6. Cecil

Chapter 6

Iwas so proud of myself. I'd held everything in during our family dinner. I should have taken Grandpa Lev's out, though, and skipped it. I should have. But we didn't have crystal balls and couldn't see the future as to just how bad things would be. They were bad.

My mother immediately started making comments about how much weight I'd gained since she'd seen me last. A stern look from Grandpa Lev had her cheeks turning pink and her suddenly interested in her plate. Sadly, it hadn't stopped there. There were comments about every single thing I added to my plate. Just me, not the other omegas my family were mated to. Only me.

Grandfather pointed out that as a shifter, I needed many more calories than she did and that such talk wouldn't be tolerated in his house. My father tried to argue, but a low growl had everyone in the family freezing. I carefully set my fork down, excused myself, and then went to the back deck. I had my clothes off and was shifted before anyone thought to follow me.

I heard Grandpa Lev calling my name over the sound of Grandfather's voice loudly saying my father's name. I glanced back only long enough to meet his gaze, and then I ran full out. I wasn't sure how long I ran. I know I was going in circles until I was breathing heavily. Then, I decided to take my frustrations out on an innocent tree.

That's how he found me. It was the same hellhound from last week. This time, he was closer, and the winds were favorable and I was able to scent him. He was my mate. I wasn't sure what that would mean for us because he was a hellhound, and I was an omega polar bear. Would he accept me? I wouldn't be able to give him children. Would he resent me because of that?

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I'm Warwick. I work for the council."

I sighed and then plopped down onto the forest floor. I knew he worked for the council. He was a hellhound, and they were all enforcers. Well, I'd heard there was a new one who wasn't yet an enforcer, but it was only a matter of time before he joined them. I suddenly felt warmth on my lower half, and when I glanced down, I found myself wearing a pair of dark gray sweats. They were soft, warm, and fit perfectly.

"Want to talk about it?" Warwick asked as he moved closer and sat on the ground in front of me. Did I want to talk about it? Not really. But who could I talk to about the misery my parents put me through always?

"Do you know who I am?" I asked because he didn't seem as if he recognized the connection between the two of us.

"No. You've not yet given me your name. I assume you have one though. Care to share it?"

I grinned. "My name is Cecil Medved." I wondered if he'd make the connection. I could tell immediately when he had.

"Medved. As in Alpha Vitomir?"

I nodded. "Yes. He's my great-grandfather. I work in the omega clinic with Dr. King." Warwick tilted his head to the side. I would describe him as an enormous man. He was easily as tall as Grandfather, most likely taller. And wide. He could easily intimidate even the most alpha of alphas, I was certain.

"The omega clinic?"

I nodded, a bit confused as to why he chose that bit of information to latch on to. Warwick looked thoughtful, or perhaps he was simply irritated. I didn't know him nearly as well as I hoped to have the chance to. "I've worked there for some time now. I didn't have anything else going on, so when Grandpa Lev mentioned the clinic needing someone to organize and run the office side of things, I figured why not. I loved my grandparents, and they'd always been really accepting of me."

Warwick scowled. "Your grandparents are the created polar bear and his mate?"

I nodded. "What about it?"

Warwick shook his head. "Nothing. It's just that I've never heard anybody ever mention Alpha Vitomir and ‘accepting' in the same sentence. At least not until you." Warwick shook his head again. "So if he's so amazing with you, why are you killing the tree?"

I sighed. "My parents," I finally said. "They're not great."

Warwick snorted. I glared.

"So that warrants you killing an innocent tree?"

"I should go," I said as I got to my feet. I'd had enough of this. He wasn't even going to acknowledge our connection. Did that mean he found me lacking? Was he not wanting a mate that wasn't an alpha? I knew that some of the hellhounds had found mates and that they were alpha-alpha pairings. Was it supposed to be that way for all hellhounds, and now I was just a disappointment to someone else? I wasn't sure if I could take that after the already shitty day I'd had. I could accept it from my parents. They were my parents, and sure, I wouldn't be here without them. But my mate was supposed to be my perfect life partner. I wanted what Grandpa Lev had with Grandfather. Although I knew I wouldn't be able to have the children part, but I had come to terms with that a long time ago.

