“Gavin.” Rowan barked out. “What is going on?”
He swallowed, but then he squared his shoulders like he decided. “Amy didn’t block you.” He turned to me. “And Rowan didn’t block you.”
I sighed. “I called-”
“I know.” My dad raised his hands. “I did it.” My mouth dropped open.
“What did you just say?” I staggered back to my chair and sank down.
He looked at me with a pleading look. “Please understand. When Rowan called me about your heat…I panicked.”
“Daddy.” I whispered, and I watched him wince. He heard the hurt in my voice. “Why?”
“I needed you to be focused.” He wouldn’t meet my eyes.
I laughed. “You needed me to focus?” I shook my head. “Wow.”
Rowan clenched his fists. “I came to you for advice.” His teeth were clenched. “I needed a friend, and you just took it upon yourself to what? Keep me away from your daughter?”
My dad stared at him for a second. “I trusted you with her wellbeing and she was bullied, almost taken out by Brandon, of all people, and then you left her to burn through her heat alone.” My dad growled low. “Why would I ever trust you with her?” But then he turned to me. “But Amy is an amazing young woman who is smart enough to choose the man she wants to be with.” He turned back to look at Rowan. “Even if it’s you.”
“Then why?” Rowan growled.
“I already told you why. I needed Amy to focus on Vince and Brandon. And I needed you focused on Verity and the council.”
“Why was that your choice?” I asked, still reeling from his confession.
“I’m your father.” He looked surprised I would even ask.
“I’m the king.” Rowan growled. “It’s not up to you who I talk to or what I focus on.”
“I knew what needed to be done.”
My mom, who I had forgotten was even on the phone, blew a raspberry. “My Gavin is a meddler. He thinks he knows best and pulled the strings to get people where he wants them. Like when he lied to me about cheating.”
“It’s not like that.” He cut in.
But I laughed. “It’s exactly like that.” I grabbed my wine and chugged half the bottle.
“Baby girl. I love you.” He seemed hurt that I agreed with my mom.
“Just because you said it doesn’t mean it takes away the pain you did.” I leveled him with a look. “I was mad that he left, but I could understand it. When my heat muddled brain got past the pain, I even respected him for it.” My eyes cut to Rowan. “But it was the silence after that shattered me.” I turned back to my dad. “You shattered me and made me think it was Rowan.”
My dad staggered with my words. “Amy.” He tried to step closer, but I held up my hand.
“No.” I looked at my dad, and for probably the first time in my life, I was disappointed by him. “You interfered with my relationships. With Rowans. You pushed us and pulled our strings until we danced to your tune without concern for us. Now you don’t get to be upset because we are upset.”
Rowan was trembling with his anger. “Leave.” My dad turned to Rowan, and I think he was going to fight.
“Leave Daddy.” I tossed out as I took another long drink from my bottle. “We played our parts. You got what you wanted. I got the information from Vince.” I looked at Rowan. “I don’t knowwhat he wanted from you, but at this point, it’s a moot point. We all have a job to do.” Rowan turned to me. “I know you’re angry, but it’s done.”
“Can we just talk about this?” My dad asked.
But I just shook my head. “Maybe sometime. But not now. You made your choices and now you get to deal with the repercussions.” I cut him a look. “Please…just leave.”
My dad stared at me for a few seconds. “Okay.” He nodded. “Okay.” He turned and walked towards the door. Then he stopped at the door. “For what it’s worth…” He turned back to me. “I was wrong.” His eyes danced to Rowan. “Be brave. Be honest.” He turned back to me. “Be yourself.” Then he was gone.
I turned to look at Rowan, who was still trembling. “Hey.” His gaze was firmly on the table. “Hey.” I called again and finally he looked up. “Calm down.” I shook my head slowly. “It’s fine.”
