Tuesday, December 31st Pt. 3
“I stripped from the waist down and laid across the desk. First one was at four months, second was at eight months and the third was when the paternity test came back mine. The last one was the worst as he added ten hits with the paddle and another ten with the buckle to the forty I knew I was going to receive. I knew when he took me to the third floor and told me crying would not add to my punishment that more was going to happen. What I didn’t expect was that the two days I spent in the hospital with Ava and Manson would be all the time I would get with them. She wasn’t my mate so I wasn’t allowed to be his father.
It happened again shortly after Manson was born, my new girlfriend Hanna was pregnant. Punishment changed to twenty-two strap end, ten paddle and twelve buckles for three rounds. Positive paternity test resulted in twenty-two with the paddle and twenty-two with the buckle. Again I was banned from being with April’s mother. I wasn’t allowed to be a father.
Dad took me on the hunt for my fated mate after that. As I explained several months ago, I was rejected. When I came home I was angry and started down the path of not just abuse but promiscuity as well. I slept with every woman that threw themselves at me as long as they were eighteen. I was careless for two years and the day dad closed the betrothal of Sasha to me I found out Heather was pregnant.
First round was half the strap and half buckle but when she came back pregnant with twins four months later I got twice my age with the buckle for the other three beatings. While dad made it clear he didn’t want me to be a father to them. A social worker from the council ended up coming to the pack three times in three years. The only thing dad allowed me to do with the babies is put my name on their birth certificates so every time Hayden and Harper got taken they would place them with me. Each time I’ve had them dad always rigged the court hearing to send them back.”
I finally take a break as that is the gist of my story. I look up to find my mate in tears, something I never intended to bring her. I reach out to her and bring her into my chest slowly, cuddling her closely.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the pups. I was and still very much am afraid of what your father is going to do.” I admit quietly into her hair.
“Andre, I need you and Kiara to come sit.”
He points to the love seat directly across from his arm chair. It’s a struggle to comply but I somehow manage to sit. My body is slumped forward with my elbows on my knees and my head in my hands. My breathing is slowed as I wait for his sentencing.
“Andre, I’m speaking slowly because I understand you’re anticipating punishment for this. It’s important for you to understand that your father lied.”
My head shoots up at his words. Lied? It’s not at all a first but still a shocking revelation.
“A hundred years ago before the werewolf committee was formed, many alphas had pack law that did not allow their pups to have pups outside of fated mates or mates that had permanent claim on each other. The reason behind this rule was to keep half brothers from fighting over who the rightful heir to the pack was. Shortly after the committee formed they saw a benefit in the heir of the pack being fruitful and multiplying which resulted in the rightful heir act. While the first born male to the alpha and luna of the pack will be the heir, the law specifies that if that male dies, his brothers and sisters, whole and half, can be considered. Now the law has changed over time as male has been replaced by child and the alpha is now allowed to name a particular child to pass the pack to but it’s important to understand that the committee and subsequently the council have never had harsh punishment for an alpha being promiscuous. It’s not encouraged but it’s not punishable either.”
I look away as my tears finally fall, completely embarrassed over how I’ve acted. I should have known that Julius was different but for reasons I can’t explain I saw my father.
“I know this is difficult. While you have already answered part of my questions I have to be certain. Where are your children now?”
“Ava found her mate around the time Manson turned three. I went to my father and demanded that he allow her to move into that man’s pack. Ava had taken care of Manson on her own and deserved to have the care necessary for a happy child. After meeting her mate and the pack’s alpha I signed away my rights and they moved away. She emails me pictures regularly but that’s all I know of him. Hanna ended up similar to Ava. She found her fated mate and requested a transfer. I believe April was four. Once again I met her mate and the pack’s alpha. I didn’t see anything alarming so I again reinforced the need for the transfer. Ava and Manson are now in Maine, Hanna and April are in northern New York.”
“What about your twins, Hayden and Harper?”
“They are still in Red Fang. Heather keeps hooking up with shit boyfriends who enforce her neglect and abuse. I’ve tried everything to get the council to give me the kids but dad just won’t allow it.”
“Is it fair to conclude that you want to be a father to these kids?” Josh asks next now that he’s in the armchair next to Julius.
“I want what’s best for them.” I nod as I try to explain while simultaneously trying to even out my emotions.
“That’s why when Ava and Hanna came to me, informed me of finding their mate and their desire to leave, I took several months to explore both their mate and the pack. Neither were the dangerous, tyrannical, rogue like ass hole my father and pack are.”
“And Hayden and Harper?”
“I’ve tried everything. I swear I have. But I just can’t win.”
Julius touches my face, gently wiping the tears that fall away.
“I’m sorry to have taken this time but it was critical to understand your reaction. As fearful as you are, we need to get to Red General as two things that require your presence have occurred.”
“My twins are in the hospital.” I whisper sadly as it’s no longer a shock to me.
“Yes, Andre. When I added myself as your current alpha to your profile it gave the council the information they needed to find you since you’re not staying in Red Fang territory. Heather and Marcus have been taken into custody for child neglect and cruelty. It’s taken the hospital’s social worker ten hours to find that you are their biological father as she found that their records had been sealed by your father. She had to get a court order to unseal them revealing not just you but everything your father has done to keep them from you. We need to go pick them up. Dr. Carter also alerted me to the need to speak with us privately. I assured him that we would be there soon.”
“Red stork?” I can’t help but question even though Melinda isn’t due until early April.
“He didn’t say.”
I nod as I stand, ready to leave and get the children that are rightfully mine.
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