Page 65 of The Mating Need
Caderyn gestured toward a path cutting through the trees. As she walked with her father, he told her whathappened.
“You were never meant to be conceived. We wizards are forbidden from spilling our seed when we have sex, unless it is with an approved mate. I broke that rule. Danu made the rule for a purpose – the child of a wizard and a mortal would be a child of two worlds and his or her powers would be extraordinary and even frightening to the offspring, unless the wizard was there toteach.”
He rested a hand upon her shoulder. “After your mother died, I thought it was best to not become involved in your life. I see now I was wrong, and I hope you will forgiveme.”
Jenny stopped, shuffled her feet in the earth. “My adopted parents never truly loved me. They took good care of me, but when I came into these powers at 21, they feared me too much. I’m the reason the packdied.”
“No. I saw what was happening, tried to reason with the alpha and your parents. They refused to listen. Do you understand, daughter? It was not yourfault.”
Something eased inside her. She understood now. At least her mother loved her, until shedied.
So many questions. They had time. She had time now that the answers stood in front ofher.
“Why did you give me to my adoptedparents?”
“I reasoned if you were brought up by a caring Lupine couple, your wolf side would take over. I did not realize I had passed on so much power to you, which didn’t manifest until you turned 21 lastyear.”
Now she understood why she felt torn. Child of two different species, always fighting one or theother.
Maybe it was time to reconcile herself and these powers. Now that she had a father who could teach her not to fearthem.
“Are you the reason why I gravitate toward using daggers andswords?”
Her father nodded. “It is in yourblood.”
Caderyn unsheathed a huge sword from his back and handed it to her. “Trythis.”
The metal felt heavy, awkward, and yet she liked the feel of it in her hands. As if she’d comehome.
“It’s impressive.” Jenny handed over the sword, watching him sheath it. “I like it, but it’s too heavy and bulky forme.”
He nodded. “I will forge you something lighter for yoursize.”
Jenny folded her arms across the chest, looking up at him. Her father. Dad. No, he was too big and foreboding to think of him as “dad.” However, he sired her and she had some of hispowers.
“I’d welcome any training you can give me…sir.”
A brief smile touched his mouth. “I am your birth father. I understand if it is too much to address me as your father, however, you may address me simply asCaderyn.”
They returned to the clearing, where the others still talked. Judging from their grim expressions, it wasn’t goodnews.
Jenny went to Troy, who slid an arm around her shoulders. She rested her head against hisshoulder.
Caderyn gave her lover a level look. “Now for you, wolf. Do not ever hurt my daughter or I will tear your head from yourshoulders.”
Jenny groaned.ThanksDad.
The Silver Wizard cleared his throat. “Caderyn, you could be a little morediplomatic.”
“Diplomacy is not my strongsuit.”
“Is this what I have to look forward to with my daughter?” Xavier asked. “I may end up locking her up until she is at least 100. No dating untilthen.”
“Good luck with that,” Gideonmurmured.
With his typical confidence, Troy shrugged. “You’d have to catch me first, and there’s no way I’d ever hurt Jenny. I loveher.”
“I love you too, Troy.” She touched the bristles on his face, needing to connect again with him after this roller coaster of emotions. He was her anchor in a turbulent sea. “I’m glad you were myfirst.”
