Chapter 53 Family Reunion

~Anna~

As if in a trance, I found myself standing and going for the door. I passed by the hallway, then found a set of stairs that led down. The place was eerily quiet, my own breathing creating a piece of rhythmic music in my ears.

Somehow, I managed to find my way into the front door, and just as promised, there was a car sitting right outside. No guards in sight, not a single werewolf around. Just me, and a car that I didn’t know if I could still drive. How long since I last drove one-two years, and I was a really bad driver. I crashed three of Father’s cars, and all of those were during driving lessons. From on the road to off the road and into a tree when all I was supposed to do was keep driving straight.

Father. I should have only one, not two, and yet I did. Convincing myself that this was a lie only added to the weight on my chest. He was my father, my flesh and blood. I knew it within me regardless of what lies I kept telling myself.

A dying man would have no reason to hold me captive in an almost nonexistent pack.

Instinctively, I fisted my right hand and felt something crumple – the envelope, now a dirty white from the passage of two decades. I didn’t realize my hands were shaking until I looked down.

Freedom was a few steps away. I could put all this behind me and start anew. I forgot my phone, but I could find a way to contact Carson to check upon him. I wouldn’t be able to visit my parents anymore, but…

I clutched at the vial around my neck.

I’m sorry I never visited you, Father.

He’s dying.

You’re the spitting image of her.

Their words resonated in my mind.

Goddess, why do you always make me do this?

Turning my back on the way to freedom, I made my way back up the stairs, into the hallway, then inside the library. Sitting around the table, I smoothened the crumpled envelope. My name was spelled in beautiful, cursive writing – Bella Black, a name I never knew until now.

Ripping the flap open, I took the folded sheets of paper out.

[Anna,

You must be all grown up now. I often thought about what kind of person you’ll grow up to be. Beautiful, no doubt, both inside and out.

I understand that there isn’t much I can do for you. Even as I write this letter, I cannot write a lifetime’s worth in a few pages. I can’t be with you to hold your hand when you’re scared, hug you when you cry, and make you a brownie when you’re feeling blue. I can’t be there to tell you bedtime stories, sing you to sleep, and kiss you goodnight. I can’t be there to cheer you on, push you further, and guide you as you grow. I can’t be there to play dress-up, help you with lady talks, and gossip about boys you like. I can’t be there to teach you how to cook, how to bake, and how to fight. There are so many things I want to do with you and say to you. Sadly, I cannot.

For this, I am sorry. I am sorry that you had to grow up without me. I can only imagine how hard it must’ve been for you, but I trust you have found a way to go on.

I hope you surround yourself with friends and family and find love like your Dad and me. There will be sufferings along the way, but I hope you can find it in your heart to stay strong.

When you feel like giving up, I hope you can be hopeful enough to keep going. When you feel let down, I hope you can be humble enough to ask for help. When you feel like the world is against you, I hope you can be responsible enough to take control. When you feel like you are alone, I hope you can be vulnerable enough to trust the people around you.

I believe you have the heart of an Alpha. I hope you let it guide you when you are lost. Trust, and it will lead you to what you need.

Don’t cry for me, my love. I have always been with you and your Dad and I always will be.

Happy 18th Birthday, Anna. My beautiful baby girl.

Love,

Mom]

“She was a kind soul, your Mother,” said Alpha Emery.

I couldn’t reply. Tears blurred my vision, and my mind couldn’t think of what to reply to as Mother’s words echoed in my head.

“I miss her every day since.” He took my hand in his, rough and veiny. “I cannot force you to stay when you don’t want to. But know that there was never a day when I didn’t think of you and your Mother. I died the day your Mother passed away; the same day I thought I lost the two of you. When my wolf, Arthur, sensed that you were ours, I couldn’t be any happier. You were alive all this time. I’m sorry I gave up on you. I’m here now. You’re here now. I cannot change the past, but will you give me the chance to be the Father I couldn’t be?”

Mom told me to trust my heart. It was conflicted but at this moment…

I threw my arms around him and buried my head in his chest. There was so much to clear between the two of us. I didn’t know if I could ever forgive him. I was angry at Father and at Alpha Fraser for hiding the truth. I was angry at him, but it would be a lie if I told myself that I didn’t feel our connection.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE

The letter in this chapter is in bold italics format.

* Italics, which is used to indicate the characters' thoughts, are heavily used in this Work. It may not be supported at the moment, but hopefully, it isn't confusing.

Thank You...

~ Caine Casann ~