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But I knew Dylan was dragging his feet, hoping that Stephan would return.

“Dyl,” I called again. “I’m gonna count to three!”

The door to his room upstairs slammed open. “I wanna stay here!”

I winced, then mouthed an apology to Mia, who waved her hand, then nodded knowingly at Bella. All moms knew tantrums were a part of life.

“I know you do, but you’ve had plenty of time here today, okay? Now come downstairs.”

Dylan stomped down the stairs. “But it’s not fair! Why aren’t we allowed to stay here? Mama Liz’s house is too small, and my room there smells bad.”

“Dyl.”

“I hate it there! Why won’t you let me stay with Dad?”

“All right, that’s enough. Go wait in the car.”

Dylan shoved the front door open and stomped, surly as ever, off the porch and out to the white rental SUV, which was back in action after getting a new battery. It didn’t drive as nicely as the clan sedan, but honestly, I was glad to have something that was still mine, even if it was just a rental car. I sighed. “Sorry about that. He’s having a hard time with all of this.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Hawk said with an easy smile. “Text us if you need anything. But you know you can stay here, right?”

“Thanks. But not tonight.” I sighed and glanced toward the front door. I almost wished Stephan would show up now, but I know that’d only make it more difficult to get Dylan home.

We drove back to Mom’s in silence. Dylan stared out the window, anger radiating off him. I’d seen him throw tantrums before, but this was more intense than usual. Was it his shifter puberty? Or the shock of meeting his dad? Even if Stephan helped him get through his shift… Would it be easy for him to stay in Dylan’s life? Or would it just be like this, whiplash and confusion all the time?

My mother was nowhere to be found when we got back. “Go to your room, Dylan. You were rude to me and to our hosts. I want you to think about your tone, and we’ll talk about it before dinner.”

“Fine,” Dylan said. He went to his room and slammed the door.

I rolled my eyes. We’d be talking about that, too.

At least I’d had time to get to the grocery store. I put together a curry, using some of the rarely-used spices in Mom’s cabinets.Dylan wouldn’t be in the mood to talk, but I could at least make one of his favorite meals.

The vegetables were simmering on the stove, the rice was nearly finished, and I was humming to myself as I set the table for two. Then, the front door opened, and I was greeted with a deep, heaving sigh.

“Hi, Mom.”

Mom was a little unsteady on her feet, and there was a flush on her cheeks. She’d clearly been out drinking, but at least she hadn’t brought anyone back with her this time.

“So, no guard dog here to scare off my company?” Mom asked.

“Guard dog?” I turned off the burner and turned around. “Mom, I don’t know what you’re doing with that guy, who is apparently married, but Stephan was worried about Dylan.”

“Well,Stephanneeds to be reminded of who actuallylivesin this house.” Mom spat his name out like a curse. “Ace may run Lakeview, but that doesn’t mean he runs my life.”

“Mom, he’s not trying to run your life?—”

“Don’t talk back to me,” Mom snapped. “I’m letting you stay in my house, and I won’t let your big, bad, baby daddy tell me who I can and can’t see.”

“Baby daddy?”

“That’s all he is. You were just a silly girl when you met him. He hasn’t changed, either. He’s a controlling asshole who thinks he’s better than all of us.”

“I think you need to get some sleep, Mom,” I said, my voice like ice. “Drink some water.”

“You never should’ve gotten wrapped up with that man!” The volume of her voice raised as she got herself worked up. “You’re making the same damn mistakes I did. If you think showing up after ten years will suddenly turn that man into agoodman, you’re a damn fool! And now it’s messing upmylife, too!”

“Stop fighting!” Dylan’s voice cracked with emotion. He stood at the foot of the stairs, in his pajama pants and a ratty old T-shirt. His hands were balled into fists at his sides, eyes flickering with gold and gray smoke streaming from his nostrils.