Chapter 21

I wobbled back to the back. I felt like dumping the documents in my hands in the nearest trashcan but I gripped them tight. Of course they were my parents and I was their child but why did they have a fake birth certificate?

Kaleb was leaning against the car but straightened when he saw me.

"What happened?"

I couldn't part my teeth to speak.

"Damn it, Zora answer me!"

He gripped my shoulders and shook me. "I don't know, Kaleb. I just don't know."

"Don't tell me someone else claimed the insurance before you. Now that's just messed up."

"I wish it were that simple. They said I can't because I'm not their child."

Kaleb frowned. "Everyone knows you're adopted, Zora."

"Not legally! How did they get me? Where did they get me from?"

Kaleb pulled me to his chest and stroked my hair. "Relax, we can figure this out. What hospital's listed on your birth certificate?"

"Saint Mercy… my parents told me I was born there I had no reason to doubt."

"Good. We'll go and ask to see your birth certificate, okay?"

I nodded but a thousand things ran through my mind.

The drive to Saint Mercy's was short but silent. I tried to build positivity by telling myself the insurance company made a mistake that it had to be otherwise I'd have to figure out the story behind my adoption. We never spoke about where I came from and a part of me didn't want to know. My life was perfect! Before all this happened. I was in school, I'd left home and I was going somewhere in life now I'm stuck in limbo and danger's everywhere.

Kaleb rubbed my thigh again. "Relax, sweetheart, relax."

"I… can't Kaleb."

"Let's go inside and get answers. It shouldn't take long."

"Will you come with me, this time?" I asked.

"Of course I will. Let's go."

Kaleb tucked me under his arm. We passed an ambulance rolling out a pregnant woman. Kaleb marched us to the front desk. The man behind the desk nodded at Kaleb and me.

"Looking for someone?" He asked.

"No we want to see a birth certificate. Zora Fisher or just Zora she might be under another last name but how many people could there be named Zora?"

The man behind the desk typed rapidly into the computer. He shook his head.

"In this town, none."

"What?" I gasped.

"There are no children born under this name in the last twenty-five years. Or should I look further back?"

"I wasn't even born there, Kaleb. What the hell is going on?"

Kaleb caved me in his arms. He thanked the receptionist and ushered me out of the hospital.

"We need to reset and look at all the details."

***

We couldn't find a moment sit and evaluate what happened because the pack house was flooded with people. I recognized, Lilah and Christine, Hayley and Rachel. I also recognized Russel and Mason. We went to school together and they were part of Gunner's crew. I grimaced. I wasn't looking forward to seeing them. I recognized a couple more shifters from high school. They buzzed around the house talking over one another.

I stared at Kaleb. His hand loosened around my shoulders.

"Shit," he muttered.

"What's wrong?"

"Can't be good. Why don't you go upstairs? I'm sure it'll be less crowded."

I nodded. I glanced at the living room and caught eyes with Christine and a territorial Rachel. Christine had more reason to be hostile since I was with her man. Showing anyone fear was a wrong idea. I didn't bat a lash or dip my chin.

"I'll see you later," I said and smiled.

I fought the urge to stand on my toes and kiss his cheek. I didn't want to get my head chopped off though. I went to my room and quickly filled up the bathtub. I poured half the bottle of lavender bubble bath. I needed to calm my nerves.

I pulled my hair into a messy bun atop my head and climbed into the tub once it was full. I snuggled in deep and allowed the water to relax me. There were times I thought about where I came from and who my parents were and why they gave me up for adoption. Now I wondered if they even did. An adoption agency wouldn't just give a baby up.

How did I end up with Janet and Martin Fisher? My life was simple and perfect I didn't feel the need to ask about my past and I thought I had time. I was naïve enough to think I had all the time in the world to ask them.

"Zora!"

I sat up in the tub and cupped my breasts instinctively.

"Whoa," Gunner appeared on the bathroom door frame. "Uh…" he scratched the back of his head.

I stared at him wide eyed. I forgot to close the bathroom door. I didn't hear him walk in either.

"I'm sorry I didn't know you were in here."

"Uhm… is everything okay?"

Gunner's intense eyes zoned in on me. I wish I knew what was going on behind those eyes.

"Kaleb told me what happened."

"Oh… I thought something important was going on downstairs."

"You're important, Zora." Gunner shoved his hands in his front pocket.

I slipped further into the tub, aware the bubbles had reduced and the water had gotten cold.

"Are you okay?" Gunner asked.

Was I okay? My mind was on the verge of numbness from all the questions I had. I was tired but I needed answers.

"No, I'm not, Gunner."

"What do you want me to do?"

The towel was on the toilet seat and I couldn't get up and grab it without showing Gunner a few things. I bit my bottom lip.

"Can you get me the towel?"

Gunner strolled in and picked up the towel. He unfumbled the towel but kept it close to his body. He kept my gaze. My thundering heart told me not to take my eyes off him. My anxious heart was right. Gunner dropped to his knees and cupped my cheeks.

"Damn Zora, you're beautiful." He shifted closer, dragging my cheek closer too.

"Uhm… thank you."

The corner of his lips twitched in a mischievous smile. He reached into the tub. My heart leaped into my throat. Gunner caressed my thigh and ran it down to my foot.

"You've always been a tease, Zora," Gunner said sensually.

"But I haven't done anything."

His hand left my foot for a second. He pulled the drain and water rapidly ran out.

"Gunner," I hissed.

"Zora," Gunner smirked.

He wrapped the towel around me before the water completely drained. He slipped his arm under my knees and arms. He carried me out. I clung to him. His scent filled my nostrils. Where was this going? Would I stop him? A part of me told me to run.

Gunner laid me on the bed. Why did this man render me powerless? I should have known living with him would be complicated. Gunner stroked my hair back and stared deeply into my eyes. I swallowed. I couldn't form a sentence in my mind.

"There's so much I want to do to you, sweetheart."

He bumped his nose against mine.

"But I know it's been a rough day."

He brushed my hair back and traced my bottom lip before he stood.

"I'll see you later sweetheart."

He turned and strode towards the door.

"Gunner," I called.

He turned.

"Thanks."

He grinned. "For what?"

I lifted a shoulder. "Everything I guess."

"Don't mention it, sweetheart. It's going to be fine."

I liked to believe his words and use them as fuel to keep fighting. The battle was large and I needed to be strong.