“Oh, I’m no slacker,” she quipped, winking up at him. “I’ll show you that!”
Cody knew that. If she had his DNA in her then he was one hundred percent certain of that fact, but today was going to be the first day of the rest of their lives as father and daughter. A day to remember and it would be etched in his memory for eternity.
~ Chapter Seven ~
When they got downstairs Cody showed her around, the first thing he noticed was the intensity that she took everything in. She didn’t just glance over things. Cordy focused on every little detail, nodding and asking questions when she didn’t quite understand something.
She had a sharp mind and was obviously very intelligent and when the first delivery arrived, she mucked right in, helping him with no question and not a moan passing her lips. It was him that forced her to pause for a drink of soda, her eyes twinkling and teasing him that he must be getting old if he needed a rest.
When the second delivery was due, he realized he had to ask her something, because it was someone he knew well and they were sure to ask who she was, or be expected to be introduced. So, he stopped and turned to her, nervous as hell with his belly in knots, and the words sticking in his throat.
“Cordy, hmm, can I ask you something?”
He stopped, because, yeah, the words just stuck there, refusing to come out.
“What?” She tilted her head, frowning. “What’s wrong? You look sick, or something.”
“It’s just that the next delivery, well, it’s . . .” He stopped again, his heart beating way too fast, sweat beading his upper lip, and damn it, he felt like he had when he was about to sign on the dotted line for this place . . . and that had been the biggest day in his life. Until now.
“What? Spit it out.” Cordy leaned against the bar, sipping her soda. “You look just like Buck Donnelly when we were eleven and he wanted to take me to the school dance. He literally looked just like you do right now.”
Cody couldn’t believe she’d just said that. He burst out laughing, tension leaking away, his head shaking. “Look, the next delivery is someone I know and they’re gonna see you and ask who you are. So, what I wanted to ask you is . . .”
Cordy jumped in before he could finish. “How you introduce me? Is that it? You want to know whether to tell people who I am?”
Her face paled for a second before her cheeks blushed, her eyes lowered, and then her head nodded. “I get it. It’s okay, you don’t want the town gossiping about you and your business. That’s fine. Just say I’m a family friend visiting. I’m okay with that.”
She turned away from him, walking back toward the hallway that led upstairs. Her entire body stiff as she went. Her words said one thing but everything else about her screamed something else entirely.
What the hell just happened? Cody’s head snapped from side to side, his voice booming as he called after her, “Cordy! Get back here, right this minute!”
She faltered, her body stilling, shoulders drooping for a second before he saw them straightening, her spine stiffening and she spun around, her face tight as she glowered at him. “What? I’m going upstairs so you can hide your dirty secret! Isn’t that what you want?”
Cody couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Had he given her that idea? Had his words conveyed that? His tone? His body language? Fuck no.
“Come back here, now,” he ordered, not able to stop his body vibrating and his voice lowering as every emotion under the goddamn sun flowed through him. Cordy’s lips pulled back, her teeth showing as she snarled at him but she took a few steps back toward him.
“Well? Isn’t that what’s going on?” she snapped. Her words full of hurt and her eyes starting to brim with unshed tears.
He shook his head, taking a calming breath before he closed the distance between them, towering over her, he attempted to sort out her misconception before this went any further. “No. That is definitely not what’s going on. You’ve misunderstood what I meant and if you’d just listen I’d tell you what I do want.”
She shrugged, fighting against her tears, not saying anything so he carried on.
“I’d like to respect your wishes in all of this, so I didn’t want to just go ahead and introduce you as my daughter to people without your permission. I was about to ask if that was okay with you, but you obviously misunderstood and had a hissy fit before I finished. So, Cordy, I’m asking you right out. Can I tell people you’re my daughter? Is that okay with you? Or, don’t you want that to be known? The decision is yours.”
He saw her flinch, his words hitting her and he saw when she realised exactly what he’d said. Her body started to shake, quiver, and finally drips broke free to fall down her cheeks. Cody desperately wanted to reach out to her, but he sensed a battle going on inside her and he wasn’t sure what to do. Would she reject him? Or accept his comforting embrace?
