Chapter Twenty-Eight

Cassie

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

Jeremiah's voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I look up to see that we are at the gate of the Kayes' mansion.

My mates are all staring at me with concern. This place that used to be home for me… it just feels foreign now.

"Yes, Cassie. If you think this is all too much or too sudden, we can turn back right now and wait until you are ready," Eric chips in. He runs his thumb across the back of my palm comfortingly.

Ares doesn't say a word. His eyes are fixed on me and they tell me what I need to know. Much like the others, he will do whatever I desire if it means keeping me happy and comfortable.

I heave a deep sigh and worry my lip between my teeth. This is all so overwhelming and I have admittedly thought about running away and not having to face this so many times, but I have to do this.

Resigned, I smile hesitantly.

"It's all right, guys. I'm fine. I can do this."

My protectors. It's great to know that no matter what happens, they will always be there for me. The thought fills my belly with warmth, and I relax into my seat. I can face whatever comes as long as I have them with me.

Ares nods at the guard by the gate and he rushes to open the gate, obviously expecting us.

Last chance to turn around, Cassie.

It's a chance I do not wish to take, however. I need to hear my father out and know what fate holds for me.

Memories of the last time I was here flood my mind as I step out of the car. I pause and suck in a deep breath to steady myself. It wasn't a great day for me, finding out about the lies and secrecy that shrouded my existence and the betrayal of the person I thought would always have my back against the world.

I blink it all away and focus on my environment. It's only been two months since I left and things already feel so different.

Mr. Kaye is standing in front of the house waiting for us. My eyes zero in on the way he clenches and unclenches his hands. He's just as nervous as I am. Relief floods me, knowing that I am not the only one who's nervous about our meeting.

Mr. Kaye walks up to us, closing the remaining distance. For a moment, his limbs move awkwardly, like a wooden doll with stiff limbs. He drops his hands, and uncertainty clouds his face. It's clear to see that he doesn't know how to address me.

"Thank you for coming," he says finally. "Please come in."

He turns around and ushers us into the house. I look around at the wide space. The last time I was here, there was a massive commotion centered around me, but now, although everything is still centered around me, the only commotion going on is the loud thumping of my heart.

I realize that we are not alone as my eyes land on graying brown hair and tired eyes…

"I brought Abigail… I hope that is all right," I hear Mr. Kaye saying to Ares.

I swallow and look away from my mom before I can get overwhelmed.

"Cassie…" Mr. Kaye's voice says my name in a whisper. It's the first time I've heard him say my name. "I'm happy to see you are well."

He looks over me, taking in the obvious similarities between the two of us. I know this because I am doing the same. My face is a mix of his features and my mom's. The same nose… the same high cheekbones… the same ears.

"Thank you, Mr. Kaye." Am I supposed to call him Dad?

His eyes flash with disappointment for a quick second but it is gone before any of the others can notice. A part of me feels like an imposter for being here, knowing what this meeting is all about.

Leila's fingers intertwine with mine and she offers me a sad smile, as though she read my thoughts. I return it, amazed at how close we have become in the past few weeks.

Mr. Kaye clears his throat softly, drawing our attention back to him.

"I would like to apologize for everything that has happened," he says with a voice weighted with sadness. "Although I did not know what you were going through or even of your identity, it is because of me that all of this happened."

"My actions as a wild young man have caused you so many problems from before you drew breath. I cannot claim to understand what you have been through."

He shifts forward in his seat, eyes completely fixed on me and sighs.

"Cassie, I know I do not deserve to be in the same room as you, breathing the same air, but look upon this selfish man with mercy and please forgive me. Forgive my excesses and my absence from your life. Forgive me for not reaching out sooner to try and mend things and to help you as you navigated the new phase of your life."

I swallow and blink repeatedly to stop the stinging in my eyes. My mates and sister crowd around me, offering their support. Jeremiah and Eric who stand behind the chair, place their hands on my shoulders, and Ares and Leila, who are sitting on either side of me, wrap their fingers around mine.

An overwhelming feeling of happiness floods me. My life has been a mess from the moment I was born, just like he said, but I would not have Jeremiah and Eric with me if I had lived with the Kayes, aware of my identity. And perhaps Ares and I might have met anyway, but maybe things would have been different between us.

