sniffed and nodded. Thank goodness, she had been through therapy last year, or she would be a nutcase after this. “What now?”
“I believe that Braden and the rest of the Council are downstairs in the guest rooms.
They were calling Oliver. He is the only one who can identify you for sure. If I had to guess, I would bet he will be here before dawn.” Quin said.
Tey stood and set Jo on the couch and looked around the room. “No one talks about this until Jo can come to terms with it.”
Everyone nodded and then Levi stepped forward. “Tey, if I may, can I search for the people who raised her? Maybe we can get some answers from them.” Tey looked at the glint in the man"s eye and knew he wanted permission to find Frank and see if he was still alive. Then he would request to take a small vacation and when he came back Tey knew that Frank would most definitely be dead. He nodded to the younger man and Trent grinned. They were going hunting.
Quin and Jaden obviously knew what was going on and nodded, “My brothers are here also. Fill them in on the schedule and then do your research. Jaden will be available when the time comes.”
Levi and Trent nodded and left the room. Not long after two men appeared in the doorway. “Gregg and Darien, it has been a long time.” Quin said.
“Not so long brother. I hear you need a little back up?” Gregg said and hugged his brother.
“Yes we do.” Jaden said and stepped forward and hugged both men.
“Braden filled us in downstairs. Oliver is already in the air.” Darien said, “First though, I would love to meet our new sister-in-law, mom will kill me if we don"t greet her properly.”
The men laughed and then stepped back and motioned for Cami to come to their side.
They introduced them, and hugs were given all around. Jo watched and was so happy for her friend. She wished things would be so easy for her.
“Jo.” Tey whispered and she looked up and saw they were all staring at her, as if she was supposed to answer some question. “Huh?”
“I said it will be a privilege and a pleasure to be your guard.” Gregg said and Jo nodded.
“I think we
need to get something to eat.” Tey said and went into the kitchen and pulled out the menus.
Jo sat there thinking how she had just told them her worst secret, instead of blaming her; they hugged her and assured it would change nothing. She had discussed with the therapist her feelings of being damaged goods and thought she would never be able to tell anyone about her past. She was still reeling from everything they discovered, talked about, and needed to discuss.
“Not now, let it go for a while and let"s just have a little fun.” Tey whispered and kissed her forehead. “Everything will work out.”
Jo nodded and then joined her friends as they enjoyed their reunion. Quin"s brothers were hilarious and entertained them all with stories of Jaden, Quin, and Tey"s youth, and some of the things they did to get themselves in trouble.
The food was delivered and they sat around the table enjoying themselves. Jo laughed and realized that for a few hours, she could forget. Then the doorbell rang and Jo jumped.
Darien jumped up and walked to the door. Gregg stood on one side while Tey stood on the other.
“Yes.” Darien called through the door.
Jo heard a muffled response from Levi. “I need to talk to Quin.” Quin stood and went to the door and opened it. He stepped outside and they all resumed their meal, but they were a little more subdued. Cami was the only one who was probably as clueless as she was, but they did know something was going on.
Quin and Levi stepped back into room and joined them. “Go ahead.” Quin said nodding.
“I, uh, did some research about the people who claimed to be your parents. Frank and Tina were not their real names. In fact, they were not even married and it looks like Frank"s brother was Rouge. We can"t find any record of them after you left.” Levi said.
“You are not their daughter.”
Jo nodded and looked down at the table and took a deep breath. She had no idea how to process that. She stood and looked around and said, “I just need a little time.” Everyone nodded and she went into her bedroom. It was surprising how quick she already thought of this place as home. So her real father was on his way, what would he be like? What would he expect?
Jo lay down on the bed and stared at the wall trying to stop the hysterical thoughts she was having. She felt the bed dip behind her and knew that Tey had come to check on her.
“I sent them all home for a few hours.” He said and pulled her into his arms.
“Thank you.” She whispered and closed her eyes savoring in the feel of his arms. She knew nothing would ever hurt her while he was here. Who cared what she had been through in the past this man was her future.
Tey kissed her neck, and she moved to give him more access. She needed to reconnect with him. It felt like a lifetime ago that they had made love, and shown each other they were a family now.
Tey rolled her onto her back and kissed her deeply. Using his tongue to explore and relearn her mouth. She groaned when he pulled her dress up and caressed her thighs.
“I need.” She whispered.
“I know what you need. Just relax and lay back.” Tey said and whipped the dress over her head.
She pulled at his clothes and ended up ripping his shirt. He chuckled and quickly took off the rest of his clothes and then came back to her. He felt the need to be inside her.
“Baby, this is gonna be hard and fast. I"m sorry, I need you too bad.” He said.
“I want it.” She said grasping him and pulling him on top of her. She spread her legs and arched her chest up.
Tey smiled, bent, and sucked a nipple into his mouth. Then he lined himself up and pushed into her hard. Jo gasped and felt the intense pleasure from the sudden feeling of being entered.
Tey did not give her a moment to catch her breath. He began to move frantically, pumping into her wet pussy. She needed to feel them renew their bond.
Jo wrapped her legs around his waist and raised her hips, so he could go deeper. Tey grunted in approval, reached between them, and began to pet her clit. She bucked as she felt the beginning of her orgasm starting. It was going to be fast and hard and she reveled in the feelings.
