Her words hit me like a kick to the gut. Then my ears prick up as I hear the sound of a car rumbling up the gravel driveway.
“Someone’s here,” I mutter.
“Maybe the guys are back already?” Sulking, Kady crosses her arms.
There’s no way they would be back so soon from breakfast at the Valen House. Winnie’s breakfasts are at least four-course meals.
“Wait here.” I stalk over to the window to get a better look, seeing a shiny Range Rover pulling in. This car costs more than most houses in Rose Harbor, not something anyone in town drives. My body jumps into defensive mode as a familiar alpha gets out of the car—the same man who was responsible for putting me and my pack in jail for a night.
“What is it?” Kady hurries over to join me. As soon as she looks outside, her jaw goes slack. “How did Warren find me?”
Warren, the bulky alpha, marches around the side of the vehicle to open the door for someone in the back. I lean closer to take in the second alpha who steps out of the car wearing a sharp suit. His mouth twists into a grim line, surveying our cabin with apparent disgust. As soon as he props his sunglasses on his head, I instantly recognize his features. It’s a wonder that he can lift his arm to do that while it’s weighed down by the glimmering gold watch on his wrist. It’s also astounding how strong the family resemblance is. Kady has his blue eyes, but his lack the warmth hers possess.
“Fuck.” The glow that usually paints her features vanishes. I lunge to catch her mug before it hits the ground. “It’s my dad.”
THIRTY-FIVE
Kady
It was already hard to stand up straight with my legs like jelly, but now it feels like the entire room is spinning too. I look down at myself, wearing only Calder’s shirt with messy, wet hair. I don’t think my father has seen me in pajamas since the Christmas morning before Mom died. He always insists on dressing formally.
“Shit.” I make a haphazard attempt to smooth down my hair, debating whether I have a chance to run up to change, but there’s no time.
Taking big strides, Warren storms up to the door, Dad following close behind him. The thundering knock confirms that this isn’t just a nightmare coming to life.
“We could pretend we’re not in?” Ezra suggests with a weak smile in solidarity, despite the argument we were just having.
“He’ll just get Warren to break the door down.” I grimace. “Stay here. Let me deal with this.”
Ezra’s mouth opens like he wants to say something, but then he dips his head in defeat.
Braced for what is sure to be an unpleasant conversation, I open the door, a gust of cold air rattling my already tense muscles.
Dad’s lip curls in disapproval. “Kadence.” He only uses my full name when he’s angry.
“What are you doing here?” I get right to the point, knowing there’s no use in making small talk. “You should have called.”
“Can you imagine my surprise when I went to Stella House to pay you a surprise visit and found out you weren’t there? It only took a little investigation to find out that you were with a band of…” He scowls. “Criminals.”
Anger swells in my chest, but I quell it, biting back a bitter laugh. “Criminals?”
Dad clicks his teeth. “Wasn’t the Valen Pack in jail just a month ago?”
“Only because Warren put them there.” I glare at Warren, whose expression remains neutral, beefy arms planted on his hips in a power stance. “They didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Details, details.” Dad flicks his wrist nonchalantly. Of course, those are the types of details he doesn’t mind overlooking. This is a perfect example of why I never wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps. He doesn’t care about the truth, only in furthering his own interests. “I’m tired of the childish games you’re playing. First, I arrange for you to marry the Oakwood Pack. Then you inform me you have found a pack of your own, which I supported, only to find out you lied about that. Do you realize how all of this makes me look? Your little acts of rebellion don’t only affect you. They impact the Sinclair name.”
“I wouldn’t have had to resort to lies if you’d listened to me in the first place.” I blow out a irritated breath. “I would never have lied about the Blandon Pack if you hadn’t arranged a marriage that I never agreed to.”
“This isn’t open for debate.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I’m here to take you back to New York. I made a mistakesending you to Scent Valley University. We shouldn’t have continued your education. That was a grave error on my part.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” I stand my ground. “Especially with you. I’ve been managing fine without you for weeks. And you can’t just show up and dictate what I do with my life.” I’m shaking with fury, words exploding from my mouth. “This is my life, Dad! Not yours!”
“And you are an omega!” He uses his alpha bark, causing Warren to flinch while pulling a whimper from me, his deep cadence reverberating through my bones. “You are coming home. That’s final.”
“Dad…” My voice comes out feeble. “Don’t do this. Please.”
“I’ve made mistakes with you, Kadence. I’ve been too lenient and given you more opportunities than most omegas dream of, but enough is enough. Now that your reputation has been tarnished by the Blandon Pack,” he sniffs in disgust, like I’ve become used goods, “I’ve been busy with negotiations, and you should be grateful to hear that the Oakwood Pack is still interested in marrying you.”
