Announcing the Princess #5
Noxus said, “The Conners would like to meet you, but the Princess says that has to be on your terms.” I smiled, “I would like to meet them.” My stepdad nodded then went to the door. Four men came in with Haley behind them.
I smiled at Eric, “Thank you.” My wolf brother frowned, “For what?” I’m pretty sure from his unspoken words he felt like he’d failed me, and I had nothing to thank him for.
I reasoned, “Well, you did offer to pay millions of dollars to get me back. They were going to give me back regardless of the amount. You don’t know me, and you tried to help me. ”
Eric said, “You’re my sister. I will do anything for any member of my family. The money is nothing as we are quite rich.” I laughed, “I know the Conners are rich. Melanie told me about you guys.” Eric pointed out, “That means you’re rich too.” I blinked realizing that was true. That was weird.
Tatum said, “We deserve that. It’s our life we should’ve been living.” Sassy felt smug, like she was always rich. Well, she was a Princess so that was true. Eric pointed to his left, “This is…” I interrupted, “Jackson. I know.” Everyone glanced sharply at me. Oh right, I shouldn’t have known that.
Melanie jumped in, “And that’s Harold and Darrin… sorry... I wasn’t going to say anything. It’s just that….” I laughed, “You hate silence.” If Melanie kept talking, she’d say I had a vision of them or something.
Eric looked at Melanie, but they all seemed to let it go. I asked, “Can I hug you guys? I am apparently a hugger. Which is probably a side effect of being alone so much.” Noxus interjected, “Sirens are very affectionate.”
Eric sounded very emotional when he answered, “I would love a hug.” I ran over to my brother and wrapped my arms around him.
Eric held me tightly then whispered, “We are so sorry. We would’ve come for you.
You’ve become a very beautiful, strong woman all on your own.
We are proud of you.” Sassy whistled and Tatum seemed very happy.
One by one I hugged my brothers, even jumping on Haley. My sister in law smiled and hugged me back. Eric told me, “Our dad would love to meet you.” I asked, “Maybe he and I could do that privately.” Haley agreed, “Of course. Let’s go everyone.” Noxus squeezed my hand as he left.
I held Keaton back. Haley told me, “Call when you’re ready, Nathan will hear you.” I asked, “Do I get my super hearing from him?” Haley nodded, “Yes. Don’t mind me being super fucking bitter I didn’t get better hearing. It’s such a pain in the ass.” I laughed as she left.
Keaton asked, “My Song?” I whispered, “What if he doesn’t want me?” Keaton growled, “He does. I wouldn’t let him near you otherwise. Nathan’s been looking for you. Actually, the man doesn’t look like he’s slept since he came home. Nathan has been in Hawaii, he just got back.”
I held onto my mate. Every insecurity I felt about ever meeting my dad felt like it was going to crush me. Keaton began to hum our song while slowly rubbing my back, until my breathing evened out. Keaton whispered, “I can stay.”
I wanted him to, but I also wanted to meet my dad alone.
Keaton seemed to understand that somehow.
“I’ll send him in.” I asked, “How did you know?” My mate explained, “Tatum told Channing.” That was handy.
Tatum laughed, “I got you, girl.” I wiped my tears away thinking about how much I’ve missed her this last year.
Keaton gave me a kiss then walked outside.
An older man stepped in. I laughed, “I kind of expected you to have blonde hair.” Nathan snorted, “My grandparents had blonde hair, as did my father. The blonde skipped me, but I passed it on to my pups.” His eyes filled with tears.
Tatum linked me, “His wolf, Herb, is so upset. He wants us, Odette, and always did.” Nathan whispered, “You’re so beautiful.
” I blushed. My dad tried to quickly wipe his tears away, “I…” he trailed off then blurted out, “God, I’m sorry.
I’m so damn sorry. I had just lost my mate, and I was drunk off my ass.
I thought my mate appeared to me again.”
“I thought that’s who I was with. If I’d have known, god, I would’ve had you with us. I would’ve found this half of your family. With my resources and Theo’s, we could’ve asked Aiden. That’s what I would’ve done. He would’ve found the Sargasso’s for me. I know you must hate me and…”
I cut him off, “I don’t. I was upset until I met Melanie. Mom told me you didn’t want me…” Nathan snarled, enraged. Tatum giggled in my head. Yeah, that growl should be terrifying, but it was oddly comforting.
Dad declared, “That’s a lie! I never knew about you! I do want you, I swear. I would’ve loved and cared for you. I would’ve given you every damn thing you wanted. I still will. HOW DARE SHE SAY THAT TO MY PUP!”
