Page 66 of Mortify

"That's one word for it. You’re the only person I’m trusting with the truth, Astrid, so please take this to your grave with you. No one else can know." A hysterical laugh bubbles up. "My boyfriend just claimed my abusive ex's baby in front of half the grocery store, and now everyone here is about to find out, including my father, who specifically forbade any of the guys from touching me."

"Regnor's a good man," Astrid says carefully. "If he's claiming the baby?—"

"He's trying to protect me. But Astrid, when my dad finds out..."

The smell hits me like a physical blow—someone's brought out platters of food, the mixture of meats and cheeses and something with vinegar turning my stomach inside out.

"Oh no," I whisper.

"Bathroom," Astrid says immediately, recognizing the look.

But it's too late.

My stomach rebels completely, and I barely make it to a trash can before I'm violently sick.

The party noise dims as everyone turns to stare.

And of course—of fucking course—my father chooses that moment to walk over.

"Gods," Kraken mutters, handing me napkins someone passes him. "What's wrong with you?"

I straighten, wiping my mouth, trying to find words.

But he's already reading my face, seeing the guilt I can't hide.

"Don't tell me you're pregnant on top of this other shit." His voice is flat, resigned, like he's joking.

Except I can't deny it.

Can't make my mouth form the lie.

The silence stretches too long.

"Everly?" Now there's an edge to his voice. It’s sharp, dangerous, like he’s begging me to lie to him. "Tell me you're not pregnant."

"Dad—"

"Who?" The word cracks like a whip. His eyes scan the room, and I see the exact moment he notices Regnor moving toward us, protective stance already in place. "No. No fuckin’ way."

"Kraken," Regnor starts, but my father's already moving.

The punch comes fast, brutal, snapping Regnor's head to the side.

He doesn't fight back, doesn't even raise his hands to defend himself.

He just takes it.

"You've been fuckin’ my daughter behind my back?" Dad's voice carries across the entire clubhouse.

The music stops.

Everyone freezes.

"Dad, stop!" I try to get between them, but Astrid holds me back.

"I told every single man here," Dad continues, advancing on Regnor. "Every. Single. One. Hands off my daughter. Let her have a normal life. And you—" Another punch, this one to the gut. Regnor doubles over but still doesn't fight back. "You couldn't keep your dick in your pants?"

Regnor grits out, straightening. "I assure you, it's not like that."

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