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My grandfather was really working on it. I figured he just told us that to get us off of his back.
“Thank you.”
“If there's anything else . . .”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. Thanks for meeting with us on short notice.”
“Of course. I’ll ask Dr. Henry at the clinic to send Theo home with a few syringes of the potion to force a shift, just in case.” Gloria stood.
“But hopefully with some training, it won't be necessary,” Rainer added.
“That would be great. Just having the peace of mind that the guys wouldn't be defenseless if it happened again is a big relief.”
He grinned. “I'll walk you over to a tutor.”
Gloria came around and gave me a hug. “I’ll check in tomorrow morning and see how things are going. If you need another day of training rather than work, that's perfectly fine. I have things handled.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you later.”
She waved to Niall, then headed down the hall. Niall kissed my cheek and left with Nancy.
Rainer and I went in the opposite direction toward the front of the cabin. “I'm really sorry that happened, but hopefully, we can get things under control for you quickly. I’m pretty certain it's just overstimulation from your wolf.”
“I hope so.”
“The more you’re around us, the easier it will be.”
“How often do you shift? Or do you do it all the time?” I knew nothing about their pack life, even after being here for a week.
I literally knew nothing about their pack ways.
“We do pack runs twice a week and on full moons, just for fun. You're more than welcome to join us this week. I think it'd be good for you, not just your wolf. It'd be a good opportunity to introduce you to the rest of the pack.”
Joining the run seemed intimidating, especially since none of the guys could shift with me. Or maybe that was for the best. Maybe I should let the pack get to know us individually, so they didn’t get stuck on the oddity of our five-way bond.
They’d guaranteed our safety here, but we couldn’t always predict when prejudice might cause trouble until it was too late.
Chapter 9
Ihad the overwhelming urge to fill the silence as we walked down the steps and headed down the street. This was my first chance to explore without the crowds of the birthday party. I wanted to ask questions while he gave me the tour, but there was something—nerves, maybe—that held me back.
He pointed out a few businesses, but I wanted him to start a real conversation, which was ridiculous. I wasn't a kid. I knew how to speak up, but deep down, I wanted him and the rest of my family to make an effort. I wanted them to show me that they wanted me here. Maybe that was childish. But after finding out about the death of my birth parents and the awkward encounters I had with my mom's parents, I hoped things would be different this time. I didn’t want to be a burden they had to accept.
Expecting them to know what I needed without me saying it was unfair, and I shouldn't need their acceptance or approval. I wasn't alone. I still had my mom and dad and Masie and my guys. Just because I found out that my dad's family was still alive didn't mean anything had to change.
With my experience, I should have my guard up and expect disappointment
I shook my head, trying to shake off the negative thoughts. I might not have liked Robert initially, but in the end, he was there when I needed him most. He got us out of the grasp of the Council. He reached out to my other grandfather and got us here safely. I shouldn't discount that because he struggled in his own way.
I shouldn’t refuse him the opportunity to change. He was trying, and Robert shouldn’t influence my experience with my dad’s family.
“Sorry,” Rainer blurted, stopping in the middle of the road to face me. “I don't really know what to do or what to say. I feel like I owe you some explanation.”
“For what?” I asked.
“For this.” He circled his hands around him. “For us not finding you sooner.”
“You thought I was dead. Masie and my parents thought the same about your family.”
