The Season of Change
Jaessa POV
My name is Jaessa Rae, and up until a few hours ago, I was a mostly normal, juvenile werewolf. Mostly, with the exception that I’ve been able to shift at will since birth, courtesy of the Jade Wolf bloodline. There’s also a few other abilities I’ve gained over the years, but my fathers tell me that they come from my surrogate mother.
You see, I live with my fathers, Jaden and J.T., who have been exceptional parents my entire life, always loving, affectionate and supportive of one-another, and of me. We reside in a 3 bedroom cottage, near to the Crystal Lake packhouse, with one of those rooms being utilized as a home office for J.T. is the security supervisor of the entire pack. Jaden, on the other-hand works away from home, but only when needed, as a tracker for the pack.
I attend school four days a week, then one day is spent engaging in one-on-one combat-training with Valerie, one of the lead trainers of our warriors. The other lead trainer is Val’s mate Jared, who also happens to be the brother to Alpha Tyler Cross. The Alpha and his Luna, Eva, are close friends with my parents, and I’ve grown up close to their son Westley, who is more like a cousin than a friend, simply due to our parents’ friendship.
Today, however would typically be one of my free days, as it is Saturday, except today also happens to be my 18th birthday. Well, make that our 18th birthday... mine and Westley’s. Yeah, that’s right, we were born within the exact same hour, 18 years ago. So instead of sleeping the day away, or occupying my time however I see fit, I awoke bright and early, to my dads’ unnaturally awful singing voices butchering the “Happy Birthday” tune. Seriously, these two cannot sing at all.
“Happy Birthday, Dear Jaessa, Happy Birthday toooo yooouuuuu!” They collectively belt out, as I try to hide under my blankets.
“Now, now, we aren’t that bad.” J.T. says as he flops down beside me, on my bed, as Jaden jerks the blankets from my head.
“Ugh, you guys!” I groan.
“Oh come on, baby girl, today is your 18th birthday, and we plan to celebrate before the packhouse steals you away this evening.” J.T. pleads, with his most adorable pout face. I roll my eyes and throw my pillow at him, as he feigns injury.
Jaden leans down and kisses my cheek, “Come on, I’ve got breakfast downstairs.” My dad informs me.
I hesitate before allowing myself to feel excited. “You guys didn’t cook, did you?”
“Oh, Goddess no, we wouldn’t do that to you on your special day. Eva sent an Omega with food for this morning.” He answers me, and I breathe a sigh of relief before grinning. The omegas are the best cooks in the entire pack.
“Alright, you twisted my arm.” I say.
“Oh sure.” Jaden winks, exiting my room.
“We will catch you downstairs, puddin’ pop.” J.T. says, kissing the top of my head.
My dads are pains, but they really are the best, even if they can’t cook or sing.
I crawl out of bed, stretching, before I go to the bathroom to relieve my bladder, and attempt to style my unruly, auburn curls. I give up after awhile, and wash my face, before brushing my teeth, staring back at my chocolate brown eyes, and light complexion and hair color. I’m not really sure from where I get my tones, I’ve seen a picture of the maternal donor who was of Spanish descent, and she was tan, with dark brown hair. Jaden is my biological father, and while his skin is not dark, he’s certainly not as pale as me, and his hair is jet black from his native heritage. Must be some strange recessive gene. One thing I do know for sure, the structure of my cheekbones, and the dark eyes all belong to my father.
I exit my bathroom, and quickly pull on a pair of black leggings and oversized, gray t-shirt before I hurry downstairs to the smell of waffles, bacon, eggs, and fresh fruit. My dads have spread the meal out on the table and I quickly take my seat beside Jaden. J.T. serves me a glass of orange juice and my favorite cup of coffee with just the right amount of sweet cream, I swear I can’t start a day without it. He grabs his own coffee before he sits to my left, across from Jaden.
They watch me scarf my meal, and I eventually notice their equal expressions of reminiscence, and also a little bit of sadness. I swallow down a mouthful of bacon and take a big swig of coffee, to prevent myself from choking before I address their mood.
“Alright, what’s up? Spit it out.” I command.
J.T. puts on a fake smile, “Why, whatever do you mean, my dear?”
“Oh come on, something is on your minds, both of you.” I reply, glaring them down.
J.T. goes to make a retort, but Jaden holds up his hand to his mate before looking me directly in the eye, “You’re right, daughter. I won’t insult your intelligence and intuition by claiming otherwise. However, humor your dad and I, by finishing your breakfast, and then come join us in the living room so we can talk.” He says before standing, and kissing my forehead, as he beckons J.T. to follow.
J.T. looks uneasy as he pecks a kiss on my cheek. “I want you to always know how much I love you.” He says to me.
“I love you too, Dad.” I reply, with a smile, wanting to reassure him.
J.T. goes out to join Jaden in the living room, as I force myself to finish eating until my belly feels like it might burst, before I clear my dishes and make my way to them.
I find them both seated on the sofa together, so I take a seat in the armchair across from them. J.T. appears really anxious as Jaden just simply stares at me for a long moment. He’s really the best at holding a poker face.
Finally he speaks to me, “Jaessa, it’s time you’ve learned of the truth behind your existence, and who you really are, as your wolf should come forth this very evening and you need to be prepared.” His tone is very somber.
“You’ve already told me that I was conceived through the means of a donor and surrogate.” I reply, feeling really confused.
My dad nods before continuing, “Yes, that is what we told you, but that is not actually the truth.” Jaden pauses as it sinks in that my fathers have both lied to me. “Before you get angry, I need you to understand that the circumstances around your creation were not fitting for a child to know or begin to understand, so your father and I came up with the best cover story we could until you came of age.” He explains. Asking me not to feel angry is a little much right now but I do my best to stay calm.
I take a deep breath before I release it, “Ok, I’m ready.”
