“Can we build a fort, Daddy?” Bray inquires.”
Bray’s voice momentarily startles Jadi, but he swiftly regains his composure and places our son on his lap. No dialogue occurs as Jadi embraces Bray, his hand tenderly supporting Bray’s head while stroking his scalp.
After years of solitude, it is a heartwarming sight to witness a guy embrace my infant with profound affection and tenderness, as though the child were his own. It is reassuring to recognise that Bray will be cherished not only by Tiana and myself, but also by Melina and Jadi. In the event of my demise, Bray will perpetually possess a family.
“Bray, it is time for a bath,” I inform him, to which Bray responds by shaking his head. “Jadi will construct your fort, and we can join him once you have completed your bath.”
It is only after Jadi gives him a harsh look that Bray eventually jumps off his lap and unhappily accompanies me up stairs for a bath. Upon we return downstairs, Jadi appears somewhat more composed, having concealed his emotions as he and Melina finalise the arrangement of bed sheets over many chairs.
“Completed,” he smiles apprehensively as I transport Bray for a fort inspection.
Satisfied with Jadi and Melina’ constructing talents, Bray scrambles inside, burying himself behind a layer of cushions and blankets.
“Could you narrate a story to me?” He enquires of Jadi, gesturing to the area beside him.
Before anyone can respond, the sound of a knock at the door startles us all. I give Jadi the book and open the door, discovering Andrew outside. He smiles awkwardly, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
“I acknowledge the lateness… however, there is an additional visitor present for Jadi,” Andrew exhales.
Why could they not simply allow him to be? I ponder, shaking my head in disapproval.
“Is it possible to postpone this until morning?” I enquire, casting a fleeting look at Melina and my partner who is attempting to amuse Bray. Jadi has not yet completed processing today’s earlier visit, and he does not require any additional drama. Tell whoever it is to leave him alone.”
“I would not be present if it were not urgent,” Andrew replies. “Rest assured, Jadi will be eager to learn about this.”
My hesitation compels me to impulsively slam the door in Andrew’s face and conceal Jadi from everyone, yet I recognise that such irrational impulses will be of no benefit to us. It is advisable to address this matter promptly, so I step aside to allow Andrew entry while I request Jadi to direct Melina to put Bray to bed.
“In fact, Melina ought to accompany us as well,” Andrew interjects. “Josie asserts that this is relevant to her as well.”
Jadi furrows his brow with perplexity, however refrains from questioning Andrew as he seizes Bray and his coat.
The four of us apprehensively trail Andrew to the pack house, with Bray yawning profoundly in Jadi’s embrace as we proceed to the dining room. We find Josie and Mark already sitting at the head of the table while a mysterious man sits with his back facing us.
Upon entering the room, I observe Melina tighten up, her hands immediately clutching Jadi’s bicep and positioning both him and me behind her as a shield. Her eyes brim with tears as she maintains her protective posture, the man pivoting to confront us.
His salt-and-pepper hair is meticulously styled, combed upward and to the side, with the greying strands serving as the sole discernible sign of his age. His deep-set eyes are bordered by two prominent brows that accentuate the grey in his irises. A slender beard adorns his chiselled jawline, accompanied by a little dimple on his right cheek. He possesses considerable attractiveness, accompanied by an aura of authority.
He must be an Alpha, I contemplate as he scrutinises our family intently.
“Hello Melina,” he signs, much to Melina and Jadi’s surprise. “Greetings, Jadi,” he articulates in a voice as rich as cocoa.
Jadi seems unaware of his identity, although it is evident that Melina is cognisant of it—and she harbours a dislike for him. The man stands up, as Melina urges us towards the exit, seemingly fearful of the man approaching us. He merely chuckles quietly to himself and walks back to provide us with some space.
“I regret to inform you that I am not yet acquainted with your name,” the man apologises, a slight smile on his lips.
“Ricky,” I respond, the man reiterating it to himself.
“It is a pleasure,” the man states. “My name is John.” John Stonecold.
.
A sharp intake of breath leaves my lips as I recognise the man who obliterated the remnants of my family. The is responsible for my nightmares throughout the previous two decades. A slight chuckle emanates from John’s chest as I embrace Bray more firmly and draw Ricky nearer to myself.
“I have no intention of harming your family,” John articulates upon observing my anxiety. “My ire is directed exclusively at your father.” Kindly take a seat. We have numerous topics to address.
There is no matter for discussion; I wish to inform him, yet I glance at Josie for clarification. She possesses the ability to perceive my history; therefore, why has she permitted this perilous individual into her domain?
“This narrative encompasses more than your comprehension,” Josie murmurs in my mind, approaching John and delicately resting her hand on his shoulder.
“I implore you, Jadi.” You’re going to want to see this,” Josie pleads, gesturing to the table. “Transfer Bray to Andrew.” He will supervise him while we converse.
The gamma removes Bray from my embrace, assuring me that they will entertain Muppet as they depart. My legs are immobilised, and I struggle to believe that John will not attempt to harm my family. He is, ultimately, the fundamental source of all my suffering, the reason for the absence of my mother and brother.
