“Yes. Alaric crafted it for me.”
It was a lion. One big ass golden lion.
I knocked on it. “Wait. Is this real gold?”
“I said it was expensive.” He shrugged and unlocked his door, holding it open for us. His brows lowered in thought. “We should probably call the rest of the group. And my father.”
“Do we really need to bring your father into this?” Finn complained as he walked inside. “We can try to handle this on our own first.”
Cassander rolled his eyes and turned his body so he wasn’t close to his old friend as he slid inside. “The man is ancient. If anyone has any advice to give, it’ll be him.”
I still stared at the statue.
“Are you coming, Poppy?” Godric probed.
I shook my head at the waste of money on such a frivolous item and walked into his home. “I’m going to put a pink sparkly bow around that lion’s neck. That is how ridiculous that monstrosity is.”
“Touch it, and I’ll spank you.” Godric crossed his arms.
My eyes narrowed on his. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Try me.” His gaze ran over my features, and then he walked away through the gigantic foyer. Over his shoulder, he asked, “Where do we want to talk? Office or living room?”
My bracelet buzzed. I glanced down and read the readout. Oh, this will be fun. I cleared my throat, and stated, “Actually, I need to take this call first.”
The three men stopped and looked back.
Godric asked, “Who is it?”
“My father.” I tapped my bracelet, putting him on hold. I looked up, keeping my expression serene. “Is there a place I can talk in private?”
Godric ground his molars together. “You and I will need to discuss your father at some point.”
Because I was his…mate.
This situation was fucked.
“We will talk.” I waved my hand left and right. “But where do I go to take this?”
He pointed to my left. “The kitchen is down that hallway. It’s private enough. Eat something while you talk with him. You look exhausted.”
I nodded and started that way. “I will. Thank you.”
“And Poppy?” Godric purred.
I stopped and looked at him. “Yeah?”
One side of his lips curled up into a cruel smile. “Make sure to tell your father you’re no longer marrying Mr. Moore. However you want to phrase, I don’t care. Because if Mr. Moore comes to New City to claim you, I will kill him.”
* * *
“Hello, Father.” I popped a handful of nuts into my mouth, chewing vigorously. My left foot kept tapping in my nervousness, and my palms were sweating. “How are you doing?”
“Poppy Bree Carvene, I am so upset with you,” he growled. My full name had been used. He was well and truly pissed. “Did you even think before you ran away? Or did you merely not give a shit about what I thought was best for you?”
I closed my eyes and dropped my forehead into my right hand. “I love you, Father. I do care what you think. But I told you so many times I wasn’t going to marry a stranger. You didn’t listen tome.”
“So you just decided the fucking Corporate Army was the best solution?” He grunted over the call. “You’re lucky I covered for you when they contacted me. Otherwise, you’d be sitting in a jail cell right now, darling dearest.”
