The Hidden Gem

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Ashlynn POV

Drowning. That's the only way I can describe how I was feeling. All sounds became muffled like I was under water. My lungs were burning and my head was spinning. I was trying to comprehend what Dave just said to me, but I couldn't. 'Ashlynn, I'm your father.' Those four words scared the sh!t out of me. Yeah, I told Danny I wanted to meet my father, but it still scared me.

I needed to leave. I needed to get air. I gasped for air forgetting that I was holding my breath the whole time. 'Your just a mistake.' 'Your father is lucky he doesn't have to live with being your parent.' 'Your a worthless scum.' 'No one ever will love you.' 'Your such a screw up.' All the things my mother had said to me swam in my head. Maybe she was right? Why would my father want to know me? I'm just some mistake that's shy and scared. What made me ever think that anyone would want to be my father? "Angel, are you okay?" Danny's beautiful voice was muffled behind all my thoughts, but I could hear him still. "I'm so sorry." My voice came out as a sob and struggled. Danny scooped me up and I felt him sit me on his lap on the couch. My eyes closed them selves through the tears. "Angel, what are you sorry for." "Dave, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry." Is all I could say. Soon I wasn't in Danny's embrace anymore. It was just as warm and loving, but it deffently wasn't Danny holding me.

"Ashlynn, you didn't do anything. I understand if you don't want to except me as your father. I wasn't in your life, I don't blame you." I stopped. My thoughts stopped. Everything stopped. Is that really why he thought I was sorry for. Of course I wanted him as a father. I've always dreamed about having a father, someone who cared about me and loved me. Someone who actually wanted me as their daughter. Not someone it was forced upon, like it was with John. I opened my eyes to look up at my father. He's eyes were red and tears were filling them. "Of course I want you as my dad, but I don't want to hinder you. You have a family and I'm just a mistake. Someone that's worthless and the only reason why I mater now is, because of Danny." "I don't care who your mate is. It could be Danny or some human. Your not worthless or a mistake. Your my daughter and I love you. Who told you those things, because they are so wrong. Your my oldest child and my only daughter. You mean a lot to me, your special." "Your not ashamed?" "Honey, I would be more ashamed if I was stupid enough not to love you."

Again I cried, but I wasn't because I was sad or scared. I was so happy. I had Danny an amazing mate, a father that loved me, friends, half brothers, and a pack that all loved me. Suddenly I mattered. I wasn't just the girl in the back of the class or the girl that would spend hours doing projects by herself. No, I was important and loved. I was no longer a secret or hidden. I could be myself and be free.

"What's with all the tears? I just found out I had a niece there should be no more tears." Wilson said walking into the room. The whole clan followed behind him, he's wife, Conner, Brandon, Brandon's brother Freddy, and Dave's mate. Danny was leaning against the wall taking in the scene in front of him. He's face held the usual blank emotionless stare that only disappeared when he was talking to me. I pulled myself out of Dave's embrace and stood off the couch. Standing in the middle of one of the houses many living rooms I took in my new family. They were big and loud standing around studying me, but I knew by the looks on their faces I was excepted and probably was sense the moment they found out. Sometime in the craziness my mother escaped the room, but I couldn't find it in me to care. She wasn't much of a mother. She wouldn't even give me her last name. Suddenly the thought occurred to me. Would Dave let me use his? I really wanted a real last name not one that I had to create.

"What's your last name?" Dave looked at me worried for a minute and the room laughed away some of his nerves. "Elion, why?" My shoulders shrugged as I looked at him. Would he let me use it? "I've never had real last name." Every ones laughter stopped as I said that. Both Danny and Dave grew stiff looking at me. I could see Dave searching my features looking for any sign of me lying or anything else my features could hold. "Your mother didn't give you her's or even her married name?" "There were days Ashlynn was lucky she got food from our mother and some days she didn't even get that. Asking for a last name was to much of a risk." Tanner answered the question walking in the room.