Kidnapped By the Gang Leader

**Chapter 27**

"There are A LOT of people that want both of your heads, mostly yours, Udria." Mariah informs us. "Sterling was and always had been at number one but, things happened, forcing us to go into hiding for a bit, and soon Owen's gang took the number one spot. We'd love to tell you more but I think it's best we let your parents tell you. If you want, we can go meet your parents, Dakota?"

I realized I've been staring into outer space the whole time but heard everything she said. Am I wrong for being mad? For being upset that my parents have been alive all this time and not once came to see me? For being upset that Dakota's parents never told us? ME?

"I need a minute," I get up and rush out the room. The rest of the gang is in kitchen talking but stop. Owen gets up and rushes toward me as I walk out the house.

"Hey, hey...." He grabs onto my arm pulling me close to him. The warmth of his palm on my cheek calms my nerves a bit. "What happened?" I look up at him, pleading him to not ask. He understands instantly but I'm sure it's because of the tears that couldn't stay hidden any longer.

In an instant, his arms are wrapped around my body and he rests his chin on my head. I know when I meet my parents, my emotions will be worse than they are now. There's so much I want to ask and know.

We stand in the same position for a few more minutes before being interrupted. Mariah and Matt leave the house, stopping in front of us.

"We'll give you guys some time and contact you in a few days. It's a lot of information to consume, however, you both deserve to know." Matt rests his arm on my shoulder and smiles.

"Especially at a time like this, shit may start to get out of hand." Owen looks at her curiously then turns toward me. I avoid his eyes. I know he's going to ask about it when they leave but, I don't know if I should tell him.

"I'll be ready by then." She nods and they get in their car to leave.

Walking back into the house, I try to go upstairs to talk to Dakota, only for Owen to follow me. I stop in my tracks, causing him to walk into my back. I turn around facing him.

"I need to talk to Dakota about this first." He kisses my forehead and sends a reassuring smile.

"I'll be waiting when you're ready." With that he walks back down the stairs. I can't help but smile as I walk to Dakota's room. I saw her walking in this direction as I was coming up the stairs. I knock on her door, walking in, not waiting for her response.

At the same time she walks out of her bathroom in a towel, drying her hair. I drop on her bed staring at the ceiling.

"Should we tell them?" She asks as she changes into fresh clothes. "I mean, they should know about our parents. And don't get me started on the people that's going to start targeting us! They'll do whatever they need to do to get to us."

"But what if they look at us different? Can you imagine how many enemies our parents have? How many people want their spot and what they will do to get it? And now their kids are in the mix and that's how they can get to them, by getting to us. What if the gang switches up on us after finding out what we were just told?"

Will he still want me the way he wants me now? Will they look at us the same? I'm scared to tell them because of that. But I don't want to keep something like this from him.

"Honestly, I don't think they would react that way. I don't think you should drill things like that into your head, Udria. We have to tell them this is something that can't stay hidden from them. I rather they find out from us than someone else." She goes on.

I nod. We'll tell them before the day ends. I sigh heavily. What a day, and the next few days and weeks and probably months will be even more hectic. I continue to stare at the ceiling until it finally dawns on me.

"Your parents know we've been here...and they know who we're with." We both look at each other shocked and confused. "They have to know! Mariah and Matt must have said something."

"They might be upset but I'm sure that's least of their worries right now. We'll see when we see them."

"Speaking of, when do you want to visit them? Mariah said they'll contact us in a couple days to give us time to digest everything." Dakota thinks for a second but shrugs.

"I don't know, I want to see them now and question them-" she chuckles "but, I don't know if I'm ready for the answers." I feel the same way. I'm not ready for the questions, answers, and details.

she finishes getting dressed and gets ready to walk out the room. Seeing I'm not following, she grabs my legs and drags me off the bed. "We are going to tell them."

"Maybe tomorrow?" I plead

"NO!"