Chapter 7
Malcom drove the Impala down the gravel road leading up to his grandparent’s ranch. He focused on the road and trying to not get lost in the memories of younger days. Steve sat shotgun and Bucky in the back seat. All three in different suits. Steve in a dark blue with white shirt and black tie. Bucky in a black-on-black look without a tie and a few buttons undone at the collar. Malcom in a blue suit with grey shirt and black tie. As they pulled into the long drive way, he saw quite a few cars and knew there where more people here then he was expecting. He didn’t realize he was pumping nervous pheromones till he felt a warm hand on his thigh. Parking a bit off from the main herd of cars and waiting for the others to pull up before getting out.
“Remember Mal, we are here for you and all you have to do is say the word and we leave. No questions, no fuss. Okay sweetheart?” Steve moved his hand from Mal’s thigh to the back of his neck giving a firm grip.
“I understand. Just don’t take anything Laura or the family might say about me seriously. She hasn’t been in my life since she went to jail and the family since grandma’s funeral.” Steve nodded and Bucky gave Mal’s shoulder a squeeze before they all exited the cars. The rest of the party were in black. Trevor and Tony in suits, Pepper and Clare in dresses and heels giving them more height than they really needed. “Remember y’all this is my mother’s side of the family and they are all a bunch of sharks. They smell fear.” Tony huffed a laugh and held onto Pepper’s hand.
“Lead the way Mal, we got your back.” Mal smiled at his cousin and held out a hand for each of Steve and Bucky.
The house looked okay from the outside. A brick two story house with a wooden wrap around porch that boasted both stairs and a ramp no doubt for a wheel chair or scooter. The same lace curtains he always remembered hanging hung in the windows and a welcome matt had been placed. Next to the open front door was a table that held programs with a photo of his grandfather. The program was the same style his mother had picked for his grandmother and when he picked it up and read it featured the same poem and had his grandfather’s information instead. Listed surviving family and actually lacked his name, but what really made Malcom’s blood boil was the lack of military honors and no mention of his service in WWII.
“Calm omega, we can make sure to reach out to the local V.A. later to get this squared away. I promise.” Bucky whispered and gave a shoulder hug to Mal in hopes of comforting the shaking. Opening the door Mal and the group walked into the open floor of the entry to the home. To the right was the kitchen and dining room off through the back, the left was the main living room and his grandfather’s office. Next to the living room door was stairs leading up to the bedrooms that no doubt had been closed off and not used since his grandma.
“Well, if it isn’t my baby boy. You made it after all!” Malcom froze as he heard a voice he was dreading hearing again. Mal backed away as the short round beta woman breezed up trying to go for a hug, only to be met by two growling alphas blocking her way. Her face fell as she tried to let out her own growl but submitted upon realizing who was in front of her. The room filled with 4 other alpha men seeking to find out who may need reprimanding or protecting. “Stand down I just want to see my son.”
“Malcom doesn’t want you touching him.” Steve’s eyes had gotten the alpha red tinge that higher alpha’s get when provoked or threatened. Or in this case angry.
“I’m his mother, I am entitled to a hug from my son and getting to see him.” This time Pepper stepped up and growled.
“In no way do you get to decide if you get a hug. It’s ultimately Mal’s decision if you can get a hug or any physical contact from him. Considering the last time, you saw him was when you were sentenced for the abuse you put him through, I doubt you will get one.” Laura shrunk and was stuttering in trying to find an excuse.
“No need for violence. This is a funeral for my brother for crying out loud. Last thing he would want is a fight between the two he cared about most. Come on y’all we are starting the ceremony.” An elderly alpha spoke and Mal whispered to Steve and Buck that he was his Great Uncle Melvin, and he was in fact his grandfather’s youngest sibling.
They all moved and stood in a line around the back wall of the spacious living room and focused on the mantle over the fireplace where stood his grandfather’s nephew Adam JR. A table had ben set up in front of the fire place and had flowers and greenery surrounding an urn and a flat screen t.v. had replaced the large painting that once hung over the mantle.
