CHAPTER 8 CONNER

Walking to breakfast with her beside me after hearing what my father had caused her to go through made me sick to my stomach. How could he stand the guilt of being near her after the pain he had caused her. His actions came down to one thing. Pride. Niklaus's pride caused him to break lines that should never have been crossed so much as touched or looked at. He had betrayed his friend's trust. My father was a monster in his own right.

      Ren needs to know the truth and if she kills him, she will have rightfully done so. I hope it doesn't come to that because he is still my father, but our laws grant the right of retribution. She has the right to wipe out our entire pack because of all he has done.

      She seems to notice my inner turmoil. "Is everything okay? You seem far away."

      "I'm fine. Just lost in thought," I say. "How are you feeling this morning?"

      She can tell I am dodging, but accepts the change of topic. "Better. Just taking it one day at a time and hoping that one day, it will be easier."

      My jaw clenches with anger. That anger is not only directed at my father, but those who carried out his deals. I will find every last one of them and together, Ren and I will make them pay.

      "Are you sure your okay? You are getting tense. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I shouldn't have said anything. I apologize."

      "You have nothing to apologize for. Those who hurt you do and we will ensure they do. Every last one of them." I spoke with venom letting my anger seep through making my eyes turn silver. Ren looked at me in surprise at the emotion behind my voice. Closing my eyes, I take a breath and apologize to her. "I'm sorry. Let's forget about it for now. We should hurry to breakfast before it gets cold." I can tell she wants to ask what is going on, but she doesn't push the issue. It is a small blessing and the rest of the walk to the dining room is silent as Ren trails along behind me.

      Opening the doors, I know father has already arrived because the scent of food flows towards us. Food is never served until the alpha has arrived. As I look over at Ren, her face is pure and unadulterated hunger. Her mouth is watering and she looks as though she will start tearing into the food like an animal if kept waiting any longer. I lead her to the table and see her to her seat at the left side of my seat, placing myself between her and father. On father's right, Alec takes his seat and nervously shuffles his feet at the seat placement.