Chapter 361

Chapter 0361

“I’m here to tell you, they’re real and they’re awful.” Angel says, walking in. She leans down, hugging Cara, then me before taking the seat across from me. Rik sits on Cara’s other side and Eli and Liam sit in between me and Angel.

We are able to order our lunch from several different options. I look at Eli. “I definitely want to be able to do this in our packhouse.” I mind link him.

“Agreed.” He says, deciding what he wants to eat.

After we’ve placed our order, Cara looks at me. “I don’t want to overwhelm you, but Angel and I already know everything about each other. You should have those memories now, and know that, while my life has been fairly simple, Angel’s was difficult.”

I nod, realizing that I do have memories of both their histories.

“We’d like to hear about you and how you came to have Donovan’s Guardian spirit.”

I look at Eli and then at everyone at the table. I wasn’t sure I was ready to discuss what had happened to me, but I feel a strange familial bond with Angel and Cara and therefore, Liam and Rik as well. The environment here feels safe, caring and supportive.

Eli reaches out to grasp my hand. “You don’t need to do anything you’re not comfortable with Grace.”

Our food arrives and I decide that I might as well tell them. Based on my memories, Angel’s life has been worse than mine. “My story isn’t a happy one, so maybe we should wait until after we eat.” I suggest.

We all agree, and lunch is a festive event. It’s relaxing and it’s interesting to see pack members, specifically omegas, interacting with their Alpha and Luna without fear. In our pack, it’s so different, but Eli and I will change that.

I turn and see him watching the same interactions I have been. He looks at met and I know that we’re in total agreement. Our pack will one day look and feel like

this one.

After lunch, we sit back and relax, letting our food digest. Cara looks at me. Whenever you’re ready, we want to hear your story.” She tells me, reaching out. and taking my hand.

So, I start from the time I was 10 years old and go through my life, watching my

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mother slowly deteriorate and eventually holding her while she died. I talk about my time alone until I met Eli and then our time on the run. I’ve been lost in my story, not looking at their reactions, but when I finish, I look up and see that both Angel and Cara have been pulled into their mates‘ laps and are crying.

“I’m sorry.” I say, worried that I have upset them unnecessarily.

“No, no.” Both Angel and Cara say. “Pregnancy hormones.” They say in unison, then look at each other and laugh. I can’t help but laugh, too.

“Who’s your father?” Liam asks me.

“Edgar Winters.” I say, guessing they know him. Alphas have meetings and gatherings throughout the year. I know, I used to attend them with my father.

I watch as Liam looks at Rik.

“What?”

“When did you say your mother died?” Rik asks me.

“A little over two years ago.” I say.

I watch as they look at each other again.

“What is it?” Eli asks this time.

“You were right, Grace. Your father took a new mate just over two years ago and they have a son, nearly two years old.”

I knew it. I knew that’s what happened to my mother.

But having it confirmed still feels like I just received a swift kick to the stomach

Cooper

Author

I didn’t like Alpha Edgar before, but I definitely dislike him