Chapter 36. Dinner Invitation

Wyatt’s POV

Nobody says anything for a long moment.

Outside the glass wall, a ferry is crossing the harbor, white against gray water. Somewhere in the building, a phone is ringing and nobody’s answering it.

Five years. I’d be twenty-seven. Five more years of him in her chair, in her office, in her company, signing her name on contracts she’d never have touched. Five more Thanksgivings. Five more years of your mother would be ashamed.

My wolf isn’t pacing anymore. He’s gone very quiet, low to the ground, the way he goes before a fight he means to finish.

My father picks up his water glass and takes a slow sip.

“Well,” he says. “That was illuminating.”

“You knew,” I say.

“Of course I knew. I was married to your mother for twenty years. I’ve read the charter.” He sets the glass down without a sound. “The question is whether you understood it. And I’m not sure you do.”

“I understand it fine.”

“Do you?” He tilts hi