“Lucky,” Icarus repeats with a thin smile.
When Maya steps to the side, an involuntary purr bursts out of me.
“Dad,” I exclaim.
“Grace.” Dad’s voice trembles like he’s been practicing saying the word for the last two years, before his gaze drops to Zoe and then gentles. “My sweet granddaughter.”
He starts to rush forward, but Maya grabs him harshly by the elbow, yanking him back.
I startle.
Dad looks more tired than I remember. There is more gray in his platinum hair that falls over his small face. He is willowy turning on thin, which worries me.
He is still startlingly handsome.
He is dressed in a simple aquamarine cashmere sweater and black trousers.
These years that we have been forced to spend apart must have been hard on him too. Possibly even harder on him than me because I have been living with my brother, Icarus, and all thestaff in the dorms. Whereas, I have worried about Dad because he has been stuck isolated in the penthouse, where he will have been trying to protect Papa and Hatton from Maya.
Maya shakes Dad. “Remember what we spoke about before we came down here, Cooper? Youbeggedso prettily that your Christmas gift this year could be seeing your daughter. Don’t make me regret my kindness.”
“I won’t. Thank you for such an incredible present.” Dad flushes, dropping his gaze. “May I hug her?”
“Go ahead. But don’t make a scene and don’t mess up your clothes.”
Dad nods.
When Maya finally lets go of Dad, he turns and with what looks like immense effort forces himself to walk slowly and elegantly towards me.
“Are you okay?” Dad whispers, searching out my gaze like he never wants to look away.
“I’m fine,” I reply because there is too much to say.
Dad’s aquamarine eyes are bright with tears, but he’s smiling as he stares at Zoe. “She looks like you. She’s beautiful.”
“Zoe,” my voice is raspy, “meet your?—”
“ ‘Andad!” Zoe exclaims, pointing at Dad.
“She recognized me.” Dad’s eyes widen, before he purrs loudly in joy. He looks like she has just given him an even better gift. “Smart Omega.”
Then Dad dives to wrap his arms around me, and I am flooded with a shattering memory of all the times that I have been held like this in his arms, his warmth and love. Whenever I was scared, distressed, or hurt, I would always go to Dad first and he always found a way to make things better.
I have needed him so much over the last few years.
I have missed him.
How can I make things better for him now?
Dad, Zoe, and I, three generations of Omegas, nuzzle against each other, purring in joy.
“Keep it down,” Maya snaps. “You have one more minute.”
Dad twists to look at Maya, desperately. “Please, Alpha, can’t I have longer? This is the first time in years that?—”
“You know how busy I am today. I know that you’re just a spoiled Omega, but some of us Alphas have businesses to run, you know.” Maya reaches up to adjust Icarus’ tie. “Is everything set for Immortal and his pack? They are the stars this Christmas, and as much as I detest rock music, Idol rock stars are popular right now. Their room, food, drinks,everythingis complimentary. If they want any service, then they will receive it. Am I making myself clear?”
“Perfectly, Mrs. Frost,” Icarus replies, smoothly. “They shall be treated as VIPs.”
