Chapter 4

Ava.

While overseas, I had done everything to prepare myself for my revenge.

I studied many different styles of fighting, the entire wolf anatomy, and strategy. I found it all so fascinating—and now, very rewarding—knowing that one touch had her screaming in pain.

I certainly kept myself busy, I can tell you.

My dear old man rushed into the room when he heard Elizabeth’s scream. He froze in his tracks, though, when he saw me—his jaw nearly hit the floor.

I continued to smile. "Hi, Dad. I'm home."

"I can see that," he replied as he collected himself. "Where’s Kaiser?"

I couldn't contain the scowl that took over my face. "Why would he want to come to a place like this?"

"Well, he is my son-in-law," he huffed. "Shouldn’t he come and meet his in-laws, so he could know us better?"

"Son-in-law?" I hissed. "Oh father, I guess your poor memory is failing you, but I will be kind enough to help refresh your memory. Few years ago, you said I was no longer your daughter. So, if I’m not your daughter, how could my husband be your son-in-law?"

That made him freeze again, before I saw his anger start to rise.

"What the hell are you talking about?" he shouted, before composing himself again. We don't want to show our crazy, do we, father?

"That's nonsense—but I shouldn't be surprised. You have always been a difficult child!"

I glared at my father coldly as the ice took over my veins. The memories flashed before my eyes.

"Oh, I remember you saying I was a difficult child—but that was a few years ago, when I was accused of taking drugs. I was put in a rehabilitation centre. Twice. You were so ashamed of me that you never even came to visit! But the truth came out—after the second time.

You had already been informed I wasn’t taking drugs, but you didn’t listen. Yet you still have the nerve to call me a difficult child?!?!?!?"**

There was a mistake in the lab. That’s why the first test came back positive.

I knew Shannon and Elizabeth had something to do with it. They couldn’t believe I had figured out their game—so they tried to have all my test results altered.

The second rehabilitation centre was the cheapest, nastiest place they could find. It was full of real addicts who took their frustrations out on me.

I had finally managed to get to a phone and cried to my dear old man, but after accepting the call, he’d said:

"Don’t call me again. Stop being such a difficult child."

And before I could even defend myself or explain, he had hung up on me.

By then, I was already starting to give up on dear old man.

Wondering if he really deserved the title of “Dad” or “Father” at all.

Malakai—yeah, I think I’ll just stick with his name—glared at me, but said nothing.

He was too angry to speak.

Elizabeth was now laughing at me, thinking she had the upper hand. She really was clueless.

I was about to explain this to the airhead when Mrs. Vivian, Elizabeth’s maid, interrupted to let us know:

"Dinner is served."

I followed Elizabeth and Malakai into the dining room with my head held high—but didn’t see Shannon. Even Malakai noticed and gave Mrs. Vivian a curious look, asking,

"Where’s Lizee?"

I hadn’t even realized she’d left the lobby until we turned toward the dining room.

What was she up to now?

Mrs. Vivian smiled politely. "Her Ladyship went to use the restroom. She’ll be out momentarily."

Just as Mrs. Vivian finished, the evil queen—Shannon—walked in from the kitchen.

Her eyes were red and swollen, and it looked like she’d been crying.

I couldn’t help my sign. I knew where this was going. Ever the actor. Seriously—can’t she give it a rest for one night?

"What’s the matter?" Malakai asked, full of concern.

I wasn’t giving her the chance to answer. I looked up and cut in: "Shannon is probably just happy to see me," I said, full of sarcasm. "After all, Dad, you know she has always treated me as if I were her own daughter. These are tears of joy!"

Shannon had always played the part of the good wife and good mother in front of Malakai.

I didn’t mind blowing a little smoke up her ass for old time’s sake.

After all—how could a woman like Shannon, who had hooked up with a man only recently married to another, be a good person?

My stepbrother, Carl—the eldest son of Shannon—was more than happy to tell me the details. He was a month older than me and had done everything he could to become the prodigal son from the moment he could talk.

Somehow, Malakai was oblivious to my sarcasm as he smiled at Shannon.

"Don’t be silly. Come and join us."

Seeing how pissed off it made Shannon was worth it—especially since she couldn’t say anything in front of Malakai and was forced to sit down and join us for dinner.

As soon as Shannon sat down, Malakai looked around the table again.

"Is Carl not joining us for dinner?"

"Since you haven’t been well and haven’t been able to go into the office, Carl has been busy trying to keep the company in order for you."

Of course, Malakai lapped it up and quickly ordered, "Make sure to wrap and save Carl’s dinner for him."

Shannon smiled victoriously. "Of course," she replied, touching his arm lovingly.

Gross.

I really couldn’t help but roll my eyes—not that anyone saw.

The whole meal was as uncomfortable as I’d expected, but at least it was over quickly.

When everyone had finished eating, Malakai excused himself to go upstairs to take his medication and rest.

Once he was gone, I stood up, ready to leave.

Elizabeth couldn’t help herself. She stood too, following me out to the lobby.

"That was pretty impressive, what you did to my elbow. It actually hurt—and seemed to take very little effort. Who taught you to do that?"

I stopped and stared at her, arms crossed.

"I don’t owe you any explanations. I learned how to do it just for you, dear adopted sister."