Three

FIVE YEARS LATER,

RAELYNN

       "Doctor Lynn, your phone has been ringing since you entered the surgical room," Rose, my assistant, said to me as soon as I stepped into my office.

"An unknown number?" I asked, and she nodded. 

"It's quite strange. This person has called you twenty-six times already. Maybe an ex?" 

I chuckled, accepting the phone she held out to me. I had a feeling that the caller was no other person than my father. It was just about time. 

After the incident, five years ago, I faked my death and stayed in the region dominated by Lycans, with the man who had rescued me from what could have been my death. 

Only recently did I pull some strings to get my father to know that I was still alive. 

While in my grip, my phone rang out. The call was from an unknown number. 

"You can go now. Thank you, Rose," I said to my assistant, and she nodded before walking out of my office. 

Sinking into my seat, I picked up the call and brought the phone to my ear. 

"Raelynn, it's me. Your father."

I sank my teeth into my bottom lip as the memory of being kicked out by him replayed itself in my memory. 

"Hello, father," I said, keeping my voice stoic. 

He heaved a heavy sigh. 

"I'm so glad you're alive. I thought—I thought I'd lost you for good. I haven't been able to fully relax, knowing that I'd disappointed your mother... again," he said, and I clenched my fists.

I doubted that he meant what he'd just said. After all, he'd cheated on my mother and impregnated another woman while I was in my mother's womb. 

"I've been doing alright," I stated. 

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for what I did to you back then. Would you come back home? I want to see you," he stated, and I closed my eyes, pressing my thumb along the bridge of my nose. 

"I can't just..."

He cut me off, desperation bleeding into his voice. It made me suspicious. 

"Please, Raelynn. I beg of you."

Letting out a sigh, I raked my hair through my wavy brown hair.

"Fine. I'll come home," I told him.

"Thank you, Rae."

The line went dead, and I exhaled slowly. I couldn't help but wonder what he was up to. 

Picking up the telephone, I called Rose's office. She picked up right away. 

"How many consultations do I have left?" I asked.

"You have six of them left for today," she responded. 

I glanced at the wall clock, which read 03:45 PM. My days were usually much busier. Packed schedules were unavoidable, especially since I was quite famous. 

Not many people knew who I was, but I had established a name for myself as a mysterious healer who was very good at her job. It was fun in that way.

...

I arrived at my old childhood home three days later. The house was awfully silent when I entered the front porch. The moment I raised a fist to knock on the door, it creaked open. Caroline stood at the door, her eyes narrowed at me.

"How are you here, right now? We heard that you were dead," she stated, and I raised a brow at her, amused. 

"I'm not here to see you, move out of the way," I said calmly, and her eyes darkened.

"You must have a messed up memory. Don't you remember being thrown out of the house? You don't belong here anymore," she said, stepping out of the house to shut the door behind her.

"Why? You came crawling back home because you've got nothing left?" She continued, and I smiled at her.

"I wouldn't have come here if dad didn't beg me to return home. I have better things to do, you know? I had to reschedule my appointments and consultations. Like I said, I didn't come here for you," I replied, and shock crossed her features. 

"It's impossible. Dad wouldn't --"

The door opened, and my father stepped out. His eyes widened when he saw me. He looked much older, and his hair had turned grey. 

"Raelynn, you came," he breathed, his eyes mirroring his relief.

Caroline went pale, her eyes widened in horror. 

"Come here, my little girl," my father said, holding out his arms for an embrace. When we embraced, I noticed he'd lost weight. He felt lean in my arms. My father who used to look so formidable, now seemed so ragged and tired. 

"Did you come with a taxi?" Dad asked.

"I came with a car. I bought a few things on the way. They're still in the car," I said.

"Caroline. Get her luggage from the car. Let's go in, Raelynn," he stated, leading me into the house. 

Three years ago, I'd heard that my stepmother had fallen ill. A year later, I heard that she had suddenly vanished. No one knew where she'd gone to.

...

Later at night, I went to the kitchen to get myself a glass of water when I overheard my father on the phone. 

"She only just returned. Give me a little more time," I heard him say. 

Curious, I moved towards his study. 

"Fine. I'll tell her about the dating party tonight. Your son is quite impatient."

At this point, I understood that he was up to no good. Just as I'd expected, my father would always be selfish. Once again, he was showing his true colours.

"Dad?" I called out, knocking on the door of his study.

"Come in," he said, and I strode in, just in time to see him lower his phone onto his desk.

"Have a seat," my father said, and I slowly settled down on the couch in his study. He joined me on the couch and turned to look at me. He looked anxious, and he kept tapping the tips of his fingers. 

"What is it, dad?" I asked, giving him a smile.

"First of all, how have you been? We all thought you were dead. It was heartbreaking," he said, and my smile widened. 

"A Lycan saved me. He took me in and looked after me. I kept a low profile because I thought I would be safer that way," I said to him. 

"It's been five years, what's your relationship with the Lycan?" He asked, and I shrugged.

"He only sees me as his daughter," I replied, and realization crossed his features.

"What about a significant other? Have you met--"

"Come on, dad. I've been too busy trying to survive," I groaned, and he smiled weakly.

"How about this? A friend wants you to meet his son, who heard about your return," he said.

There it was. Bingo!

"A blind date? Really, dad?" I said, feigning ignorance.

"How bad can it be? Just this once, okay?"

I stared at him, wondering who this 'friend of his' was. News had reached me about the fact that my father had been stripped of his title as Beta, and it was strange how this person wanted me to meet his son despite knowing my infamous history with my first mate. 

Was my father trying to sell me off to some random person? 

It was a stupid question. One that I clearly knew the answer to. Just like always, my father just wanted to use me for his own selfish gain. What he didn't know was that the old me didn't exist anymore. The old me who was willing to do anything to please her father was dead. This time, I was prepared to take matters into my hands. 

"So, what do you say? Is it a yes?" he asked, and I stared at him, weighing my options.