Page 23 of Resisting Fate

Hailey Weston comes to my mind, and I squeeze my eyes closed trying to shake her from my thoughts.

I would never be blessed with someone so perfect.

I let out a humourless laugh. “You think my father really cares about fate?” I spit out.

She lets out a deep breath. “One of these days, you need to stand up to him.”

I shake my head. “It doesn’t work that way.”

I don’t say anything else, and neither does she, as I drive her home. When I get on the road back to my house after dropping her off, my nerves take over and my palms get sweaty.

This isn’t going to be good.

My only hope is that he’s sleeping, but luck never turns my way because he’s there in the living room when I walk in.

“Boy, how did the date go?” he asks as soon as he sees me.

“Pen broke up with me,” I say barely above a whisper.

I know he heard it, shifter hearing and all.

“What the fuck did you do?” he asks. Rage takes over his face and he snarls at me.

I shake my head. “Nothing. She just wants to see if she finds her fated mate after the ceremony.”

“She wouldn’t even be thinking about fated mates if you had done your job correctly. She should be wrapped around your finger by now. How did I raise such a failure for a son?” he shouts.

His words hurt. Just like they always do. Weren’t parents supposed to love their children?

“I can’t force her to love me,” I mumble out. Not that I want her to, but I know not to say that part out loud.

The first punch takes me by surprise, just like it always does.

He always hits me until I’m too weak, and then places a silver necklace on me. I already know the drill. He stops it to slow the healing so that I can feel the pain longer.

I’ve taught myself to block out the pain. The only person that comes to mind during this time, and has been since I can remember, is Hailey Weston. I don’t know why, but I picture her when the pain becomes too much. She’s the only light in my darkness.

I jump when I feel a hand on my face. I look up to see Hailey’s concerned eyes.

“You’re okay. I’m here,” she says softly.

She does the most unexpected thing and climbs into my lap. I don’t hesitate to wrap my arms around her and breathe in her scent, letting her bring me more comfort than she would ever believe she could.

“I’m sorry you had to live that way,” she whispers.

“He locked me in the cage he kept in the basement for days. When he finally allowed me to heal, I thought maybe he finally managed to break me that time,” I admit.

“You held on and were stronger than you realised,” she says is a soft whisper.

“You may not believe me but, with every single hit, I learned the only thing that could block it out was your sweet face. Maybe my wolf knew even then,” I say softly.

“You will never have to feel that pain anymore,” she tells me with determination in her voice.

We sit there in silence, but I feel like I have more to say to her.

“M-my wolf and I aren’t as connected as shifters usually are,” I say, blowing out a breath at the words.

“What do you mean?” she asks after pulling back to look up at me.

---