Page 68 of Healing Fate

“Just like Shelby and Ben’s kids?”

“Exactly like the triplets, Mom.”

I was proud of Lucy for facing her fears head on even while I knew that wasn’t necessary for my parents. Still, it was important for my mate.

I wrapped an arm around her encouraging her to continue.

“That scares a lot of people. We were rejected by my family and by my Pack, which is partly how we ended up here.”

“And you fear we’re going to reject her too?”

Lucy slowly nodded.

“Mom, they’ve been through a lot…” I started but she cut me off.

Taking Lucy’s hand in both of hers, my mother looked at her fiercely.

“So much pain and hurt. It breaks my heart. I’m a firm believer that every child, regardless of how it was conceived, is a blessing from God. Vada is special and she is lucky to have such a strong mother to look after her.”

She reached up and lifted her chin until their eyes met.

“I am sorry that your family and your Pack couldn’t understand that. As a mother, I understand your fierce need to protect her and Mallick and I would be honored to stand by your side in that battle. Let anyone speak even an unkind word about my grandpup and they’ll have me to answer to.”

Lucy’s shoulders shook as she started to cry. It wasn’t a little cry, but a full body-wracking ugly cry. I stepped aside as my mother embraced her and then shooed me away.

I felt helpless leaving her so upset, but with one last stern look from my mother, I found myself backing out of the room.

“Everything okay?” Dad asked.

I ran a hand through my hair. “I think so?”

“That girl’s been through a lot.”

“Too much,” I agreed. “I hate it, like I somehow let her down because I wasn’t there to shield her from it.”

“She’s strong, son. All she needs is love and time.”

I nodded in agreement.

“Mommy okay, Doc?”

“Yeah, sweetie, Mommy’s going to be just fine. Are you having fun with Grandpa Doc?”

Her face lit up and she nodded.

“He gave me candy,” she whispered.

I scowled at my dad.

He stopped me before I could scold him.

“Relax son, just a piece of peppermint. It’s good for belly aches.”

I sighed, unable to argue with that.

“You already knew all about Vada, didn’t you? Before Lucy blurted it out yesterday?”

“Yup,” he confessed. “I may have retired the title of Pack Physician over to you, but I am still on the Pack Council.”