After swiftly packing up my things Josiah takes my bags downstairs. I grab my jacket and go downstairs too. As I reach the bottom step my father blocks the way.
“Why are going to the pack house?” His question is more of a demand.
I open my mouth to answer but Josiah cuts me off. “Move out of her way.”
My father tenses and immediately steps to the side. I breathe a sigh of relief and hurry to Josiah’s side.
“I know you have been hitting Cleo,” Josiah says and my father looks surprised. “From here on out you are no longer to have contact with Cleo. Do you understand?”
“But she’s my daughter,” my father says and I could swear there is a hint of concern in his voice.
“If that was any value to you then you would not have laid a hand on her,” Josiah challenges.
“I was drunk, I did not have full control of my wolf. I would never hurt her when sober.” My father’s excuse is half arsed.
Josiah scoffs and looks to me, “has he ever asked if you were okay once he sobered up. Has he offered to tend to any injuries?”
I look down at my feet in silence and Josiah takes that as a no. His eyes drift back to my father. “Your claims are empty.”
Josiah turns and guides me to the front door.
“Wait. Will I be punished?” My father sounds scared now. The coward is only concerned about him self after all.
“That will be down to Cleo once she is settled and healed.” Josiah begins to leave then stops again. “Show him.” He says to me.
I look at him confused and he slowly lifts the hem of my shirt. My bruise is easy to be seen as he holds it up.
My father gulps as he looks at the bruise on my ribs. But he does not say anything.
Josiah leads me outside and once the front door is shut I create some distance between us. I storm toward his bike before stopping and rubbing a hand down my face.
“Cleo,” Josiah starts and takes my hand in his. “It’s okay, it is over now.”
I shake my head at him. “No. I need to go back in there. I - I can’t just leave my home.” What was I thinking? I cannot go and live at the packhouse. That would be too much of an inconvenience for the Alpha. Plus I would have to explain all this to Issy.
“No chance Cleo. Now get on the bike.” Josiah says with exasperation.
I start to pace as my mind whirs, I chew my finger anxiously.
I hear Josiah moving and realise he has placed my bags down. He steps into my path and holds my arms. “Look at me baby,” he says softly and my gaze snaps to his. Baby? “I promise everything will be fine.” He holds my stare and nods slowly.
I take a deep breath and slowly nod too. Josiah pulls me into an embrace. I stiffen at first but soon relax and bury my face in his neck. After a minute or so I start to move away and Josiahs allows me too.
He starts tying my bags to the bike before climbing on. He offers me a helmet again and I climb on behind him.
-
Josiah puts my stuff in the room next to Issy’s. I tried to object as this is the Alpha floor but he would not listen. He insisted that his brother would be fine with it. It is not like he is ever here anyway.
“Knock, knock.” Issy calls from the doorway. She brings in a plate of cookies and drops onto my bed. She gestures to Josiah, “go away now brother.”
Josiah rolls his eyes at Issy but stands anyway. He leans over and kisses my forehead before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.
I take a cookie from the plate.
“So Josiah told me the basics,” Issy confesses whilst eating her own cookie. “How come you never told me?”
I sigh and look down at my lap. “I guess I was just embarrassed.”
Issy sits up a little straighter on the bed. “Well I say we have a slumber party tonight in my room.”
I nod with a genuine smile. I really do appreciate both Josiah and Issy.