Page 18 of Knot Stepping Down
My cheeks heat at Declan’s protectiveness because he’s not wrong. I was a mess last night and in some ways, I still am. That wound Dad caused isn’t just going to disappear.
“I’m sorry,” Dad apologizes. “I messed up, Avery. I know that.”
Declan nods. “Being here’s a start. It’s more than my mom ever did.” He glances at me, his eyes softening, and I manage a small smile, my heart warming at his support.
Dad runs a hand through his hair, looking older than I’ve ever seen him. “I’m going to do better but this is hard, Avery. You and Declan… it’s not what I expected for our family.”
I know that. It’s not what I expected either but I can see that Dad is trying in his own way. I’m still going to wonder if he’s going to push us away again but it’s a step farther than we’ve taken in a long time. “I just want you to try, Dad. Try to understand me. To ask questions. And even if you can’t accept the relationship, just acceptme. Because if I have to choose, it’s going to be Declan. He’s my mate, my Alpha, and I love him.”
Declan threads his fingers through mine, squeezing my hand.
“I hear you, Avery. I really do, which is why I came tonight. Actions speak louder than words and a text just didn’t seem like it would do justice.”
And that’s all I need right now. “Would you like to come to the celebratory dinner?”
Dad hesitates for a minute, his gaze dropping to my fingers linked with Declan’s, and then nods. “Yeah, I think I will.”
avery
FourMonthsLater.
I didn’t think I’d make it here, graduating alongside my Alpha, the one who’s stood by my side through thick and thin, a disastrous heat, and baseless rumors. Sienna’s since been expelled, unable to keep her thoughts to herself and pinning them all over the message boards.
But I don’t need to focus on any of that.
I’ve got my diploma.
We’vegot our diploma.
Dad’s been slowly coming around, sending texts, calling, even video-chatting about my finals, but Lila’s shut us out completely, icing Declan and me out and straining her marriage with Dad. Nearly everyone came around about our relationship, most joking that it was only a matter of time before it happened.
There’s a few people who still jab at us but Declan’s team is always quick to defend us and Milo keeps threatening to kick someone. I’ve told him that under no circumstances is that going to happen. I even tried to get his Alpha to reign him in and then realized that their dynamic is completely flipped on its head. That their Alpha has a nest of her own.
Go figure.
“Looking pretty business-y today, pretty boy,” Declan muses as he slides my cap from my head and bends me backward into a kiss. I playfully slap at his chest, trying to stand up straight when I hear Dad clearing his throat. Declan takes his time and then helps right my gown before turning to face my father.
I peek up at the man who’s been trying so damn hard for forgiveness, doing everything that I wish had been happening since before he married Lila.
“I’m so damn proud of you,” Dad says, his voice rough with emotion. He offers me a hug and I take it, squeezing him as hard as I can. Then he pulls back and offers Declan the same treatment, my Alpha shocked at first and then relaxing into it. “I’m proud of both of you.”
Declan’s grin widens as he claps Dad’s shoulder. “Thanks, Henry. It means a lot that you’re here.” He’s happy, I can tell, but there’s a question in his eyes that he pushes out, pain lingering in his expression for a brief moment. “Where’s Mom?”
Dad’s smile fades as he runs a hand through his hair. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I wanted to take you to dinner, maybe have a real conversation.” He pauses, glancing between us, and I feel a knot growing in my stomach, sensing that Dad has a rather big revelation.
“Dinner sounds great, but what’s up, Dad? You’re looking all serious.” I hook my arm through Declan’s, leaning into him, holding onto my Alpha for support. I’m pretty sure I know whatDad is going to say but it doesn’t make it any easier. Dad was so happy over the last year.
“Lila and I… we’re splitting. I can’t lose my own flesh and blood, Avery. I’ve been blind, did a lot of things out of anger and it’s gotten me nowhere. I still have a lot to atone for, but I’m trying.”
I can’t help the question that comes out of my mouth. “Because of us?”
Dad shakes his head. “Not exactly. There’s more to it—things between Lila and me that aren’t about you. But you two, your bond… it made me see what matters. I’m not losing you again.” His smile is bittersweet as he glances at the both of us. “Can we still do that dinner? I wanted to do all this formal-like but I want you back at the house. Both of you if you want. The place has never been this empty and it’s just as much Avery’s as it is mine.”
I frown, confused. “What are you talking about?”
“Your mother left that house to the Benson family, Avery. When I can no longer take care of it, it’s yours.”
My head is reeling with a thousand different scenarios, the sudden onslaught of a pregnant belly and babies and Declan taking care of me running through my head. Declan catches on, chuckling as he leans down to whisper in my ear. “We can do all that later, pretty boy but maybe we shouldn’t let your father in on your fantasies? Your scent’s gone all sweet and I just want to lick you.”