“Thank you all for coming. Today we celebrate the life of Dale Lee Morton, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Dale was born January 16, 1920. He was the second youngest of the Morton children. He is proceeded in death by his parents, older brothers Adam SR and Caleb, Sister Dalia, His wife Mira Jean, an unnamed infant son, and his son in law James Hoffman. He is survived by daughter Laura Jean Morton-Hoffman, grandson Malcom, brothers Tyler and Melvin, his sister Nora, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.
Uncle Dale met his soulmate and later wife Mira Jean in Lincoln Nebraska where he worked as a taxi driver. He adopted Laura Jean shortly after the marriage to Mira Jean and they lived most of their lives in Lincoln until Dale retired from his job as a mechanic for the same cab company he used to drive for and moved him and his wife Mira Jean down to their final home in Miami Oklahoma. Soon after Laura found and married her soul mate and produced Malcom. Uncle Dale loved bird watching, horse riding, wood working, and dancing with his mate.
I want to start the point of opening up the floor to share favorite memories about the old man. My favorite memory of Uncle Dale has to be when he, aunt Mira, and Laura drove up to see us in Iowa and we all went to the state Faire. Uncle Dale and my dad made it a point to see who could win us kids the most stuffed animals at the games. I think me and Laura walked away with about a dozen new stuffed animals and our moms just as many. Never did find out who won out of those two.” Mal had a sour taste in his mouth over the false and unshared info about his grandfather’s life. The family looked around at each other and then a throat cleared.
“I met Dale in the Army during World War Two, we were in the 107th together. We called him Salt as a joke of his last name. He knew how to make a joke out of the smallest thing and bring light to a very dark time for all us boys in the unit. We as many people who pay attention to history know were captured and taken to a work camp not to long into our first few months overseas. Dale kept his cool under the pressure we were led back to our cells after a couple days of work he would share stories of home, mostly of growing up in the middle of nowhere, and his hopes to get home to his first mate and be present for his unborn child. Once we were freed, he chose to go home and be with his family since he had been injured and didn’t want to risk being a burden out in the field. I was glad to call him my friend and wished more than anything he knew how much his stories helped me get through those hard days in the war.” Mal squeezed Bucky’s right hand and reached up to wipe the tear that was running down his stubbled cheek. Mal looked forward and began to speak.
“My grandfather for the longest time was my best friend. When we lived here when my mother and dad were split my grandfather filled the void my father left. He and my grandma would watch me as my mom would be at work or doing what ever it is that a single mom does, he taught me to fish, ride a horse, how to take care of said horse, and read…among other things.
“When I was 6 and came home from school asking about soul mates and going a million miles an hour with what my teacher had said on the topic, my grandfather was the one to answer all my questions. He was the one who sat me down in his office and showed me old documentaries about World War Two, Captain America, and the Howling Commandos. He was the one that broke it to me that my alphas were war heroes the world thought dead.
“As I got older my grandfather protected me from the wrath of my mother multiple times and was one of the key witnesses to stand up for me when the abuse got to be so much it was taken to court and the woman who did the acts of abuse went away. Even if I am soul mate to two super heroes, my grandpa will always be the biggest hero to me.” The tears were being held back as Mal stared down all his family in the room. Mostly the ones who sided with Laura over the years. Mal was so mad and his old feeling of betrayal welled up. The cousins mostly held their heads down trying to not acknowledge they let a lot of abuse happen and not try and help an innocent child. Uncle Melvin had been unaware mostly and had come out of the woodwork to step up as temporary guardian to Mal when his father was in the process of getting his rights back.
“Um I guess now we can start the slide show then say grace and eat.” Adam JR. stated as he grabbed the remote and started messing with the t.v. Malcom gave a quick look at those in attendance with him and all had different looks of pride for him.
The slide show had many photos of Dale through the years by himself, with Mal’s grandmother and mother, and with countless other family members through many different years. Mal was shocked to see a few with him and his grandfather, one was him and his grandfather on a horse when Mal was maybe 5 and the other was at his high school graduation. That photo hit him hard cause it showed how much he had grown to the point of towering over his grandfather by a good 4 inches. He smiled and pointed them out to his alphas and they began giving off proud alpha pheromones and Mal could only stand there and preen.
