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"You're a pathetic excuse for a mother," Thorn seethes. She steps back, fear crossing her face, and surprisingly, their father steps up in front of his mate. At least he has the decency to try and claim he can protect his mate. Albain is the epitome of apathy, and honestly, for as long as I can remember, he has been a pushover when it comes to being in this pack.
"Interesting. Do you think you can challenge me on the fact that she's a sorry excuse for a mother? Don't get me started on how unbelievably useless you are as a father, let alone a shifter." Thorn is nearly face-to-face with his dad, and terror crosses the latter's face. It feels like there is some untold story about why they fear him so much. I knew there are rumors about how violent and strong he is, but their eyes say the story is far more involved than anyone knows.
"You s-stay away from my mate," Albain stutters over his own words while staring down his son.
Paige walks around me past the little amount of safe cover I can provide and stares down her parents, pure determination crossing her face. She lets go of my hand and places her hand on Thorn. He is still tense, but he backs up a little to let Paige face them.
Two adult children facing down their horrible parents; Paige needs this.
"You know I spent years hating you. Hating you for ignoring me." She looks at her father. "And hating you for breaking me down and crushing my soul." She looks at her mother. "But eight years has given me perspective. Eight years has shown me how utterly sad your life truly is. Look at you. The strong shifter you always said I should be is a lofty goal for the two of you to even achieve. Parents are supposed to love you and support you unconditionally, and you failed miserably at that. I will never be like you. I will love my children and create a safe home for them to grow in. I don't need your love anymore. I have Thorn, who has always loved and protected me, and now I have my mate."
"Mate?" Rain looks at me before returning her gaze to her daughter. She doesn't look like she really cares about the words that are coming out of Paige's mouth, but I don't think those words are really for her; they are for Paige, so she can finally say her piece and move on, to let the bitterness go so she can be happy. Rain and Albain Vata are not happy people, and living in their own misery is enough for Paige.
"Yes—mate. You never understood what it meant to be family, but I have one now, and I don't need you. I hope you get exactly what you deserve, but whatever that is, it's not coming from me, because I am washing my hands of you. Have a good life."
Paige turns and grabs my hand again, heading to the fighting area. Thorn snarls at the two of them; he seems to be struggling to retain control seeing his parents. but my sunshine, she is facing forward walking into our new future together. She is such an amazing and strong woman.
"I'm so proud of you, sunshine." I lean down to kiss the top of her head. She turns to look up at me and gives me a smile.
"That felt good. I didn't realize how much I just needed to say it all out loud and let them go. It feels like I have been carrying the weight of their presence and pain for years, but now it's with them and their sad life, and I am here with you in my new one."
I kiss her sweet lips, and she returns the gesture.
"You are going to make an amazing mother. I can't wait."
She gives me a watery smile."I hope so."
"You will."
One battle done and one more to go.
Chapter 23 - Paige
It felt good to confront my parents, and though it wasn't a yelling and screaming face-off, something seemed to be lifted off my chest. I have dreamed of what I would say to them if I ever saw them again, but none of those things seemed to fit at that moment. I think I was struck by how much they had consumed my thoughts over the years. I gave them power when I should have given them none. Going off on them would only make them feel like I was consumed with need for their approval, which I wasn't. Were they terrible parents? Yes, absolutely, but I am bigger than them; I am better than them. I know I can move on from it. I have something amazing to live for now. I have a mate and a baby on the way. My life is no longer consumed with the past, but looks towards the future, so long as everything goes well with the fight today.
Thorn finally catches up to us. I know he has struggled with our parents, but he has never explained why. Turning to him, I wrap my arms around him to give him a big hug. Before Liam, Thorn was my rock; he was the one looking out for me, protecting me. He always returned to make sure I knew I had someone on my side.
"Thank you, Thorn." His arms squeeze me tighter.
"You're never alone, sis. They aren't worth our time anymore. You are wise not to give them the satisfaction of knowing they still bother you and consume your thoughts. I'm not so sure I can be as mature as you, letting them off the hook for everything they did."
"I didn't let them off the hook; I simply let myself feel the freedom I deserve." Stepping out of his arms, I turn to Liam and find his hand.
"I'm glad to have you both here with me." They both smile at me, and Liam leans down to kiss my cheek.
Commotion comes from the opposite side of the fighting area. The sun has risen higher now, the brightness making me squint. The group of shifters parts, and out walks Mic and his hodgepodged entourage.
He hasn't changed a bit. Tall and muscular like everyone else with dirty blonde wavy hair that most girls would be jealous of. He's a good-looking guy, I guess, but his soul is disgusting and black. His black eyes show the devil that lives inside of him; the glint of a game sparks as he takes Liam and me in.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here? Has little Liam come home to rejoin the fold?" His eyes flick to me. "Has my mate finally come to her senses and returned to the strongest of them all?"
Ugh, I'm going to be sick. Liam bristles at his words, but he doesn't say anything. I think he is assessing him, watching him for signs of weakness.
"You should have told me you were coming back; I would have thrown a party."
"Don't worry, I'll throw one after you are gone." Liam's voice is even as he not-so-subtly tells Mic what is about to happen.
Mic walks closer to us, his group of wannabe shifters following behind him. Thorn has slipped away, not too far, to send his men into the crowd. The elite group intertwines with the bystanders, showing support for Liam and warning to those who want to throw in and fight. Soon, Mic is within a couple of feet of us.
