Chapter 21

“Good, you’re awake.” I blink a few times before my vision clears in one of my eyes; the other is swollen shut. Alyssa holds a cold pack to my swollen face.

“Thank you.” I look around me. The room looks like a cozy log cabin. There’s a fire burning in the hearth with a pot hanging over it. Candles are lit around the room. The floor has a soft-looking tan carpet. Alyssa is sitting beside me in a faded pale pink armchair while I lay on an outdated sofa. A faded navy-blue throw lays over me. “Where am I?”

Alyssa stands and grabs a bowl. She spoons some stew into the bowl and then brings it to me. “I brought you to my house near the eastern border. I convinced Alpha Greg to give you until sunrise on account of you being passed out.” There are a few log cabins spread out over the territory, mostly for the elderly that are no longer able to serve the pack. It never occurred to me that Alyssa would live in one.

I gingerly sit up and accept the bowl. “Until sunrise for what?” The stew is so delicious. I’ve never tasted anything so comforting and filling in my life. It even has tender chunks of beef.

“Alpha Greg banished you, that bastard. Malcom shoulda got him like his dear old dad. Ah… One day.”

I snap my attention to Alyssa at the mention of my father. No one ever talks about my father, let alone mention him by name. She came after he left; there’s no way she should know him. “Alyssa? You know my dad’s name?”

Alyssa stands at the hearth as she fills a bowl for herself. “‘Course I know his name. He’s my son-in-law, ain’t he?” I almost drop my bowl. Alyssa takes her seat in the pink chair and begins eating slowly. “There’s bread there on the coffee table.” She points out. I slowly reach for it. I break off a piece and hand it to her then break another piece for myself.

“Alyssa…? My dad married your daughter?” She doesn’t answer, just keeps eating. “Was that after my mom died?”

Alyssa looks at me like I said something stupid. “Silly girl. My silly little girl. He had none but his mate.”

My mouth falls open. I look down as I try to make sense of this. My mother’s mother is Alyssa? How can that be? She’s never mentioned anything or given me the slightest hint… all this time. “You’re, you’re… my grandmother?” I finally put into words but receive no response. I look up at her. “Alyssa? Please tell me. I need to hear it.”

She slightly nods. “I am.”

I set my half-empty bowl on the coffee table and sit up to get closer. “You’ve never said anything. You never told me. All this time I’ve been alone. No one has ever cared about me…” I hang my head as realization settles into my heart. “Not even my own grandmother.”

“Never cared about you? How’s that for gratitude? Who taught you to cook and read recipes? Who do you think it was bandaged you up, laid you out for rest? Who told that damned Alpha when you needed a break time and again? Huh. Who were there ta help in the kitchen when no one was ‘round? Goodness me, girl. Did you think I was there for the fun of it? Couldn’t tell none ‘cause that damned Alpha woulda kept me away.” Alyssa shakes her head at me and then continues to eat.

How could I have known? Thinking back, though, she was always there. She was always quiet but always kind. She is the one that taught me to cook. She used to make me read recipe cards out loud; that’s how I learned to read. She was there when a helper wasn’t. She did bandage me up and ice my injuries. I never thought about how I got into my room after being knocked out. Sometimes, I would even be tucked in with pajamas on. I guess people show their love more than say it. I can’t blame her for not stopping them from hitting me; she is quite old. I bite my lip and look up at her. “I’m sorry, I never realized how much you’ve done for me. Thank you. Alys… may I call you Grandmother?”

She shakes her head. “That’s too formal a title for the likes of me, girl.”

I chuckle a little at that. “How about Gran?” She gives me the smallest of smiles with a slight nod. She sets her bowl down and then walks down the hall. I know she’ll tell me if she wants me to follow her, so I get back to eating the stew and bread.

I’m almost finished eating when Gran comes back with two envelopes. She gives them to me and then sits back in her chair. I’m curious as to what they could be, so I rush to open them up.

My Dear Little Princess,

I know your life has been rough growing up in a pack as the outcast. I’m truly sorry for all you have suffered. Alyssa promised me that she would care for you no matter what happens, so I’ve left you in her care. As I’m sure you understand, it’s too dangerous for me to be near the pack, so I’ve stayed away. There have been countless nights I’ve thought of coming to steal you away to protect you from that joke of an Alpha and your worthless mate. Alyssa informed me that you were rejected. I can’t say I’m not happy about that; however, I am proud of you for accepting the rejection to save yourself from suffering more at his hand. At least you’ve found solace in wherever it is you run off to at night. Alyssa tells me you’re the happiest she’s ever seen you. I only ask that you be careful and stay out of trouble. I miss you. I love you forever. my beautiful Princess.

Please forgive me,

Daddy

I sniffle and return the letter to the envelope. Gran has been keeping my daddy informed of my life—that means she knows where he is. “Gran? Where is he?”

She shakes her head. “Open the other un. We’ll talk after.” I nod and open it up. Inside the envelope is a map and a wad of cash. I gasp and look to Gran. She doesn’t even flinch. I finger through it, a total of one thousand dollars. “Not a much, but a start. I reckon you’ll be looking for Malcolm now?”

I blast out a single, perplexed laugh. “Yeah, I think I’ll do just that. Thank you, Gran, for everything you’ve done for me.”

She gives me a nod and then hands me a matchbook. I scrunch my brows at her. “That’s where you’ll find him.” She looks at the clock. “Get a bit of rest before you get moving on. I’ll get your things packed.” She gives me some medicine and another ice pack. I sink back down on the couch and close my eyes. She tucks me in and softly kisses my hair. “Goodnight, my girl. I’ll wake you when it’s time.” I’m so comforted by her care for me. My heart fills with warmth and I relax further into the pillow.it