Upon arriving at Blaze's office, I stepped inside and was perplexed at the sight of my mate choking my father while the other present people were struggling to breathe. I couldn't believe my eyes as the ambience was different in here.

I stood there for a moment. My eyes landed on my mother who tried to smile when she saw me. I didn't understand why she would smile when her mate was being choked to death. She tried to make her way to me but Bruce got to me first and took me to Blaze.

My Alpha was looking absolutely mouth watering. His eyes were completely black. I could tell that Zion was out and ready to kill. I know I should have been scared by the sight before me but Goddess knows I wasn't. I couldn't help but blame Leona for how I was feeling. The embarrassment, when all eyes landed on me, left me with the incapability to look any of them in the eye as they could smell my desire for my mate.

Bruce gave me a knowing smirk and nudged me towards the reason my face resembled a tomato. My day was going so well. I had the time of my life shopping online with Leona. We bought everything we thought I would need and some articles I don't think I will wear. It was really fun. We were looking at some leather pants for Blaze because according to my dear friend, his ass would be great in them. I couldn't agree more even though Leona would never find out.

All of a sudden, Leona was finding it hard to breathe and Azure as well. I didn't know what was going on until Leona mentioned something must have been wrong with Blaze.

Upon getting close to Blaze, I called his name and asked if he was okay. Of course my voice was trembling and I had no idea why. He looked at me and if it was even possible, he seemed to get angrier. I held his arm and asked him to calm down.

"He said he is going to take you away from me." When Blaze said that, I could have laughed. Why on earth would Beta Turpin want anything to do with me?

But I had a very angry Alpha on my plate that I needed to take care of.

"Nobody is going to take me from you."

That was all he needed to hear for him to let go of Beta Turpin and take me into his embrace. He buried his nose in the juncture between my neck and shoulder.

That did not at all help with my situation. It was hard to be in the same room with the people who so easily turned me away a few years back. There was a dark feeling overtaking my chest area, consuming my whole being. It threatened to take me back to the state I was in when I left the pack. I didn't want to return to that headspace wherein I couldn't help but pity myself, questioning the circumstances.

I had to remind myself that I was here now. And my concern was with Blaze. They did not matter for I was not ready to hold any type of conversation with them. I often had a passing thought, wondering how it would have felt to see them again – my parents. Would I subject myself to resentment?

Having Blaze so close to me, touching me and holding me in his arms made me feel some sort of way. His nose brushed along the length of my neck and I had to stop myself from sighing in utter contentment! His grip grew firm and I got lost in his masculine scent, my hands holding onto his shoulders in their own volition.

It was silent in the room. But I could not care less.

My senses were solely focused on my Alpha, who made me feel so much physically just from being in close proximity to him.

Then, we heard someone clear their throat, bursting the bubble that had acted as a blanket around us. I tried to step away from Blaze, feeling the heat rise to my head. He seized me by the waist, his wolf probably feeling possessive, considering the things he'd told me when I got here. The corners of my lips were twitching. I was beyond embarrassed, my gaze fixated on the flooring.

"Sophia sweetheart," an all too familiar voice sounded, making my whole body go rigid.

It felt a lot like being brought back down to earth. As much as I tried to tell myself otherwise, I was painfully aware that this was the last place I wanted to be. My desire to speak to my mother was close to nothing.

I heard slow footsteps before her feet were in my line of sight. Lifting my gaze, I found myself looking back into her eyes. A plethora of emotions were apparent on her face but one remained prominent and that was relief. She tried to touch me but I recoiled. Hurt instantly clouded her face.

If it wasn't for Blaze holding me, I have no idea what I would have done.

"Sophia, I missed you so much. In fact, we missed you. This isn't exactly the preferred place to hold this conversation but I've waited for way too long. My patience is running thin. For the past three years, your father and I have been looking for you. I want to apologise for not being the mother you wanted when life presented you with an obstacle," she began, tears gathering in her eyes.

Her words did not affect me. I was saddened and hurt, yes, but her words didn't get to me. Despite wanting to say something, my mind could not formulate even a single sentence. It was beyond me.

Blaze must have sensed my discomfort because he pulled me closer to him. "She's clearly uncomfortable so please leave."

"How can you possibly say that?" Beta Turpin questioned with a slight cough. "She is our daughter!"

"Now you can suddenly remember that she is your daughter?!" Blaze fumed. "And because you are such an amazing father, you should know when your daughter is uncomfortable! Clearly, you don't. So please step out before I do something I will regret."

"Do you know—"

Caleb, whom I had completely forgotten about, herded our father to the door, the latter reluctantly moving. "Let it be, Dad. Remember Blaze here is the Alpha," he said as they stepped out.

My mother looked at me as she went to the door, perhaps hoping I would tell her stay. I didn't. Bruce sent us a smile as he exited as well.

Blaze turned to me, the hand that was previously holding my waist going to cup my cheek gently. "Are you feeling okay, baby? You look a bit pale."

I hummed, nodding. "I'm feeling fine. I just… wasn't expecting them to speak to me. I'm not ready," I said truthfully, hoping these few words were enough to explain how I was currently feeling.

"Are you sure? You seem conflicted."

I smiled at him and it was genuine, placing my hand over his on my cheek. "I'm fine," I said and he gave me a look, drawing a laugh out of me. "For real. As we both know, your mother asked us to have dinner with them tonight and I didn't want this whole thing to ruin my mood."

"Nervous, are we?"

"I wouldn't say nervous but close enough," I said and gasped when his arms found my waist, my front brushing against his. "Blaze," I found myself saying as a fierce blush dusted over my cheeks.

In response to this, he brushed his lips against mine, smiling. "You are so strong, baby," he whispered.

"Where is this coming from?"

He pressed his lips more insistently against mine. The feel of his lips moving against mine was still very much new. I felt something go aflutter in my stomach and decided I like the feeling. Separating our lips, he said, "Why don't you stay to find out?"

I gently pushed him away. "Nice try, Mister, but I seriously need to go and prepare. I'll see you later."

****************