Alpha Wallace had called ahead to arrange a private meeting with her father, and now they were waiting to see him—at the main council building, which seemed so much more intimidating now they were inside.
“I can come in with you if you want?” Rachel offered, and Sara bit back a laugh.
“Um… thanks, but I don’t think that would help matters at all.” Sara wanted her father to listen to her when she talked. She could well imagine the effect Rachel’s presence would have. But she understood why Rachel had offered, why she felt the need to stay by her side. It’d be hard for Sara to walk away and leave Rachel out here. “I know you want to protect me; I get it. But I’ll be fine.”
Rachel’s gaze dropped to Sara’s chest, and Sara knew what she was thinking.
“That was an accident. He didn’t mean to hurt me.”
Rachel’s lip curled. “No, he meant to kill me.”
Yes, he had. The thought sent a cold shiver down Sara’s spine every time it popped into her head, rage simmering in her belly. Her own father, heralpha,had attacked her mate. Where did they go from there?
“I know.” She put her head on Rachel’s shoulder, turning her face into the side of her neck and inhaled. Rachel’s scent—fresh like sea air—soothed and settled her wolf. “But he won’t hurt me again. Especially not in the council buildings,” she added to make her point and ease Rachel’s worries.
Before Rachel could comment, a door down the corridor opened, and Sara’s grandmother walked out, heading towards them.
Rachel’s grip on her hand tightened.
Neither of them said anything as they waited for her to reach them.
“Sara. Rachel.” She gave them both a small smile before focusing on Sara. “The room your father’s in isn’t sound-proofed, and one of the council members will be nearby monitoring your meeting.” She raised her hand as Sara went to protest. “It’s not negotiable. The council will not allow any harm to come to either you or your father while in their custody. I sincerely hope you had nothing planned that the council would object to?”
“No.” Sara shook her head. In fact she was pretty sure Alpha Wallace knew exactly what she had in mind.
“Good.”
“Who’ll be monitoring us? You?”
“No, not me.” Celia sighed. “I was in there as a family member, not representing the council.”
Sara wanted to ask what they’d talked about but knew better.
“I’m not sure who it will be,” she continued. “But it doesn’t make any difference; they’re all impartial.” She glanced down at their joined hands. “Are you both going in?”
“No.” Sara reluctantly let go of Rachel’s hand and stood. “Just me.”
“Very well. Follow me.”
She turned to go, but Rachel grabbed her hand again, tugging her back.
“Wait.” She stood up and pulled Sara into her arms, head buried in the side of her neck, scenting her. “Be careful.”
“I will, I promise.”
Rachel stepped back just as abruptly, hands fisted at her sides, as though it was the only way she wouldn’t reach for her again. She gave Sara a small nod, which Sara returned, and then with great effort, forced herself to look away and follow her grandmother down the hallway.
They stopped in front of a closed door, and Celia put a hand on her shoulder. “Although it’ll only be you and him in there, remember, someone will be listening close by, so if there’s any problems—”
“I know. Help is at hand.”
She offered Sara a smile. “Good luck.”
“Thank you.”
Sara went inside and closed the door behind her. Not that she’d expected to find him in chains, but seeing her father standing in front of the large bay window, looking out over the grounds, took her by surprise. It must have shown on her face because as her father turned, he raised an eyebrow.
“Did you expect to find me handcuffed? Chained to the desk maybe?” He indicated the beautiful wooden desk in the far corner. Sara glanced at it fleetingly before meeting her father’s gaze.