"I understand you're upset, and you don't know me. I was only trying to be friendly. I'm told I'm not friendly enough."

I stopped, turned around, and just stared at my mate. "Well, now you tell whoever that was that you're improving. You were friendly to me. Good for you." I walked off, upset that I was going to have to go to the transport building without my clothing, but it wasn't as if Timothy wouldn't understand. He might be a warlock, but he was around enough shifters to understand the whole sweats-only thing.

I heard heavy footsteps behind me, and when I turned to tell Warwick to leave me alone, I saw a very large polar bear closing in on us fast. At first, I thought it was my father, but as he got closer, I realized it was actually Grandfather.

He stopped just feet from us because Warwick had indeed been following me. When Grandfather shifted, he glanced between me and Warwick before his gaze landed on my mate.

"Alpha Vitomir," Warwick said.

"Warwick. What brings you this way? I heard you were supposed to be on vacation."

"I was. Something came up, and it was cut short. I happened to be out for a run when I ran across your grandson."

Grandfather looked back to me, and I nodded. "I stopped for a break. Now I've rested and wish to go home." I hoped he wouldn't make me return to his place. The last thing I wanted was to be around the family right now.

Grandfather stared at me for a long moment before he nodded. "Very well. We will discuss some things tomorrow though. But I will respect your wishes to be alone for tonight, but there are things that will be discussed. Things that never should have been kept from your grandpa and me. Understood?"

"Yes, sir. I'll come by tomorrow after work."

Grandfather looked at me for a long moment, and when I finally couldn't hold his gaze any longer, I lowered my eyes to the ground.

I felt a hand on my cheek, and I glanced up. "I am not upset with you, Cecil. I am upset with myself for not seeing things I should have. As well as having a grandson who would allow such treatment of his son."

"I understand." I didn't know what else to say, really. My parents were shitty. My mother for being controlling and abusive. My father for allowing it. "I'll see you and Grandpa tomorrow."

Grandfather nodded and then stepped back. "Warwick?"

"Yes, Alpha Vitomir?"

"Would you please see that Cecil gets to the transport building?" I started to argue, but one look from Grandfather had me closing my mouth. "I understand he's more than capable, but I would feel better he had someone with him until there."

"Of course, Alpha. I was going to head back to enforcer housing anyway. The transport building isn't far from there."

"Thank you," Grandfather said. "We'll talk tomorrow." I nodded because there was no getting out of talking tomorrow. That much I knew. I could certainly get out of Warwick escorting me to the transport building, but I wasn't even going to try with Grandfather. "I appreciate it," Grandfather said. He took a step back, and seconds later, his massive bear was standing there. He huffed before he took off back in the direction he'd come from.

I didn't wait for Warwick to escort me. I simply took off in the direction I needed. I heard a growl behind me, but I was so over everything and everyone today that I didn't even turn to respond. Seconds later, my mate was walking beside me. I didn't say a thing though; I just continued on, hoping the walk went quickly and was without conversation. I wasn't that lucky.

"So you're Alpha Vitomir's great-grandson."

I glared up at my mate. "I already told you that."

"You're upset."

I stopped, and now I glared. "Why would you ever say such a thing?"

Warwick sighed. "Look, I'm trying to be friendly. You obviously don't want that, so I'll just walk you to the transport building, and you'll never have to see me again. Good?"

I wanted to say yes. I honestly did. But my bear was growling in my head that no, it wasn't good that we wouldn't ever see our mate. He wanted Warwick. If I was honest with myself, I did too. I tried not to let everything overwhelm me, but after the last few hours and now this, I broke. Definitely not my best first impression on my mate. Not that it seemed to matter.

"Go home, Warwick. It's obvious you don't want to be here, I don't want you here, and I'll be sure to tell my grandfather you were a good enforcer and walked me to the building."

