Page 16 of Warwick

“Kaija is only looking out for him. Cecil gains weight easily, and it doesn’t look good on his too-short frame,” Father said.

I placed my hands in my lap and lowered my head, unable to meet anyone’s eyes. I knew I was too short. I also knew that I weighed at least thirty pounds more than when I left my parents’ home all those years ago. I didn’t think I looked bad, and my bear seemed to be happy with where we were. But of course, it wasn’t where my rail-thin mother thought I should be.

“It was three bites,” Jules said again. “And the second piece isn’t any larger.” Jules moved the platter of meat closer. “Here,” he said, taking several pieces and placing them on my plate. “You should eat as much as you want.”

“He’s already going to struggle—” Mother started but was cut off by Grandfather.

“You are an uninvited guest here, Kaija. You would do very well to keep your unwanted opinions to yourself.”

I looked up in time to see Mother’s cheeks turning pink. I glanced to my right and tried to smile at Jules, who was glaring. Not at me but toward my parents.

“Do you have enough to eat, Cecil?” Grandpa Lev asked.

I glanced that way, my gaze getting caught by my father, who was pissed. Such was my life. This was why I didn’t talk to them. They called, they texted, but I didn’t reply. I didn’t ever have the energy to do so. I peeked down at my plate and thought about it for a moment. I’d skipped the potatoes the first time because I knew Mother would lose her mind if I took potatoes.

“Actually, could I have some potatoes?” I asked. I heard a growl when I reached for the bowl that Grandpa was holding out toward me. We all froze.

Grandfather slowly stood as Grandpa Lev set the bowl down in front of me. I no longer wanted potatoes though. I simply wanted to go home at this point. I should have known that it would be bad, and it was.

“You will not growl at my table,” Grandfather said, his voice low and dangerous. “You and your mate might be family, but you weren’t invited, and your treatment of your son is unacceptable.”

I glanced at my father, who at least had the decency to look like he’d overstepped. My mother looked terrified, and I had to grab my napkin to cover the smile. I, of course, didn’t wish her harm, and unless she was an actual threat or danger toward me or someone else in the room, she was safe here. Grandfather wouldn’t hurt her.

“I apologize, Grandfather. But Kaija was only trying to help Cecil. With him being barren, he needs to be able to offer something to his mate should he be given one.”

My world shattered in that moment. I hadn’t shared my secret with anyone, and I was surprised my parents hadn’t either. But most likely, it was because they were too ashamed to have a “defective” son.

“What?” Grandpa Lev yelled out.

I looked up at my father, any and all feelings I might still be harboring for him or my mother were completely gone in that moment.

“Explain yourself!” Grandfather growled.

Jai and Orin stood, quickly taking their kids from the table, and I was so thankful for it. They knew how Grandfather could get, and I wouldn’t want my kids to be around the yelling that was about to commence either.

I looked up at Grandpa Lev. There was a sadness in his eyes, and I couldn’t take it. I didn’t want or need pity, so I stood, tuning out my father and grandfather arguing. I walked to their back door and simply left as voices rose.

I tried to breathe but couldn’t. I realized I’d started crying again, and my nose was stuffy. The water had filled to the middle of my chest, so I sat up and turned the faucet off. I would have to clean up the mess later, but I got up and grabbed the roll of toilet paper, my wet body trailing water across the tile floor. I blew my nose again before tossing the soggy toilet paper in the direction of the trash. I set the roll down on the edge of the tub and then stepped in and sank down. I’d given myself this cry. It was all right to have it, and then I’d go to bed and face everything tomorrow. But for now, I was going to soak in a hot tub of water and cry my emotions out. I’d more than earned it.

Chapter 7

Warwick

I’d messed up somehow. I wasn’t sure how, but my beast started throwing a fit the moment Cecil walked out the door. I had no idea what that was about, but my beast was pissed. It had become so bad I had to call Atticus. He was busy, and I knew he was, but he seemed to understand my urgency and came. I’m not sure if it was a good thing or not that he didn’t come alone. I was pacing back and forth when he and Damien arrived.

“What’s wrong?” Atticus asked. “Do you need to shift? Should we go for a hard run?”

I looked up at my pack alpha and packmate. They were slightly orange, which told me that my beast was really close to the surface. I shook my head. I didn’t know if a run would work or not.

“Tell us what happened,” Damien said. He and Atticus both took one of my arms and led me to the back of my place. “You really need more furniture, man. This place is barren.”

“I was going to do that this week after my forced holiday.”

“Is that the problem? Do you want to continue on your vacation?”

I shook my head as I sat. Damien was on my right, Atticus on my left.

“I never wanted to go on vacation in the first place.” Should I tell them about the issues I’d been having with my beast? They were my packmates and would assist if they could, but what if I was beyond help? What if I had to be put down because my beast was starting to take over?

---