Chapter 5

• I run out the door, breathing the fresh air deeply into my lungs. I need to remove myself from the intense smells of wolf. As I stand on the porch, I notice a beautiful Weeping Willow with leaves dancing over a large pond nearby. Desperately needing some peace of mind, I run towards it. I long to feel the calm wisdom old trees can give. Closing in, I slow down my pace, opening my mind to greet the tree as I approach. My eyes close in concentration, and I can feel the giddiness of the earth beneath my feet. A light breeze caresses my face. Every worry falls away, and I am at peace. My eyes are still closed when I reach forwards, touching the rough bark with my fingers. The tree accepts me quickly, and I can feel every branch and a deep root welcome me. This tree has seen many, many things. I move close, my mouth touching the bark as I whisper: "Thank you."
• A branch cracks behind me. My sense of smell revealing who it is. I stay where I am, keeping my back to him.
• "Charlie," I say, acknowledging his presence.
• He waits for me to turn. After a while, I do, keeping one hand on the bark, the tree's calm keeping my anger and hurt at bay.
• "I'm sorry, Bells," he says. His head bent in shame and he kicks the dirt in front of him like a young boy.
• I glance towards the large houses and the beautiful landscape surrounding us.
• "I just don't understand why you never told me," I say, his wince confirming that he knows I have the right to be angry.
• "I have this huge family that I know nothing about, who apparently all know about me."
• "I did what I thought was best for you."
• Anger blazes inside of me. He continues before I have a chance to say anything.
• "I never thought we'd come back here, Bella. Your mother and I left because we weren't accepted here. A witch and a wolf? It was unheard of."
• My parents had told me the story of how they'd met before, but I knew there were many things left untold. My mother had loved telling stories and would always tell the most engaging tales. Some of my fondest memories were of her telling me bedtime stories and the story of a young witch who fell madly in love with a handsome wolf, was one of my absolute favorites. It was a tale of love conquering all where the Witch and the Wolf had been forced to move away from their families so that they could be together. Now, facing this reality, my mother's story didn't make sense, everyone I'd met here had shown acceptance and love.
• "We longed for a normal life, away from all this," he pauses. "We wanted you to have as normal of a life as possible, without judgement or discrimination."
• The anger within me flares again.
• "I was never normal, Dad!" I exclaim, old scars scratching the surface.
• I take a deep breath, biting my lip. My wolf begins to whimper as it is assaulted with the strong emotions that are burning within me. My teenage years had been extremely tough and I'd felt so alone.
• "So many times I've wished-," I pause, unable to continue.
• "They're all shifters. They're all like me."
• A few tears fall down my cheeks, and I quickly wipe them away. My father stays silent.
• "Why now?" I demand.
• "What changed? Nanna and Pop were at Mom's funeral. Why didn't we come then?"
• He stays silent for a while, his eyes downcast, shoulders slumped forwards. I draw a soothing breath, calming myself. He looks away for a moment before clearing his throat.
• "Pop's sick," he admits, fighting to control the tears brimming in his eyes.
• I still, allowing his words sink in. My father is in pain. I replay my meeting with Pop in my mind, searching for symptoms. Perspiration on his brow, a slight tinge of yellow on his skin. Unable to stay angry at my father when he looks so broken, I step forward grabbing his hand.
• "What's his diagnosis?" I ask calmly.
• "Advanced pancreatic cancer," he answers, his voice turning numb. I try to keep my face neutral. If it is advanced, the cancer will have already spread to other organs. That meant it was only a matter of time before-.
• I'll help," I say assuredly.
• "I'll do whatever I can."
• His hold tightens around my hand as he pulls me into a hug. His warm scent of coffee and cigars is calming and familiar.
• "It was time, Bella. It was time for you-… For both of us to come home. To be a part of this family, of this Pack. You belong here, and it was wrong of me to never give you the chance to know them," he whispers.
• "Your mother and I truly thought we were doing the best thing for you by keeping you away and after she died, I felt like I had to stay true to that."
• I tighten my arms around him in silent forgiveness.
• "I love you, Dad," I say stepping back.
• "But don't ever hold something back from me like this. I deserve the truth."
• He nods.
• "Let's go back inside before all the food is gone. Did you see the portion on Jake's plate?" I say with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.