Chapter 45
Forty-Five
Former Beta Walter
Walking into the pack hospital, I felt disappointed. My sons were not raised like that. We all had a hard time after their mother’s death but that is no excuse for what he did. They were all angry the day I brought Ryley home, even though none of them lived at home with me. All three of them were living at the pack house. They all had their own lives. While mine had just died.
Ryley has been the rock I needed after my mate died. We were both broken but we were there for each other. She included me in her life and Channing’s life. My sons all have mates and kids but our relationship has been strained. I try to be there for my sons and grandchildren but my boys don’t make it easy for me. But with Ryley, she has always included me. She was the daughter I was always meant to have and I know my mate would have loved her. She would have taken her in, just like I did all those years ago.
とん
A nurse pointed me in the direction of Chris’s room. I could hear yelling coming from inside the room. There were three voices and I knew all three. I quickly knocked before entering the room. Chris was sitting on the edge of the bed. His shoulder had been bandaged. He also had scratches down his chest. Alpha Phil was standing by the bed and my youngest son, Evan was standing by the window.
“Beta Walter, finally. Maybe you can talk some sense into your son.” Alpha Phil exclaimed, throwing his hands up. He was sporting a black eye and a split lip. Blake did a number on him.
“This is his fault. How could you give the cabin to her?” Chris growled. I took a seat in front of him so I could explain.
0.00%
Forty five
288 Vouchers
“I didn’t give her the cabin. She bought half of it and I gifted my half to Channing.” He let out a growl and I held up my hand.
“Let me finish. You boys haven’t been out there since before mom died. And Ryley loves that place. Almost as much as your mother did. She has been the one taking care of it. She knows how important that place is to me and she has done so much to make sure it stays perfect.” I told them.
“Dad, we are just concerned she is taking advantage of your kindness. We know you have money and this could all be a ploy to get.into the will.” Evan said. I looked at him and then back at Chris, who was nodding his head.
“If this is about money, she has paid back every dime I’ve ever given her with interest. Which I put away to help pay for Channing’s college and hockey. This was never about money. This was about a young woman who needed help. I had the means to help her and I did. And she gave me purpose again. I pray none of you ever have to deal with the death of your soulmate.” I explained. I have told them this all before but they never seem to believe me.
“Now, Chris, you will go apologize to Ryley and Channing tomorrow. And if you boys are so worried about where my money is going, then you three can have it all. It has never been about the money. And if any of you needed help, you could have come to me.” I said, standing up from the chair.
“Dad, this wasn’t just about money,” Evan sighed.
“Then what? I’ve tried to be a part of all of your lives. But all you have done is push me away. Ryley hasn’t needed my help financially in years and she still includes me in everything. I’m invited to every holiday and everything that involves Channing. She has even invited all of you out to the cabin. She has been trying.” I retorted. We have
34.22%
11:52
Forty-Five
288 Vouchers
had this conversation numerous times over the years.
“Dad, we were trying to protect you.” Chris sighed.
“I’m a grown-a*s man, I don’t need your protection, son. And if you three would have taken the time to get to know her, you would have loved her like I do. Like the daughter, I was never given. But instead, the last seventeen years have been wasted on your resentment. You attacked her and threatened her son. Someone, I care for as a grandson. And now it’s time to make this right. It’s her choice to not join a pack. And if you would have taken the time to get to know her, she probably would have trusted you enough with her story. Now, I will drive you over there in the morning.” I told him.
“And you will also apologize to Alpha Blake. We don’t need a war, Chris. I would like to keep the biggest pack as our alias and not our enemy.” Alpha Phil said. Chris and he have been friends since childhood. I knew he would defend him, but he was st**id if he thought he could take on an alpha like Blake.
“We’ll both see you in the morning, dad,” Evan told me. I gave him a nod.
“Are you okay?” I asked Chris.
“Nothing that won’t heal,” he shrugged.
“Good. Get some rest and I’ll see you in the morning. And if you need anything, you have my number.” I told him, before heading for the door to leave.
“Dad?” He called out. I turned to look at him.
“Thanks. And I’m sorry.”
71.28%