I can't believe I have agreed to return to my old pack. When I said I would visit for a month, I swear Benji's eyes nearly popped out of his sockets. His mouth was hanging low. He couldn't understand why I would go to a place that he knew I hated. It was then that I had to explain to him what Pack Law was and that technically; I had broken it by revealing to him the existence of werewolves.
Benji shock filled his face. He felt guilty and blamed himself for why I had to return. He kept muttering that he had a big mouth and he should know when to shut it. It was then that I explained to him he was joining me on my brief visit. I could smell the fear waft off his skin. I sensed he was nervous about being in a town filled with werewolves. I knew he wouldn't be the only human. There were some that were mated to werewolves, but I knew their mates would protect them. Benji would be extremely vulnerable.
Before I left the hospital, I told Jacob that I would need to make arrangements for my company before me and Benji take leave. He was hesitant at first, but my wolf had given him our assurance that we would be there by the end of the week. It satisfied him. My response was simple, returned the sentiment by promising to protect Benji. I looked at him sternly and expressed that if anything happened to him, I would reign terror down on his pack. It didn't matter if I was a wolf or not; I had enough power and influence to ensure that financially, that pack wouldn't survive the next year.
That brings me to D-day. I was now packed and ready with Benji ready to make the trip to my hometown. Benji was apprehensive, but excited at the same time. I was standing in the Lobby with Benji who bouncing from foot to foot. Samuel approached us and he gave me a big grin.
"Good Morning Miss Romano." Samuel greeted with a nod.
"Morning Samuel. How are you today?" I replied.
"Very well, thank you. Much better than when we last spoke." He gave me a small smile. "Your limousine is outside. Are you ready to leave for your trip?" He asked.
"Yes, I am Samuel." I responded.
"Excellent, let me take your bags, Miss." He replied with a nod with a head and took my suitcase and carried it out the door. Benji picked up his small carry-on, ready for the long trip ahead. Jacob prepared the limousine as I explained I didn't want to travel by plane. I hated flying. Although I had traveled overseas, I usually took strong medication. That was something I was not prepared to do when travelling to enemy grounds. I needed my wits about me.
"They are not enemies. They are your pack." My wolf huffed in frustration.
"They are certainly not my pack. I feel no connection to them whatsoever." I snipped in response. Following Samuel as I made my way outside my apartment building. Samuel was already putting my suitcase in the boot. He was quick to relieve Benji of his personal effects and store them away.
Benji said thank you and quickly made his way inside the limousine. As I was about to join him, a warm hand had grabbed my forearm.
"Miss Romano, may I take a moment of your time before you go?" Samuel asked nervously.
"Of course, I always have time for you. What can I do for you?" I said with a small smile.
"I wanted to thank you. I know what you did. You were the only one with the means and funds that knew about my daughter's husband. I don't know what I did for you to help me and my family this way, but I couldn't let you go without giving you my gratitude. My son-in-law is getting the treatment he needs. When I went to make a payment, they said someone had paid the remaining balance and would continue to make payments for any future treatments. You have no idea what you have done for my family." He said, with tears welling in his eyes.
"Samuel, I didn't do it for your thanks. I was hoping you wouldn't know it was me." I murmured as my eyes gazed at the floor.
"Well, I do, and I'm glad that I found out. You have one of the biggest hearts that I have ever seen. Your father must be very proud to have raised a beautiful and loving daughter such as yourself." I flinched when he mentioned my father. If only he knew the monsters that had raised me. I gave him a tight smile, hoping he wouldn't see the pain on my face.
"Thank you. Samuel, you are a brilliant father and I couldn't bear to watch you struggle. I could see it was taking its toll on you. You shouldn't be working at your age, you should be enjoying your later years with your family. I know your grandchild would love to spend more time with you." I replied.
"Your right, hopefully I could reduce some of my hours and take some time with my family." He finished.
"Good," I replied, and I pulled him into a tight hug. He responded immediately and honestly. The way he held me was how I always imagined my father hugging me. "By the way, when your son-in-law gets better and your daughter wants to return to work, let me know. I will find them a spot in my company." I whispered.
He took a step back and held my shoulders at arm's length as he looked at me in confusion. "I know everything. Your daughter hates her office job. I know her husband hates the long hours. Send them my way and I'll look after them." I gave him a quick wink and pulled away from his arms, and made my way into the limousine.
Just before he closed the door as I sat down. He gave me a heartwarming smile. "You are an angel, a gift from god. Few people see the real you, Miss Romano. You truly are one of a kind." He said in a hushed tone. "Have a safe trip, Miss, and I'll see you when you get back." He finished as he gently closed the door.
I sunk into the cold leather seat and gave Benji a quick glance. "You ready?" He asked.
"Not really. But who is ready when being blackmailed to return to hell?" I sarcastically replied.
"I'm sorry I feel like this is all my fault-" Benji spoke. I held my hand up to stop him from talking.
"Benji, don't go there. It's not your fault. It's just fate catching up with me. Hopefully, I can be in and out within the month and get some closure." I sighed.
"He seems to be going through a lot of effort to get you to return." Benji teased.
"Mhmmm. But it doesn't mean his effort is enough to make up for what happened in the past." I snapped. I groaned into my hands. "Sorry, I'm just anxious. I haven't seen my pack or family for eight years. It's a lot to take on."
"Are you sure you can't forgive him? I mean, you say he's your soulmate? People make mistakes Retta." He softly questioned.
