Chapter 100
NADIA.
My eyes fluttered open as the sound of birds happily chirping reached my ears.
My head, which was resting on a hard but comfortable surface, tilted toward the window.
It was left open, and the cold morning breeze was making me sleepy again.
I scooted my head a bit upward, my nose digging into my mate’s neck.
I was lying on top of him again. I always wondered how I always ended up climbing on him at night, but since he wasn’t complaining, I didn’t even try to find answers.
But as much as his body’s warmth and his scent were lulling me back to sleep, I wanted to be up early and see if I could find my father.
‘Jenny? Are you awake?’ I sent my Gamma Female a mindlink as I slowly rolled away from Riley’s sleeping form and kissed his nose, which scrunched up upon contact, before rising from the bed.
‘Good morning, Luna. Yes, I’m in the kitchen drinking coffee with Sebastian and your father.’
‘My father? Can you make sure he doesn’t go anywhere until I get there?’
‘Sure. Would you like decaf coffee or tea this morning? They have a variety of tea here.’
‘Maybe mint flavor, but make sure…’
‘... there’s no caffeine in it. Copied!’
‘Thank you, sweetheart.’ I giggled as I replied before closing our mindlink.
I had just finished washing my face and was now brushing my teeth.
I couldn’t remember getting to bed last night.
I must have fallen asleep while we were in the receiving area of the kids’ nursery.
Laura was there with me. I thought she would have a hard time accepting me compared to my father, but she was very welcoming, which I was thankful for.
She and Zahra were like mother figures to me when I was in Atlanta, and now I feel blessed to have them both as my mothers.
I entered the kitchen and saw Jenny and Sebastian sitting at the counter, and in front of them was my father. I flashed him a small smile before Jenny took my attention.
“I made you your tea. Sebastian and I will be at the training grounds. Just let me know if you need me.” She and Sebastian rose from their seats, and after excusing themselves, they walked away hand in hand.
“Good morning…” I greeted my father in a soft voice as I sat in front of him, my hands cupping the sides of the mug in front of me.
“Would you like something to go with your tea? I can prepare some sandwiches. Breakfast will be in an hour. But you might be hungry already?” He didn’t wait for my response as he stood up and went to pick up bread.
I didn’t have the heart to say no. I wasn’t hungry, but I did want him to make food for me, something I didn’t experience growing up. And it’s not too late to have this now.
“Now, I’m not really sure what you want to eat.” He smiled sheepishly at me.
“A toast will do. With butter.” It was the only thing that came to mind at this point.
He just nodded his head and started the toaster. He then came back in front of me. “Your mate, Alpha Riley, said we could visit you in your territory. I hope that’s okay with you.”
I couldn’t help the smile from curving on my lips at his words as I nodded my head. “That would be lovely. Our territory has nice forests and terrain. I’m sure you will love it there. Then we can run together. Arrow, my wolf, she wanted to meet you... and your wolf.”
I was already making plans. My eyes watered again as my father walked toward me, then opened his arms and hugged me. I felt his mouth on my hair as I closed my eyes, reveling in his calming scent.
“Riley told me about what you suffered under Samantha and her mate. I’m sorry, Nadia. I cannot change anything now, but I will make it up to you and your pup if you just let me.”
My hold on him tightened as tears fell from my eyes. “I would love that, Dad… Is it okay if I call you Dad?”
“Yes. Yes! You have no idea how much you’re making me happy today, Nadia.
I never thought I would get to experience being called Dad.
I always envy my brother when he talks about how proud he is of his pups, and just having you here in my arms is already making me a proud father.
I don’t think anything can top this…” He kissed the crown of my head and kept hugging me.
“We will start again and I promise you, Laura and I will be there as much as we can until you get tired of us.”
I chuckled as I wiped my tears. “You’ll be disappointed because I don’t think I will ever get tired of your presence.”
“Am I late for the hug fest?” Laura’s sweet voice came around and my eyes shifted to where she was standing. She stood by the kitchen entryway, her hands clasped together as she looked lovingly at Dad and me.
Dad chuckled while I extended my other arm and smiled back at her. “There’s room for one more, and it’s reserved for you,” I replied, and watched as she came forward, enveloping Dad and me into her warm and tight embrace.
The pups’ blessing will be in two hours.
We were passing the time at the packhouse’s game room.
I was sitting beside Riley as he played chess with Aaron, my cousin, who couldn’t keep bragging about his few-week-old pup.
This was something I never had growing up—the warmth and comfort of a family—and even though I’m older now, I would never be too old for this.
“Caspian!” Alia’s voice snapped my attention away from the game Riley and Aaron were playing as my eyes darted to the entrance of the game room.
Alpha Caspian and Andrea were standing beside Alpha Jake and Luna Clair. They have arrived. Alia hugged Caspian, then passed her pup to him, and went to hug Andrea.
Riley stood up, taking me with him before he clasped his hand with mine. I could sense his anxiety. Even though I was certain he didn’t feel anything for Andrea now, he was still nervous about meeting her with me beside him.
I squeezed his hand before I tugged him to follow me as I approached the new arrival, letting go of his hand as Andrea welcomed me into her arms.
“Nadia!” Andrea squeezed me, giving me the warm smile that she seemed to never run out of. “I’m glad to see you here. And Clair told me about your father. I’m happy for you!” She whispered in my ear, and I could hear the sincerity in her voice.
“Thank you. I wasn’t expecting it but really grateful for it.” I told her as we let go of each other.
Riley was already behind me, and I saw him extend a hand to Alpha Caspian. They shook hands without saying anything. Both had firm expressions on their faces.
I snaked an arm around Riley’s waist as he tilted his head down to look at me before a smile graced his lips. “Alpha Caspian, since our Lunas have met each other. Let me introduce my Luna to you. Nadia, this is Alpha Caspian, Alpha of the Blue Meadows Pack.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Luna Nadia. I’ve heard many good things about you.”
“Nice to meet you, Alpha. I hope you really heard good things about me and you’re not just sugar-coating it.” I smiled at him as we shook hands.
“I can assure you they were good things.” His eyes then darted to Riley. “And congratulations on your pup!”
“I guess we can leave the females here and we can have our own session.” Alpha Jacob’s arms went to Riley and Alpha Caspian’s shoulders as he steered them away from us. He was followed by the rest of the males as they walked out of the game room.
Janna’s parents had already arrived, and everyone around us was family.
It only dawned on me that this event was strictly for the family of the Black Shadow Pack rank wolves.
Riley had told me that he and Alpha Jacob had thought I was David’s daughter, thus, they included us in the invitation.
The news that I was Theodore’s daughter came as a surprise.
I still have to ask my mate how he connected me to Clair’s lineage, but this can wait. For now, I will enjoy the moment with my newfound family.