Fuck it! He couldn’t just do nothing while she was in pain . . . and that was exactly what was happening. He could sense it, scent it as it rolled off her in waves to encompass him, strangling him with her anguish as her fisted hand shot to her mouth while she attempted to stifle a sob. No. He refused to stand by and watch her as she battled whatever demons rampaged through her . . . she was his fucking daughter!
No matter that they’d just met, he could feel her, his Wolf could sense hers, so he closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against his chest, patting her back awkwardly. “Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I don’t need to tell anyone anything. I can just say you’re a friend’s daughter that’s visiting if that’s what you’d prefer.”
He tried to soothe her, the tears that flowed freely now making him feel . . . things he had no name for. With no time to process them as Cordy punched his chest, hard, followed by a laugh. A laugh? What the hell? She’d been crying a moment ago and now she was laughing? Okay, now he definitely needed a handbook because he sure as hell had no idea what was going on.
“You didn’t upset me.” She sniffled, pulling back and giving him a shy smile. “I’m happy, well, I’m overcome with all sorts of emotion, but I’m not upset, promise.”
Cody ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. “I’ve no idea what’s going on. You were crying and I definitely got the scent of, well, it smelled like anguish and a host of other emotions. Shoot, do kids come with a manual? I think I need one, ‘cause I definitely thought I’d upset you.”
She looked up at him, her eyes twinkling. “No manual, not that I know of.”
“So . . . is that a yes or a no? Because they’ll be here shortly and I don’t want to muck this up and have you bursting into tears again.”
“Yes.” Cordy blushed, her cheeks reddening. “I’d like people to know I’m your daughter, but only if you’re cool with that. How will you explain it? I don’t want you feeling embarrassed or anything and what about the Pack? Will your Alpha have to be told? Won’t he have something to say about this? Shit, I’ve not thought this through, have I? I shouldn’t have just turned up here.”
Cordy nibbled on her nail, turning away to pace back and forth, obviously worried and concerned. To Cody she looked much younger now, a feeling settled deep inside him, one he wasn’t quite sure of but which seemed to be taking root and filling him up as he watched her. The concern she was showing, for him, was touching and that brought a lump to his throat, one he had to swallow several times to get rid of before he reached out to stop her as she passed by him.
“It’s going to be all right, Cordy, calm down.” He held her in place. “The Pack will accept you and so will Chad, our Alpha, and as for me being embarrassed, I can assure you that’s not going to happen.”
“Hey, Cody, can you help me?”
~ Chapter Eight ~
Cody saw Cordy flinch as they were interrupted, his voice lowering to reassure her. “It’s fine, come and meet Connie and Rocky.”
She stalled, so much so that he had to pull her for the first few steps until he got h
er moving. Connie battled with the door as she tried to get it open wide enough to get through it while holding onto her son, Gerry’s, hand as well as a box in the other. Rocky, her mate was behind her, his arms full and unable to offer her assistance.
“Coming, Connie, hold on.”
Little Gerry saw him, squealing and breaking free to make a run for him. “Cody!”
Connie, now with a free hand, managed the door while he dropped down to pick up the errant child and swing him around while he giggled. “Hey, little guy, how’re you doin’?”
“Good, Cody! Mama wouldn’t lemme have a cookie for brekkie!”
Gerry’s lips pouted, glaring over at his mom as she and Rocky came in and deposited the baked goods from their bakery, Heavenly Scents, on the bar. She shook her head, giving him a stern look.
“No cookies for breakfast, Gerry! How many times do you have to be told?” She turned to Cody, then saw Cordy, smiling as she walked over. “Hi, you’re new here. I’m Connie, that little monster is Gerry, and the big monster is Rocky.”
Rocky, who was indeed huge, was a Lion shifter. He liked to keep to himself but was friendly enough and totally besotted with Connie and their son. He gave a nod, a small smile and a brief, “Hi.”
