REIKA

TWENTY-FOUR

We walked with our arms locked and talking about everything and anything. It was as if time hadn't passed and we were still kids in high school, with zero worries or responsibilities. We only needed Arden to be completed. I didn't know I had missed him so much. Growing up and adulting could be lonely as hell.

Emmett and I arrived at the Pack's building and took the elevator up, just to find Dad sitting in my office, waiting for us. By his pensive expression and eyes set in the distance, I could tell he had been feeling lonely these days without Mom. As soon as he saw us, his eyes lit up. Dad stood and rushed to give Emmett an emotional hug, and I took that time to set what I had planned in place.

I was glad I wore as much perfume as I did in the morning. It was strong enough to hide my scent, but soft enough to not look like that was what I was trying to do. Taking my phone out of my purse, I played music on it, keeping it at a very low volume, almost nothing. I kept the phone out in my hands and held it beside me, close to my hips.

"Reika!" Dad walked over and gave me a quick kiss and a hug. He immediately turned back to look at Emm. "So, you met that guy?" He walked to the seating area but neither of them sat.

"Yeah..." Emmett trailed off, serious.

"A jerk?" Dad asked, confirming a previous conversation, and Emmett affirmed it.

"A huge jerk."

"Hey! You guys! That's not fair. Neither of you has gotten a chance to really know Alban. Each time you talk to him, you have been nothing but hostile. Of course he acts like a jerk around you. He needs to be on high alert." I schooled them, but Dad completely ignored my argument.

"And you blame us for hating his ass? After all he did? Nah, I don't want to know him. What I know from him now is more than enough. Arrogant, disrespectful, lazy, useless, a fucking punk full of tattoos with a shitty attitude. The only reason he is still breathing is because my grandson seems to like him, and I can't find it in my heart to do that to the poor child. He has shown to be there for Arjun, for now, and that is saving his pale ass. He stood his ground and fought for him, so at least he has balls. I'll give him that," Dad stated.

—And a huge dick to go with them!

Jules joked in the link to everyone, and I choked with air. While I coughed and laughed simultaneously, my father and brother had disgusted expressions on their faces, nearly gagging.

"Ah! Yuck! Keep that shit to yourself. Besides, I doubt that," King laughed. "If he's anything like his father, there isn't much for you to sit on," King laughed at his own joke and Emmett seemed confused, so he clarified.

"His dad's dick was tiny." Dad put his thumb and index finger closer to show us just how much. Just about the same size as Alban's was when he wasn't aroused.

"No, shit! Really?" Emm chuckled, scratching his neck. His serious mood suddenly changed, and he laughed.

Fucker!

"He's a grower..." I mumble with a shake of my head. I could call them idiots, but I made the same mistake. Why did I feel like this bothered me and I had to set this straight?

"A what? So, I'm right? He has a bubble gum?" Dad grinned.

"So what? He is a fucking grower, OK. It gets humongous. That thing is monstrous. You need to stop judging people by their appearance." I unsuccessfully schooled him again. Dad laughed.

"I don't think so. Are you sure he didn't drug you again and you are imagining stuff?" King smarted off.

"I'm not! Darn it! What if, maybe... just like his dick, things might not be what they seem to be? Maybe you need to give him a chance and I'm sure he will grow into you. You might be surprised how BIG his heart is." I joked with exaggerated gestures, and Dad almost puked.