He handed it to me.
“This is just a photocopy because the real one was splattered with your uncle’s blood and I didn’t want you to touch it.”
I swallowed before I took the paper fromhis hand and slowly unfolded it. It was a photocopy of a handwritten note, and the black marks on it might have been his blood. And I was thankful Riley didn’t give me the actual letter.
My eyes zeroed in on the words, and if Riley wasn’t holding me, I might have collapsed. I panted through my mouth as I tilted my head to look at my mate, my heart hammering in my chest.
“He knew who my father was!” I blurted out, not sure if I was telling Riley or myself.
My gaze darted again to the paper in my hands as my vision blurred. Tears welled in my eyes as I reread the words.
Veronica bore you a daughter.I know where she is. Let’s talk. And then below it was my uncle’s contact information. But that’s all. There were no names or addresses. No other information at all.
“He knew where my father was. Did you see anything else? Envelope with a name or address?” My voice was a bit louder this time.
He let out a deep breath before he shook his head. “The envelope was too soaked in blood. Sebastian and I tried to read the words written on it, but it was ripped and totally destroyed. “
My hand clamped over my mouth as soft sobs escaped my throat.
“I’m sorry, baby.” He turned me around and cupped my face as he urged me to look at him. “We will find him. I will use all my connections to find him. Now that we know he’s alive, we’re one step closer.”
I nodded my head. I tried to say thank you, but nothing came out except sobs and hiccups.
Warm arms wrapped around me before I felt my body being carried in a bridal style. He laid me down in bed before Riley took off his clothes until only his boxers were left. He took the paper from my hand, slipping it inside the drawer of my bedside table before he lay down beside me.
He then slid his hand under my neck and cuddled me while my tears just kept flowing.
I have a father.
“We will find him. I promise you that.” Riley’s voice was soothing, giving me all the hope I needed.
I closed my eyes and scooted my face against his neck. I trusted Riley. I knew he would find him for me.
Chapter 94
NADIA.
Riley spent the restof the morning in his office before he and Beta Dominic went out to do some pack business on the other side of the territory. I spent the rest of the day with Jenny and the pack’s females, who were part of a livelihood program. Jenny and I went to the warehouse where most females gather to make handmade items and trinkets that they sell at the center—the same place Riley took me on my second day in the territory.
It had been part of my weekly routine to visit them twice a week, but I decided to spend more time with them today since Luna Graciella, Riley’s aunt and Caleb’s mother, canceled her visit with me today. She was supposed to help me with the Luna ceremony program that I would be giving to the organizer, so they could start working on it even if Riley and I hadn’t decided when the ceremony would take place.
‘Where are you? Are you busy?’Riley’s voice dug in my head and snapped me out of my thoughts. My body jolted in excitement, knowing he was already home or nearby.
‘In the library, just killing off time. My feet are tired from all the walking. Are you home?’
‘In my office. Do you think you can walk and visit me? I still have paperwork to do.’
‘Yup. I’ll be there in a few minutes.’
‘Walk carefully, no skipping. I can wait.’
I giggled but didn’t answer. He was right. Sometimes I would forget I was pregnant and would rush from one place to another. Old habits die hard. I was used to doing my tasks quickly so I could get away from my uncle and aunt, and that included moving from one place to another. And probably because my pup hadn’t given me any hard time at all except when I hadto go to the toilet too many times, even at nighttime. I wasn’t even picky with food now, but I hated the scent of vanilla, which was weird because Riley said I smelled of it.
I knocked softly on his office door before pushing it open without waiting for his response. His eyes were already waiting for me, and I threw him a smile as I walked to his table. He moved his chair back and opened his arms, preparing a space for me on his lap. I sat sideways and wrapped my arms around his neck before crashing my lips against his. We kissed for a while before we let go of each other.
“I miss you…” I told him, my hand brushing over the stray hair on his face.
“I miss you, too. And I’m glad to be home.” His hand went to my belly as he caressed it softly. “Did baby Alpha give you a problem today?”