Grace was said and soon the elders of the family that were still alive went to the table to get food.
“Aren’t the elders to eat first? That means you two right?” Tony walked up and draped an arm around Mal as he pointed a look at Steve and Bucky. Malcom chuckled and noticed the fed up looks on his alphas’ faces.
“Pretty sure there would be an uproar if they did. Don’t think Aunt Nora or Uncle Tyler recognize them and the younger generation sure does. Kind of surprised no one’s said anything. Most of the cousins aren’t afraid to voice their opinions.”
“Excuse me Mr. Hoffman?” a young omega woman with a smart grey pant soot stood next to Trevor. Mal recognized her but couldn’t place where, she had the air of business and spoke with a bit of the local accent.
“That’s me, can I help you?” He noticed at this point that Trevor had on the face he and the friend group had dubbed his work face and seemed to hide behind a mask.
“I’m Stella Redbird, I represent your late grandfather and his estate. Your mother mentioned being ready for the will reading and we need all parties mentioned. Could you and your lawyer follow me?”
“Could I have my group present for this? I don’t want to be around my mother too much alone if I can help it.”
“That’s perfectly understandable and acceptable. Your mother states we will be using Mr. Morton’s old office for this, also be prepared as the will I have requests a video be played and features your grandfather. It’s dated back around the time you graduated high school, if that eases your mind a bit.”
Malcom nodded and with a look to Pepper for reassurance he followed Ms. Redbird and Trevor to his grandfather’s office. Nothing in the room seemed to have changed and it made him wonder where his grandfather had spent his last days or even years. Laura was waiting and seated in the chair on the opposite side of the wing back office chair his grandfather had been so proud of and his Great Uncle Melvin was in the chair by the window and couch that Mal’s grandmother often sat in either reading or sketching the day away till she needed to feed her alpha mate. Getting a better look at his Great Uncle he could see how much the man had aged in the white of his hair and the softening of his skin and more wrinkles than Mal last remembered.
“Uncle Mel, wish I was seeing you under better circumstances. I would like you to meet my alphas; Captain Steve Rogers and Sargent James Barnes. They served with grandpa in the 107th.” Melvin’s eyes shone with light as he greeted the two alphas and also shared a smile towards Pepper and Tony.
“My brother used to mention you boys a lot, especially near the end. He always hoped you would meet. I’m sure he’s smiling and dancing up a storm with this news.”
“Can we get this over with? I’m not feeling too good and would like to maybe go lay down.” Laura brought the center of attention to her and Ms. Redbird nodded as she got out the documents and laptop out, she would need for the reading.
“Of course, Ms. Morton…
“It’s Hoffman.”
“No, you and uncle Jimmy divorced shortly after the abuse case and the court ordered you had no right to that last name anymore. So please continue on Ms. Redbird.” Pepper sat next to Mal who had sat on the couch along the wall on the right of the desk with a direct view to the computer screen that was turned to face the occupants of the room.
“Ms. Potts would be correct and that is also how your father referred to you in the will…
“That isn’t the correct will, I have this will that he had drawn up about 2 years ago.” Laura handed over the official looking envelope with a slight smirk.
“If I may, a court ordered my brother no longer of sound mind 4 years ago due to dementia. I was asked to take over his care when it was found he had been sent to a nursing home without any of us siblings knowledge and the place stopped getting paid for his care. The will that you have Ms. Redbird is the only will that is recognized and filed with the court.” Mal wished he had a camera as Laura’s jaw was about on the floor and she had a look in her eyes she knew well, she was livid and about to start screaming.
“Then are we good to proceed?” There was a firm yes from Mal, Trever and Melvin so the brunette woman began to red the paper in front of her.
“I Stella Redbird represent the Law Offices of White and Redbird, I am here today to read the last will of Mr. Dale Lee Morton. Mr. Morton requested this video be played before I go much further and says to keep quite till everything is said and done.” She gave a pointed look to Laura and hit play on the video.
Mal gave Pepper’s hand a tight squeeze as the camera focused on Mal’s grandfather sitting at the very desk that Ms. Redbird occupied. He lights a cigar taking a puff to keep it going and set it in the ashtray as his blue eyes met the camera.
