Joe raises his right hand, showing me the large ring tattooed on the back of his hand. The ring depicts the guard crest, with an emerald and a diamond in its center.
I stretch out my hand, and he shakes it, bowing. There’s something about Joe that instantly resonates with me.Very nice to meet you, Joe. I wish you could hear me say it because I think I already like you.
Joe pulls back his hand sharply, eyes widened. He stoops forward to meet me at eye level. “It is very nice to meet you, Jessica. I think I like you already, too.” I smile. He stands to his full height and offers, “Here, let me take those.” He gestures to both Liam and Sodie to hand him my shopping bags. “I’ll have these taken to your room, but first, let me show you where everyone is anxiously waiting for you.”
He ushers us in to close the front door and leads us deeper into the mansion. We pass a grand staircase that leads to a second floor, as well as smaller rooms I can barely peek inside. Then, it hits me—I will work here. I wonder if I’ll be part of the cleaning staff or the kitchen staff.
Joe abruptly stops in front of me, and I almost bump into him. He turns to look at Anders.
Anders chuckles. “You’re not here to work as a servant or on the kitchen staff. Stop dragging your feet, and you’ll find out exactly why you’re here.” He pushes me gently forward as Joecontinues down the hallway. Peeking over my shoulder, I see Liam and Sodie close behind.
Familiar voices tickle my mind. The twins. They’re here! Justin and Jeremy are here!
“Surprise!” a group of people shout.
I grab my throat and step back. Anders grasps both of my shoulders and encourages me forward. Ean, Elias, Charlie, and Chris all gather, along with some unfamiliar faces. A large banner hangs on the back wall that reads, “Welcome home, Jessica!”
Shakti walks up to me with a huge smile and gives me a hug. “Welcome to your new home and family, sweetheart.”
I look around the room at all the faces staring back at me, and I want to turn around and run. It is all so overwhelming. I don’t deserve any of this. Everyone has been so nice. I feel guilty for not showing them any appreciation. I have nothing to give in return.
Fear consumes me, instigating another panic attack. I will be punished soon, for making a fool of myself and embarrassing them.
My body trembles. I need to hide. I recall the rooms we passed. Would they mind if I slipped into one of them?
Chapter 26
My Family
JESSICA
EIGHT YEARS AGO:
July 25, 2016: 5:30 p.m.
Alpha Kings Mansion
Two hard bodies—Justin and Jeremy—crash into me.
Why does she think she’s in trouble? I hear Jeremy ask in my head.
You’re not in trouble. You don’t need to hide, Justin reassures me.You’re our sister now. Everyone here is your family. Jeremy assesses me, seeking reassurance that I won’t run. “Come meet everyone. We’re all excited that you’re here!” Justin smiles.
I hesitate, glancing at Anders, who nods in approval. I smile at the twins. I’m still uneasy and itch with the need to run, but with my two…
Wait. They said… sister? I frown and turn toward Elias.
“Little One, I want to introduce you to my family. You already know my oldest, Ean.” I nod. “This is my beautiful mate, Faith.”He wraps his arms around a tall, beautiful woman with long dark hair and kind eyes. Her face is round and feminine.
She quickly pulls me into a hug. “I’m so happy you’re doing well.” She squeezes me before letting me go. “You also know Liam. He is the newest member of our little family. We unofficially adopted him a few years ago.”
Liam stands next to Ean, smiling at me.
“Elijah is our youngest.”
Not nearly as tall as Ean, Elijah has the same dark hair and dark eyes. His features are softer, not as broad as Elias’s and Ean’s. He takes more after his mother. I offer a little wave, and he jerks his chin in greeting.
“Why am I introduced last? You even introduced Liam before me. It’s because I’m a girl, isn’t it?” A mirror image of her mother steps around Elias. “I’m Emily. I’m not the youngest—I’m actually older than Elijah by like two years. I wanted to visit when I first heard about you, but Ean wouldn’t let me. It’s not like I would bother you. I go to the private school in the city so I’m only home on the weekends.” She quickly pulls me into a crushing hug. “Oh, wow. We need to work on finding you some better clothes.”
