Face to Face Again – 1

Thea’s POV

I was on the phone with Mom. Yes, I finally started calling Seraphina and Maximus “Mom” and “Dad.” These days, they were constantly flying back and forth between states on their private jet, trying to balance their Pack responsibilities with being there for me and the pups.

“Thea? Are you still there?” Mom’s voice pulled me back to reality.

“Sorry, Mom. We’re all good, just missing you guys a lot,” I said, fidgeting with the edge of my maternity dress.

It was true. They’d been gone for a week and would be away for another. Leo and I missed them like crazy. It was surprising how quickly they’d become such essential parts of our lives.

“We miss you too, sweetheart. Your father says hello. He’ll call you tonight when things slow down.”

“That’s fine.” I smiled, still getting used to having parents who actually gave a shit.

“Have you bought anything new for the baby? Four months isn’t long—it’ll be here before you know it.” Her voice always filled with excitement whenever she talked about the baby.

“How could I possibly buy more when everyone else has bought so much? This baby will have more options than a department store.” I laughed.

The baby’s room was already stuffed with everything imaginable. I thought my mom, dad, Iris, and Sophia were going overboard until Graves showed up. Since I’d allowed him to be part of the baby’s life, he’d been sending adorable little gifts. I had no fucking idea when or where he shopped, considering he was constantly in hiding. Everything he bought was pink. Like Leo and Sebastian, he was convinced it would be a girl.

The thought of Graves wiped the smile from my face. I’d made a deal with him, but I realized later he was involved in the Rogue attack that killed my Sterling father. Even though Derek and I had a shit relationship, he still raised me. And that letter he left me before he died… I didn’t want to admit it, but it had affected me.

“I can’t wait to meet this little one. I missed Leo’s birth, so I’m going to make it up with this baby.” Mom’s voice pulled me from my dark thoughts.

“Mom, can I call you back later? I’m meeting Iris and Sophia for lunch, and I see them coming now.”

It wasn’t necessarily them, but my mood was already soured.

“Of course. Talk later. I love you, Thea.”

“Love you too, Mom.” I hung up and sighed, setting my phone down.

Conflicting thoughts immediately rushed in. Derek wasn’t the only issue related to Graves. There was also Sebastian. As much as he wasn’t my favorite person, he was Leo’s father. Graves was hellbent on revenge, and losing Sebastian would destroy Leo. Graves would likely go after people Sebastian loved. Besides Leo, there was Aurora. I didn’t know what to do because part of me felt giving Graves a chance was a mistake. Another part told me to trust my gut, and my gut said this was the right decision.

“What’s got you looking so lost in thought?” Sophia’s voice made me jump.

“Jesus, you scared me!” I put my hand over my chest as if that would slow my racing heart.

“Sorry. I thought you saw me coming in.” She looked a bit sheepish.

I’d been so wrapped up in my thoughts that I hadn’t even noticed them sitting down beside me.

“It’s fine… I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Want to share?” Iris asked, eyebrows raised.

I shook my head. “Not really.”

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to share; I just didn’t know how to start. How do I tell them that the criminal everyone was trying to find was my baby’s uncle? Or that we’d been in contact, and worse, that I’d allowed him to be part of my baby’s life?

“Is it about Sebastian?” Iris leaned forward, her eyes gleaming for some strange reason. “Roman said Sebastian called him a few days ago, drunk off his ass.”

I frowned. I couldn’t remember the last time Sebastian got drunk. After Leo was born, he stopped drinking heavily. And since that night he unexpectedly showed up at my house, he’d been completely quiet. I still couldn’t believe I’d punched him. It felt good, though, because I’d wanted to do that for a long time.

“Why was he drunk?” Sophia asked curiously.

Iris shrugged in response. “Neither Roman nor I know, but I bet Damien does, and I’d bet even more that Thea has a clue.”