Page 10 of Blackmailed

“Guilin, China. Fu Gang Chao, our Alpha, is very strict and very mean. He kicked me out of the Leap when I was a teen. Since the moment I came to America, I have worked to free my parents and my siblings.” Jochi relayed to Jefferson everything he’d done so far, and how none of it had worked. “So, you see, you’re my last hope.”

“How about we let Keeley look into it and Jerome. If anyone can find them and get them here, it’s those two.”

Warmth bloomed in Jochi’s chest. “You mean it?”

Jefferson sighed. “If you have to ask, I am not doing my job properly.”

“Would you like to join the mile high club now, bèndàn? I wish to show my appreciation.”

Jefferson cut his gaze to Jochi. “Lead the way, mate.”

When the plane touched down, a nervous thread worked through Jochi. He knew some of the Raferty family. Tricked two of them. Spoken several times with the Alpha. He glanced up at Jefferson who scanned the area by baggage claim. What would Charisma and Penelope think of the man who claimed their father? Would they welcome him? Surely, they would be confused. Jefferson had married straight out of college and had Charisma almost immediately. They’d only seen their father in a loving relationship with a woman.

Jochi was a man.

“You’re thinking too hard again,” Jefferson murmured.

“How can you tell?”

“Your eyes get squinty and your brow furrows. You only do it when you’re around me though. I doubt anyone else has seen you this way before.”

Jochi rolled his eyes. "I am nervous about meeting your family, if you must know."

“They’re going to love you,” Jefferson assured him.

“Have you told them I am a man?” Jochi arched a brow.

“I didn’t.” When Jochi tried to protest, Jefferson place his finger against Jochi’s lips. “I haven’t told them because I didn’t believe explaining us over the phone was the proper way to introduce you.”

Jochi sighed. “Fine.”

Jefferson chuckled. “You can yell at me later if you must.”

“I will.”

“Took both of you long enough,” Kalkin grunted. “Sloan. Jefferson.”

“Sheriff,” Jochi said. “Thank you for the nice welcome.”

“If you’re expecting pleasantries that’s what Keeley is for. Not me. Do you have your bags and shit?”

Jefferson nodded. “Did you receive any emails?”

“Keeley is already combing through the few that came through last night and this morning. I suppose there is more?” Kalkin glanced at Jefferson.

“There are. They’re in our suitcases.”

Kalkin nodded as he inhaled. “Do your daughters know?”

“No. I explained I would be bringing someone home with me,” Jefferson answered. “I’ll make introductions when we see them.”

They stepped out into the mid-day sun. Though it had been a balmy fifty degrees in D.C., in Tucson, it’d been colder. Jochi enjoyed the cold weather. It gave his leopard more time to hunt and gather while also spying on any foe who might want to hurt Jefferson or his daughters.

“Makes sense,” Kalkin said. “Do it before we leave for the Thanksgiving Program at Mikey’s school.”

“I will.”

“What is this Thanksgiving Program?” Jochi quirked a brow.

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