The Protector

Chapter 32

Clearing her throat, Carla asked, "Does Alpha Mason know you're here?"

"Yes." He said, his dark brown eyes turning golden, "I've missed you Poppet." Julius said, tears gathering in his eyes.

"Julius?" Carla whispered with a watery smile, "You're here."

Julius pulled her close holding her tight. Carla was shocked. Neither her dad or Julius had ever shown her much affection. But for once she felt the depth of her father's love and it was overwhelming.

Jackson spoke again, "I came for two reasons. One was obviously to find you. The second... well that's a long story, it's probably best if you and the Luna come with me. Alpha Mason, Erik, and Reilly will be accompanying us."

"To where?"

"To the home of my second chance mate."

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Jonathan drove his Ford F-250 supercab with Tracy, Jackson, and Carla. Erik and Reilly took Erik's SUV, Jack tagged along last moment. Jackson directed Jonathan on where to go.

"But this is my mom's house?" Tracy said as they pulled into the familiar drive.

Entering the house, Tracy called out for her mother.

"Out back sweetie!" Laura yelled.

Exiting to the patio, the tantalizing smell of barbecue hung heavy in the air. A full spread was laid out and the sound of sizzling meat blend harmoniously with the low beat of softly playing music on the radio. Laura sat on Jordan's lap, his arms wrapped around her waist, and she was laughing softly at something he said. Tracy paused happy to see her mom look so pleasantly content. Jackson strode forward and pulled Laura out of Jordan's lap before kissing her soundly.

Tracy, Carla, Erik, and Reilly's mouths dropped open. Jonathan counted himself lucky that Jordan had told him earlier.

Jordan took a deep breath and told his sons, Carla, and Tracy the whole story; starting with his mother's jealousy and the death of Jackson's mate. Everyone listened intently. Jackson didn't say anything, he simply watched his daughter and tried to swallow the lump in his throat. He regretted that he was never the father he should have been. He also felt proud seeing the woman she had become. He heard she had a mate, Alpha Mason's brother. Looking at Jack, who had an arm wrapped around Carla's shoulders. Equal parts of adoration and possessiveness on his face and Jackson would make damn sure this boy treated her like the queen she was.

He sighed, he knew he had to talk to her soon. It wasn't going to be easy. Laura rubbed his hand sensing his distress. Jordan also looked over curiously. He gave Laura's hand a light squeeze and a half smile letting them know he was alright.

No one quite knew what to say or how to process everything they had been told. The silence continued as they started to eat the food that had been prepared. Despite the surprising circumstances, the gathering was pleasant and a celebration of sorts given that Jackson was now an accepted part of the pack.

Later, Reilly and Erik decided to go to a club for a drink and distraction as the news settles in. Jack and Jonathan decided to go as well to keep an eye on their friends. The girls told the others that they were just going to head to the pack house and encouraged their mates to go with the boys for emotional support. Tracy and Carla took Erik's SUV back.

Luckily, most of the people living at the pack house heard about the plan from Reilly and Erik and headed to the club. Which left the entertainment room completely empty. They grabbed several bottles of "Trank" Liquor, drinks laced with tranquilizers that would slow down werewolf metabolism allowing the drink to actually work like normal alcohol to humans for a short while. Carla cranked up the incredible sound system and party lights while Tracy poured the shots. The entertainment room became their own personal club. They even had a small stage for karaoke and a dance floor. Downing several of the strong drinks, Tracy asked, "So... how are you doing?"

Carla chuckled, "I have no idea. I'll let you know as soon as the shock has worn off. What about you?"

"Eh, same." Tracy said downing another shot, "Ha! Whoever is doing mate assignments must be drunk."

Carla downs two, "Pssh. Tell me about it. But I can't complain at least I got a mate with sexy hands."

Tracy giggled, "Okay that may be more info than I would ever need to know." she said suggestively.

Carla shoved her shoulder almost knocking Tracy off the stool, "I was talking about how strong his hands look. I like guys that look like they actual use their hands. Jack likes to build and carve stuff and he has those veins on the back." She shrugged, "I don't know, that's just sexy to me."

"Yeah, I couldn't pick one thing sexy about Jonathan. He's just sexy all over."

"All over huh?"

Tracy blushed a bright red, "Oh please we've never gotten to 'that' part."

"Really?" Carla said in disbelief.

"Yeah well..."

"Eh, I can't say anything because we've never gotten that far either."

"Really?" Tracy said mirroring Carla's earlier inquiry.

"Nope." Carla said popping the P.

"Damn. At this rate we'll both die virgins."

"Cheers." Carla said clinking her glass to Tracy's.

"Alright we have full bar of bottles." Tracy said looking through the shelves, "Time to put a dent in them and let loose."

"Hopefully not the contents of our stomachs." Carla said eyeing the glass container of bright blue liquid Tracy held up.

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Why is it that when people invite me out for a good time, they end up drunk, and I end up being the one that keeps drunk them from making decisions that sober them would be horrified by? I also get stuck as the designated driver in an area I've never been to.