“If you are seeing this video then I am no longer on this mortal plain and have joined my dear Mira Jean. Right now, that’s what I want more then anything. My mind has been leaving me slowly but as I am of sound mind and body today, I am also doing this of my own free will.
“I wish for my estate to be separated as follows: The ranch and all its land and valuables, a vacation home in Boston, and all my money in various accounts that are listed in the paper copy of this will are to go to my grandson Malcom Hoffman. The various stocks and bonds I have listed in the paper copy will go to my brother Melvin. My motorcycle collection that is kept in storage is to go to my former son in law James Lee Hoffman but if he loses his battle with cancer then it is to go to his son; Malcom. If any of the people mentioned are no longer on this plain of existence then in no way is anything to go to my adoptive daughter Laura Jean Morton.
“Mal, dear boy I love you and you are always my grandboy even if we don’t share DNA. I hope someday you can find the happiness that me and your grandmother had. I hope you know that the reason I didn’t reach out to help me is because you are already so busy going to college and taking care of your own father and his cancer.
Mel, I can never thank you enough for all you have helped with over the last few years and however much longer you take care of me. You are more then our family will ever give you credit for and I hope that you forgive me for those stupid things I said when we were younger. I still can’t forgive myself for that day.
Laura, I don’t know where we went wrong in raising you. I thought we taught you to treasure omegas and to see all you did not just to Mal but to other omegas in your life hurts and I am glad your mother wasn’t around to see the worst of it. I hope by the time we see each other again you learn the error of your ways and get help to get you back to the little girl who cherished all life no matter what their lot in life was.” The video ended and it was when Bucky’s metal hand touched his cheek that he realized he was crying.
“This is bull shit and nothing but a false will!”
“I assure you Ms. Morton, this is the true will and is the only one that is recognized in the court. If you have such an issue with it, you can hire a lawyer and take it up with Judge Miller.” Laura paled and rushed out of the room. “Now then as executer of the estate I will be sending paper work to your lawyers Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Morton. I also have copies of the paper will and DVDs of the video for you. There are also smaller personal videos for each of you on there. I am deeply sorry for your loss and remember Mr. Dale coming in to our class in elementary school to talk about what it meant to be a veteran and World War Two.”
Those remaining in the room rose and shook her hand as she left with the info for Trevor and Uncle Mel’s lawyer and promises to get the paper work to them as soon as she returned to the office.
“Check in doll, you still with us?” Bucky lifted Mal’s face too look up at him. Mal moved up and started to scent at the alpha’s neck as best he could, trying to get to that calming chocolate and cinnamon scent. In all honesty Mal was a bit in shock. He never thought that he would get anything from his grandfather and that Laura would weasel her way into getting everything.
“I think I will be okay. Just tired and want to sleep.” Bucky nodded and started to talk but the sound became muffled for the young omega.
“Think it’s best if we get him back to the hotel. I think he’s close to dropping. Melvin, where you living in the house here with Salt or was, he back up in Nebraska?”
“Not it was here, couldn’t just take him away from the home he had with his mate. I got the office rearranged today before the service with the help of Jr and Maverick’s help. I can handle getting things settled here and getting the vultures out of here. Maybe bring Mal back tomorrow for lunch and I can get him a set of the keys, maybe catch up. You all are invited too, got some embarrassing stories of that one to share.”
“Thank you for the hospitality and sorry about your loss. We will call and let you know for sure on tomorrow. Would noon work?” Steve took over as Bucky and the rest began to move Mal out of the house to the cars.
“Come on omega, we’ll get you back to the hotel to nap and come back tomorrow for you to give us a tour?” All Mal could do other then follow the group was nod and agree to his alpha. The house hadn’t been emptied out of relatives yet and Bucky could hear the hick ups of no doubt Laura coming from the back other end of the main floor.
Once back to the cars as Mal turned to give the old house one last look for the day, he could have sworn he saw the figures of his grandma and grandpa dancing in the far-right window of the second floor like they always did when his grandpa came back from a trip into town that he didn’t take Mira Jean. His grandpa and grandma where together again and that’s what mattered.