112: Ada's POV

“Ada,” he took a step toward me, opening his arms as if he was offering me an embrace, “It’s so good to see you.”

I took a step back, narrowing my eyes. My hand was resting on my still-empty dagger sheath. In my mind, I worked to open the links with my mates. I’d closed them all off when I started exercising in an attempt to keep them out of my anxious ranting. Now, I needed them. I felt the slow trickle of warmth flood down Phoenix’s bond, as if he was pleasantly surprised I was reaching out to him. Darius’s response was a bit more apprehensive. Once I was sure that I had opened them enough to send this conversation to them, I spoke.

“Father,” he took another step forward, and I took another step back. His arms dropped, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes. My heart pounded as I cocked my head to the side, “What are you doing here?”

He crossed his arms over his chest. How had I never noticed that he was a large man? My father was nearly as large as my mates and just as muscular. Had I just been oblivious because he’s my father, so I never perceived him as an actual threat? I’d spent so much time away from him that maybe it was normal I didn’t notice that there was so little of the father I remembered from when I was young left in him. This man was cold, angry. Jaded.

Phoenix reached out, voice soft, *I’m on my way, Ada*.

*No, don’t,* I answered quickly and swallowed as my mate growled. *Let me see if I can get any info out of him.*

*Just remember you aren’t powerless because you have no weapon,* Darius said softly, *You are the only weapon you’ll ever need.*

“Can’t a father just visit his daughter?” my father arched an eyebrow, a malicious grin growing on his face. When I didn’t answer him, he sighed, “I suppose your warm welcome is warranted after the way I’ve treated you in recent years.” he dropped his arms by his side, “I am sorry for that, Ada.”

“I don’t believe you,” my voice was soft, “What are you actually doing here?”

My father motioned toward the couches, “Why don’t we have a seat?”

I glanced over at the couch and shook my head, “Think I’ll pass.”

“I’m not here to hurt you, Ada. I’m here to talk.”

“You’ll have to forgive me for not believing a single fucking word out of your mouth,” I spat out and rolled my shoulders back.

“I’d be stupid to come here all alone and try and fight *you*,” he held up his hands as if he was surrendering, “I *was* at the ball and watched you freeze Alpha King Everett’s hand. As proud as I am about that, I wouldn’t want the same thing happening to me,” my father motioned at the couches again, “Please. Let’s sit and talk. I’ll let you ask me anything.”

*Sit down with him*. Darius’s voice was tight. *Stay alert, but if that’s how you keep him talking, then sit down*.

It wasn’t a direct order, but I found myself inherently walking toward the couch. My father followed slowly, keeping a good amount of distance between us. As soon as he sat down, I blurted out, “Why the fuck are you leading a rebellion against my mates?”

“Straight to the point,” he shook his head with a grin, “Some things never change. I know we have some tension between us,” my father shifted on the couch, sucking in a deep breath, “But you are still my daughter. Show me some respect.”

*Don’t you dare*, Phoenix and Darius growled simultaneously. I leaned back, working to keep my body relaxed, “Simply put, I don’t have to. Now, you said you’re here to talk. So talk.”

A few moments of silence were shared between us. My father’s jaw ticked, and I couldn’t fight the twitch in the corner of my lips, begging to place a smirk on my face. Finally, he spoke:

“Doesn’t it bother you how much the Ashford family ignores the heritage of their wolves?”

My eyebrows furrowed, “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“They fight in human form. They fight against their instincts, the very nature of our own spirit animals,” my father continued, speaking animatedly with his hands. “It goes deeper than just the fighting. They deny all of our heritage and try to live as humans. Even something as simple as the mate bond can be denied *just because*.”

“And this is a reason to start a rebellion?” My voice was tight, high in pitch, “You nearly killed my mates. What gives you the right to think this is the way you deal with these issues?”

My father grinned, “I’m glad you asked. The reason we were banished to the territory of the Midnight Pack is the reason it’s my right.”

I rolled my eyes, “What the hell are you going on about now?”

“We are related to the original bloodline of the old Dominion,” my father rested his palms on his thighs, “We were *spared* because of our friendship with the Ashford family. Everett always denied having any knowledge of this, but the history books and journals have it in there. The Lennox family has a claim to the throne.”

A low growl erupted in my mind, and I couldn’t tell which of my mates it came from. I sucked in a breath, “Your supporters believe in the original bloodline?”

“They believe in the old values. They’ve watched as generation after generation, our species has become weaker and less magically inclined,” my father explained, face flat, “Tyrant after tyrant has been present on the throne, weakening bloodlines and dictating laws that make us more human than wolf.”

“And they believe you’re the one who should sit on the throne?” I asked, and he nodded. I gave a slow shake of my head, “Did you even bother to try and take a meeting with the new Alpha Kings?”

He shook his head, “It wouldn’t make a difference. Their egos would simply lead them to kill me.”

*He’s not wrong,* Phoenix gave a small chuckle. *I’m in the hall outside your room. Don’t let him leave.*

I didn’t respond to my mate. Instead, I met my father’s eyes, “Why you?”

“My right to the throne is the main reason. Our bloodline is the other one,” he nodded at my hands, “Where do you think that ice comes from?”

I blinked, my shoulders going tense, “You can teleport.”

He gave a curt nod, standing, “Stand with me, my daughter. Let’s put everything behind us and start fresh.” he extended his hand to me, “Together, we can change everything.”

I shook my head, “I can’t. They know everything you told me,” I stood, unexpected tears filling my eyes, “I’ve been linking it to them. I wish you’d tried to find a peaceful solution, Father.”

“I’m sorry it’s come to this, Ada. I hope you’ll forgive me with time— for everything.”

Before Phoenix could open the door, my father was gone.