Page 62 of Omega Inked

"Oh, but you've always been a daddy's girl," he says, a glint in his eye. "And based on what I heard over the phone, you've already found a new alpha to care for you."

"I'm not a child and I don't need to be cared for," I shoot back.

He just laughs.

"Regardless, I have something that belongs to you, and you have something that belongs to me," he says. "And if you want it, you'll get on the boat."

I don't like the way he's talking. It makes me feel exposed and vulnerable. But I can't back down now, not when Kendra's life is on the line. I steel myself and nod, following him below deck.

The room is large and opulent, with plush chairs and a crystal decanter on a table. I don't sit--I don't want to get too comfortable here, and my feeling that something is very, very wrong is growing. My father pours himself a drink and takes a seat, gesturing for me to do the same.

"I'm not here for pleasantries," I tell him. "You wanted to see me; you told me you'd get Kendra off the auction block. So where is she?"

"This isn't just about seeing you," he says, "although...I did miss you, my daughter."

"Then what is this about?" I demand.

"I need you to come back to us," he says, swirling the scotch in his glass. "You're the key to the future of our family, Olivia. I need you to be my political ally and a proper daughter."

"I'm not going to be used as a pawn in your games," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

He chuckles. "Of course not, darling. You're not a pawn...you're a princess. And princesses get bartered for power."

I freeze, my eyes darting over to the door and my fingers itching to grab the gun. My father catches my expression and leans forward, his eyes alight with a sinister gleam.

"Did you really think I would just hand Kendra over to you, Olivia?" he asks, his voice dripping with malice.

My heart sinks at his words, and I know that I've been played. My father never intended to let Kendra go, no matter what he promised me. And now, I'm trapped in his clutches, with no way out.

"She's not even here, is she?"

"Of course not," he scoffs. He stands up and steps closer, and my skin crawls. "I'm not a fool."

"What do you want from me?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I want you to be my daughter again," he says, reaching out to touch my cheek.

I pull away from his touch, disgust etched on my face.

"I'll never be your daughter again," I say vehemently. "Not after what you've done."

"Then I'll make sure you never leave my side again," he says.

Then he lunges for my throat.

I duck and race away, but I find the door locked behind me. My dad is moving slowly, his hand up to his mouth--talking on a radio. "Get us out of here," he says.

I'm such an idiot--such an idiot.Kendra is still in danger, and now I am too...and I'm out of reach from my pack.

Help me!I think desperately, like a scream across the pack bond.

But there's no answer. The pack can't hear me and I'm alone. I turn back to my father, who's slowly walking toward me, his hand outstretched. I raise my gun, ready to shoot, but it's just for show. He knows it too--he doesn't even flinch.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Olivia," he says, his voice low and dangerous. "I just want you to come home."

"I am home," I snap back. "I have a pack now--anEnclavepack--and those men are my home. You never have been, and you never will be."

He narrows his eyes. "You're making a mistake, my dear. A grave mistake."

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