Chapter 70
I watch as everyone remains silent. It’s hard to tell if they are simply shocked at Patrick’s declaration or if, they too, wish to back out of working with Cole. I shift in my seat, as these hard dining chairs are not meant for long meetings.
“Since we’re all done eating, I’d like to finish this discussion in the common room. The couch is looking quite comfortable right now.”
I announce as I stand with my plate in hand, gently taking Lilly’s as she follows. I rinse our plates and silverware, placing them in the dishwasher before doing the same with the cups Lilly brings with her.
We head to the common room, which is the largest room in the pack house that I often use for my monthly barbecue with the entire pack. It’s as I pass the table that my boys follow suit. I hear the water turn on as Damian comes out of the kitchen for the rest of their cups and silverware making it easy to assume that Lucas is rinsing and stacking the dishes.
I make a quick link to my head housekeeper letting her know that we’re finished as I sit in the chair and a half recliner pulling Lilly down into my lap before she has a chance to find another seat. She’s tense and resistant as she’s never been fond of public affection but I work with her gently, moving her into different positions until I find one we’re both comfortable with.
I prop my feet up with the reclining feature of the chair, laying my head back against it and closing my eyes. Today has been an exhausting day but at least I feel I’ve made progress in several areas. I wrap my arms around Lilly as she snuggles into my chest. I can tell she’s exhausted too but for a completely different reason.
Slowly everyone makes their way into the room, finding a seat as they do. I smile back at Damian, the last one to enter the room, as I catch the broad smile he gives his mother and I. Of my two boys, he’s the one that has always appreciated the fated mate bond between us, even as a young child.
She’s on her side, her hips on down, between my legs. I grab the lightweight fleece throw from behind me and cover her with it. Her eyes are closed as I gently rub her back. Making my way slowly to the bottom of her dress, I tug on it gently so I can get underneath it allowing me the skin to skin contact I know she needs.
She stiffens badly as she draws a quick breath the moment I touch her waist.
‘Lilly baby, I know today has been really hard on you. Relax with me, you need this more than you know.’
I gently reassure her through the link. I can feel the gentle tingles of the mate’s bond upon my finger tips as she slowly relaxes into the same feeling. Damian cocks his head as he looks at me. He caught his mom’s reaction and has worry in his eyes.
‘Rough day today. I promise she’s okay.’
I quickly link him as everyone else gets settled and never notices the interaction between the three of us.
“So the question at hand right now is who else feels they can not remain neutral with Cole in light of the unsubstantiated allegations coming from his home pack?”
I can tell Lilly is trying not to fall asleep as she relaxes with my touch. I lay my arm across the front of her encouraging her to lean into me as I advance my touch higher up her back.
“It’s okay to fall asleep Lilly. I’m not certain how much longer this is going to take.”
I speak softly as I move my hand from her back to the back of her head. She whimpers softly as she curls her legs into her body. I can tell through the bond that the numbing effects of the medication have worn off and the painful cramps are starting to hurt her. It’s when she slips her hand into mine that I slowly start taking on her pain.
She has never handled pain easily yet always felt the need to hide it from me, often refusing my ability to help. I have found over the years that it’s when she’s tired that any pain she’s in affects her the most and it’s during that time that I can gradually reduce her pain without her fighting me over it.
Dominic and Dasha have taken the other large recliner positioned straight across from us, sitting together similar to Luna and I. Lucas and Damian are on the couch to my right and Patrick and Parker are on the one to my left. I end up making eye contact with Dominic first, Dasha has practically fallen asleep in his lap as well.
“It is quite a damaging allegation but considering he has no record with the council I’m willing to remain neutral. It is innocent until proven guilty after all.”
I nod my head in approval of his answer. I look at Parker next. Considering his defensiveness a few minutes ago I feel I know his answer but he still needs to voice it.
“I don’t like any of it, Alpha. I don’t like the condition that he’s in as I firmly feel no one deserves to be treated like that. Yet it’s quite disturbing that these rumors exist and honestly I don’t know how a pedophile would even act. I see dad’s side but I see yours as well, Alpha, so for now I will reserve judgment.”
I give him a nod as I turn towards my sons. I make eye contact with both of them briefly and I can tell I’m not going to like Lucas’s answer.
“As much as you have taught us not to base our opinion of others by what someone else says, it’s difficult for me to see how an entire pack can turn their back on a single wolf based on allegations. There has to be something that has created these rumors and I’m not going to be comfortable with him being here until we know what they are.”
I’m disappointed in his stance but I nod to his response. I make eye contact with Damian. He’s the only one I haven’t heard from yet. He breaks his contact with me, shaking his head as he looks to the ground. He takes his time before he speaks, making me nervous towards his answer. Damian was born with the same sensitivity, the same instincts towards helping others as Madilyn and myself even though he lacks the physical symptoms that often plague intuitives.
“It’s wrong, dad.” He speaks quietly.
“What’s wrong?” I question, uncertain as to where this is going.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
