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I may be quiet, but I’m no longer silent.

“In that case, we’ll meet back here in four months.” Harris bangs the gavel and walks out.

Kefling and Lance tow Corey and Jacob out of the room so fast I barely have time to see their faces. My parents follow, though I know from experience that they’ll be waiting for me. Can’t give up an opportunity to set me straight.

As soon as they’re gone, I text Nate.

Me

Got the delay. Leaving now.

Nate

I’m here.

Once we’re sure Pack Parker’s gone, Sasha turns to me. “We don’t have a lot of time, so I need you to dig up every document you have from when you first started courting your exes. Texts, gifts, dinner receipts, emails. Everything. Maybe we missed something.”

She has it all, but I’ll search again anyway. “Did you get ahold of Taylorson?”

“Nope. His secretary said he’s on leave indefinitely and there’s no record of him working on the case at all.

“I have some feelers out to other lawyers who specialize in cases like this. Maybe they’ll have more solutions than I do. For now, just keep looking for the contract and don’t give up, okay?”

As expected, we find my parents on the steps.

“You want me to stay?” Sasha asks.

“No, I’ve got someone waiting.” And doesn’t that feel amazing?

After a pointed look, she heads out, leaving me to face my parents.

“Mother, Father. You look well.” If you consider Satan’s handmaidens a good look.

“I wish we could say the same.” Mother’s nose wrinkles as she takes in my outfit.

“I’m comfortable with the clothes I wear, thank you.”

Father adjusts the cuffs of his suit with a derisive snort. “Are we really just going to pretend that nothing’s wrong after you spent a week whoring around with a pack that isn’t yours?”

Actually, four days, fuck you very much.“At least I’m not bending over for the people that hurt my daughter.”

It’s the most argumentative thing I’ve ever said to my father, and it’s as freeing as it is terrifying. His face darkens, cheeks going ruddy. Even as a beta, he vibrates with so much tension I want to take a step back.

“They didn’t hurt you, Daphne. You’re just weak. God knows why they want you back when they could have anyone.”

Mother looks away, throat bobbing, but as usual, she says nothing to defend me. Before I can do more than swallow, a growl heats my skin.

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

Oh, shit.I whirl, finding a very pissed off Nate behind me. He palms my waist, pulling me into his body like he can shield my heart from their hateful words. “Who the hell do you think you are to talk to her like that?”

Mother shrinks back, faking fear, while Father stands as if he’s got a single chance against my alpha. “We’re her parents. Who the hell are you?”

“I’m her?—”

“Friend!” I interrupt. “Nate and his pack are supporting me through this ordeal.”

Father scoffs. “You mean, you’re fucking them.”