“Don’t mind him.” Connie sighed theatrically. “He’s a Lion and they like to be on their own. Not like Wolves at all!”
Cordy looked a bit rattled by Connie’s exuberance, and he wasn’t surprised. She could be a little over the top at first if you didn’t know her, but she was a good friend and had a good heart.
Cody went over to do the introductions, hoping Connie didn’t freak out too much when he revealed who Cordy was. “Connie, you know I love you, but please, just stay calm when I tell you who this is. Okay?”
Connie turned to look up at him, blond hair flying over her shoulder and her brows crinkled as she tried to look put out . . . and failed. “Cody, I’ve no idea what you mean by that.”
Rocky ambled up, his arms snaking around his mate, chuckling. “Yeah, you do, darling.”
“Oh, shut up, you. You’re supposed to be on my side.” She swatted Rocky’s arm. “Okay, I’m cool, calm, and collected.”
Cody handed Gerry back to his father before going to stand next to Cordy, his arm looping around her shoulder. When he did, Connie’s eyes widened, her hand shot up and she blurted, “No, don’t say a word . . . hmm, the eyes are the same. Exactly the same, now that’s strange. There’s something else too, no, don’t say anything, Cody.” She paused, canting her head to the side and looking at them both, inhaling deeply before blurting out. “You’re related, oh my goodness . . . you’re his . . .”
Cordy finished the sentence, albeit a little timidly. “Daughter.”
Rocky exhaled loudly. “Well, damn, I didn’t expect that this morning.”
Connie squealed before rushing forward, crushing Cordy in a hug. “Well, hi, Cody’s daughter! Welcome, welcome, welcome!”
“Let her go, Connie! You’re gonna scare her off and she’s only just got here.” Cody actually thought she might, Cordy stood poker straight, looking down at the smaller woman, her eyes wide and surprised.
Connie stepped back, grinning. “Sorry, I’m just excited.”
“Hi,” Cordy gave her a wave. “I’m Cordy.”
“Cordy? Wow, take the ‘r’ out and that’s Cody.”
“I’d noticed that too,” he said.
“So, when did you get here? How long will you be here? And . . .”
“Enough already.” Cody shook his head. “Cordy arrived last night and she’ll be here for as long as she wants to be. And before you ask, it’s a long story and no, I didn’t know about her. If I had we would’ve been in touch before now. That’s all the questions we’re prepared to answer for now. I’ll have to talk to Chad about some issues so we’re not going to talk about anything else until that’s been sorted. And, Connie, I’d appreciate if you didn’t say anything until I’ve had a chance to talk to him first.”
Connie shrugged. “Okay, I promise I won’t say a word, and if you want me to show you around, Cordy, come find me. I’m usually at the bakery and if not then Rocky can point you to where I am.”
“Thanks,” Cordy replied, smiling.
Connie’s easy-going and friendly manner rubbing off and setting her at ease, which was just what Cody was hoping for.
“Right, I’ve got work to do . . . first order of business is to call Chad. Thanks for the delivery, guys. See you tomorrow.”
“No problem.” Rocky hefted Gerry to his other side as he wriggled around, moaning about cookies.
“No cookie until after dinner,” Connie chastised. “We go through this every day.” She laughed at Cordy. “Just because we have a bakery he thinks he can have them whenever he wants.”
“It must be tough . . . I’d be the same.” Cordy winked at Gerry and he giggled back at her before hiding his face in his father’s neck.
“See you later.” Connie waved as they left, Rocky handed Gerry to her as she got to the door, and hanging back.
“I’ll catch up, baby, just need to check something with Cody.”
Cody waited, wondering what he wanted as they had a standing order that rarely changed unless they were having a private function that warranted a larger purchase.
Rocky came back, stalling until he was obviously sure Connie was out of earshot before he said anything. “You know I’ve always been grateful for the help you gave when Connie and I first met. No need to rehash that, and I’m not prying now, but if you need my help, Cody, just call. I’m just a few minutes away and I’ll be here straight away. No questions asked. You have my number . . . hell, just freaking yell and I’ll hear you.”
