Page 4 of Warwick

He nodded at me, and then I started my short walk around the council building. I worked for the council, but I didn’t live on Treasure Ridge. The desire to go for a long run in my bear form was strong, but I had other things to do, and that meant my run would have to wait until later.

I made it to the transport building just as a few of the enforcers were also walking that way. I offered a half smile, but they didn’t really pay me much attention. I understood though. Story of my life: not many wanted to have much to do with the created polar bear’s grandson.

After being transported down off the mountain and finding myself at the gorgeous cabin that the Treasure Ridge dragons owned, I sighed. I couldn’t help but shake my head as I made my way toward my car. It was by far the smallest one that was parked in the lot. But I loved my little vehicle, and it fit me perfectly.

Like usual, I did get a few quick looks as I walked up to my green vehicle and opened the door. Both of the enforcers climbed into a large SUV, and I had to wonder if it was one of theirs or if it belonged to the council. It didn’t matter, really. I started my car, and after pulling on my seat belt, I put the car in reverse and backed out of my spot. I was on the not-busy-at-all roads and heading toward Honey Creek and home.

I’d been offered a small place on Treasure Ridge, but I’d politely declined. I wanted to live not so close to family, and the fact that my grandfathers lived on the mountain was enough reason for me to not want to live on the mountaintop. For the most part, they left me alone, with the exception of the twice-a-month family dinners. I always loved going to see Grandpa Lev, and, well, Vitomir wasn’t exactly terrible. But it was always Grandpa Lev who made all of us feel welcome.

It only took ten minutes for me to pull into the driveway of the house I was renting from the den. It wasn’t large, but it was only me, and I didn’t need much room.

I parked, and in seconds, I was unlocking my door and tossing the keys in the bowl on the table I had in the entryway. I added my wallet, and when I went to plug in my phone, I winced. I had two missed calls and several texts. The calls were both from my father, and after opening the text app, I saw that he was also trying to get ahold of me through text. I wasn’t sure if I had the spoons to answer him. It never turned out well when my father was in a mood. I already knew I was a disappointment simply because I, someone from his line, couldn’t reproduce. It wasn’t exactly my fault I’d never had a heat cycle.

I was going to ignore him for the time being until my phone started ringing in my hand. It showed Mom’s name, but I knew it was most likely my father. I hadn’t responded to his calls or texts earlier because I had been at work. It wasn’t necessarily something that Dr. King frowned upon, but it was just unprofessional.

My phone stopped ringing, and then a minute later, there was a voicemail. Just as expected, when I read the transcript, it was, in fact, my father and not my mother. Still not wanting to deal with him, I placed the phone on the wireless charger and then went to my bedroom in the back of the house to change out of my work clothes. They weren’t uncomfortable, but I had every intention of getting as comfortable as possible for the rest of the evening, and wearing khakis and a button-down wasn’t part of that equation.

I pulled my clothes off as I walked toward my bedroom, and when I was close enough, I tossed them into the hamper in the corner. I wanted sweats and a hoodie. It wasn’t exactly cold outside, but I wasn’t planning on going anywhere this evening. I was going to heat up some leftovers and have a movie marathon at the minimum. Maybe I would go for a run later, after the sun set, but for now, I was going to focus on preparing myself to deal with my father. I always had to.

I had the leftover lo mein in the microwave when there was a knock on my door. I looked that way, completely confused because nobody ever visited me. I went to work and then came home. I had a “family dinner” with my grandfathers and other distant relatives who were in the area, but I didn’t really have much to do with them beyond that.

I gave the microwave a quick glance before I walked to the door to answer it. I was surprised to see Grandpa Lev standing there, and it must have shown.

“I was in the area and thought I’d drop by and see if you were home. I saw the light on, so I took a chance and knocked.”

I didn’t scent that he wasn’t telling the truth, and to be completely honest, I absolutely loved Grandpa Lev. He was a saint in my book. He not only put up with Grandfather, but he was just an amazing person all around. I loved the story of how he and Grandfather met because it truly was an act of fate. How else would a polar bear meet a lion? In Russia, of all places? I grinned thinking about the story I’d heard so many times as I stepped to the side to let him enter.

“I was just heating up some leftovers,” I told him. “Did you want some?” It was rude to not offer, but I also didn’t have enough for two. But I could always find something else.

“No, I’m not staying long. I honestly was just visiting with Jai and their twins. Grayson was still at work, but I wanted to see the little ones.”

I grinned. Grandpa Lev missed having babies. They’d had several and had lost more than one, unfortunately, but Grandpa Lev was a natural. He was an omega that I wish I could be. Sadly, I would never have the same experiences.

The microwave dinged behind me, and although my stomach was protesting a little, I wasn’t going to kick my grandpa out.

“I won’t stay. I just wanted to stop by and check in on you. I know how pushy your parents can be, and I wanted to make sure they were leaving you alone.”

I sighed and shook my head. It was no secret how my father felt about my lack of ability to carry on the family line. I didn’t understand, though, because I had five other siblings, and all of them were alphas. I was the lone omega for my parents, and for whatever reason, I was the defective one, according to them. But I didn’t share everything with my grandparents. They knew there was tension, that there were expectations, and I left it at that.

“I’ll have another chat with him. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll have Vitomir drop in with a little help, and we’ll get involved again.”

I groaned and leaned against the entryway wall. “That’s not what I want. I shouldn’t have to have you fight my battles with my parents.”

“Your father is stubborn. Not quite as stubborn as Vitomir, but he’s perfected being an outright ass.”

I snorted. That wasn’t untrue. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my parents, but they were too much for me. “I’ll deal with them,” I told Grandpa Lev.

He placed his hand on my shoulder. “You don’t have to.” He shook his head. “Actually, you shouldn’t have to. They should never be the way with you that they are. And you are here because your grandfather and I want you here.”

I nodded as I saw a gleam in Grandpa Lev’s eye. No matter what I said, he and Grandfather were going to be having a quick conversation with my parents. The microwave beeped again, and I wondered if I would have to heat it again. Most likely, but that was all right. I loved Grandpa, and the fact that he took time out of his day to swing by, especially when he’d been down here to see Grayson’s twins and not me, made me feel good.

“Now, we’ll see you Sunday?”

I nodded. “I’ll be there. Did you want me to bring anything?”

Grandpa Lev actually surprised me. “Cookies. Bring any type of cookies.”

My eyebrows rose, but I nodded. I could do that. But this was the first time he’d mentioned anything I could bring, despite me having asked every week since I’d been here.

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