Secrets and Lies

Chapter 18

I wasn't ready to face my mom after our blowup, so once again I stayed at Josh and Courtney's house. I had sent my mom a quick text to let her know my plans but didn't wait to read her reply. Last night, I had actually slept in Courtney's room even though Josh said I was welcome in his.

I walked downstairs into the kitchen expecting to find Courtney making breakfast like the day before but I stopped, surprised when I found Alpha Paul sitting at the table instead. He was sipping a cup of coffee and reading on his phone just like I had seen my mom do so many times in the morning. For a moment I felt like it was a glimpse into what my life would've been like with my dad around.

"Good morning," he said when he noticed me enter.

"Good morning," I greeted. "Where's—"

"Your mate and his sister went for a run a few minutes ago. He let me in before they left and told me I could wait for you."

"Oh," I said. I remembered Courtney telling me that they usually went for runs first thing in the morning. "So what's up?"

"Well, I was hoping we could go for a run of our own," he suggested looking hopeful.

I felt the need to point out the obvious. "But I can't turn into a wolf."

"Of course, I meant a "human" run," he said using actual air quotes.

"Right, except I'm not much of a runner," I said sheepishly. I've never been one for physical activity.

"Okay. How about a walk then?"

"Now that I can do," I said happily.

We exited out the back door and followed along a trail leading from the edge of Josh's yard farther into the woods.

It wasn't until the house was out of view that my dad spoke. "I have to leave in a few hours but I was hoping to get some alone time before I go."

"You have to go so soon," I whined slightly. I wasn't ready for him to leave yet, there was so much catching up we still had to do.

"I'm sorry, but I have to return to my pack," he explained.

"I understand," I said.

We walked a bit farther before my dad broke the silence again. "Your mate, Josh, seems like a good guy. He treats you well?"

"You're not going all protective dad on me are you?" I asked partially amused. It was kind of sweet.

"Well I have to make up for all the boyfriends I missed," he said trying to sound serious.

"Actually, I've never had a boyfriend before Josh. I went on a couple of dates but that's it."

"You know just because he's your mate, don't let him talk you into anything that you're not ready for," he continued his serious dad talk.

"Thanks, Dad, but I know. Besides Josh and I already talked and he told me he wouldn't pressure me into anything," I reassured him.

More steps and more silence but this time I spoke first. "I told my mom about you."

Paul stopped walking. "How did it go?"

"Considering I mostly screamed at her, I'd say not well," I said embarrassed to admit my behavior.

"I'd say so," he agreed. He continued walking now. "I never meant to cause problems between you two."

"It's been some time in the making. Whether I found you or pried it out of her eventually, it was bound to come out," I reassured him. "All the secrets just got to me and I let my anger get the better of me."