30. Being Honest

30. Being Honest
Jade’s POV 
“Sorry about that, I know I didn't make the greatest first impression.” He says looking sheepishly at me.  
“Apology accepted, is there anything else you need from me, or are going to act like this was just a chance meeting.” 
“No Jade, I wanted to talk to you for a moment if that's okay with you. I know we didn't have the greatest start, but I would really like to have an open and honest conversation with you. All I ask is for an open mind.” 
I let out a sigh; my run has worn me down a lot, and I feel all the bottled-up emotions left me long ago. “Fine, but just so you know I will have questions and I expect answers to them I am tired of being left out in the dark about things that involve me.” 
He looks at me with understating, “I promise to answer what I can, and if there is anything I can’t answer, we can talk to our parents they have most of the answers you will be looking for. I just needed to talk to you because I don't want my blown-up reaction to affect your relationship with them.” 
“Alright, then we should make ourselves comfortable, I predict this might be a long conversation.” I start signaling him to go sit at a log in the middle of the forest are we are located. 
We take a seat and even though I know thing is hard for both of us I can see the way he carries himself is with the confidence only a royal can have. He makes direct eye contact with me and his eyes reflects his sincereness of the words that follow. 
“When I was a young boy, I received one of the greatest news of all time, I was just 6 years old when I was told I would become a big brother. I have always wanted a sibling. I envied the relationship I saw between my pack friends and their siblings had, even though they fought over the most absurd things a longed for that kind of relationship.” 
“So, when I found out that I was finally going to get that I was over the moon. We were all happy about your arrival and were making preparations for your arrival. Then one day there was an interruption during our dinner time, the pack seer requested an urgent meeting with Mom and Dad. At the time I didn't understand what was happening but I could tell that whatever the seer told them was not good just by their demeanor after that interaction.” 
I ask, “Do you know what happened at that meeting?” 
He shook his head, "Not exactly, it wasn't until recently that I fully understood what they were told but at the time I was just so confused. One second, we were preparing the announcement ceremony of Mom’s pregnancy then at the other we were keeping it a secret.” 
“No one new Mom was pregnant, they hid her bump and masked her scent, when they couldn't hide it any longer, she stopped attending public appearances and they were telling her she was visiting family in Spain.” 
I interrupt, “Wait, do you know why all the secrecy, what scared them to the point that they hid this from everyone?” 
“Maybe, Mom and Dad should answer those questions, they can explain all of that better to you, and I don't think it's my place to tell you that part of the story. I want them to be able to tell you about that because I just saw what was going on from the outside.” 
“All I can say was the day Mom went into labor; there was an attack on our pack. Dad was on his way back from a meeting from a nearby pack and wasn't there when the attack started. I was there when you were born, I held you for a moment and saw that you had the same eyes dad and I share. Then Emilio took you, I didn't know where, but I felt our sibling bond form then you were ripped away from me.” 
“It has been hell especially as I have gotten older. I knew you were out there but not sure where. Mom and Dad kept you whereabouts from me; they knew my wolf would pressure me into finding a way to be close to you and that would have ruined their plan. One look at you next to a member of the royal family, and there would be no denying that you are our blood; the similarities are just too much. I'm surprisedyour eyes didn't immediately give you away.” He gives me a sad smile. 
“I know you want to know everything else, but I can only offer my perspective. I would like you to hear about all that happened with those directly involved. That way you get all the facts and not just what I heard from the others.” 
“Jade, I know it’s a lot, and I know it is not fair to you, but our family really does love you. If mom and dad had a way to keep you with us, I know they would have, knowing them they had to go through all the options they had and did what they thought was right. I can feel I loaded you with information, is it okay if I walk with you back home?” 
“Yes, I think that will help me process my feelings about what you told me, I’m beginning to understand that I need process thing before I respond.” 
He gives me a thumbs up and we make our way back to the pack. Hearing what happened from his point of view makes me sad. He was just a little boy that was confused about what was happening and lost something he was really excited about.  
I feel like I can really relate to him on that. It is terrible to be excited about something and when you finally have it, it gets ripped away from you. 
As we reach the pack house, I decide to speak up, “You know, you’re actually not that annoying when you aren't being an ass.”  
He chuckles, “I can't promise it will last long. Dad and I have quite the record of having a bad temper and being assess is quite literally in out DNA.” 
I laugh,“Well, at least I have a warning this time. But to be completely honest, I would like to get to know you better. I can't make any promises as to what type of sibling relationship we will have but I am willing to try and have one.” 
He smiles, “Hey, I get that and I know you need time all I can really do is show you with actions that we can have a good sibling relationship, I’ll earn you trust and we will work on this together.” 
I nod, “Alright, I think I can make my way back to my house on my own I would like some time one my own stew for a bit.” 
“Jade, can I hug you?”