Page 126 of Shattered Veil

Since my father is still steaming mad anyway, I go for the kill shot.

“Dad. I’m pregnant. Balor is the father.”

“And I’ve asked her to marry me,” he says to either avoid a punch in the mouth or to bring my father over to his side and force this marriage on me.

“And when is this lavish O’Rourke wedding that I will be asked to pay for?”

“As if I’d take a dime from you,” Balor sneers.

Signing my death warrant, I mutter, “Dad, there’s nothing planned yet.”

“Thank goodness. You will say no!” Dad blurts.

“She asked to wait,” Balor clarifies, tugging my hand before he turns back to my father. “And it’s up to her. Not you, Snow.”

“Estella, I cannot allow you to marry into a family like his. You do not want to live your life in danger.”

“Shewasin danger.” Balor advances on my father. “Not anymore. I’ll deal with Brennan.”

“I would think that man disappearing will cause your family some problems, O’Rourke,” Dad says Balor’s last name bitterly.

Balor’s throat muscles tense before my eyes.

“And you’re forgetting, I am not without my traditions,” Dad continues. “I decide who she will marry. I did not see the horror Wesley inflicted on her. And that is pain I will take to my grave. Not anymore.”

“She’s carrying my child,” Balor says through clenched teeth. “That gives me a say.”

“I will not let you force my daughter into marriage like your brothers.”

Balor’s eyes turn black with rage. “How dare you.”

I step in front of my father. “Are you insane, Dad? What the hell are you doing?”

“What is best for you.”

“Right now, what’s best for me is foryouto not be murdered by the father of my baby.” I push Dad toward the door. “Come on. Let’s go home and talk.”

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” Balor bites out from behind me.

I turn around, and the pain in his eyes flays me.

“Balor, this isn’t how we wanted my father to find out. About us. About the baby. I have to get my suitcase.” I rush up the stairs, different emotions attacking me. When I turn around with it in my hand, Balor is standing there. “Please, let me go home and talk to my father.”

My throat tightens, and I wait for the:

If you walk out that door, we’re through.

You’re nothing without me.

I will kill you.

Those insults in Wesley’s voice ring so clearly that it’s a complete shock when I hear nothing. I open my eyes and see Balor standing over me, anguish in his softened eyes.

“As far as I’m concerned,thisis your home now.” He gets closer. “Your father and I agree about one thing, your ex is toast.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

Ella

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