The unfamiliar car parked outside has me pausing. It’s fancy – sleek metallic blue and completely unsuitable for the road leading up here. The sides are covered in dust. The alpha that climbs out isn’t a surprise. He surveys me, not smiling, in his equally fancy suit and shiny black leather shoes. “Hello, Kennedy.”
I move past him, slotting my key into the lock and kicking the bottom of the door when it sticks. “You’d better come in.”
Charles Rivers strolls into my home with a sneer on his face. He takes in the small space, his lip curling. “Is Rick home?”
Folding my arms, I lean against the counter. My voice is cool. “No. What can I help you with?”
Brett and Theo’s dad turns to me, and I tense instinctively.
I’ve been on the receiving end of his rage before, in the hospital. I have no desire to experience it again.
“I had a call,” he says finally. “From the Center.”
That was fast. I keep my expression even. “I see.”
“They advised me that you would be taking up residency in forty-eight hours.” His eyes narrow. He looks so much like Brett that it makes my stomach turn. And yet, weirdly, I don’t see much of Theo in him at all, despite the two of them being identical. “I thought I would confirm the arrangements.”
In case I opened my mouth before I left. “That’s correct.”
He nods, glancing out of the window. “Your care is paid for three months, although I doubt it will take that long.”
If he expects a thank you, he’s not getting one from me. His face darkens enough to show his annoyance. “I believe it was highly generous, considering.”
Considering that his son is the reason I need end-of-life care at all. “If you’re here to ask if I plan to tell anyone, the answer is still no. I have no intention of breaking the agreement.”
Layers upon layers of lies.
Charles doesn’t want anyone to know the truth about his golden boy.
All I care about is protecting the pack he left behind.
Even now.
Especiallynow. My stomach turns over.
“Good,” he says shortly. “I understand you’re Theo’s… mate.”
The thought sends a stab of pain through my stomach. “Not for long, so try not to lose your shit over it too much.”
“That’s for the best.” He tugs at the end of his sleeve. “You certainly weren’t good enough for Brett, and Theo deserves better than a dragged-up omega who can’t mind her manners.”
It’s nothing I haven’t heard before from him. But it hurts, nonetheless. As though his words poke holes in my own insecurities. “Are you done? I have a lot to do before they pick me up.”
Charles straightens his tie. “I believe so.”
I see him to the door. “Theo deserves better than to live in Brett’s shadow, you know. He’s going to be a fantastic lawyer.”
The boy I knew wanted to fight injustice, not slide into his father’s polished shoes and pick up the reins of a business whose sole aim is making money.
“I know my son.” Charles rolls his eyes. “I see his potential far better than you do.”
My smile is sugary sweet. “You don’t see a fucking thing. But he won’t be controlled by you.”
Not with the others there.
Charles scoffs. “I’d wish you well, Kennedy. But honestly, my son’s life will be far better when you’re no longer in it.”
I study my nails, feigning boredom. “If I make it to hell, I’ll be sure to say hi to Brett for you, shall I? Although I’m sure you’ll see him yourself at some point. Try not to let the thought keep you up at night.”
