Surrendering to Destiny (Allison Franklin) novel Chapter 24

Surrendering to Destiny

Chapter Twenty-Four

Graham took a deep breath before turning toward Jensen. He walked up, h hands in his pockets.

“Well?” Jensen asked. “Did you know?!”

Graham scoffed. “Of course I didn’t.” He sat down in the chair with a sigh This was not how the meeting was supposed to go. “I knew she had alpha blood, I could scent it on her. I noticed d her eyes, who couldn’t? But she’s half wolf? Born across the country in a wolf pack? Plus I never figured you as the kind to abandon your child on an orphanage doorstep.”

Jensen growled and his eyes glowed bright. “She was abandoned?!”

“Yes, at a few days’ old the best I could find. She lived in the orphanage util she was six.”

Jensen sat down, looking defeated. He couldn’t deny the connection. It was something you felt in your gut. You recognized your own. He leaned his head back and laced his hands together. “What year?”

“She was born October 9, 1998.”

“And she’s half wolf.”

“Yes.”

Jensen sighed. “Fuck, Isobel. What did you do?”

“You knew?” Graham asked, his anger flaring in his chest.

“Check your rage, Boy. I would never abandon my child!”

Graham scoffed.

“What else have you learned? What pack was she a part of?”

Graham took a deep breath before meeting his alpha’s eyes. “Moonstone.”

“Fuck. Dominic.”

“Yes. That’s why she became rogue. She ran when he overthrew Lionel. I ve Lucas there now trying to gather any other information he can.”

Graham waited for him to say anything, for an explanation but knew he probably wouldn’t get one. Not yet anyway.

“Get a paternity test done,” Jensen said.

“You’ll deny the connection?” Graham asked in disbelief.

“I need to know for sure, as do you! This doesn’t just affect me and her. This will change everything. Do you understand?” He stood up and used his alpha aura against Graham, Graham was strong and had grown acustomed to the pressure of his command, but now with the full weight of it on his shoulders he bowed his head, though he bared his teet

Graham stalked from the room, anger radiating off his skin. He glanced arund and spotted his mate down the hall. He exhaled at the sight of

her. Rebecca was hugging her and patting her back in reassurance. Rebecca looked up at him and smiled. She ushered him over, as if he wasn’t

on his way to take her anyway. She whispered something to Catherine.

Catherine looked up and her tear stained face struck him. He rushed forward and took her in his arms. He dipped down and picked her from

her knees and held her against his chest. She gripped his shirt in her little fists and started to cry anew. He placed her delicately in his

passenger seat and got in without a word. She stared out the passenger window. Eventually he made a turn and she sat up straighter.

“Whe-where are we going?” she asked.

He took her hand. “We’re going to the hospital.”

“Why?” she asked, slumping in her seat as if she already knew the answer

“Jensen wants a paternity test,” he said low. He gripped her hand as the tears came again.

The paternity test went by quickly. Jensen called ahead of time so the doctors were expecting them. They would have the test within two days.

up against to know who I am and what I’m capable of. It helps me stand while shifted.”

“Do you have the most tattoos in your pack?” she asked, smiling. He sighe knowing his answer would change the mood in the room.

“There’s one other person who has more than me,” he said.

“Who? I can take them out so you can be all powerful,” she laughed.

“Alpha Jensen.”

As predicted the room grew quiet as she became lost in thought again. She continued to trail her fingers along his ink. He’d never felt much pride in the artwork but having her ask all those questions made him feel more confident. Like he could give her another reason to feel lucky to have him as her mate. Maybe he should strive for more?

“Do you think he’s my father?” she asked, pulling him from his thoughts.

“Did you feel it? In your heart?” he asked.

She nodded into his chest. “Did you know… before?”

He shook his head. “No, Baby, I didn’t know, I don’t care either. You’re wh I care about, not your parents.”

“What’s going to happen?”

He sighed and ran his hands down her arm. “I don’t know. What I do know is you are my mate, I won’t ever let anything happen to you. I’ll be

with you. I won’t let you go.”

He kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him and brought her lips up to meet his. She pulled back and he ran his thumb across her cheek.

“It’s probably too early to say this. Perhaps it’s a mistake but… I love you, Graham,” she whispered, her cheeks turning pink. “It’s not just the mate bond either. It’s you. I’ve only known you for a couple of weeks but ve never been more sure of anything.”

He couldn’t stop the smile that pulled at his cheeks. Her eyes glowed at the sight. “It’s not too early, Baby. I love you too.”