They stared each other down for what felt like minutes before Liza finally walked around Nico and stopped directly in front of Dad.
She was so small compared to all of us, but there was so much fire in her that it only made me love her that much more. Her tenacity was fucking sexy. She was standing up to the alpha and his righthand man. Harder men had cowered in fear before them.
Dad looked as if he was holding his breath, waiting for Liza to attack him in the same way.
It was important to Dad that Liza didn’t despise him. I could tell by his frown and the sad look in his eyes. He wanted her to forgive him.
“I don’t agree with what you did, but I understand why you did it.” Liza paused as her breath caught in her throat. After a few moments of composing herself, she continued. “I loved my parents, but I’ve come to realize they made poor decisions. I can’t blame you for protecting your pack from the corruption that was leaking into it. You’ve made your bed, I believe you when you say you didn’t know my parents were alive when Nico set the fires, and I know that guilt will follow you until the day you die. That’s all the vengeance I’m capable of carrying without it consuming me.” Liza took a step back and wiped a tear fromher face. “It isn’t complete forgiveness, but it’s more than you deserve.”
Dad knew what Liza said was correct—every bit of it. So he simply nodded his head, and that was that.
54
LIZA
Igripped the steering wheel tighter as I glanced into the rearview mirror. The assigned security guard for the day trailed close behind me, looking all badass in his blacked-out SUV. I’d finally managed to convince Ty that they didn’t need to be in the car with me, but it still felt strange having a bodyguard trailing after me.
How much my life had changed in such a short amount of time.
It had been a week since the incident at the library, and we hadn’t heard a word from Castro. Much to Sabrina’s relief, I’d resumed my daily catering jobs, and Ty had returned his focus on Keller Enterprises. It was far from over, but we couldn’t stop living, and living meant going about our day-to-day lives, albeit with everyone still on high alert.
Even though a week had gone by, I didn’t allow contentment or ease to become the norm. Castro loved the element of surprise, and I feared I would become complacent and drop my guard just in time for him to attack me.
It could happen anywhere and at any time, especially since he probably had a team of people working for him, slipping in and out of the Presley Acres city limits completely unnoticed.
The thought frightened me, but I couldn’t stay holed up in my house with Ty all day, though I was surprised to realize that wouldn’t have bothered me in the slightest. He was so attentive to my every need, which only made my affections for him stronger. The more time we spent together, the more I found myself watching the clock, waiting for the workday to end so we could be together.
I pulled into the grocery store and checked my list for what felt like the hundredth time. My brothers were in town, and we planned to have dinner at my parents’ house. I was in desperate need of some family time after the weeks I’d had.
Locking the car door, I glanced over my shoulder to check the bodyguard was close by.
He nodded. “I’ll stand at the door and keep an eye out for anyone who looks suspicious.”
I thanked him and walked inside, the blast of the air conditioner sending stray hairs into my eyes. Pushing them aside, I pulled out my list.
The store was busier than usual, with only a few grocery carts available at the front. I cursed under my breath, hoping I didn’t run into anyone I knew.
I made my way down the aisles, mentally crossing items off on my list. Just as I was about to check out, someone called my name.
I turned to see Cecily holding a bottle of kombucha in one hand and her designer purse in the other. “Liza? I wasn’t sure if that was you or not.”
I sighed. “Yep, it’s me.” Who else would it be?
I pushed past her, hoping that would be the end of our interaction, but she held up a hand. “I’m surprised you come out in public looking likethat.” She gestured up and down my body.
What the fuck? Sure, I hadn’t washed my hair today, but the rest of my body was clean. I brushed my teeth and even swiped some lip gloss on my lips before walking out the door. Maybe I could’ve spent more time getting dolled up, but a full face of make-up wouldn’t help me in the kitchen, and this was just a quick trip to the grocery store, for fuck’s sake.
“Excuse me?”
Cecily scoffed. “Well, as the future mate to the alpha, I question your decision-making skills. Shouldn’t someone of your… stature put more care into her appearance?”
I turned to face her, my wolf stirring. “Are you serious?” I glanced at the other shoppers as they walked by nonchalantly, not realizing that I was about to tear into Cecily in the middle of the cereal aisle.
She rolled her eyes and tittered. “Of course, I’m serious. Everyone knows I’m the one who sets the standards in this godforsaken town. So, yes, I’d say that I’m the most qualified person to call you out on your appearance. It’s the right thing to do.” She shook her head, full of fake concern. “Really, Liza, you can do better.”
My hands balled into fists as a low growl escaped my throat. “I think you should apologize for speaking to me like that, Cecily. It would be therightthing to do.”
My voice was so low I wondered if she had even heard me.