I closed my eyes, not wanting to answer his question, as I knew there was some truth to his words. It's amazing how for years I had been this strong woman. No one could make me waver. It only takes two meetings with my mate and a drive to hell, to make me feel like the weak, spineless girl i was eight years ago.
My phone started ringing, and when I looked, it was Jared calling. Part of me was dreading his call, but equally, I was happy that he interrupted my conversation with Benji. It meant that I could ignore his questions. I swiped the call and put it on loudspeaker. I knew I was free to speak openly with Benji and the divide was up, meaning that the driver couldn't hear my conversation.
"Hello Jared." I greeted.
"Ahh, Loretta, or should I call you Louise?" Jared teased.
"Cut it out Jared, it's Loretta and you know it." I snipped at him. Benji was giving me a confused look when he mentioned my birth name.
"I can't believe you hid the truth about who your mate was, Loretta. You said your mate was dead. I can't believe you lied to me. I thought we were friends." He accused. All I do was groan.
"He may as well have been dead for all I cared." I retorted.
"Loretta, he's your mate-"
"Yes Jared, he's the mate that impregnated my sister and rejected me." I replied.
"Okay... well, I get your point. I can't believe I tried to bed the neighbouring Luna." He muttered.
"You tried sweet Alpha, but failed miserably. I told you I don't get involved with werewolves." I explained.
"Ahh, that's true. You have a soft spot for the humans. I still can't believe you dated the Prince of England. I've always wanted to ask, did you bed him? Was he good?" Jack pestered.
"A lady doesn't kiss and tell." I teased.
"Anyway, the reason for my call was that I had a charming call from your mate last night. He was furious that we dated." He chuckled.
"Hmm, did we date? I thought you were just an overpriced escort to a couple of high-profile events." I hummed.
"Hey! That's not nice! Anyway, he called me moaning about how I knew his mate and I didn't tell him. He was furiously whiny like a little bitch, begging me for information about you." He explained.
"I hope you kept that trap of yours shut." I snapped.
"Of course I did. I wouldn't betray my friend like that. Even though my friend didn't think it was important to tell me she was the missing mate of one of my good friends."
"You really should choose better company." I taunted.
"That's why I chose you, my darling. Anyway, I hear you're heading home." He finished.
"Yes, I'm on the highway to hell as we speak. And just for your reference, it's not home. New York is my home. I told you I have no need for a mate or pack. I am being blackmailed to return for a month. Jacob has leverage and I don't have a choice. To be honest, I'm blaming you for this situation." I exclaimed.
"Moi?" He teased. "What did I do?" He asked.
"Story for another day. Will you be visiting the pack while I am there?" I asked, changing the subject.
"I may make an unannounced stop to wind up a certain Alpha. How could I miss visiting my favourite she-wolf?"
"You better hope your mate doesn't hear you say that." I laughed.
"Well, on a serious note, I wanted to call and let you know that if you need any help, call me. I owe you one and if Jacob needs to be put in place, then let me know." Jared says in a sincere tone.
"Thanks, look I'll speak to you later. I have company in the car and I need a nap before I deal with my past." I sigh.
"Your stronger than you once were. Remember your Loretta Romano. Most powerful woman of New York City. You can handle some small town wolves." He reassured. "Look, I'll call you later. Be strong and remember if you need backup, you have your neighbouring Alpha at the tip of your fingers."
"Thanks. Speak to you later." I replied as I hung up the phone.
I pushed myself back into my chair. My eyes were closed as I peaked one of them open. I could see Benji looking at me like I had spoken a foreign language. "Louise?" He asked.
I groaned. "That was my original name. You will probably hear many people call me that when I return home." Goddess, help me. I'm literally on the highway to my own personal hell. The anxiety was creeping in slowly as time ticked away.
"Hmm, you don't look like a Louise." Benji replied.
"Yeah well, I probably don't look like a Loretta, but that's who I am now."
"Hmm, what's your sister like?" He asked quietly.
"She's the devil incarnate. The sneakiest bitch you will ever meet. She made my life hell for no reason. Honestly, I always wished we were close, but she could never let that happen. I don't know what she's like now. Maybe she's changed." I shrugged.
"Do you think you will reconcile with your family? He asked.
I thought about his question deeply. A part of me longed to make up with them, to gain their acceptance after years of neglect and abuse. The main part of me couldn't bring myself to forgive them for the pain they caused. They were my parents, and yet they knew nothing about me. They were always willing to believe the worst in me. When Jacob told me about my parent's desperation to meet me and apologise, I didn't care.
I was at an age and stage in my life where I just didn't need them anymore. I felt that no matter what they said or did, their efforts would just be fruitless. They were too late. My parents failed to address the gap between me and my sister. They were so focused on the golden girl that they forgot about the other child they birthed. If they looked closely at was going around them and disciplined my sister the way they disciplined me, maybe things could have turned out differently.
I sighed and looked at Benji. "I don't know if I can forgive them. Could you forgive your family for the pain they gave you?" I asked.
Benji didn't speak, but simply gave me a look that spoke a million words. As I looked at him, I knew he couldn't truly forgive his family for trying to ruin his life. We were both kindred spirts who had suffered from the hands of our parents. I exhaled deeply and looked out the window, watching the scenery pass me by. Benji clasped my hand and I could feel myself hold on to him for dear life.
Edited - 09/09/2023