Chapter 60

Chapter 60
Talia

We walk down the path to James’ house and I get more and more nervous the closer that we get, wondering how my sister will react to finding out that we have a brother. But that isn’t even the worst part, what if she thinks it’s father come back to get her? Will she think I’m throwing her into the wolves den?

I have so many worries running through my head that I barely notice when Zade knocks on the door, my heart racing so hard I worry it will come tumbling out of my chest.

Wouldn’t that be a sight?

James answers the door, giving Zade a look I can’t read, “come inside.” He says, “I’ve been expecting you to come.”

I walk past him and into the house, my brother doing the same thing, but more cautiously, he doesn’t trust anyone in this pack, that much is clear. But he’ll have to get used to them all if he’s going to stay for a while.

I don’t want fights breaking out every day, and every where, that would be exhausting.

Too exhausting.

“Where’s Aria?” I ask slowly, looking around.

I don’t see his mate anywhere, perhaps she’s resting, she is coming close to the bed of her term.

“She’s upstairs, you can go up Talia, but I think it would be best for Alpha Zade to wait down here.” James gives numbering the same look again, as though he’s waiting for him to pounce at any second.

It’s unnerving, Scary and it’s giving me anxiety.

“Zade isn’t going to attack you, James.” I say, trying to ease the tension. “You don’t have to look so worried.”

James’ eyes widen, “I didn’t— I wasn’t thinking that.” He says hurriedly.

“Ok.” I murmur, feeling more and more awkward. “But he comes in peace, he just wants to meet his other little sister.”

Zade steps forward, holding out his hand for James to take, “she’s right, I have no problem with you, or your woman. I’m only here to see Aria.”

James takes his hand, shaking it stiffly, “I’ll go and get her, but I’m not sure how she’ll react to you.” He looks at me, “you look a lot like your father.”

Zade looks almost offended. “I am nothing like that man.”

“That remains to be seen.” James says, walking towards the stairs. “I’ll be back in a minute, you’re both welcome to sit down.”

He leaves and I stand awkwardly by the door, I didn’t used to feel awkward in this house, I used to feel welcome. But something has changed and I can’t quite put my finger on it.

“Sit with your back to the stairs.” I tell Zade, “we’ll have to show her your face when she’s down or she’ll run.”

He looks oddly saddened by that, but he listens to me and sits on the sofa furthest from the stairs, facing the window.

“I don’t want her to be afraid of me.” He admits softly, his eyes filled with sadness.

“That might take some time.” I admit, trying to keep my tone gentle. “She’s been through a lot.”

He nods, “you both have.”

“Red!” Aria shouts from the top of the stairs, making me jump out of my skin.

She comes running down the stairs, her arms wide as she collided with me.

“I missed you.” She grumbles into my legs.

“I missed you too, little wolf.” I say, unable to hide my smile, “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to come and see you.”

“It’s ok, you are here now.” She whispers, once again speaking well above her age.

She’s so grown up, sometimes it scares me.

It’s proof she hasn’t had the best start in life, even though I wanted it for her so badly.

“I have someone I want you to meet.” I say, getting down onto my knees, “and I want you to be very brave, because he looks like father, but it isn’t him. He’s nothing like our father.”

Aria’s eyes slowly drift towards the sofa where Zade is sat. “Ok.” She says, eyes already filling with tears. “Is he nice?” She lowers her voice so only I can hear her. “Is he going to take us back to the shack?”

I shake my head. “We are never going back, little wolf. Don’t worry.” I take her hand, “he’s nice, he’s just like us. He just wants a family.”

Aries follows me over to the sofa and sits down on my lap, staring at Zade with big round eyes. “You look like my dad.” She blurts out, frowning.

Zade glances at me nervously, “I do, but I’m much nicety than him.”

“You could be lying.” She says with a small growl. “Grown ups lie sometimes.”

Zade nods, trying not to show his anxiety. “That’s true, grown ups do lie sometimes, but I can make a promise that I’m not one of them. I promise to always tell you the truth, even if it’s hard to hear.”

Aria watches him closely before she nods, a bright smile taking over her face. “Ok but only as long as you pinky promise.”

Zade smiles back at her, and I can see the relief in his eyes. “Of course I’ll pinky promise! It’s not a real promise unless I do.”

“Red says that as well.” She giggles.

He holds out his pinky and she entwines hers with his.

This is going better than I ever could have imagined, she didn’t seem scared at all, just curious and wary.

“Are you staying here with us?” She asks in a small voice. “Or do you have to leave?”

“I can stay as long as you want me to.” He says, letting go of her pinky finger.

She climbs of my lap and goes closer, her eyes still wide. “I have a simple there too.” She says, poking his cheek. “Look and see.” She smiles as wide as she can, her dimple prominent.

Zade laughs, gently poking her back. “Then we have something in common.”

“Why don’t we go to the park?” I say, climbing to my feet. “Won’t that be fun?”

I don’t like the look James is giving us all, it’s making me nervous, and angry. If he has a problem, he can speak to me directly, not just stare daggers at us all for trying to bond.

We deserve to know our brother, even if he or anyone else disagrees.