Page 11 of Blackmailed

Kalkin smiled, a rarity in Jochi’s presence. “The kids in the elementary school are reenacting the first Thanksgiving. Mikey is the Chief. He’s been practicing his two lines for days now. He wants to get it just right.”

“That’s my boy,” Jefferson murmured as they placed their suitcases into the back of Kalkin’s waiting Enforcer.

“Charisma has spent days working on his costume as well. He bought pilgrim costumes for his brother and sister. Tried to convince the teachers to allow them to be the first babies of the first Thanksgiving.”

Jochi laughed. “He sounds like he’s fitting into your family.”

"He's a handful." Kalkin held the door for Jochi. "We have a special case at the orphanage if you're willing to take a look. Danielle didn’t want to bother you, but I figured, what the hell, you’re going to be eating our food after all.”

Curiosity bloomed inside Jochi along with amusement. “I would be honored.”

“Good. Once you’re settled, we'll set up a time to visit." When everyone was situated inside the Enforcer, Kalkin pulled into the outbound traffic. "I have a smaller house set up for the both of you in the new pride lands where Christoph, Jackson, and Bell will be living. I think you'll like it there. You won't be too close to everyone, but you'll be with the family. Plus, as elder members, you'll be able to help those who might need something Christoph can't fix—of course, it’s all contingent to when you’re here anyway.”

“We need to talk about that too,” Jefferson hedged.

“I’m guessing the reason you’re here is a bit more complicated?”

“Yes,” Jefferson answered. “I want to have all my ducks in a row before I divulge the plan. I can say we’re here to stay though.”

“Well, shit. Charisma is either going to kill you or hug you or both.” Kalkin laughed. “Should be an interesting Thanksgiving this year.

Chapter Three

When they arrived at the compound, as Kalkin called it, the place was alive with activity. Children screamed with laughter as they ran around the area in front of the main Raferty homestead like mad little beings. Some of the adults mingled while others carried on conversations. Halloween decorations, Jefferson assumed, had been transformed into Thanksgiving ones. Bales of hay were gathered around the front porch framing scarecrows, pumpkins, and gourds.

Jefferson missed this. Missed watching Charisma and Penelope decorating their home with their mother. Missed holidays because he’d spent them in D.C. trying to finalize some draft of legislation. And for what? Besides the legislation what did he have to show for all his hard work now? Two daughters, he barely saw and grandkids he'd missed milestones with.

He’d been a fool.

“We have a few hours if you want to get showers and change,” Kalkin said.

“Do we offend, Sheriff,” Jochi pouted.

“I can smell your mating,” the Alpha replied. “Are you ready for the questions.”

“Better now than ever,” Jefferson replied. He’d hid their relationship long enough. Sure, he could say it was for selfish reason, but the truth was simple, he worried what his daughters might say. “Are Charisma and Penny Ann here?”

Kalkin grunted. “Of course.”

"Then it's the perfect opportunity to announce it to the whole family, don't you believe?" Jefferson popped open the door to the enforcer before stepping out. The hoarse squeak of Mikey calling his name drew his attention to the little boy who'd been sitting on the porch steps when they'd pulled up. The boy ran at him full tilt, launching himself into Jefferson's arms for a hug. "Whoa there boy, don't knock over an old man."

Mikey giggled. “I’m so glad you’re here. Mommy and Daddy said you were coming.”

Surprised, he stood there staring at Mikey for a moment, at a loss for how to answer him. Charisma and Royce were giving the boy space. They wouldn’t force Mikey to call them mom and dad. Like Jefferson’s daughter said, she’d rather it come from him organically, not out of obligation. It appeared their work had paid off. “Well, I couldn’t miss this play you’re doing. Kalkin says you’ve been practicing.”

Mikey nodded. “I have.” He turned his head. “Who’s that?”

Jefferson followed the boy’s gaze and smiled. “He’s a surprise. His name is Jochi.” He whispered against Mikey’s ear, as though he meant to tell him something important to be kept between them. “He’s a snow leopard.”

The boy gasped. “He is?”

Jefferson nodded. “Yes.”

“Wow.” Mikey wiggled out of Jefferson’s arms then hurried to Jochi’s side. He held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Mikey. It’s good to meet you, Jochi.”

Jochi took his hand and gave him a gracious smile. Warmth bloomed in the middle of Jefferson’s chest, watching his grandson interact with his mate. “It’s good to meet you too, Mikey. We’ve met before though. Do you remember me?”

Jefferson tilted his head. “You did?”

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