\[Rosco’s POV\]
My father doesn’t speak as he examines me carefully. It’s almost like he is wondering if I knew the answer and just wanted to hear it from his mouth.
“Are you really asking me that?” He finally says, relaxing in his seat. “Isn’t it obvious?”
“Obvious how?” I demand. “You threatened to end the life of a random woman due to your son's fascination; how is that even normal?”
“You were an alpha heir.” He points out. “Once Serenity gets older and prepares to take over Emerald Moon, you will understand.”
“Like hell, I will!” I growl.
“As heirs, there is no room for normal relationships.” My father snaps before I can begin to go off on him. “If you want to leave your pack with a strong heir, you must be with someone who stands on equal ground.”
“Denali did!” I argue.
“Were you even aware of her lineage at that time?”
Opening my mouth, I prepare to argue, but he had me here. Of course, I didn’t know who she was or where she came from during that time. All I knew was that she was the angel that appeared in front of me when I felt the most alone.
“See,” he chuckles. “Of course I would want to end your ridiculous pursuit before it came to fruition.”
“And death was the only way you could think of?”
“I’d do whatever it took to make sure my pack continues to have strong leaders.” My father responds evenly. “That’s how it works. You were simply lucky to end up with your mate like you did. Consider it a blessing because most leaders don’t get that option.”
“What about mom?” I ask, knowing good and well that my father cared deeply for her. “Are you saying that you also just got lucky enough to end up with your mate?”
“Your mother and I had a planned engagement.” He confirms. “But she wasn’t my mate.”
Eyes widening I take in what he is saying. As long as I could remember, he always referred to her as his mate, and Luna. If she wasn't, then did that mean that both of them gave up their better halves in order to lead Crystal Fang?
“Don’t look at me with pity.” My father warns. “Even if your mother isn’t my mate, she is the only woman I have ever cared for.”
“And what about her?” I ask softly. “Were you the only man she ever cared for?”
Honestly, I never really pried into my parents’ business. They seemed happy enough together, and that was enough for me. But now, I couldn’t help wondering how painful it must have been for both if they actually did find their mates and rejected them for the sake of power.
“You didn’t bring me here to discuss things such as mates and happy relationships.” My father finally answers, making it clear he didn’t want to answer my question. “You said that your wife insisted we mend our relationship, but what you did was unacceptable. You put your own happiness above that of your family and pack.”
“Because you were wrong in your accusations.” I snap. “At that time, you were more than willing to believe that Denali was a murderer, but now that you know the truth, what do you have to say?”
I wait as my father opens and closes his mouth. It was satisfying to see, given the fact that he usually knew exactly what to say.
“For that, I will apologize.” He says, taking me by surprise. “At the time, I should have waited for all evidence to be presented. However, I was so worried about not only your image but also my own.”
Nodding, I let his words sink in, but they don’t make me feel any better.
“Then please keep true to your word. Apologize to Denali for your wrong judgment about her.”
“I am a man of my word.” He murmurs. “But this doesn’t mean that you are welcome back at Crystal Fang. Once you’ve severed your bond, there is no way to fix it. William will go forth as the future alpha of the pack.”
“That’s fine with me.” I chuckle. “I had no intention of going back. I have taken my place beside Denali as alpha of Emerald Moon, and this is where I will remain.”
“Then I do believe that we’re done here.” My father announces getting up from his seat. “I should go and...”
“Stay the night.”
The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them, but I know that this is what I absolutely want given the fact that the danger still wasn’t handled.
“Just for tonight.” I continue when my father gives me a look. “We don’t know if Roger and his minions are roaming around somewhere, and it is dangerous for you to move mom right now. You also haven’t had much time to visit with your granddaughter.” I continue when he continues to look at me in disbelief. “I think Denali would like it if you two had a relationship. But I won’t make you stay if you don’t…”
“Alright.” My father says, giving me a sober look. “But just tonight. Come morning, I will be returning to Crystal Fang, and you will have to solve your own issues. I will only lend you William and a few men for a month at most."
“Of course, I wouldn’t expect any less.” I say, giving a slight smile. “Will you be taking William with you to pick out the warriors he wishes to bring here with him to help protect our pack?”
“He can stay.” He responds. “And I’ll deal with your uncle Gregory.”
“Good luck.” I chuckle, knowing Uncle Gregory was just as stubborn as him. “He won’t be happy to hear that his son is taking a break from his alpha training.”
“This will be good training for him.” My father counters. “As Alpha, he will have to help neighboring packs when trouble erupts, especially since we don’t know if it could expand to our territory too. Now, I’d like to go visit my wife, if you’ll excuse me.”
Nodding, I motion for him to go while remaining in place.
“I’ll see you later.”
“Alright.”
Growing quiet, I watch as my father makes his way out of my office. As he moves, I can feel all the years of hatred and resentment leaving with him.
Sighing, I sit back and realize that once again, Denali was truly the best thing to happen to me. If she wasn’t by my side, I didn’t think I could possibly feel this much peace. Since she came crashing into my life, my relationships were improving, and the walls I spent years building were crashing down one by one.
“I really am going to have to do my best to spoil her for our entire lives.”