Welcome back,
In this chapter, Mari turns eighteen. Everyone comes home for her party. Phillip talks with his dad and makes a discovery.
Happy reading. IR2R
*****
"Happy Birthday, Mari," greeted Marisol when she rose the next morning. Because it was her birthday, she had a day off from her duties. Momma made her favorite breakfast, pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream. Poppa was up, dressed in his uniform looking as handsome as ever. Marisol didn't feel any different, She often thought when she became if age she'd know, be different somehow.
"Thank you, Momma, Poppa," she whispered. The twins came down and hugged their big sister. Kayla and Jaden, her mom's little brother and sister, were with them and they greeted her enthusiastically. Mari looked around and noticed that Rosita was missing.
"Oh, she's just getting dressed. Give her a few minutes," Momma said. But secretly Jules was a bit worried about her. Lately, Rosita had become even more withdrawn. The closer it came the time for Marisol to go to school. The more she seemed to withdraw.
"I'll get her Momma. They still have school today." she reminded them
Marisol went to Rosita's door and knocked. Rosita didn't answer. She tested the knob and the door was locked. She knocked again, more forcibly. "Go away." She heard a muffled cry. Concerned, Marisol knocked once more.
"Rosita, open up." She pleaded.
No answer still. Julianne joined her and both women called for the young girl to let them in. Soon Rosita opened the door. She had been crying, and Jules was instantly concerned.
"It's nothing, Momma. Marisol will leave in two months and she will forget me. She's an adult now, and she doesn't need me around anymore." Rosita wept silently.
Marisol hugged her sister. "Rosita, you are my sister. I will always need you. We will be together no matter how old I get. I am going to school, but I will come home for visits and you can come to Louisiana too. Grandma and Grandpa Love it when you visit, remember." Mari reminded her.
Rosita smiled. She knew Marisol believed what she was saying and she hoped it was true. But she knew she'd meet new people, more interesting people. She might not want to come home as much. Benny didn't and he promised not to forget her too. He did. Last night, he barely spoke with her before running off with his friends. She also knew that she was not the favorite daughter, Marisol was. Oh her parents loved her. They loved all of them, but Mari was special. She was the oldest, the first daughter. Rosita was not jealous of her sister, in fact, knowing how she sacrificed her self years ago to protect them made her love her even more. She just worried. Sometimes, Marisol had nightmares, and she would help her. Now that she was eighteen, she wouldn't need her anymore. That hurt and she hated thinking such dismal thoughts. She had no doubt that her sister loved her; she just dreaded the thought of being forgotten.
"Feel better now?" Marisol asked. Rosita nodded. She didn't want her sister to feel bad, so she kept her true thoughts and feelings buried. Soon the three women joined BJ and the others for breakfast. BJ smiled as they entered. His mate, his life, Julianne was radiant. She always made him grin like a silly fool. Then he noticed Marisol, his oldest child. She was amazing and now she was an adult. Finally he noticed Rosita. She smiled, but he saw a hint of sadness in her eyes. His smile faltered, but he recovered and greeted all three ladies with a tight embrace. "Hey beautiful," he said to his mate. "Happy birthday sweetness," he greeted Marisol. "Hey sunshine," he said to Rosita, bring a slightly upward turn of her lips. "Hey Daddy" she whispered and returned his hug. BJ looked deep in Rosita's eyes. Something was wrong. He knew his kids. She was hiding something, and he suspected that he knew what it was.
He was always connected to his three oldest children. He was one of the first officers to find them when their mother was murdered and recognize them as wolves. They bonded instantly and he became their father. It was that bond that helped him understand what each child needed as they grew. Marisol was the oldest and she bore some deep wounds from witnessing the death of her mother. She protected the younger two, but that didn't mean that they didn't suffer. Rosita was the second oldest, and she always appeared to be happy.
He would spend time with each child and he knew her. She was afraid and trying to hide it. He knew she held a deep hurt and he needed to reassure her that she was loved and had no need to fear anything.
