The Broken Warrior's Daughter

| do as requested. | find an extra pair of clothes in a hollowed area of a nearby tree and put some shorts on then step back out to speak to my father.

“Want to tell me why an intelligent, gifted Guardian who is a member of our pack doesn’t think my son, the future alpha, would be interested enough in her to be staking a very public claim?”

1 turn and begin heading toward the packhouse, pulling my thoughts together before speaking. “You and mom have raised me to know who Cara Nelson is. I’ve known my whole life what we owe that family and what they have sacrificed for us.” 1 turn to look him in the eye. “What neither of you ever actually did was make sure | knew who Cara Nelson, the person, is.”

My dad continues to stay silent, so | take that as my queue to continue. “So, last week, | saw her in school. There was something about her.” | run my hand through my hair. “I didn’t know who she was. But | was drawn to her, so | went. up to her and introduced myself. | asked her what her name was and what pack she belonged to.”

When | looked back up, my dad was just staring at me. This time | waited him out. “I'm guessing that didn’t go well?” he asks.

“About as well as you would expect,” | replied.

“And so this week of gifts is... what? An apology?”

“Yes and no,” | respond. “At first, that was how it started. | wanted her to know that | know who she is and that | appreciate her and her family for everything they have given us. But then Kai wanted more. Each day when | wrote the cards. for her, | put more of my intent to not only claim her but to let her know that | want her. That we want her to be ours.

“And Kai is sure that he wants her?” “Yes, he’s been very clear and | have checked with him several times this week so | wasn’t making false promises.”

| wait a beat and then voice the concern that Chase brought up earlier tonight. Could it be that Kai’s attracted to heras a Guardian rather than a mate, dad?”

Dad looked thoughtful as he stared out into the dark night. “I don’t think it’s because she’s a Guardian. You’ve been in the same schools all your life and you are just now noticing her, right before your 18th birthday. | think maybe Kai is

1/2 +15 BONOS | released a breath | didn’t know | was holding.

Before | could speak, dad asked, “So what’s your plan? You have two days left until your birthday. Is that when you are going to reveal that you are her secret admirer?”

“Yes, that’s my plan. | have one more gift to give her tomorrow and then | have a dress to be delivered to her on Saturday for the party.”

“What's tomorrow's gift?” When | tell him, he stares at me in shock. “Son, how did you even pull that off?” “I called in a favor.” | smirk at him. “That's one hell of a favor.”

“It is, but she’s worth it. And on Saturday, at my party, I’ve already worked it out with mom how | will show her that this week, it was me. “Mom doesn’t know that’s what I have planned, she’s just excited that I’m showing an interest in my party.” We both laugh and start walking again toward the packhouse.

“You know Liam will be at the party on Saturday as well, right son?” “| do. | know they have a history, although I’m not sure how extensive it is. | also know she won't turn 18 for a couple more months, so that gives me time to work my magic and let her know that I’m serious about wanting her.”

| hate that he will get special, privileged time with her tomorrow, but I’m hoping my gift overshadows that a bit. I've saved the best for last. There’s no way she won't be impressed.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Cooper Author What could Rik’s final gift be? Any thoughts? +15 BONOS