Throwing his head back, Tey yelled his release and then leaned in to bite her shoulder.
Jo joined him going over the cliff and bit him in return, as she came hard.
“Holy hell.” Tey said in her shoulder.
He was still buried in her, and she smiled. “Thank you.” She said.
“Now we go slow.” He said and pulled back a little. He looked down at her and kissed her. He moved from her mouth to neck slowly leaving a trail of soft kisses. He reached her breasts and then licked and kissed them until she began to writhe beneath him again. The soft caresses were driving her crazy. She felt loved.
Jo felt his cock get bigger, while he was still inside her. She groaned in appreciation when he started to move slowly. Pulling out all the way and pushing in with slow and firm strokes. It was amazing to her how connected they felt. She pushed up against him, so he would know she was as eager.
Jo felt another orgasm beginning, and then she screamed. “I love you!” And she fell over the edge again with Tey coming right along with her.
When she came down to earth, she felt something stir in her. It was a strange feeling.
She sat up and looked at Tey. “I can feel the others in the Pack.” She said wondrously.
“What?” He said
“Seriously, I can feel Quin and Jaden; they are up in their apartment arguing with Cami.
She wants to come back down and see how I am. I can feel Levi and Trent. They are pissed. They have been looking for Frank and Tina, but they cannot find them. I could go on.” She said and laughed. “It is amazing.”
“Can you shut them out?” He said.
Jo sat and concentrated and then smiled and nodded. She frowned and waited. Tey thought she looked like she was concentrating on someone in particular. “I can"t feel the Council or the Seer.” She said.
“You would not be able to; they are not members of our Pack.” Tey said. “Remember what they said about a White Wolf, you would only feel your Pack.” Jo nodded and then leaned back. “It is so strange. It is as if I am in the room with each of them, but I am not. I can feel what they are feeling. I really hope that what they said was true. You are my anchor, because after a while I can see where this may drive someone nuts. When I am close to you, I feel like I can hide behind your shield.”
“Well then, I guess we can never be apart.” Tey said and grinned.
Jo laughed and they lay back down, cuddling with each other. They talked and whispered and for a few hours, she could relax and not worry about meeting her father.
Chapter 9
Jo began to feel tense again, when she felt Levi and Trent begin to get restless at the front door. They had been notified that her father had landed, but did not want to disturb them.
“Tey, he is here.” Jo whispered and his arms tightened around her.
“Baby, it will all be fine. We can listen to what he has to say, but I want you to know if you want to leave or feel uncomfortable, we will take a break and leave.” Tey said.
Jo nodded and they got up and went to shower. Jo had no clue what the hell she was supposed to wear to meet her father. She did not want to look like she dressed up just for him, but she did not want to look like a street urchin either.
She was pacing back and forth in front of the closet when Tey walked in. He looked at his mate and smiled. She was nervous and talking to herself quietly. Basically, she was downright adorable.
“Sweetheart, wear what you feel comfortable in.” Tey said,
“That"s just it. I have no idea what would make me feel comfortable.” She ground out.
“Shit, he is with Quin. Quin and Jaden are trying to get him to wait for a few more hours before he sees me. Apparently, he is refusing to listen and is ordering Quin to produce me. Quin and Jaden are pissed. I think we should go. They are trying to protect me; I do not want them to get in trouble.
”
Tey nodded and began getting dressed. He pulled on nice pants and a shirt, and then looked at her. Jo was dressed in a sharp pant suit that looked amazing on her. The color was deep blue, and it shimmered a little when she walked. Adding a little jewelry, she looked like a runway model.
“Ready?” He said feeling pride in his mate; he hoped she could read what he was feeling.
Jo nodded and smiled. “Thank you. I love you.”
“I love you too, now let"s go, and meet your father.” Tey said and took her hand.
Together they walked out of the apartment. They paused when Levi and Trent made sure they were secure. It was enough time to calm her nerves. They entered the elevator and once again chose the floor to Quin"s office. They were all silent as they arrived on the floor.
Jo took a deep breath before she stepped out into the floor where her father was. There was a lot of activity, in fact more so than she had ever seen. She could not feel all the wolves that were here, which made them part of the Council's Pack. Devon was feeling frustrated at having so many high ranking dignitaries here without notice. He had to hire human security to help with protection. The entire four blocks of the Pack were on lock down.
Levi led her and Tey to Quin's office and stopped before knocking. “Jo, are you ready?” Levi asked.
She nodded and smiled, hoping she at least looked calm. Her emotions, on the other hand, were all over the map. She did not know how she was supposed to act when she met her father. Tey squeezed her hand and she looked up at him. Thank god, she had found him. He was her port in the storm, her anchor.
Jo never thought she would find the kind of love she felt for Tey. She never thought she would be worthy enough for this kind of devotion, but she was so glad that she was wrong. She owed Cami a big thanks for making her come here. Maybe they would have to have a girl"s day soon. She felt the sudden need to connect with her friend.
Levi knocked on the door, and it was flung open by a tall and handsome man she did not know. He looked wildly from person to person before settling on her.