Things obviously changed after she left, because her dad talked like he took over testing shortly after she left. Plus, it was a fact his wolf was all but gone. All thanks to the Domino pack’s unethical testing and experimentation. Her father claimed the pack was no more, but he had all their research. Including the cure for her mother. The doctors were baffled as to why she couldn’t thrive.
At first they said one thing, then another. As of late, they were saying it was a unique autoimmune situation. Yep, one actually said situation. Not a disorder or disease, but a situation.
Her dad said he knew exactly what was wrong with her and would fix it just as soon as she helped him take Kansas down.
Of course, now it wasn’t just Kansas anymore. He wanted all the Kings brought low. He had become borderline obsessed with them. How he planned to take on an entire club she didn’t know, but after meeting Monster, she knew she couldn’t continue to do his bidding.
“Honey? What’s wrong? You look torn between happiness and tears.”
“It’s nothing, Mother.” Carys got up to open the curtains and let the light into the sterile-feeling room.
“I call bullshit. I know you, and you met someone, but you’re not allowing yourself to feel happiness about it. Why not? Is it because of me?”
“No, it’s not you.”
Her mother pushed the over-bed table with her tray on it away and patted the covers. “Come. Sit.” Carys obeyed.
“Now tell me why the long face. Is he a bad kisser? Oh no, let me guess, halitosis? Weird toes that point in opposite directions? Little?—”
“Mother,” Carys scolded. “Nothing like that.”
“Then what?”
“He’s actually kinda perfect for me. And,” she dropped her voice, “he’s a shifter.”
Her mother’s energy level seemed to pick up at that pronouncement.
“What kind?”
“Not sure. He hasn’t told me, but I’m pretty sure he’s a wolf. He has a wolf vibe.”
Her mother took her hand in hers. “Of course he wouldn’t tell you right away. He’s a smart one then. One who understands the consequences. That’s a good thing, sweetheart. So, what’s the problem?”
Carys knew she had a look of guilt on her face. Her mother had told her repeatedly to never contact her father and that if he reached out to run. But shortly after her mother got sick her father found her.
“Well, it’s … complicated, Mom. Let’s just leave it at that. How about we focus on getting you better? They have a new autoimmunity trial we’re going to apply for. You have a great shot at getting in. If that doesn’t pan out, I have something else in the works.”
“Carys, look at me.” Her mother could always read her like an open book. “What do you mean by something else?”
“Mom—” As much as she tried to keep her face from giving anything away, she knew she’d fail.
“Don’t Mom me. Did you …” All she could do was look at her mom with pleading eyes. Silently begging her to understand. “No! Please sweetheart, tell me you didn’t track down that man.”
“Not exactly.”
Her mother crossed her arms and took on a stance she recognized. One that conveyed neither illness nor weakness. “Elaborate.”
“Cliff … he was looking for me and I got a message one day and I went to him, okay? I won’t let you die without trying everything. Momma, he has a cure. His pack made one, and he’s going to give it to me.”
“Is that what his name is now? Cliff? And your sperm donor is just going to hand the so-called cure over to you out of the goodness of his heart, is he?” Her mother’s voice rose.
Carys had the good sense to look ashamed.
Her mother had always referred to her father that way. She said he hadn’t even bothered to be there when Carys was born. That’s why she listed father as unknown and gave Carys her last name. In all the ensuing years, her mother pointed out that he’d never noticed.
“That’s what I thought. What does he want?”
“He wants me to help him take down an enemy, but his so-called enemy is Monster’s club.”
