While I’d love to have the support of my pack, I really don’t want them to hear the awful things my mother is sure to say. Hopefully, it won’t be too bad…
“Thank you,” I say, not sure where to look.
Grason gives me a sweet smile, then he reaches out without a word and grabs Beck’s wrist, tugging the beta toward the door.
“Hey!” Beck starts, startled, then he catches the look on Grason’s face and stops arguing. “Okay, okay.”
Warren follows them out, stopping briefly to look back at me. His expression is so sweet, as if he’s making sure I’m okay. Then he steps out, and the door shuts behind him, leaving the room quiet.
Cass exhales softly, then he lowers himself into the chair behind the desk, careful of his leg. He looks tired now that he’s sitting, the sharp edge from earlier dulled.
I need him.
Without a second thought, I move around the desk, straight to my pack alpha.
He pushes his chair back, already knowing I need to sit in his lap. I pull my legs in and lean against his chest, my forehead resting briefly against his shoulder. His big arms wrap around me, holding me tight against his warm body.
“You don’t have to call them, Tansy,” he says quietly, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “In fact, you never have to speak to them again if you don’t want to.”
“I know,” I let out a heavy sigh. “It’s…complicated.” I shift in his lap, but I don’t pull away. “I love them. And I know that they love me. We just have a very strained relationship.”
Cass cups my face, and I look up, his dark blue eyes searching mine. “Do you want to talk about it?”
I shake my head, and a burst of Cass’s curiosity moves through our bond. It’s a gentle pressure rather than a push. He wants to understand, but I know he won’t force me to talk.
“No,” I say simply, and he quickly nods.
“That’s okay.” He kisses my lips softly. “I’m right here if you change your mind.”
I lean into him for a second, wrapped up in his arms, letting myself take all the comfort I can get. But once my heart settles, I pull in a deep breath, square myself, then sit up.
“Okay,” I say, more to myself than to him.
I smooth out the Post-it in my hand, flattening the creases. Cass hands me his phone, and I dial the number. I tap “call” then put it on speaker. The phone rings, and I set it on the desk in front of me, waiting, shoulders set, ready to do this.
It only rings twice.
“William Payten,” my dad answers. “Who’s this?”
My throat tightens as all the air rushes out of my lungs, and a tidal wave of emotion crashes over me.I thought I was ready for this.
"Hello?" My dad’s voice grows louder, impatient. “Is someone there?”
“Um…” I finally find my voice. “Dad?”
Silence rings on the other end of the line, and my heart hammers a frantic, painful rhythm against my ribs.
Then he says my name. “Tansy?” he whispers in disbelief. “Tansy, is that you?”
“Yes,” I squeak, squeezing my hands into fists. I honestly didn’t expect to feel so emotional.
“Are you hurt?” His voice drops, serious. “Tell me where you are.”
“I’m okay,” I say quickly. “I’m safe. I promise.” My voice trembles as a fresh wave of emotion threatens to crack me open. Tears prick my eyes, and my nose starts to run.
And then suddenly I feel Cass’s steady presence in my mind.
He pushes his strength through to me, like a warm, steady tide washing over my own chaotic feelings. He pumps our bond with calm, safety, and unwavering support. I cling to it like a lifeline, then I take a deep, shuddering breath.
