Page 60 of Beast of Blood and Roses
His graying hair was combed neatly, slicked back with what looked like expensive pomade. He filled out the suit as if he’d been eating regular meals instead of surviving on whatever scraps he could afford. His face had more color, less of the gaunt desperation I’d grown accustomed to seeing.
He was a completely different person than the broken man who’d left me here weeks ago.
What struck me most was that he didn’t even glance in my direction. He ignored me completely as he straightened his red silk tie with steady hands—hands that weren’t shaking from nervousness or anxiety. Instead, his attention was focused entirely on Beast, his posture confident in a way I’d never seen before.
“I hear you wanted to see me.” He was smooth, controlled, lacking the usual nervous edge.
Beast’s eyes narrowed dangerously, his massive frame radiating barely contained violence. “It’s come to my attention that you’re planning to sell Rosalie to Trystan Hunter.”
Anger pumped through me at being sold again like a used car. I waited for Dad to deny it, to look shocked and horrified at the accusation. For him to tell Beast he would never sell me to the wolves, that he’d made a mistake.
But the denial never came.
“I was, but Trystan and I have come to an understanding.” Dad straightened his expensive suit jacket, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “I work for him now.”
My face went blank. “You what?”
Beast’s entire body went rigid, a dangerous snarl rumbling from deep in his chest. “I don’t believe you. You cheated me, stole my money, and still couldn’t pay your debts. Why would Trystan want anything to do with a pathetic thief like you?”
Dad straightened his expensive tie with infuriating calm. “He would if I could get him what he wants.”
Dread churned in my stomach like oil. I sighed heavily, my hands beginning to shake. “Why does he want me?”
“He doesn’t want you.” Dad finally lookedat me, and I saw something cold and detached in his eyes, the exact same look he’d given me when he gambled away our money, like I was just another chip to be traded away. “But if I don’t give him what he wants, he’ll kill both of us.”
Beast stepped forward protectively. “I’ll give him the money.”
“Money isn’t what he wants either.” Dad’s lips curved into what might have been a smile, but it held no warmth.
I held his gaze, trying to find some trace of the desperate father I thought I knew. “What is it that he wants?”
He turned and gestured toward Beast with casual indifference. “The Witch’s Heart.”
Beast let out a feral growl that made the windows rattle, his hand flying protectively to clutch the pendant at his throat. His emerald eyes blazed with fury and fear. “How does Trystan know about The Witch’s Heart?”
“His wolves saw it when they fought you, and they reported it back to him.” Dad’s casual confidence made my skin crawl.
Beast’s eyes blazed with fury. “So that’s why Trystan came back with his wolves? He had to see the pendant for himself.”
I tried to think back to the terrifying attack, sorting through the chaos of snarling teeth and claws. The largest one I had seen was a white one. “Trystan was there? He was the white one, wasn’t he?”
Beast nodded grimly. “He’s larger than his pack and the most ruthless. That’s why he’s their king and the alpha.”
Dad sank onto the leather couch, stretching his arms over the back cushions as if he owned the place. “He’s been obsessed with The Witch’s Heart for years, and that’s when he contacted me. He paid me handsomely to make a deal.”
“Meaning he didn’t want to lose any of his precious pack, sohe sent you instead. You’re expendable.” He edged closer to the couch, baring his teeth in a snarl that made the air vibrate. “What’s makes you so sure I’ll part with The Witch’s Heart?”
Dad got up off the couch, stood behind me, and clutched my shoulders, squeezing them tightly. “Because if you don’t, Trystan wants Rosalie.”
I tried to break away, but his grip tightened.
Cold fury flashed into Beast’s eyes and he growled, the sound rumbling through the room.
Dad’s smugness evaporated instantly. The color drained from his face, leaving him pale and suddenly very aware of the danger he was in. He immediately released me.
“No.” I stepped between them, my body forming a barrier between Beast and my father. I held out my palm toward Beast’s chest, my heart pounding. Dad still hadn’t answered my questions. If he was dead, I’d never find out the truth.
I gazed up at Beast. “Remember, you promised. I need answers.”
