Chapter 51 - Ada's Mate

Reese

I am hurt and angry as I force myself to watch Ada walk away. I believe in my heart that Ada is making a rash decision based on Blake wanting to leave.

Ada and I were good – no, we were great – from the moment we set foot in the diner. Everything was perfect until Blake decided that he is interested. Even after Blake tossed his hat in the ring, Ada and I had a connection. For goddess’ sake, an hour ago she asked me to kiss her. This conversation simply does not make sense to me.

With long strides, I return to the party. I need alcohol – lots of it. I will respect Ada’s wishes, but I cannot and will not give up hope. This is not over until her wolf returns.

I notice Ada and Blake in conversation, but I ignore them and head for the bar. I cannot talk to either of them right now. I will make a fool of myself and beg Ada for a chance. And I will not think twice about punching Blake.

Blake

“Are you okay?” I ask concerned when Ada walks to me. She is pale and obviously rattled.

“He didn’t take it well,” her bottom lip quivers and I wrap her in my embrace.

“He’ll come around,” I comfort her. “I know Reese. Once he processed it, he will be his old self. He’s not a vengeful person.”

“I hope you’re right,” she sniffs as she steps away from me. “I feel like a worm.”

“Ada,” I stroke her cheek gently. “I know you feel horrible, but you should relax. I know Reese. He’s not holding this against you, he’ll blame me.”

“But that’s not fair,” she protests. “This was my decision, not yours.”

“He likes you too much to blame you,” I chuckle. “It’s just the way it is.”

“You shouldn’t say such things,” she frowns. “It makes me feel worse.”

“Okay,” I lean closer and whisper in her ear. “You made me a very happy man tonight.”

I have the pleasure of seeing her slightly blush as I stand back, and I burst out laughing when she avoids eye contact at all costs.

“Ada,” I swallow my laughter and wait till she looks at me. “I know this isn’t easy on you, but I’m not sorry this happened. I’m sorry it didn’t work out for Reese and that you must deal with it, but I haven’t been this happy in years. For better or for worse, you’re stuck with me.”

Ada

Hearing Blake’s words makes me want to jump in his arms and kiss him senselessly. I followed my heart, and I took the leap, and I am forever grateful that he feels the same.

“This is the cruellest thing I’ve ever done,” I say softly as I watch Reese walk past us. “But I don’t regret my decision.”

“I’ll talk to him,” Blake says as he follows my gaze. “Don’t worry about him. You go and be the best alpha this pack has ever seen.”

“Blake, when you talk to him … I didn’t tell him we … uhm … you know,” I stutter as my ears start burning and I want to kick myself. Honestly, I am a grown woman and an alpha. Talking about sex should not be a big deal. But I am suddenly self-conscious.

“That we did the nasty?” Blake asks with a devilish smile. “Bedroom rodeo? Hanky panky?”

“Enough already,” I start laughing at his shenanigans and slap him against his shoulder. “I’m walking away now.”

“One more,” he grabs my wrist and pulls me closer.

“Making love,” his voice is low and sultry in my ear and instantly I turn to mush. My self-consciousness transforms into desire, and I get lost in his blue eyes when I look at him.

“I like that one,” I say hoarsely and clear my throat.

“Don’t lock your door tonight,” his fingers glide up my arm before he leans over and kisses me.

I can only nod before I turn around and walk away on wobbly legs. Seriously, I thought I have experienced every emotion known to man, but the things that Blake makes me feel are new and exhilarating.

“Hi, Dad,” I smile as I take a seat next to him at his table.

“I forgot how it feels,” he sighs sadly, and I look at him confused.

“To be young and in love,” he explains.

“I’m not in …”

“Remember whom you’re talking to, Ada,” Dad snorts. “I’ve been in love more times than I count, and you might not know it yet, but you are. Just keep in mind, there’s a difference between being in love and to love.”

“So, were you in love with Aunt Margo?” I raise my eyebrows.

“Briefly,” he sighs. “And then I got to know her. But by then she was pregnant with Clyde, and it was too late.”

Dark shivers run through me at the mere thought of Dad with Margo, and I push the images violently to the back of my mind.

“Did you give Clyde money or promise him some?” I change the topic.

“No, why?” He frowns.

“I’m following a lead,” I avoid a direct answer. “And there are rumours of Clyde’s riches.”

“That bastard is not getting a single cent,” Dad says furiously. “Not after what he did to you. He was going to inherit along with you and your brothers, but I changed my will today.”

“Does Aunt Margo have money that she can give him?” I ask softly.

“Ada, your mother’s family was pi$s poor,” Dad leans forward and rests his arms on the table. “Everything Margo has, she got from me. And I only gave enough so that she and Clyde can live comfortably. I didn’t pump her full of money out of guilt for leaving her. And yes, your mother knew about every penny that went to them.”

“I never knew that about Mom,” I gasp.

“And your mother is now turning in her grave because I told you,” he sighs. “As much as it didn’t matter to me, so much was she ashamed of it. She didn’t want anybody to know, and I loved her enough not to talk about it.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I smile and rest my hand on his. I still feel hurt and betrayed by him, but he is trying to fix things. I know he is not lying.

“One more thing,” he swallows hard. “I’m leaving Clyde’s share to Gregory. I know it can’t replace his family – and he would most likely don’t want the money – but it’s all I can do.”

“Why don’t you talk to him, Dad?” I ask softly. “Try to explain and apologize. I got to know him, he’s not unreasonable. Angry and grieving, but not unreasonable.”

“After what I’ve done?” he whispers as he looks at me with teary eyes. “Ada, it’s inexcusable. Not only did I kill innocent people, but I also lied and try to get away with it. Every person that Gregory has killed, their blood is on my hands. Not to mention that I’ve put you in danger because Gregory holds you responsible. I failed as an alpha and father. And even as I know these things, I feel sorry for myself because I still need to tell your brothers the truth, and I don’t want to. I don’t want them to look at me with hatred. They already avoid me because of Clyde. I don’t deserve forgiveness, Ada.”

“Dad, everybody makes mistakes and …”

“No,” he shakes his head. “This is not about second chances or learning from my mistakes and things like that. I am sorry for killing those people. Mostly I am sorry for hurting and disappointing you. But I’m not ready to come clean and accept responsibility for what I’ve done. And until then, I don’t deserve forgiveness.”

His words make my blood run cold and I gape at him in disbelief.

“Dad, please don’t tell me you’re expecting me to keep silent about this,” I hiss urgently.

“Even if I wanted to, I know you won’t agree to it,” he looks lovingly at me. “You’re true to your name – noble. No, my beautiful child, I’m not a complete monster. I’m a coward and too afraid to face the consequences. You’re the alpha, and I trust that you’ll do what’s right.”

“You cannot be serious?” I sneer. “You’re expecting me to clean up your mess? For f*ck’s sake, Father. How can you tell me in one sentence you’re sorry for disappointing me just to turn around and make it my mess to clean up? If you’re so sorry – like you claim you are – why don’t you help me? Why are you making things harder on me?”

“Yes, I can make things easier for you and then you’re going to fight an internal battle between your love for me and what’s right. I love you, Ada,” he stands up and kisses me on my cheek. “But the sooner you hate me, the sooner you’ll be able to do the right thing.”