I had tears running down my face as I said those words. Warwick surprised me when he touched my bare shoulder. I wasn't sure why, but seconds later, I had a shirt on, and then my stomach somersaulted. We were no longer standing in the middle of the forest but were now in a house. I swiped at my eyes before I looked up at Warwick.

"The transport building is about a two-minute walk out the door that way," Warwick said. I blinked up at him, waiting, but he obviously had nothing more to say, so I growled, stomped my foot, and grabbed the door handle.

"I should have known you would be an asshole. Most everyone else in my life is, so why wouldn't you be?" I said as I opened the door and walked through it. I pulled it shut behind me, probably a bit more forcefully than I needed to, but I was beyond caring at this point. I really was over everyone except my grandparents.

I could barely see by the time I made it to the transport building, but I didn't care. I just wanted to go home at this point. I pushed the button on the wall and plopped down to wait for Timothy or whoever happened to be covering for him if that was the case. It only took seconds for Timothy to show up, and when I looked up at him, the smile on his face suddenly disappeared. I shook my head.

"I really don't want to talk. I just want to go home, draw a bath, and eat a gallon of ice cream."

Timothy stared at me for a long moment before nodding. "Fair enough. Can you get home? Should I help with that?"

I swiped at my face several times, hoping to be able to see long enough to get myself home. But it seemed that since my emotions had started, they most definitely weren't going to end anytime soon.

"I'm sorry," I told him. He crouched down in front of me, and then a tissue was there. I took it, thankful for the effort.

"I'll get you home, Cecil. Tell me, where do you live, exactly?"

"5 Pine Way. It's on den lands. It's one of the den's cabins. Alpha War was so kind to let me stay there." My stomach swirled, this time not nearly as forcefully as it had when Warwick had teleported me to what I assumed was his place. I found myself sitting in my own entryway, Timothy still crouching in front of me.

"Are you all right? Should I call someone for you?"

I sighed and wiped my eyes and nose again. The tissue was saturated, but there was nothing I could do about that. "I'm okay. It was just a rough dinner. I'll survive though. I think my mate being so indifferent hurt more than what my mother said. But that's just life if you're me."

"I didn't realize you were mated," Timothy said.

I shook my head and struggled to stand. It took a second try before I was on my feet. "I'm not. I met him tonight, and he didn't acknowledge me, pretty much. I should have expected something like that." I looked around the house. "Thanks for the help, Timothy. I'll see you tomorrow if you're working."

"I am. Are you sure I can't get someone for you?"

I shook my head. "I'm good. Thank you though." There was nobody to get. I didn't want to go to my grandparents' house because I was almost certain that my parents would be staying there. I didn't want to face them just yet. I needed to have a good cry, spend a few hours feeling sorry for myself, and then be able to put my mask of indifference back in place before facing my mother once more.

"All right, then. I'll see you tomorrow. Try not to be too upset, Cecil. No matter what happened this evening, I'm sure things can be discussed and perhaps smoothed over."

I nodded. I didn't have anything else to say. Timothy disappeared, and I let out a sob I'd been holding in for a few minutes. I stood in my small entryway for a minute or two before I started shuffling toward the bathroom. I already knew I didn't have any ice cream, but I could certainly have a long bath.

I tossed the clothes that Warwick had given me into the hamper and then turned on the water in the tub. The bathroom wasn't exactly large, but the space was used to the fullest. There was a large soaking tub, which was also the shower, but I didn't need a fancy place with a separate shower and tub. I just needed somewhere to get clean, and this did that.

I started the water before grabbing a bunch of toilet paper. I took a deep breath to calm myself and then blew my nose. I had to repeat myself three more times before I could breathe again, but when that was finished, I used a new wad to wipe my eyes. Everything went into the trash, which I should probably empty out at some point.

After emptying my bladder, I flushed and then stepped into the tub. There were only a few inches of water, but I didn't care. I leaned back, and after wetting the washcloth that was folded and waiting on the corner shelf, I brought it to my face. The heat felt good on what I knew were puffy eyes. I would be perfectly fine by morning, but right now, I was feeling not so great.

