Wrong Turn, Right Path

Chapter 26 - Nick's POV

I watched Jemma walk up the stairs like the weight of the world is on her shoulders. I want to run after her, hold her, reassure her that everything will work out somehow. But she asked for space and I have to respect that.

I turn back to the sitting room and walk in, shutting the door behind me. Everyone is stuck. Amber is crying, Jackson is standing near her but not offering her any comfort. I can't really blame him. Shit, he just found out that he has a 5 year old daughter that he knew nothing about because his Mate had told his girlfriend to get rid of her. I had to repress my growl again remembering that.

I don't understand how someone so sweet and loving as Amber could ever think of doing something like that. Then again I'm ready to rip off the head of my own cousin for touching my mate before I even knew who she was.

Fuck this is complicated.

Someone cleared their throat. "I think we all should take a seat and breathe for a minute. Amber, all this stress can't be good for the baby, can you please just sit down before you fall down?" My Dad's reminder that Amber is pregnant seemed to snap Jackson out of his thoughts.

"Let me help you to your seat." He said offering her his arm. It looked formal and stiff.

They sat on one couch and Nate and I sat across from them. Neither of us have said a damn thing, this was a lot to process.

"Mitch, why don't you and Selene go find something to eat?" My Dad offered

"Not on your life am I leaving. Besides if this comes to blows you're going to need my help to restrain these two." Mitch replied pointing at Nate and me.

The doors opened and our Moms walked in. My Dad lifted his brow at them. "Don't even think about shooing us away buddy." Aunt Charlie said while staring my Dad down.

"It was her wasn't it?" Nate's voice cut through the chatter as he looked at Jackson.

Jackson just hung his head not looking at anyone.

"What is he talking about?" Amber asked hesitantly

"The woman you fell in love with in college. The one you were telling me about in your office when we were talking about mates. The one you said you planned on talking to your parents about taking as your chosen mate. Only to regret approaching her at all because in the end it broke both your hearts when you found your true mate. It was Jemma wasn't it?" Nate's voice rose a little bit with each statement.

"Yes it was." Jackson looked right at him, "I fell in love with her knowing she wasn't my mate. But do you remember what I told you at the end? I said that the love of a chosen mate could never compare to the love of a true mate. I told you don't settle, keep looking until you find your one and when you find her it would all be worth it." He was now yelling then he turned to Amber, "I would never have rejected you. I wish you would have just trusted me."

"We had known each other only a week. We hadn't marked each other yet. Your father had just passed away and you were already under so much stress. More often than not you seemed to be on the verge of a break down. I'm not saying what I did was the right thing, far from it. What I did was reprehensible and I understand if you never forgive me for it. After I did what I did and the realization of it hit me I felt so ashamed. I promised the Moon Goddess that I would never be so selfish ever again. That I would be the best Mate, the best Luna, that I would put the needs of others before myself if she would just help me live with this one mistake." Amber was now bawling again. I can understand where she was coming from but that still didn't make what she did right.