Living the Future

Chapter 26 - Panic in the office.

A staring contest ensued between my dad and I. Neither of us knowing where to start aside from him uttering for me to have a seat.

“I honestly am not sure where to start.” My dad said shaking his head. I shrugged at him not knowing myself what to say or even come about the conversation. “Let’s start over.” My dad sighed.

“I’m sorry for acting the way I did.” I said and my dad nodded.

“I know you’re angry. I just want to understand why.” My dad said softly.

“I’m not angry. I get angry when people pressure me into all these talks when there’s nothing to talk about. Everyone bugs me until I do have a problem.” I said as he nodded.

“Josh I know your brother and sister are different from you. Barion’s destined to be king and your sister’s magical ability is only matched by your mother, but I have never ever treated you any differently. I have made it my goal to never do that.” My dad said and I sighed.

“I know. You’re going to mention grandma and how she favored Uncle James.” I said like a broken record.

“It’s true, and that’s why I’ve always tried to never make you feel like you weren’t special too.” My dad smiled at me and I couldn’t help but crack a small smile. “There you are Josh! Now, I don’t even know what to say about the next part.” My dad slightly threw up his hands.

“Which part?” I knew what he was getting at. He dropped his hands and looked at me with a knowing look.

“Josh your mother told me Daisy was in bed with you.” He said and I smiled looking down.

“She was just comforting me because I had a hard day.” I said not meeting his eye.

“Listen, I was young once. I understand, but also you’re not mate bonded. I didn’t start mate bonding with your mother until after the bond was established and then I would visit her.” My dad clicked his fingers. “Uncle James!” He said and I looking at him quizzically.

“What about him?” I asked.

“Well, he dated your aunt Madison for a very long time. When they didn’t mate bond, he went a little erratic. That could happen to you.” My dad said as if he was trying to scare me.

“She’s just a friend. I’m not trying to date her or mate bond with her.” I said and my dad watched me.

“Does she know that?” He asked and I started to think. “Josh?” I was starting to panic. “Oh goddess.” I could feel my breath becoming rapid.

“What is it?” I heard behind me.

“Calm your brother down.” My dad pointed at me.

“What did you do to him?” Lydia asked as she put her hands on me and I started to feel calm.

“I only mentioned Daisy and mate bonds.” Dad said.

“Ohhhh, I heard he will only talk to Andy about that.” Lydia said and squeezed my shoulders. I jumped up and she looked at me. “What the hell!?”

“What are you talking about!? What did he say!?” I wasn’t sure what to say or do.

“He only said you guys talked about stuff! He didn’t say what it was about! Oh my gosh, I’m going.” Lydia left and my dad stared at me.

“Well I have to go apologize to Declan.” I must’ve looked like I was struck by Zeus’s thunderbolt because my dad smiled and motioned for me to sit. I slowly sat down.

“So son, have you been safe?” He said and I jumped up.

“Bye.” I grabbed the door.

“Josh.” My dad called to me.

“Can we not talk about this. I don’t want to talk about this.” I said looking back.

“We have to talk about it. You have that Alpha blood son. Sometimes even birth control doesn’t work. Look at your sister!” He said and then laughed.

“Gross dad.” I said disgusted.

“I can have mom talk to her mom about birth control.” He offered.

“No! Dad no.” I took a deep breath. “Please, I don’t want to be embarrassed. I have to work with her dad.” I said and he nodded.

“It would be more awkward to work with her dad, if she got pregnant and you guys weren’t mates.” He said matter of factly.

“Oh goddess.” I covered my face.

“I’ll send Jensen to the store for you. He’s going to be so upset.” My dad laughed as he picked up the phone and pressed a button.

“I have to go.” I said jumping up and walking out. I hurried out the front pack house doors. I made my way to Daisy’s house. I went to knock and the door opened.

“Your dad said you were on your way.” Uncle Dec stood there.

“I c-came to a-apologize.” I said stumbling over my words.

“Come in Josh.” Uncle Dec moved aside. I hesitated and then walked in. He put his hand on my shoulder. “It’s big of you to come apologize. Thank you.” He pat my back as he led me to the kitchen. “Have dinner with us.” He motioned to the chair across from Daisy. I slowly went and sat down. Slowly dying inside from talking to my dad and then worrying mom was going to find out and tell Daisy’s mom.

“Josh?” Aunt Madison’s voice took me out of my trance.

“Yes!” I said quickly.

“You ok? You seem tense.” Aunt Madison asked looking at me concerned.

“I’m perfect.” I chuckled and looked at all of them staring at me.

“He’s freaking out about something.” Daisy said.

“I’m not mad Josh. I understand we all have our moments.” Uncle Dec reached over and squeezed my shoulder lightly shaking me.

“Okay, that makes me feel better.” I took a deep breath and looked at the food in front of me. I wasn’t sure what I was looking at, but I planned to choke it down.