Eric came back into the room and put a hand on our dad’s shoulder. Eric gently ordered, “Dad and Herb, calm down.” I waved my hand, “It’s ok. The story is upsetting. When Melanie theorized that my dad probably didn’t know about me, it fit.”
I added, “Mel had other evidence she found. We didn’t get to talk about all of it before I was forced to travel again. I’m glad I don’t have a blood disorder. I’m really upset I’ve been hurting Tatum like this.” Dad whispered, “Tatum, is your wolf?” I nodded.
Dad said, “I failed you both. It’s not your fault about those pills. You didn’t know what you were doing because you didn’t know about us. That’s not on your head.” I disagreed, “You didn’t fail us. You didn’t know about me.”
Dad whispered, “I should’ve.” I asked, “How would you have known?” No one had an answer to that.
I assured him, “I believe you when you say you would’ve been in my life.
Melanie has always talked about the Conners family.
I actually know several stories about you all.
If I’m being honest, particularly her Xander. ” Dad snickered.
I said, “Anyway, we can’t turn back time, but we can move forward. I decided a long time ago that mom doesn’t get to win in my life. I have this happy bubble, and I’m not letting her mess with it. I’ve been talking with Caspian, Trit, Cython, Cordelius, Cornelius, Cadence, and Noxus for months.”
“In this area, I’ve come alive. I’ve never felt more myself. Keaton blew into my life, and I finally feel loved. I’ve wanted to meet you ever since I could understand that Lux had a dad. I’d like to build a relationship with all of you if that’s what you want.”
Dad choked out a sob and came forward to hold me in his arms. Dad cried, “My pup, you are so loved by us all. It’s more than I deserve, but I do want to get to know you.
” Sassy whistled again. I instinctually nuzzled my dad and he did it back.
It felt like the last missing piece of me just clicked into place.
I had my dad, brothers, and kick as sisters and a brother in law. I actually didn’t know if I had another brother in law, but Harish was Cython’s mate. Which made him my brother in law. I really was killing it in the in laws department. Tatum snorted, “We deserve that.” We did honestly.
I told dad, “You’ll have to teach me all about Werewolves.
I only know what I read. I also know your eyes flicker black when your wolf takes over.
” Dad’s eyes flickered black. I smiled, “You must be Herb.” Herb rubbed my face, “My gorgeous pup. My human and I are devastated that we missed your early years, but we will never miss another moment again.”
I smiled, “I look forward to getting to know you both.” Herb agreed, “As do we.” Sassy was contentedly humming her song. Dad and I stayed there holding onto each other for several more minutes. Eventually, he said, “We should go join everyone else.”
I realized Eric had stepped back out of the room and pulled back. Dad said, “I swear to you, your mother will pay dearly for this.” I snorted, “I’m pretty sure my mob boss bro plans to whack her.” Dad threw his head back and let a belly laugh loose.
Dad asked, “Are you still going to call him that?” I nodded, “Yup. It’s been going on way too long now to stop, it’s a habit.
It’s our thing and I think he’d be lost if I stopped calling him a mob boss.
” Dad smiled, “I’m glad you can find the humor in all this.
I’ll try to take a page out of your book, but I’m still enraged.
In all seriousness, I’m glad that you’ve had your Siren family to talk to. ”
We were almost to the door when Lux stepped in. Dad nodded to him, squeezed my hand, then stepped out. I felt a little awkward for some reason, “We should probably join everyone.” Lux whispered, “Please don’t do that, kid.”
I glanced up, “What?” Lux winced, “Hate me.” I gasped, “I don’t hate you. I’ve been looking for you. There are a lot of Lux’s around the world in case you were curious. I look everywhere I go.” Sassy hummed away in my head.
Lux growled, “I fired my secretary for not getting me your email sooner.” I tilted my head, “It’s hardly her fault.” My brother shrugged. I’d have to have Keaton hire her for something or someone. Keaton owned a whole town surely; he could help out.
I hugged Lux, “I missed you, Gator.” Lux snorted, “I wondered if you forgot that you called me that.” I laughed, “Nope, but your chomping at people makes more sense now. You’re a wolf.” Lux smiled, “I am. I really did look for you everywhere.”
I shrugged, “People keep saying mom’s power is to keep things hidden. I think mine is seeing the past, I wonder what you will get.” Lux frowned asking, “You see the past?” I nodded, “Apparently.” Lux rubbed the back of his head, “We will talk more about that later. Ok?”
I grabbed Lux’s hand and followed him outside the room, ending up back where everyone was. They all turned to look at us. Caspian sounded all business, “Ok, let’s talk about what happened?” Haley interjected, “Odette, how are you feeling?”