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“I don’t know,” she said.
Colton pulled Riley against his body. “We need to find out about your past. Your father must give us the answers. Now.”
CHAPTER3
The cold seeped into Riley’s bones as she and Colton coalesced outside the main lodge. The cedar logs and rustic construction had a homey feeling that was welcoming and classic in nature. The home had been built as a ruse for human interference, making it appear that the lodge was part of a conservationist program owned by a private investor. The single road on cougar clan property led to and from that main building. Now it was Riley’s father’s home.
Colton took Riley’s hand as they walked toward the wraparound deck. The cedar chair swing swayed in the breeze as hummingbirds fluttered between the purple trilliums growing around the exterior. The sweet nectar providing a natural elixir for the bees floating amongst them. The beauty was a contrast to the darkness in Riley’s heart.
She’d wanted her father with her so badly, she hadn’t considered the consequences. While she struggled to accept her predatory nature, her father starved himself to the brink of death. The priest was unwilling to rob any creature of its life unless it was in pain. He’d told her she would have to let him go when the time came, but she refused to listen. Now she would force him to relive the most traumatic moments of his life. Guilt was an unforgiving mistress.
Riley entered the Lodge after Colton open the large cedar door for her. As usual, several clan members sat on the leather coaches. Her father sat in a large high-backed chair. The white cloth and gold piping made it appear as if he sat beneath a halo. His eyes were focused on the leather-bound Bible he was reading from. His voice was as low and soothing as it had been when he gave his first sermon.
“Dad,” Riley said.
He lowered the book slowly, his tired eyes reading his daughters. The love and pride in them had her heart clenching in her chest. “Sweetheart. How is your training going?”
“It was good, but something has come up. We need to talk to you.”
Daniel placed the red silk ribbon across the page before closing the bible. “It sounds important.”
“It is. We need to ask about mom. Dannika will be here in a minute. She has some questions for you. I know it will be hard, but you need to answer them.” At the mention of Dannika’s name, the cougar clan members stood, filing out of the Lodge silently.
Riley startled when the screen door snapped closed. “What just happened?”
“They are just giving us space. In case any of the questions are too personal for Daniel. They respect him. Honestly, they are enthralled by him. In some ways, his survival is more unique than yours and Dannika’s,” Colton said.
“Why?” Riley asked.
Daniel put his Bible on the coffee table. “Because they believe they are cursed. They’re wrong, but the nature of shadow life can make it seem as if this is the case. We are all god’s creatures and must do our best to thrive in any situation.”
Colton nodded. “A shadow priest is... surprising, to say the least.”
They turned as Dannika and Raine entered the Lodge.
Daniel was shaky as he pushed himself from the chair, garnering a concerned look from the queen and her mate. As he pulled himself to his full height, the smile fell from his face. “You’re the queen?”
Dannika glanced at Riley. “There is no need for formality. You can call me Dannika. I need your help, Daniel. I know it’s personal, and we want to give you time to acclimate to shadow life. I need to know about Riley. About her background.”
Daniel’s gaze roamed over Dannika, as if seeing something for the first time. His face fell, pain lacing his eyes. “I didn’t know you survived.”
Dannika’s eyes widened. “I beg your pardon.”
Daniel glanced between Dannika and Riley. “How could she keep this from me?”
Riley approached her dad, putting her hand on his arm. “Dad, what are you talking about?”
He glanced at Dannika. “Cami told me she didn’t survive.”
Dannika rubbed her forehead. “I’m confused. Survived what?”
Riley’s heart skipped in her chest before it accelerated in an uneven staccato. Betrayal had a distinct flavor and the bitter taste burned her tongue. She didn’t want to ask the next question. She needed to. “What are you talking about, Dad?”
Daniel motioned towards Dannika. “I didn’t know her name. Only that Alyssa had two daughters and that the second didn’t survive.”
Riley rubbed her chest. “Allie was Alyssa? Dannika’s mother.”
Daniel nodded. “Yes, you and Dannika are fraternal twins. I didn’t realize until she was standing in front of me. She looks even more like Allie than you do. The same eyes and bone structure.”
