Page 22 of Rogue & Her Hunters
He once told me:Poverty makes people do terrible things or make terrible choices.
“I can feed myself,” Mars protests.
When he attempts to raise his hand, however, he grimaces in pain.
“That’s what being stabbed and almost dying does for you.” I smirk. “Open up, baby bird.”
Mars shoots me a mock glare but allows Nico to feed him a mouthful of broth.
We both know that this is more of a comfort to his dad than it is for him.
Nico nearly lost his son. Being able to feel useful in some way has always made him feel better. Nico is kept out of most pack business. It must be an impossible position. He raised Mars, and despite his own tough situation, he’s never lost his kindness.
Having Nico’s example of an Omega may have ruined Mars.
Strength, endurance, and kindness.
In our world, how lucky would we be to find those traits in our bondeds?
“Dad…” Mars flushes with shame. “It’s my fault. The Omega didn’t want me. She hated my scent. She said that I was weak.She rejected me.”
“Then she’s an idiot.” Nico’s voice is sharper than I’ve heard before. “Let me tell you this, my God of War, you’re the best Alpha in this pack. I haven’t raised you to doubt yourself just because someone speaks badly about you. Did you treat her with respect like we talked about? Make sure that she knew she would be treated well?”
Mars nods.
“Then it’s not your fault.” Nico drops the spoon. “From what I’ve heard being whispered between the Betas, this was a setup. It wouldn’t have mattered what you did, the Billionaires would have acted the same way. They wanted this war.”
Mars and I share an uneasy glance.
I adjust the sleeves of my jacket, as sweat drips down my neck. “Where’s the Chief Alpha now?”
Nico’s gaze cuts to me. “Last I heard, preparing for that war. Rogue, what were you thinking revealing your power?”
“I was thinking,” I say through clenched teeth, “that I should do my job as Mars’ bodyguard and get him out of that meeting alive.”
Nico’s face falls.
He crawls across the bed toward me. “Thank you for bringing my son back to me. But you’re my daughter too, and I’m scared for you. You don’t know what I’ve suffered ever since you were born to keep you alive.”
I freeze.
I don’t.
I stare at Nico in shock.
He’s clenching his hands like he’s desperately holding himself back from taking my hand. “I know that you’re not meant to call meDad, but could you just this once?”
My blood chills.
Nico knows that I’m going to be executed.
This is his last request.
Numb, I nod. “Dad.”
Nico’s face crumples. “May I hug you?”
He never has.
