Page 42 of New Year with the Cartel

"So, it's true," my father sneered, his eyes moving between me and Reyvan. "The omega disgrace actually someone dumb enough to fall for him."

My blood boiled, but not because they were belittling me—rather, it was the way they were referring to Fendwyr. I doubted they knew him, though. If they did, they never would have said what they did.

Reyvan stood, his presence filling the room just like Fendwyr's did. "Who are you?"

"Your grandparents," my mother's voice dripped with disdain. So, both of them knew about him, and I didn't like that. "Though, I have to say, I wish I didn't know."

I rose slowly, positioning myself between them and my son. I wasn't the same scared omega they'd cast out all those years ago. Though I was no alpha, I wasn't powerless. I'd do whatever was needed.

"How did you get in here?" I asked. It was a pertinent question. I should have been informed of their arrival. Someone must have betrayed me.

"Money opens doors," my father stepped forward. "We heard rumors about your... success. Came to see if you'd finallybecome worth acknowledging, but maybe it's just a waste of time."

"And?" I kept my voice steady, though my heart raced.

My mother's gaze fixed on Reyvan, her lip curling. "Worse than we imagined. Birthing the spawn of a criminal? You've fallen even lower."

Fendwyr's reputation wasn't a secret. He didn't shy away from sharing it when asked, though he always kept some details to himself. It was no surprise that she knew about it.

Before I could respond, she spat—actually spat—at Reyvan's feet.

Something in me snapped. "Get out," I growled, surprising even myself with the authority in my voice. "You lost the right to judge me or my family when you threw me away. I'm not just going to stand here and let you hurt my son."

"Father," Reyvan's voice was dangerous, so like Fendwyr's it sent chills down my spine. "Let me handle this."

"No," I affirmed right away. "They're not worth your effort." I faced my parents. "You came to see if I was worth acknowledging? Let me be clear: I don't need or want your acknowledgment. I have everything I need—a husband who loves me, a son I'm proud of, and a life I built despite your best efforts to break me."

"A criminal's whore," my father took another step forward, "raising a criminal's spawn—"

"Careful," I warned, feeling stronger than I ever had in their presence. "You're talking about my mate and son. I won't warn you again. I don't want to do what my body is screaming at me to do."

"Or what?" My mother laughed. "You'll set your alpha on us? Hide behind his protection like the weak omega you—"

"He won't need to."

Fendwyr's voice cut through the room like a blade. He filled the doorway, his presence making the air heavy with dominant pheromones. My parents instinctively stepped back.

Relief washed over me, just like it did every time he was around. With him nearby, I always felt I could do anything.

"The omega you cast out," Fendwyr continued, moving to stand beside me, "has more strength than either of you could comprehend. The son you just spat at carries more honor in his little finger than you've shown in your entire pathetic lives."

"How dare—" my father started.

"I dare," Fendwyr's smile was all predator, "because unlike you, I recognize true worth. Your son didn't need my protection just now—he was handling you quite well on his own. I simply couldn't resist watching you realize exactly what you threw away."

Reyvan moved to my other side, reaffirming the bond of our family. My parents seemed to shrink, glancing between me, my son, and then my alpha.

"Leave," I said quietly. "And don't come back. I have all the family I need right here."

They left, my father practically dragging my mother, who couldn't seem to stop staring at me. Maybe she had finally realized who she'd cast out. She'd just changed her mind and wanted me with her, but she'd long destroyed any chance of that ever happening.

When they were gone, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. Fendwyr's arm slipped around my waist while Reyvan gripped my shoulder.

"I'm proud of you," Reyvan whispered. "You didn't need Daddy's help at all."

I smiled, touching the necklace on my desk. "No, I didn't. But it's nice knowing I have it anyway." I looked between mymate and son, feeling blessed despite the confrontation. "Now, where were we?"

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