Fifteen minutes later, Anthony and my Dad came into the room as I was burping Austin. Mom took Austin so I could eat my ice cream. Dad had a serious look on his face which meant he had something he wanted to talk to me about. All I could think about was what was going on now?
“Melanie, do you have a few minutes to talk? I want Anthony here as well so we can have a frank conversation and come to an agreement,” advised Dad.
“Okay. I do have some time. Can I eat my chocolate ice cream while we have the conversation or should I wait until later? I just finished feeding Austin. He should be going back to sleep-which Mom just soothed him into,” I noted as I took another spoonful of ice cream.
“Yes, you can enjoy your ice cream while we talk. I know the topic of Michael is not an easy topic for you. I’m sorry Mellie. I know he is the reason you are currently eating ice cream. But we may have to order you a gallon of ice cream after this conversation,” declared Dad.
I just looked at my Dad and Anthony. Clearly, Anthony was as confused as I was because he just shrugged his shoulders when I looked at him.
“Melanie, I have had an opportunity to talk with both Daniel and Rebecca regarding them not only moving to Europe but also taking over the position of Duke from Vladimir,” declared Dad.
“Okay … And?” I waited for the rest to be said.
“Daniel is okay with moving to Europe and assuming the position of Duke from Vladimir but he doesn’t want to alienate Rebecca from her family. Her family means the world to her. Growing up, they were really close and when she became mated to Danny, she had to move away from them. She hasn’t had the opportunity to visit them as often as Danny promised she would. They haven’t been able to come visit her as well,” explained Dad as he paused to take a breath.
I suddenly knew where this conversation was going. Rebecca didn’t want to move to Europe and be further away from her family.
“Rebecca is afraid that if they move to Europe and Danny takes the position of Duke, then she won’t ever see her family again. Now, she only sees her family maybe once or twice every other year. She misses them. She doesn’t want to live on a different continent than them,” explained Dad with a long sigh.
“I can understand that Dad. So, what you’re telling me is that Danny wants me to take the position from Uncle Vladimir and he takes my position. Am I correct?” I asked my Dad.
“Essentially, yes. I personally don’t think that its fair to you that you should have to vacate the role of Delta of the Brookwood Pack because its yours by birthright. Daniel was always meant to be the Duke, not you,” declared Dad.
“Is it also because I have only grandparents left that I would miss when we move to Europe?” inquired Anthony with a frown on his face.
“Well, Rebecca did mention that yes. But I told her that having a small family was not fair of her to bring up. This is a mess. Why can’t Danny just make Rebecca accept the role of Dutchess and be done with it?” fumed Dad as he sighed exasperatedly.
“Dad, let me and Anthony talk for a little bit-alone. Please. We will have to discuss this privately. When do we have to let you know,” I asked him with a solemn look on my face.
“As soon as you can. Take your time. Lunch will be ready soon. Why don’t your Mom and I leave you two alone for a little while? Okay?” suggested Dad with a slight hesitation in his voice like he wasn’t sure that was a good idea.
“Whatever you want to do Dad is fine by me. My day went downhill the moment Sophia mentioned the ‘trial’ so whatever …” I said as my bottom lip started to quiver and tears started to trickle down my face.
Anthony was quick to place me on his lap. I wrapped my arms around his neck. He rubbed my back and was shushing me. I hated that I had to think about Michael. I needed to get all my emotions out now and not while I was in front of him. I didn’t need to look ‘weak’ in front of him because I was not weak by any stretch of the imagination.
I sobbed on Anthony’s shoulder for a good twenty minutes. I needed to get it all out. Mom and Dad didn’t leave. They stayed there to offer moral and emotional support if I needed it. Also, to help out with Austin if he wakes up. Dad’s phone pinged with a message announcing that lunch was being served and for us to join them. He sent a message asking if our lunch could be sent to my room since I was not doing very well (emotionally) right now. It was being sent to our room.
Thanks, Dad for having my back-always. Once I stopped crying-er sobbing, I went to the bathroom and washed my face. Then, I came out to have some lunch. My eyes were red and puffy from crying my eyes out. I looked a mess but I didn’t care. I slowly ate my lunch which made everyone happy. I was told we needed to go back to the conference room so we could finish the meeting.
Mom said she would let me know when Austin woke up again for his next feeding. I gave her a bear hug and a kiss. I thanked her for her pep talk before we left. Anthony wrapped his arm around my waist and guided me to the conference room.
‘My love, are you feeling alright? What can I do for you?” Anthony softly asked in our link.
‘Just continue to hold me, my love. I feel vulnerable and exposed right now. My head is starting to hurt. All I want to do is crawl into a dark corner and hide but that wouldn’t solve anything would it?’ I replied to him.
‘No, it wouldn’t. I’ll continue to hold you and protect you, my love. Always. I love you more than anything. Remember that,’ cooed Anthony as he stopped and kissed me gently on the lips.
“Dad, can you please get some headache medicine for Melanie? Her head is starting to hurt. I want to make sure it doesn’t go into a migraine,” advised Anthony.
“I will get it right now. Be right back,” advised Dad as he walked away from the conference room.
‘Baby, did you want to take your Uncle’s position and move to Europe? Is that something you would want to do? If you would like to do it, I have no problem with it. I just want you to know upfront that whatever you decide it’s okay with me,’ Anthony shared as he looked me in the eyes with nothing but love and adoration.
‘Thank you, my love. We can talk about this later. I will not make a decision without us talking about it together. Let’s go in so we can finish this meeting, shall we?’ I contended as Anthony opened the door for us.
‘Yes, we shall my dear because you need to have an easy afternoon of it,’ replied Anthony.
I guess Sophia wasn’t expecting to see me looking like I was because she quickly came over to me and wrapped me up in a bear hug.
“Mellie?! What’s wrong? Are you okay?” she shrieked as she saw me.
“I’m doing better Sophia. Calm down, I’ll be okay,” I said as I was trying to calm her down.
“She was upset during the break and cried. I’m going to hold her if that is okay with you Queen Sophia. She is still upset,” cried out Anthony who was standing behind Queen Sophia and me.
“Yes, that will be perfectly okay. Why is she so upset may I ask?” Sophia asked Anthony.
“The ‘trial’ tomorrow. It has brought back some bad memories all at once,” Anthony explained to everyone in the room.
“It’s a little hard to explain. I’m sorry I’m being emotional. I’m doing better, I promise,” I sniffled as I sat down on Anthony’s lap and inhaled his scent.
“Do not apologize. You take your time to gather your thoughts. It’s all right Melanie. You have nothing to apologize for. Do you hear me?” admonished Uncle Vladimir softly.
“Yes sir, I do,” I replied as I half smiled at him.
At that time, Dad walked into the conference room with my headache medicine. Uncle Vladimir raised an eyebrow when Dad opened the container and gave me two pills along with some water to take them with. He just watched me. He didn’t say a word. Everyone took their seats and watched me for the next few minutes.