Chapter Fifty-Three - Willow

“I think we should go outside,” Dad said. I nodded slowly, following him out of the crowded dining hall to the back of the pack house. Dad stopped near the glistening pool and stared at the tree line. My body felt on edge waiting for him to speak. I’d never had the absolute best relationship with my father, but this had wedged a sword between us. The sad thing was that I didn’t know what to do with it. Should I try to save our relationship and go out of my way? Or leave it to heal on its own? Dad shoved his hands into his pockets. “I never put the pieces together,” he said. “I always assumed it was just a rogue attack. Plenty of people fought at the rogue bars. It was known for it. I just didn’t realize who I was fighting, and what he was a part of.” I imagined Mother being dragged into an alleyway by some rogue, and it made my body shiver. It wasn’t fair. She’d been saved just for the rogues to come back and hurt her? “I loved your mother. I hope you know that. I loved her m