‘Til We Meet Again

Chapter 11: The Box

Trinity

Alpha Chris dropped a major bomb on me and it left a mess I had to clean on my own. After we made it back to the packhouse, I lied and told him I wasn’t feeling too good. I just wanted to be alone. I had more questions, but just looking at the Alpha was sending my emotions in different directions. I put my phone on silent mode and double checked my door to make sure it was locked. 

I would eventually have to talk to Christian, but right now, I didn’t think I would be able to speak without crying. I let it all out. Why did the Moon Goddess want our bloodlines to conjoin so badly? 

The stories I had heard about rejection made me feel sad for my mom. I couldn’t imagine the pain it caused her. I was thankful my mate wanted me. I didn’t have to go through what she did. 

I was angry with Alpha Chris. My mom was such a sweet and caring person. She always had a hot meal for anyone who needed food made with love. She read to me, sang to me, tucked me in, taught me how to cook, showed me new ways to make art, and bought me my first canvas. She was generous and genuinely kind-hearted. She loved everyone like they were family. It’s why our pack adored her. 

I cried and cried until I had no tears left. The knocks on my door kept coming, but I refused to answer. Christian tried to link me, but I put up a block. I missed my mom so much. I hadn’t thought about my parents in months. I learned early on how to keep them out of my mind so I would survive. There was no other choice. But hearing what Alpha Chris had to say, I realized my parents were real and deserved to be remembered. 

My mom was rejected and given a second chance. Their love created me. That was something special. 

I had to be going through every single memory of my parents for at least two hours before I fell asleep. 

The next morning, I was awaken by the bright sunlight. I opened my eyes to see Christian staring at me from the foot of my bed. I jumped, startled by his presence. 

“What are you doing?”

“Good morning. I just wanted to check on you. You blocked my link and wouldn’t open the door. I was worried.”

“How did you get in here?” I rubbed my eyes, trying to wake myself up a little more.

“Skeleton key.” He held up a brass key and tossed it up, only to catch it and place it in his pocket. 

I sighed, standing up. 

“Well, I’m fine.” I tried to think of a polite way to dismiss him, but I also wanted him to cuddle me. 

“Are you sure? He told me… about…” He trailed off. I felt a little annoyed, but then grateful I didn’t have to break that news to Christian. 

“I’m fine. Really. I just need to be alone for a bit. Don’t take it personal.” I was pleading with my eyes. 

After a lengthy silence, he nodded slowly and came to stand in front of me. 

“When you’re ready, just link me. I’ll drop whatever I’m doing.” Christian kissed me on my forehead and turned to leave. Carmen was purring in my head. As soon as he was gone, she began to whimper. 

“You could’ve let him hold us. Oh, it would feel so comforting!” She groaned and whimpered some more. I pushed her to the back and climbed back into bed, pulling the covers over my head. 

Christian

“Why did you have to say anything?”

“She asked. Are you suggesting I should have lied?”

“Of course not, dad.” I sighed and dropped my head. I had to come up with a way to cheer my mate up. 

I left her alone so she could think, but I felt her emotions through our bond. It was making Maceo depressed. 

I started pacing my dad’s office. He was watching me carefully. 

“What are you thinking about, young Alpha?” 

I paused. 

“I want to do something nice for Trinity.”

“Like?”

“I don’t know. A date?” 

My dad nodded and folded his arms. 

“That’s a good idea. Some time spent together would help, without a doubt.” 

“But where should we go? What is there to do?”

“What are some of her favorite hobbies? What does she enjoy? What kind of food does she like?”

I considered everything he was saying. I knew she loved mac & cheese, sushi, and potatoes in every form. I immediately thought of a picnic, but changed my mind. That was too corny. The thought crossed my mind again. 

Maybe we could have a fancy kind of picnic. 

I left my dad to his work as I thought up ideas for the fancy picnic. I started to make a mental list for everything I would need to pull this off. I wanted Trinity to know how important she was. Paige came bounding down the hall and ran right into me. I scoffed. 

“Watch where you’re going!” 

She immediately frowned. 

“What’s got your boxers all in knots?”

I rolled my eyes and continued toward my room. I could brainstorm more later. A nap was my priority. I walked around my sister and went straight into my room. 

The housekeeper had been in here. I glanced around my room and noticed a small box sitting on my bed. I wondered what it was. A late birthday present? I inched closer until I was able to reach and grab it. I bought it up to my ear and shook it. 

Who left this here?