Chapter 59

The sun was dropping by the time we got there, and I guess we should have informed them we are coming but if he is my father then I don’t think he would mind. Right on cue, I see Athena and Jack walking toward us.

“Ryleigh? Jax? What are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting you today.”

I felt my heartbeat increase and suddenly the outside was closing in, but then I felt my hand being squeezed and I instantly relaxed.

“I was hoping to speak with you, Jack, and Vincent. Nothing is wrong, I hope. But it is rather important, so this is why I made the drive out here.”

“It is late so I will have a room prepared for you both, and when you’re done settling in, we can talk. Sound like a plan?”

I nodded and retreated to the packhouse. Have you ever had a moment where life is just passing and you’re just not there yet? That was me. I guess I am waiting until the puzzle starts piecing together. Jax placed our bags in the room, but I needed to change. Suddenly these pants were restricting. I felt a pair of arms wrap around my stomach and my head lean on my shoulder.

‘Hi, baby momma.”

I broke out into laughter at how ridiculous he sounded. I turned around and laid my head on his chest and took in his breathtaking scent. It was time. I released his grasp and went for the door. We went down the hall to their office where they were patiently waiting for us. When Vincent’s eyes met mine, I started looking at every feature of his and trying to find myself in him.

“What’s going on sweetie?” She asked.

Jack had pointed to the empty seats for us to sit and I did just to kill some time. I didn’t break eye contact with Vincent though.

“So, it’s no secret that I am adopted, and I learned that my mother was Persephone which explained a lot of things. But I just discovered who my father was and that’s why I am here.”

They all looked curiously but I remained in eye contact with him still and he got the message.

“If you’re the Vincent who had a one-night stand with Persephone, then I think you may be my father.”

He stood there in shock running his hands through his hair trying to retain every little detail. No answer meant that he was that Vincent. Athena had her arms crossed but her face was neutral. It remained quiet until she spoke up.

“Well Vincent, is this true? Could Ryleigh be your daughter?” She asked.

He walked over to the side of the rooms trying to gather his thoughts.

“When I slept with her it was a night I always regretted. She was married to Hades, and we crossed paths once. We connected but after that, she disappeared, and I never heard from her again. Why didn’t she tell me that she was pregnant?” He asked.

“Because when Hades found out she was pregnant with someone else’s baby he held her captive and then helped with giving her baby up. My mom had no contact with anyone until I was trapped in hell. She wanted you to know but never had the chance.”

He looked at Athena trying to find a reaction out of her but honestly, she was fine. She walked over to me and brought us into a hug.

“We can’t change the past, but we can start building the future. Welcome to the family Ryleigh.”

Jack came over and wrapped his arms around us too. This is not at all what I was expecting but I am glad to know Athena was someone special to me. We all looked at Vincent to see what he was feeling or what he was thinking at this moment. Probably needed some time to process. Then there were tears in his eyes and his fist was clenched tight.

“I am sorry that I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. Ryleigh you have to know I would have never abandoned you if I knew about you. Can you forgive me?”

Is he blaming himself over something that wasn’t his fault? He must be my father if that is the case. I sped walked toward him and wrapped my arms around his stomach. We both stood there crying and holding each other for a minute. I had a dad. A real dad.

“There is also something important I need to ask all of you.”

He looked at me waiting for a reply. I couldn’t help but smile knowing his reaction was going to be something.

“What is your grandparent's name preference?”

The shocked faces all around just made me smile. When they all came over and wrapped me in a group hug it was the first time I have ever felt wanted. I gestured my head so that Jax could come to join in and that’s exactly what we did. This was everything I wanted and more and I am glad that everyone is accepting of me.

For the next few days, we stayed at the Kangston pack just getting to know everyone. I had siblings. There was Karina, Ryn, Beckett, and then Kamara. But nothing can change the fact that Kalia and Abel were my brothers. All along I had an Alpha father which explained why my dad was a good cover for that. We were having breakfast right before Jax and I was to head back to the kingdom. Vincent, Jack, and Athena were chatting, and I just looked at them. They were the best example of someone in love. That’s what I wanted. I wanted someone to be so in love with me the way they all made it work. Looking at Jax, I was wondering if that is something we could ever be. I know we had something, but my doubts had the better of me.