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“Wait,” I say with an amused chuckle. “You approve of them?”
He gives an enthusiastic nod. “The Burton Pack is among the most elite military packs. They’re one of those tightly-knit packs who’d wage war to protect the ones they love. It’s every omega’s dream to be chosen by a pack like theirs.”
“I’m not sure I’m worth it though,” I say in a small voice.
Dad clasps my hands in his. “But you are, Rory. You’re smart, kind, and beautiful. Jake dimmed your light and while I’m sorry you had your heart broken, I’m glad he won’t overshadow your true beauty anymore. You deserve alphas like the Burton brothers who’re eager to protect you and go to war for you.”
Warmth washes over me. Dad’s supporting me when it comes to the people who truly deserve me. Jake made me believe he was against our relationship because Dad couldn’t handle my happiness, that he was selfish and would always want me caged by his side.
I was a fucking fool to hurt my dad and go off with a fake, heartless alpha like Jake.
“So, is it okay if I stay here for a while?” I ask hopefully.
“You can stay with them for now but if you ever feel like they’re not treating you with respect, you walk out, honey. Do you understand?” He asks, giving me his most serious glare.
I nod.
“Fights can happen between people who love each other. It’s common, but what isn’t acceptable is breaking of hearts. If they hurt you in any way, just walk out. Your dad might be withering away but he’s still alive. I’ll kick their asses for you, sweetheart. Don’t you ever forget that!”
“I won’t,” I whisper as my throat tightens with a choke.
“Don’t make the same mistake you did with Jake,” he reminds me. “Don’t give your heart to an unworthy man.” He heaves a big sigh. “Your mother should’ve been here. She would have known the best advice to give you.”
I smile through the tears that gather in my eyes. “You’re doing a pretty great job, Dad.”
He hugs me again and swipes at his eyes. Clearing his throat, he gets to his feet and straightens his jacket.
“Dad, do you know Valerie?”
A sheepish look comes over him. “Kind of. She was more your mom’s friend than mine. Also, she’s not my biggest fan.”
Surprise flickers through me. “Why not?”
“She didn’t think I deserved your mom,” he says with a shake of his head. “Valerie is one of those people who protect their friend with their life. She wanted the best for your mom and your mom loved her for it.”
“I don’t remember seeing her before.”
“Valerie got married the year after your mom and I tied the knot. She moved out of Maplewood after that. I think her family also shifted their home to live closer to her. That’s why you never got the chance to meet her.”
“I hope she’ll tell me more about Mom.”
“I’m sure she will, honey.” His expression grows grim again. “But remember what I told you. If you think you’re not being treated right by any of them, you come home to me.”
A smile blossoms on my lips. “Don’t worry, Dad. Valerie has been wonderful to me.”
He hugs me and kisses the top of my head. “Just be happy, sweetheart. That’s all I’ll ever want from you.”
25
Simon
A strong urge to listen to Rory’s conversation with her dad flares inside me. The mere thought of him scolding her for being with us sends me over the edge.
Rory used to be a beautiful, confident omega. She mingled with strangers easily and smiled often. Now, she’s turned into a quiet, timid woman who is wary of everyone around her. She even seems reluctant to accept that she’s worth our attention.
The Black Widow destroyed her soul, a cold voice whispers in my mind, reminding me that she was one of the omegas we rescued from those hellish underground cages.
I recently got a chance to oversee the security of the facility where the rescued omegas are being kept. They’re eerily quiet and still, obeying every order and command without batting an eye.