"Thank you for reaching out and for apologizing. I know that all of this was as much of a shock to you as it was to me."

I cannot remain angry over what has been done to me. I cannot forget that he also only just found out that I am his daughter. I look him over once more.

There are telltale signs of sleeplessness in the bags under his eyes and the way his clothes hang loosely on his body. It is nearly impossible for a werewolf to exhibit these signs, which shows just how much stress he's been under.

A part of me feels pity for him. It must have been shocking to know that his wife had tortured his daughter all her life and nearly killed her.

He speaks before I can tell him that I forgive him.

"If it is all right with you, I would love to acknowledge you as my daughter in public."

I suck in a deep breath. Although Ares had implied that this would happen, it is still a shock to hear it from him.

Claiming me as his daughter would mean a lot of things and bring even more changes into my life.

So far, I have been in hiding with my mates, only going out in disguises and going on runs in secluded areas so no one would find out I am the White Wolf or that I am about to get married to Ares.

For the first time since we entered the Kaye mansion, I look at the one person I have avoided making eye contact with.

Mom.

My throat tightens around the word, and I swallow it back down. She's staring at me as she's been doing since I arrived. I have felt her eyes on me as I spoke to Mr. Kaye, felt her longing and desire to hold me as my mates and sister surrounded me after Mr. Kaye's apology.

The room is suddenly so heavy with emotion that I don't know what to do or how to look away. It's like I am no longer in control of my body. It's like the helpless feeling I felt when my wolf wanted so badly to come out but was unable to before Ares forced my shift.

Mom. I want to run to her and hug her. I want to wipe that look from her face and stop the unshed tears that have pooled in her eyes from falling. I want to tell her that I'm sorry I ever doubted her intentions and I know now that she was only trying to protect me from Mrs. Kaye's wrath, but I cannot force my body to cooperate.

My mind is reeling, and I am hurt that although she wasn't trying to hurt me, she knew what was happening to me all those nights when I cried and the days when my bones felt too brittle and it seemed like I would shatter into pieces if I breathed wrong, yet she said nothing and allowed me suffer.

I finally turn away from her, not wanting her to see the betrayal and the pain that she has caused me. It will only make her feel worse.

"I forgive you…"

My words are as much to her as they are to Mr. Kaye, although I cannot tell if she knows it. I hope she does.

Mr. Kaye's eyes close and when he opens them again, they are filled with relief and happiness. The strain in his face is gone.

"Thank you," he whispers softly. His words carry to my ears and I can feel the emotions contained in that short whisper.

I smile and lean against Ares, seeking solace and comfort in his arms. Until two months ago, I could never have predicted even half of what is happening to me now. I would have laughed in the face of whoever suggested something so silly.

"I know this is all so sudden, but if you will allow it, I would love to form a relationship with you… my daughter," Mr. Kaye adds, standing from his seat to squat in front of me until we are at eye level.

"There is so much we do not know about each other, and you are to be married soon. I would love to catch up on the time that we have missed and make sure that I never miss another moment in your life again… if you will allow me such an honor."

I turn to Leila who is watching the two of us with teary eyes and tighten my fingers that are still intertwined with hers before facing our… father.

"Looking at Leila and how much she has done to be a part of my life and play the role of sister, the goodness in her must have come from somewhere, and I can tell that it is from you. So, I am willing to give you a chance."

A choked sound escapes my father as Leila wraps her other hand around me in a hug. He hugs the two of us for a short moment and places a hand on both our cheeks before pulling away to compose himself.

"Thank you," he says once again. "You cannot know how happy you have made me."

Movement from the corner of my eyes catches my attention, and I look at my Mom, who takes a step toward us.

"I… I made your favorite chicken soup," she says in a tone strained with so much emotion.

I get up from the chair, pulling away from my mates and take a step towards her. She does the same, looking so small and frail. It's sad to see the strain the past two months have put on her and I ache to care for her like she's done for me over the years.

"I'm so sorry, Cassie," she chokes out. "I should have told you everything about yourself and should never have allowed my fear to keep you from knowing who you truly are."