Looking at the clock on the wall, he knew he had to report to his precinct. "Man another long day. Ladies, I'm out. Rosa, will you walk your old man to the car?"
"Yes Papa," she replied.
He walked out with his daughter and spoke to her. "Rosita, I know something is bothering you. I think I know what it is. Love, look at me. You are my daughter, my little girl. You have a piece of my heart that no one can ever take away. Your mother and I are here for you. We love you so much, my little Rose. Remember that." He hugged her close. "I know it's your sister's birthday, but we will spend tomorrow together alright. I'd love to go fishing at the lake, and I need someone to bait the hooks." He teased. Then he laughed because the look of disgust on his daughter's face was priceless. He kissed her temple, and showered her with love. Rosita felt her father's warmth surround her and she was secure in the moment. She hugged BJ back and he had one more request. "Be a good girl today and help Momma. Keep an eye out for your big sister and remember, you have nothing to fear."
"I love you, Papa." She whispered.
"Love you too, sweetness," he replied before climbing into his car and driving off.
Babe, Rosa needs you. I know it's Mari's day, but do something special with her.
BJ sent to his mate.
I will. Now you be safe. Love you.
Julianne replied.
BJ climbed into his car and headed to work. Julianne worked from her home office. She checked for messages and decided that she'd get Rosita to help her get things ready for the party. They'd shop, and she'd buy her something special. Although it was Marisol's birthday, she was determined that Rosita never felt inferior.
Heaven and Neveah wanted to go to Kyra's. Kayla and Jayden wanted to go as well. Marisol knowing her sister needed time with their mom volunteered to take the younger ones, besides she needed to talk with Aunt Kyra again. Her meeting with Zeke confused her. Maybe her aunt could help her reactions make sense.
*****
Knox and Zeke got up early. They were here with the Gaines Alphas, but they still filled in with Beta duties as well. Knox watched his friend. "You're too quiet. What's going on man? It's her, Marisol, isn't it?"
Zeke knew Knox. He was a good friend, but he was a player. He might not understand. So he dismissed his behavior. "Nothing man, I've just decided to act like a grown up. It's about time you acted grown up as well," he added jokingly.
Knox didn't buy it. There was something about this girl. For the past couple of years, Zeke was obsessed with her. He was so obsessed that the Alphas called him on it. Now all of sudden they allowed him come to her compound. Knox had an idea of what was happening, but he wanted to test his theory. Marisol was eighteen today, he'd give her a birthday kiss. If his suspicions were correct, his best friend would try to kick his ass. He prayed he was wrong.
Zeke went about his duties. As he worked, he saw the object of his desire walking with four little ones. Normally, she had class today but because it was her birthday, she had a free day from school. He couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face as she walked. Soon it vanished as a young male approached her. She smiled at the other males and then hugged him. Zeke didn't like this. She was his mate, and no other man had the right to touch her. He was about to confront them when Knox stopped him. "She's your mate, isn't she?" he asked.
Zeke didn't answer. He didn't have to. Knox suspected this all along. He was hurt that his friend didn't trust him. He spoke, "You don't have to answer. I've know since the last time she visited Wildwood. That's why I got you to go out." He exhaled. " I was hoping to get your mind off of her. But she's yours." Knox smiled. The he frowned, "What is the problem, She doesn't want you. Did she reject you?" he asked.
Looking forlorn and sad, Zeke answered, "She doesn't know. She has not recognized me yet. She has no idea that I am her mate. The Alphas asked me to wait four years, but the other day they relented and said I could approach her. The thing is she isn't ready for a mate. Shes still young, just eighteen. She can finally explore and learn about her likes and dislikes." Zeke exhaled.
"This is my punishment for being so indiscriminate with women. I find my mate and I have to wait until she recognizes me. I have to watch her date other males, explore her sexuality, and I can't say a damned thing. If I force the issue, I could hurt her. I'd die before I hurt her."
Knox nodded, "It won't be long. Marisol is very smart and she isn't silly like most young girls. She will recognize you before long. She might know you already. I saw her watching you earlier.
