My room was still empty when I stepped out. I was honestly shocked no one had followed me in.
The scent of my pack was so strong now that I knew it couldn’t just be from the clothes I’d stolen.
As I walked closer, I noticed two new blankets, an extra pillow, and a pile of clothes.
My chest swelled with warmth and I fought back my tears. My pack saw what I needed and provided it without being asked. They were giving me space while also making sure that I felt secure in that space.
God, that was everything. My pack was incredible and had my omega melting.
I snagged my phone and my father’s business card from the side table before burrowing into my pile of blankets. I filled my lungs with my pack’s scent as I mulled over my options.
Lana and Hayes were right about this being my only chance to hear him out. That wasn’t my issue as much as wanting a chance to tell him exactly what his actions did to us.
I pulled up the message thread I had with Hayes, needing to talk it out.
Roxie
Do you really think that I should give him a chance or at least hear him out?
Hayes
I want what you want, little bat. I was just looking out for you. There’s no wrong move here. No wrong answer. You can keep that card for two years if you want before you decide. There’s no pressure. I just want you to be sure.
Roxie
Thanks, alpha. I’m going to think on it.
Turns out my thinking about it took all of five minutes.
The card twirled around my fingers as I fidgeted with it until finally I opened up a new text.
I needed him to answer something for me first.
Roxie
Why do you want to have lunch with me? The truth.
Three bubbles appeared at first. Then they disappeared and appeared again. It felt like he debated for ten minutes before an answer finally popped in.
Lincoln
Over the years, I convinced myself that I made the right choice. That I was not the father type. Then I saw you standing there, and suddenly I needed to know what you’ve been doing all these years. Who you’ve become. Maybe it was curiosity, or maybe regret is finally sinking in. Like I said, I don’t expect forgiveness. I simply wanted to talk.
Roxie
Fine. Noon tomorrow at the Lakeside Diner.
Lincoln
I’ll be there. I promise. I can’t wait.
His words meant nothing to me. Any promise coming from this man was a gamble. But now that I’d set up the plans, I felt some of the weight pressing down on me lift.
If seeing me had hit him that hard, then, clearly, there had been something lingering underneath all these years.
Suppression was a powerful thing.
I sat in my nest for a little longer, my phone still in my hand, contemplating which of my pack mates I needed at the moment.
