\[Denali’s POV\]
I sit alone, listening to the sounds of movements outside of my door while cradling Serenity against me. Even though I wanted to get up and help with dealing with the funerals for those who were killed by my father’s evil scheme, I knew that I was still much too weak, especially after I used the alpha command.
Sighing, I try to ignore the feeling of uselessness that is building in me. I was supposed to be a strong luna that stood beside her alpha, but I was weak. I couldn’t even properly fight if things came down to that.
“Dammit.”
For now, the best I could do was be here for Rosco as emotional support. I could only hope that would be enough. I could also handle things around the packhouse if it came down to Rosco having to go somewhere to deal with the danger that was beginning to appear around us.
“Right,” I say, my determination growing. “That is exactly what I can do.”
Pushing aside my feelings of inferiority, I get up and gently place Serenity in her crib. As I straighten up, a knock sounds.
Frowning, I move forward, and when I pull the door open, I find Hamilton standing behind it with a blank expression.
Immediately, I feel my guard going up as he stares on, and when his gaze peeks just over my shoulder, I understand why he is here.
“Please, come in.” I say, stepping aside and motioning for him.
Even if our relationship became strained after Nadia’s schemes to separate me and Rosco, I still owed him for his kindness and generosity when I first came to stay in Crystal Fang.
“You don’t have to look so scared.” He huffs, making his way past me and to Serenity’s side. “I know that boy has probably filled your head with horror stories about me, but...”
“He hasn’t.” I blurt out.
“Right.”
His words are sharp, and it is clear that he is just as uncomfortable as me. This realization alone helps me begin to relax.
“If anything, he hasn’t said much about you.” I continue. “I think he misses you and Naomi, even if he doesn’t say it.”
“You have too much faith in that boy.” Hamilton chuckles. “The only thing he cares about is you and now this tiny thing. He never gave two shits about me.”
Flinching, I try to ignore the pain that shoots through me over just how strained Rosco and Hamilton’s relationship is. As someone who never truly knew the love of a parent after my mother’s death, I would give anything to have what Rosco has.
“It’s never too late.” I say softly. “And with tomorrow not being promised, wouldn’t it be better to fix any grudges you may be holding?”
I knew that I was pushing it and that I was sticking my nose where it didn’t belong, but I couldn’t stop. With the new danger that Rosco and I were facing, we needed all the allies we could get, and his father and Crystal Fang were strong. I also didn’t want Serenity to grow up without knowing Rosco’s pack and parents.
“Why do you care so much about fixing things between us?” Hamilton asks, turning his gaze toward me. “After how horribly I treated you back then.”
“You may have believed the lies,” I agree, taking a seat on my bed. “But before that, you and Naomi were the first people to show me kindness. I will forever be thankful for that. And you once said that I was good for Rosco, and I want to live up to that judgment.”
“I was just speaking out of my ass.” Hamilton sighs, fixing his gaze on me. “I didn’t even explain what I meant at that time.”
“Then why don’t you explain it now?”
Goddess, I was being bold. Even if I was letting my guard down here, it didn’t mean that I wasn’t scared. I knew that Hamilton could be ruthless, and that much was certain after he easily cut off his son. But here he was when danger was beginning to build. Clearly, that said something about him.
It was only because Naomi was hurt. The small voice in the back of my head says, but I push it aside. I knew, deep down, that it wasn’t just for her.
“I’m a selfish bastard.” Hamilton says slowly. “The only thing I truly care about is power and protecting my pack. If that means taking advantage of others or even killing, I’m willing to do it. I chose the daughter of Emerald Moon because of your strong bloodline and how that would benefit my son in the end.”
At his words, I feel my heart give a painful squeeze. It was one thing to know that I was nothing more than a tool, but to hear it spoken so openly left me feeling some kind of way.
“But,” Hamilton continues now. “After seeing just how much you have done and risked to protect not only yourself but my son, I think my feelings toward your purpose have changed.”
“Changed how?” I ask, feeling my hope flare.
“I’m just happy he has someone beside him who can care for him.”
I don’t know why, but his words sound almost like they have a double meaning. Why would Rosco need me there to protect him when he had Hamilton, William, and even Naomi?
Opening my mouth, I prepare to ask this very question, but stop as the door to the room bursts open and Rosco comes storming in.
“I thought you were going to make a phone call.” He snaps, shooting Hamilton a glare. “What are you doing in here? Did you do something to Denali? If you did know that…”
“As you can see, she’s fine.” Hamilton huffs, narrowing his gaze. “I figured since I was here I should at least meet my granddaughter, and since I have, I’ll be leaving.”
“I think that would be best.” Rosco says, positioning himself between Hamilton and me. “You’ve already overstayed your welcome.”
Nodding, Hamilton peeks around Rosco’s shoulder and gives me a quick nod.
“It was nice catching up.” He says. “And congratulations on becoming a mother.“
“Thank you.”
Giving me a final look, Hamilton turns his attention to Rosco, who is watching him carefully.
“If you don’t think you can handle things here, I can…”
“I don’t need your help.” Rosco snaps. “We can handle things here without your interference.”
“Right!” Hamilton chuckles. “Because you did a damn good job of that today.”
“Get the fuck out!” Rosco snarls, taking a few steps toward him. “NOW!”
“I’m leaving,” Hamilton sighs. “But for the time being, I will ask William and a few others to stay here.”
“I already said...”
“It’s not for you.” Hamilton counters, snapping his gaze toward Serenity. “I have my granddaughter to protect.”