Page 70 of Finding the Forward: Part One
The thing was, I didn’t have a good reason other than I was a weak alpha. I’d also allowed the bullying to go too far because part of me figured that I deserved it.
“What does this have to do with AJ and cows?” Jonas prodded, taking a sip.
“One of my former teammates decided to teach me a lesson at a wedding we were attending. Which was held at this cute little farm in New York.” I flinched. “He meant to scare me, maybe injure me. What he thought was fireworks were explosives. While no people were severely hurt, there was property damage and livestock got loose and some were never found. Insurance wouldn’t cover the animals. I offered to replace them. I felt dreadful. The farmers were innocent. It never would’ve happened had I not complained about Coach.”
“Verity, look at me.” Grif took my face in his hand. “He’s a predator. You did the right thing.”
That’s what Creed told me, but it didn’t feel like it.
“I bought the sheep and chickens straight away, but had to take a modeling job to afford the rest. Cows are expensive–there were goats and bunnies, too. I was starting my PhD, and Baba said if I gave him the money, he’d handle it for me. I... I guess he didn’t. But I’m not calling him. No. I... I can’t believe he’d do that...” A tear streamed down my face. “Those poor farmers. I... I’ll make this right. I didn’t know.”
It broke my heart that they never got what I promised.
“Hey, easy there. I’m sure we will get this figured out.” Grif pressed me to him, his hands rubbing my back.
“What about the haters? Are you still being harassed? These are things we need to know, Verity. If someone’s after you, it affects everyone,” Jonas pressed.
“I don’t think so. It eventually died down. Some people still gossip, though.”
Grif pressed his forehead to mine. “I’m so sorry you went through that.”
“Why didn’t you go pro? I’m curious,” Jonas asked.
“It doesn’t matter.” My shoulders rounded. It was a huge mistake. One I was powerless to fight, powerless to change, and that I’d never escape.
“It does,” Jonas insisted.
My head snapped up and I scowled. “I’m a weak Alpha, okay. Too weak to even throw off her own parents’ bark. I don’t even have one. Now your packmate hates me, which is probably better because I don’t know if I can be alpha enough for Grif. I’m not good at being an alpha.”
All my insecurities came bubbling to the surface. Grif was a great person, and he deserved everything. I was just some silly girl who liked happy flowers, baking for people, and romance novels.
“Your parents did what? That’s not okay.” Dean whispered, snuggling me further.
No, it wasn’t. But I couldn’t do anything about it now.
“Hey, you’re alpha enough for me. AJ will come around.” Grif bundled me in his thick arms and smothered me with kisses.
“There’s no doubt that you care for him. But no, I’m not convinced.” Jonas leaned against the fridge, crossing his tattooed arms over his muscular chest as he eyed me.
“How could you say that?” Dean looked stricken and his scent soured, smooshing me between him and Grif.
“He’s right.” My shoulders slumped.
“See, she even agrees.” Jonas frowned at me.
“I never should’ve been an alpha. It ruined everything.” Fútbol. My relationships with the parents. My ex.
Well, that would've crashed and burned spectacularly, anyway.
“A real alpha would tell me I’m wrong.” Jonas gave me a challenging look.
Grif narrowed his eyes. “Back off, Jonas. You’re going too far.”
Jonas’ got very close to me. “Tell me I’m wrong, Verity.”
“You’re not.” Tears blurred my eyes.
“What the fuck? Don’t listen to him. It’s a misunderstanding and you’ll patch things up with AJ.” Grif shielded me from him with his body.