She looks me over, closing the gap between us but is careful not to touch me. "You look so beautiful with your white hair. It's been so long since I saw it, but I never forgot how lovely you looked as a baby. Even now, you still are perfect."

The tears I've been fighting come out in waves and I sniffle as I fall into her arms. "Mom."

My voice is like that of a child returning to their mother after a tiring day away, with only strangers for company.

"My baby…" she consoles me, running her hands through my hair soothingly before pulling away to look at me once more.

She sniffles and keeps her emotions in check before speaking again. "Hold on and I will bring you the soup."

She walks away before I can say anything and returns with the soup, smiling at me.

I return her smile, suddenly feeling nostalgic. Memories of the times when I felt sick, and my Mom would make this soup flood my mind, filling me with happiness. I'm glad that everything is beginning to return to the way it should be.

I take a big sniff of the food to perceive the familiar aroma but regret it the next moment as my insides tie in knots and bile rises up my throat. I try to swallow back the queasy feeling, hoping it will pass soon, but it doesn't. Instead, bile travels faster to my mouth.

I turn away just in time to eject the acidic liquid from my mouth. I groan as my chest hurts from the force of my vomit, and my eyes burn from the sting of tears.

The sound of footsteps reaches my ears just as my mates, along with my father and sister, surround me, looking at me with concern.

Ares takes me into his arms protectively, as do Eric and Jeremiah. They stand around me and fawn over me, feeling my temperature with the backs of their hands and pulling my hair from face.

"Are you okay?" Leila asks.

I look up in horror at my Mom and am not shocked to see the hurt look on her face. She must think that I found her food disgusting, which is why I threw up. Her face morphs into concern just as quickly.

"I have called for the doctor. He should be here shortly," Mr. Kaye says.

It still feels weird to call him dad although I'm sure we will get there someday. His face, much like everyone else's, shows concern and I'm suddenly glad to be surrounded by a large and caring family.

"I'm so sorry, Mom. I did not mean to throw up. You know I've always loved your soup," I say, hoping my sincerity shines through.

She shakes her head and smiles. "It's all right, baby. When the doctor comes, we'll know why. What matters is that you're fine," she says, moving the food away and covering it up so I won't get sick again.

The doctor arrives quickly, just as Mr. Kaye predicted, and checks my pulse, pulling out his stethoscope. I watch his face with unease, as do my mates and family. I can only hope it's not the blockers again. My mother will blame herself for it if that happens, and I do not want her to have to worry about me.

He smiles at me when he's done and nods. "Well, there is no cause for concern, it would seem. The young lady is pregnant and not sick."

I gasp and look at the guys. Their eyes are wide with shock, pride, and love, such a wonderful combination. Still, I cannot think of that just yet.

How can I be pregnant so soon?

Although I only just had my heat, and my mates and I have been going at it every day, I did not think I would be pregnant so quickly. It's a lot to take in.

"I guess things will have to proceed as planned," Ares says suddenly. "I am going to announce Cassie as my mate and also the union of the Jackson family with the Linds family since we're all her mates."

"Yes," Jeremiah nods. "We have put it off for too long, and it is time everyone knew the truth."

"I cannot wait until we can publicly claim you." Eric smiles.

"Yes, but I need to announce her as my daughter first," Mr. Kaye says.

Leila, who has remained quiet since I threw up, silently watching me with concern, finally speaks hesitantly. "That means we have to turn in my Mom to the authorities pretty soon, then," she says, her voice tinged with sadness, although she tries to hide it.

We stare at her silently, knowing how difficult it is for her to say this, but she shakes her head.

"It is what needs to be done in order for everything else to move smoothly. Doing otherwise will only cause more problems."

It is the truth. Although I wish things could be different for my sister, there is nothing to be done to help her mother's situation. We can't hide what she has done. The longer she is free, the more time she has to do terrible things. She already called assassins on me once. What if she tries again? This inevitably dampens the happy, albeit shocking, news of my pregnancy but I am not daunted.

Leila has been there for me even before she knew who I was. Now, it's time for me to be there for her.