Cody was shocked. More than shocked. It was more words in one go that he’d heard from Rocky in almost all the time he’d known him. Apart from when the Lion spoke to Connie, he was quiet and rarely interacted with many people. He was friendly with Cody, it wasn’t that he was hostile or anything. It was just his way.
For him to hang back and talk to him like this. To offer him his help in this manner . . . it touched Cody in a way nothing else would. He expected it from his Pack. That was normal. His Pack would rally around any member in need. He expected it of his own people, his staff. But for Rocky, this quiet mammoth of a man, who kept to himself and rarely interacted with Wolves, to come to him and offer his strength and power, well, shit, it touched him deeply.
“Thank you, Rocky. I appreciate that more than you know.” Cody stepped forward, giving him a one arm hug, albeit an awkward one. “I hope it’s not required, but the situation is complicated and I’m not certain of anything at this point. If I need you then I’ll definitely make the call. You’re nearer than anyone else, even my own people.”
“I’m aware of that.” Rocky nodded. “That’s why I offered. I know Wolves have good ears, but mine are even better. Not boasting, Cody, it’s just fact, so I mean it when I say I’ll hear it if you’re in trouble and you need me. Cordy”—he turned to her—“if it’s needed, scream for me as loudly as you can and I’ll come. Okay?”
Cordy nodded. “I will . . . thank you.”
“Not needed.” Rocky shrugged, turned on his heel and left without saying another word.
“Wow,” Cordy exhaled. “He’s intense, and kind, and scary.”
“All of the above,” Cody agreed. “But if we’re in trouble, I’m telling you this, he’ll be one hell of an asset. Have you ever seen a Lion shifter? Or what they’re capable of?”
“No.” Cordy shook her head, her eyes flitting to the door Rocky had disappeared through.
“I’ve seen him and what he did to the Wolf who tried to take Connie from him.” Cody exhaled loudly. “I’ve never seen such devastation, and if you think he’s big now, shoot, his Lion would scare the pants off you.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Cordy shook her head. “And I’m glad he’s on our side.”
“Me too.” Cody tugged his phone out
. “I’m gonna call Chad and let him know about you.”
“Okay.” She gave him a look that was filled with apprehension and something else . . . hope.
“It’ll be fine, but I do need to let him know that there could be repercussions in case this Morton asshole comes around, or worst case scenario, your Alpha gets in on the act.”
“Oh.” Her face fell, paling as his words hit home. “I didn’t think of that.”
“Let me talk to Chad before we start worrying.”
He could hear her heart speeding up as she started to panic and he hated he’d done that. Fuck. He should’ve kept his mouth shut and spoken to Chad first before mentioning anything. Damn. Once again, he’d done something wrong.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you. Please calm down, we’ll work it out. I promise I won’t let them take you back. If you want to stay here then that’s what I’ll make happen. Somehow.”
She turned her eyes up to his, longing in hers as she nodded. “Okay.”
That one word held so much in it. Her whole future and it was a heavy load to bear. One he had to take on as her father. A role he’d not known he’d be stepping into twenty-four hours ago and one that scared him senseless. He couldn’t let her down. He’d spoken those words to allay her fears, even as his own swamped him, but he would not let her down. No matter what it took, he would do as he promised.
All he had to do was convince his Alpha to back him.
~ Chapter Nine ~
Cody hung up, grinning like an idiot as he rushed back to find his daughter. Not quite believing the conversation he’d just had.
Pushing through into the bar, he glanced around, expecting to find her pacing and looking worried, but she was nowhere to be seen. His heart sped up, concern rising as a hundred different scenarios sped through his mind. None of them good.
What if that no-good asshole Clyde Morton had arrived and grabbed her? Or her Alpha? Shoot, he was too busy talking to Chad that he hadn’t been on alert. Anything could’ve happened to Cordy and she could’ve been bundled into the back of a truck and whisked away while he was chatting.
Cody's Second Chance: Bad Alpha Dads (Silver Streak Pack Book 3) Page 5
