“How could he dothat to my mother?” I rasped.
“I’m so sorry,honey. I never wanted to keep any of this from you.”
“You don’t everhave to apologize to me again, Vivian. Gavin Trask is a murderer and a monsterand I’m going to make sure he pays for every single one of his sins.”
“He’s adangerous and persuasive man, Lennox,” Vivian said. “It was only months afteryour mother’s passing that Gavin started courting me. He swooped in, swept meoff my feet, and before I knew it, we were married, and I was pregnant.”
A lump formed inmy throat. “This all means that Briar Rae and Jed aren’t even my halfsiblings.”
She shook herhead. “Just because you’re not blood related doesn’t mean you’re not family.And I hope that you can look to me as more of a mother than ever before.”
I squeezed herhands tight. “Help me make him pay.”
Vivian nodded.“Gladly, honey.”
“Why don’t youshow yer family around, love,” Phin said. “I’m going to talk with my father fora few minutes, then I’ll join you.”
Phin? Why doI feel your anger?
Please, love.I just need a few minutes.
I nodded, risingto my feet, and Vivian followed me out of the room.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Phineas
“SOMETHINGON YOUR mind, son?” my father asked, knowing full-well how angry I was.
“What the hellwas that?” I growled.
“First, you’llhave to be more specific. Second, you’ll do well to watch your tone.”
“Why didn’t youtell me you were bringing Lennox’s family here?”
He crossed hisarms. “Because I didn’t want her to know, and ifyouknew, she’d know.”
“Do you think Idon’t know how to protect my thoughts? I’m not a child,” I snapped.
“I’ve neverdoubted you or your abilities. Besides, this isn’t about you, it’s aboutLennox.”
“Exactly.Lennox.Mymate. Which is why you should have talked to me beforebringing them here.”
“Shouldhave? Oh, I see. I’m sorry, I can’t quite seem to remember you being crownedking. Tell me, was I drunk at the coronation?”
“Make your jokesall you want, but stay out of my family’s business,” I said, turning to leave.
“How dare youturn your back on me,” my father bellowed.
I turned to facehim.
“Yourfamily ismyfamily. Clan Gunnach. And I am your king.”
My knees hit thefloor. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I should never have spoken to my king or myfather like that. I don’t know what’s come over me.”
“Love, my son.That’s what,” he said softly. “Rise and come give your father a hug.”
I made my way tohim and the second his hand slid to my neck and pulled me into a hug, I felthis conflict, his worry, his love, and his heartbreak at the decision to bringVivian here. And I felt all of that because he let me.
