Chapter Forty-Seven
Spencer
Finally, after all these years. So much had happened in the past two days. Overwhelmed, I clutched Grace to me, and buried my face in her shoulder, inhaling her peachy scent.
I’d hoped that the information we found would actually lead to someone being prosecuted for their crimes against Elaris.
And here we were with a confession. The day after I got my father back. My mind wouldn’t stop spinning, as Grace held me tight, reassuring me through our bond.
“That is fantastic,” Evan replied.
“I’m so glad,” Jett said. “We had some significant evidence. And a confession? Fuck.”
“They’re going to send me more details. I don’t know who confessed or why. Perhaps Adriana gave names, or they used what we found. But I’m happy to get justice for Elaris,” I replied.
“Good. I looked the organization up and they seemed like rat bastard assholes,” Grace added.
“Who’s Elaris?” My father whispered.
“Oh. She… she was my mate. We met at university and started a company together. While her death was ruled a vehicular accident, I always wondered.” Briefly, I told him about her, what she’d been doing, and my suspicions. “Knowing what happened is a comfort.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. Losing a mate must have been difficult for you.
I feel for your mother and what I put her through.
” Anguish rolled off my father. “I missed so much. Just like I missed Evan’s parents passing.
Riley wasn’t even born when they took me.
She’s such a delight, but why does she call your mother Yiayia? ”
“Because Auntie wants grandchildren but doesn't think she’ll get any.” Evan chuckled. “Spencer took great care of us after my parents died, just like we tried to take care of him after Elaris passed. And look, we both have mates, a pack, and jobs we love.”
My father nodded. “Your new company is quite impressive.”
“Wait until you see all the amazing things we’re doing in Special Projects,” Grace told him.
“We’re doing some good stuff, mostly because of Spencer’s genius for finding cool shit,” Wes added.
“We’re okay, Baba.” I looked at my pack. “You can stop worrying about me and enjoy your time with Mama. She’s already booked your first trip?” I didn’t want him to waste his time by feeling bad.
My father chuckled. “She has. I have to admit that I’m quite excited. I love my research and teaching, but I’d like to spend some time with her. You, too.”
“We’ll plan a trip for us, Baba. Promise.” That would be nice.
“Nick? We should go, as should Spencer and Grace, if we’re to meet my family on time,” my mother called from the other side of the door.
Could I eat more food? No. Would I because I wanted to spend a little time with everyone? Yes.
“Thank you, Nick,” Grace said. “I really appreciate you sharing everything with us.”
“My pleasure.” He stood and opened the door. “Coming, my love.”
“Oh, Sonja’s leaving. Let’s go say goodbye to her.” Evan glanced at his phone. “Bye, Uncle Nick, Auntie. See you soon.” He hugged my parents and ran off with Grace as the rest of the pack left.
“Your pack is lovely but is there a chance we can have you to ourselves before we leave?” my mother asked.
I thought for a moment. “I could possibly get out of tonight’s visit to the adventure park with all of Grace’s siblings and have dinner with you instead.”
My mother chuckled. “The older ones are boisterous. But those little ones are so sweet.”
I went downstairs, trying to find some place they’d like with reservations available for tonight. Perhaps we could have something light, such as the fancy dumpling restaurant where everything came by on a conveyor belt.
Oh, there we were. The dumpling place had a later reservation. Perfect.
Still, all I could think of was that I’d finally know what happened to Elaris. I checked my email, quickly going over what the police in Boston, where the accident had happened, sent me.
I found Grace in the kitchen giving Zoie a hug.
“See you, soon,” Zoie hugged her back.
“Let’s go?” I offered her my arm and walked to my car, which we’d picked up this morning at the house, and dropped off my motorcycle.
“Dearest?” Grace pinned me against the car door, well the best she could, and pulled me down and kissed me. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, my good doctor.” I helped her in, and we drove away. “I sincerely regret that I must miss the festivities at the adventure park tonight. My parents would like to have dinner with me.”
Grace played with the air conditioner vents. “Go, you should absolutely have dinner with them.”
“Adriana named names,” I said as I drove.
“She hoped that doing so would lessen her own sentence. But whether it will remains to be seen. Between that and what Jett and I found, they did a little digging and got a confession from those involved with Elaris’ car accident, before they even formally opened the case.
It wasn’t one person, it was a coordinated effort, and many people knew of it beyond who was directly involved. ”
“I’m here. I’ll do whatever you need.” She squeezed my knee.
“Thank you, Darling.” I smiled, excited to start this new chapter of my life, with my pack, my sweet Grace, and my father.