“It’s not the education they are throwing away, it’s the dedication to see a plan through.” Cutting my mother off, Maleficent gestures around the table, “We did not get to where we are with half-committed effort. Without discipline there is nothing except failure and goals that will never come to pass.”
“An admirable sentiment, and one I’m sure we can all agree with.” Sitting back in his chair, Erik nudges his daughter gently, “Melody has done a remarkable job of tailoring her distractions and keeping her eyes focused on the prize.”
A blush spreads across her cheeks while pride oozes from the man beside her. I watch the parental love blossom and unfold, the unwavering support so distant from my side of the table.
Melody clears her throat delicately, “There have been bumps along the way.”
“None that you couldn’t overcome.”
The flush darkens and this time, I’m not the only one staring at the pretty redhead.
“Dating a man comes with a number of distractions.” Amusement laces the Dragon’s voice as she starts cutting into her steak, “A number that would increase exponentially with the young Seaborn.”
“You’re dating Marlin?”
I didn’t mean for it to come off as an accusation, but the murderous look Melody throws my way tells me it was.
“Is that a problem?”
“Not at all. I mean… you actuallywantto date that guy?”
Erik smothers his laugh with a cough.
“It’s been quite the, ah, adjustment having him around the house.”
Melody shifts her glare from me to the mayor of Wolf Hollow.
“But we love having him around.” Patting her hand, Erik looks at her fondly, “He’s been learning how to play the piano. A natural talent, if I ever saw one.”
Her temper diffuses with a soft smile, “He’s terrible but he is getting better.”
This whole scene would be cute if I didn’t have firsthand experience with her psychopath boyfriend.
“Where’s Calista?”
Interrupting their father-daughter banter, I am responsible for the second awkward silence of the evening. Cutlery pauses midair as everyone’s gaze swings to the matriarch seated at the head of the table.
“My daughter is finishing up some errands. She will not be joining us this evening.” Dark eyes latch onto mine, “Any business you have with Calista can be shared with me.”
The message is loud and fucking clear.
Stay away from my daughter.
A bitter taste hits my tongue and it’s not from the priceless wine we’re drinking.
“Speaking of business, there are some things I would like to discuss.” Resting his forearms on the table, Erik leans forward, “In my last report I mentioned the possibility of opening Wolf Hollow’s borders-
“The borders will remain closed.”
“I understand that is what you’re familiar with, but I think if you took a look at the numbers-
“Your numbers do not show the whole picture.”
Her voice cracks like a whip, the frost in her tone rapidly overtaking the easy camaraderie.
“I see.” Erik sits back, his eyes soft and unconfrontational, “In that case, would you explain it to me? So I have a better understanding of what you’re looking for.”
Melody shifts quietly beside him, her eyes dutifully lowered to the plate in front of her.
