Chapter 287

Chapter 287
The next morning, Hunter followed his orders and drove me to my father's place.

I sat in my father's study, fingers nervously drumming against my thigh as I waited.

When the door finally opened, he entered carrying a plate, which I guessed was food he'd brought for me.

"I thought you might be hungry," he said, placing the tray on the table between us. "Hope roast beef sandwiches will do."

"Thank you for the food," I managed, though I made no move toward the sandwich.

My eyes drifted to a framed photograph on his desk. A beautiful woman with flowing blonde hair and a radiant smile—my mother. I'd seen pictures of her before, but this one was different. She looked so beautiful, so happy.

"Why do you keep her picture here?" I asked.

A soft smile crossed his face. "Because she was the love of my life. She was an amazing woman, and you're just like her in every way."

Just then, my stomach growled loudly, and heat rushed to my cheeks. I realized I hadn't eaten much this morning.

"Please, eat," my father urged, gesturing to the sandwich.

I picked it up and took a bite, surprised by the explosion of flavors. "This is really good," I said between bites.

"I'm glad you like it." He leaned back in his chair, watching me.

After I'd taken a few bites, he spoke again.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this, Riley." He settled into the armchair.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I was supposed to raise you with your mother. We had it all planned out." His voice grew softer. "But the night I lost her, I nearly lost myself too. The wolf... it almost took over completely."

"I couldn't control my shifts," he continued. "For months, I'd transform without warning. I couldn't take care of a baby—I could barely take care of myself." His eyes darkened with remembered pain. "So I made the hardest decision of my life. I gave you to Sarah to raise."

I set down my sandwich, my appetite quickly disappearing.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Even now, it was hard for me to talk about my mom.

"So you just let me go and walked away."

"No." He frowned. "I fell apart completely, lost everything, cut ties with everyone, but I never forgot about you. By the time I pulled myself together, it was too late."

"It's never really too late, but you should know I had a good childhood. I was fine. Grandma raised me to be a strong, independent woman."

"I have no doubt about that." He smiled. "She's an extraordinary woman."

No matter how angry I was at my grandmother's deceptions, I wouldn't speak ill of her.

"Would you like something else to eat? You've barely touched your sandwich. Or something to drink?" he asked.

"Coffee, please."

"I'll be right back, or would you like to join me?" he offered.

"Sure." I followed him from the dining area to the kitchen. The first thing I noticed was how strikingly similar it was to my grandmother's house. Vaulted ceilings, open spaces, large patio windows.

I walked straight to the windows, staring out at the open land. I was beginning to notice that werewolves liked open spaces. What was there to be surprised about? Walk out the back door and there was open forest. Always somewhere to run free.

"When did you find out that Dominic and I were destined mates?" I asked.

"When an Alpha finds his mate, it's a big deal, but I think you know that already. Word travels fast. I saw pictures of you and Dominic, and then I saw you that day at the café. You look exactly like your mother did at your age."

"How long have you been in contact with Grandma? Was it before we moved here? Did you know we were coming?"

"She contacted me after you arrived here. She knew I lived a few hours' drive from town, but I wasn't the reason for your move. When I told her I wanted to meet you, she gave me the green light."

She did? For so long, I wasn't even allowed to mention his name. All my life, I'd been led to believe he was a bad person, when the truth was quite the opposite. Maybe it was easier for her to let me believe he wasn't a good man, in case I never got this chance.

We sat in the kitchen, two strangers. Yes, we were strangers, sitting in his kitchen drinking coffee. This didn't feel like home, and while they were my family, it was hard to immediately think of him as family. It would take time and effort for us to become father and daughter. Maybe someday we could reach that point.

We talked about many things—my mother, his pack, and their life before. We were both trying to rebuild our connection.

"I understand if you don't want anything to do with this side of your family, Riley. I'll respect whatever decision you make."

"I want to know my family," I finally said. "But I need time to process all this."

He nodded. "I'll introduce you to the rest of the family gradually."

I smiled, feeling like things were moving in a positive direction.

"Are you happy, Riley?"

"What?"

"Does Dominic treat you well?"

The abrupt change of subject caught me off guard. "Yes," I answered honestly. "He treats me like a princess."

Something like relief crossed his face. "Good. I've had people watching over you. Even though I wasn't part of your life, I had to make sure my daughter was safe."

So when Dominic kept saying the territory wasn't safe, that other wolves had entered, it was my father's people keeping an eye on me.

My father never participated in my life before I turned eighteen, and I had grown accustomed to this situation, even hating him at times. But after learning the truth, I began to find peace with it. Since finding me, he had been watching over me, protecting me. This made me feel that familial love once again.

Though we couldn't immediately become close, we were both working to bridge the gap between us.

"I think I should head back now." I felt today's conversation had been enough.

"Will you come again?" he asked, looking at me with hope, his body tensing.

"I'll come once a week," I smiled.

His tense body relaxed, and his face brightened with a smile.

I believe we'll rebuild our connection through our future interactions. He wasn't part of my past, but I hope he'll be present in my future life.