I leaned back, trying to get the thoughts of the disaster that was our dinner out of my mind, but couldn't. It would be another instance that I would have to process and work my way through. I had gotten good about that, but then I'd left my parents' home and hadn't had to worry about it since. But these memories were fresh and would take some time to fade.

I took another piece of roast when Jules passed the platter to me. It was amazing, and I had taken such a small piece the first time after a glare from my mother.

"Really, Cecil? Your first piece was more than enough. Too much, actually," Mother said. I froze. The meat was already on my plate though, and I couldn't put it back.

"His first piece was only three bites. Not nearly enough," Jules said.

"Kaija is only looking out for him. Cecil gains weight easily, and it doesn't look good on his too-short frame," Father said.

I placed my hands in my lap and lowered my head, unable to meet anyone's eyes. I knew I was too short. I also knew that I weighed at least thirty pounds more than when I left my parents' home all those years ago. I didn't think I looked bad, and my bear seemed to be happy with where we were. But of course, it wasn't where my rail-thin mother thought I should be.

"It was three bites," Jules said again. "And the second piece isn't any larger." Jules moved the platter of meat closer. "Here," he said, taking several pieces and placing them on my plate. "You should eat as much as you want."

"He's already going to struggle—" Mother started but was cut off by Grandfather.

"You are an uninvited guest here, Kaija. You would do very well to keep your unwanted opinions to yourself."

I looked up in time to see Mother's cheeks turning pink. I glanced to my right and tried to smile at Jules, who was glaring. Not at me but toward my parents.

"Do you have enough to eat, Cecil?" Grandpa Lev asked.

I glanced that way, my gaze getting caught by my father, who was pissed. Such was my life. This was why I didn't talk to them. They called, they texted, but I didn't reply. I didn't ever have the energy to do so. I peeked down at my plate and thought about it for a moment. I'd skipped the potatoes the first time because I knew Mother would lose her mind if I took potatoes.

"Actually, could I have some potatoes?" I asked. I heard a growl when I reached for the bowl that Grandpa was holding out toward me. We all froze.

Grandfather slowly stood as Grandpa Lev set the bowl down in front of me. I no longer wanted potatoes though. I simply wanted to go home at this point. I should have known that it would be bad, and it was.

"You will not growl at my table," Grandfather said, his voice low and dangerous. "You and your mate might be family, but you weren't invited, and your treatment of your son is unacceptable."

I glanced at my father, who at least had the decency to look like he'd overstepped. My mother looked terrified, and I had to grab my napkin to cover the smile. I, of course, didn't wish her harm, and unless she was an actual threat or danger toward me or someone else in the room, she was safe here. Grandfather wouldn't hurt her.

"I apologize, Grandfather. But Kaija was only trying to help Cecil. With him being barren, he needs to be able to offer something to his mate should he be given one."

My world shattered in that moment. I hadn't shared my secret with anyone, and I was surprised my parents hadn't either. But most likely, it was because they were too ashamed to have a "defective" son.

"What?" Grandpa Lev yelled out.

I looked up at my father, any and all feelings I might still be harboring for him or my mother were completely gone in that moment.

"Explain yourself!" Grandfather growled.

Jai and Orin stood, quickly taking their kids from the table, and I was so thankful for it. They knew how Grandfather could get, and I wouldn't want my kids to be around the yelling that was about to commence either.

I looked up at Grandpa Lev. There was a sadness in his eyes, and I couldn't take it. I didn't want or need pity, so I stood, tuning out my father and grandfather arguing. I walked to their back door and simply left as voices rose.

I tried to breathe but couldn't. I realized I'd started crying again, and my nose was stuffy. The water had filled to the middle of my chest, so I sat up and turned the faucet off. I would have to clean up the mess later, but I got up and grabbed the roll of toilet paper, my wet body trailing water across the tile floor. I blew my nose again before tossing the soggy toilet paper in the direction of the trash. I set the roll down on the edge of the tub and then stepped in and sank down. I'd given myself this cry. It was all right to have it, and then I'd go to bed and face everything tomorrow. But for now, I was going to soak in a hot tub of water and cry my emotions out. I'd more than earned it.