“You were supposed to take that as me not wanting to speak with you. You’re not supposed to show up here and force it just to suit your needs,” I grumble, and he smirks.
“If I want to speak with you, I will.”
“Of course you will,” I say with a sigh, and his eyes darken.
“Watch your tone with me,” he warns, wagging his finger at me.
“What do you want?” I ask, trying to get to the point of all of this.
“I’ll get to that when I’m ready,” he snaps, making my nails dig deeper into my flesh.
It’s all mind games with this man. I knew it when I was under his control, but now, from the outside looking in, it’s even clearer.
The first time Raiden called upon me to help get control over some frenzied vampires, I went, did what was needed, and went back to the compound drenched in blood. The four of us had made a pact to have each other’s backs and always support one another no matter what, and I was sticking to it.
My father didn’t like that. That was the first time I knew my core values and ethics didn’t align with his. Which meant I didn’t align with the pack.
The questioning I got was off the scales. I didn’t have anything to hide, though. I told him where I’d been, what I’d done, and why I’d done it. The fury that brought out in him was one I’d rarely had the opportunity to experience. He trashed my room, destroyed everything I valued, including a picture of my mother, and tried to make me swear that I’d never aid the vampires again.
I refused.
It was the beginning of our demise.
The second I was no longer a puppet dancing to the will of his fingertips, his mind games went up a notch. I’m certain there are wolves here under his order, watching me and reporting back. I wouldn’t be surprised if the girl who challenged Addi to a duel yesterday did so because he ordered it, but I’ll never have proof.
This man is too good at covering his tracks.
I look at him now, contemplating everything he’s ever said to me. Was it all a lie? Was there any ounce of truth to a single word?
Did my mother truly die in a freak accident, or was it at the hands of this man? Is she even dead? Deep down, I hope she isn’t. I hope she’s as far away from him as possible, living some serene life like she deserves.
Feeling my mental fortitude tumble, I take a deep breath and focus back on the conversation. I can’t get distracted when he’s so intent on asserting his dominance.
“I have classes to get to, you know,” I grumble, relaxing my hands and bracing them on the arms of the chair instead. The wood serves as a stronger element against my tight grip, but the depth of my hold doesn’t make the pain any less.
“I’m aware,” he bites, running his tongue over his teeth as he glares at me. “I’ve been informed that your little princess defeated someone else in a duel.”
Like fuck.
“She did.”
“Hmm. I don’t think waiting until next month for someone else to attempt it is going to work for the good of the pack.” He leans back, eyebrow raised, as he waits for my response.
What the fuck does that mean?
“I’m not a part of any pack,” I remind him, and he sneers, pupils turning black as his glare deepens.
“You’re a part of mine.”
“You exiled me, remember?”
He’s so quick to forget. It probably doesn’t help that I keep giving in to him.
“You need to see the error of your ways,” he states, and it takes everything in me to bite back the scoff threatening my tongue.
“The only errors I see are sitting across from me.”
It’s the truth, but that doesn’t make him appreciate my assessment.