Page 74 of The Werewolf's Deputy

“No.”

She went quiet again, stunned into silence from Jonah’s abrupt answer. “No?”

“No. I’m not apologizing for something I’m not sorry for. I refuse to spend my life with my head in the sand, pretending supes are evil when they’re just people. You realize that, right? They’re just like you and me. Pretending otherwise is the reason why humans are struggling.”

“That’s not true! Supernaturals are the reason we live like this! We taught you–”

“You taught me wrong. I can’t blame you for all of it, you were taught the same thing and growing up isolated like that makes it really hard for someone to learn the truth, butremaining ignorant just because you don’t like the way the world works is like living life with blinders on. There’s so much more to the world that you’re missing living like that.”

This time, the silence was heavy. Jonah had never talked back to his parents, always too afraid of pushing them too far and losing what he had. But when he looked out over the party, taking in the people who not only accepted him, but claimed him fiercely, he wasn’t afraid anymore. He may have lost the family he was born into, but in his opinion, he gained something so much better. Here, with the pack, with the supe who adopted him and all the friends he’d made along the way, he found a real family.

“You’re never going to come home, are you?” she asked, her voice trembling just a little. It was more emotion than she’d ever spared him, and he felt guilty for a minute, but shook it off when Emmett’s attention turned his way and he started making his way over to Jonah’s side.

“I am home. I found a good home with people who love me just as I am and don’t hold me back from seeing the truth. I belong here with them. With people who won’t toss me aside or hurt me for not believing like they do.”

“We didn’t hurt you,” she argued, but Jonah could hear the uncertainty in her voice. She knew better than to think that was true.

“You hurt me when you chose to stop loving me just because of my beliefs.”

Emmett came up beside him, wrapping him up in a hug like he knew it was what Jonah needed. He probably did. Something about their mate bond gave Emmett a little insight into Jonah’s mood. The same thing could be said for Jonah.

When she spoke again, his mom sounded defeated. “I never stopped loving you. I just… can’t understand you anymore. Youknow if you choose them, you can’t come back here… It took a lot for me to convince your father to give you this chance.”

“I know. And I’m sorry. But I can’t go back to living a lie. This is where I belong.”

Emmett squeezed him in agreement and Jonah knew his mate could hear everything that was being said. He stayed silent because he knew Jonah needed the closure. He needed the chance to say goodbye to the life he’d had.

“If that’s what you want. I honestly hope you never come to regret it. Happy birthday, Jonah. I love you.”

“I love you, too. And if you’re ever ready to learn more, you know where to find me. Goodbye, Mom.”

He hung up, letting his hand fall and the grip on his phone loosened.

“You okay?” Emmett asked softly.

Drawing in a slow steady breath, he nodded. “I’m good. I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

And he was. Maybe one day his family would realize that. But he wasn’t going to hold his breath waiting for that day. He was going to live his life, blinders off, and know that he chose right in the end. Opening his eyes led him to finding his mate, a job he loved, and a family that accepted him. Nothing in the world could get him to turn his back on that.