Chapter 15

Cammy POV

Sprinting around the corner of my dad’s sprawling, European-style home, I shifted from my wolf into my human form. Barefoot, breathless, and moving at vampire speed, I flung open the door, rushed inside, and beelined for the closet. My hands grabbed the first thing they touched—a pale blue sundress. I pulled it on quickly, then bolted back outside toward the lake, the sound of a massive splash alerting me to his whereabouts.

I slowed as I reached the water’s edge, dipping my feet in and letting the coolness soothe my overheated skin.

A moment later, Dad and Clyde broke the surface, sending water spraying in all directions, drenching me in the process. I gasped as the cold hit me but didn’t mind—it was scorching hot, and after my run, the chill was welcome.

Clyde, my dad’s 3,000-pound hippopotamus, floated beside him, snorting happily. He and his mate, Bonnie, had been imported from sub-Saharan Africa nearly a year ago. Unlike his more reserved counterpart, Clyde loved attention—especially wrestling with Dad, which was exactly what they had been doing before I arrived.

Who would’ve thought a hippo could make such a loyal pet?

I sometimes wondered if Dad was bored out here on the outskirts of Seattle, staying in one place for so long, waiting for my visits. He was always looking for new distractions—new ways to pass the time.

In January, he’d single-handedly built the second story of the new west wing. The entire thing was constructed from grey European Castle Stone, and it was stunning.

In May, he’d earned his Small Aircraft License. I had joined him for that adventure, and now we had two Piper J-3 Cubs parked in the hangar out back—one yellow, one blue. Out of all Dad’s aircraft, those were my favorite.

I loved my dad.

And I was about to leave him behind.

The guilt clawed at me.

Clyde suddenly launched Dad out of the water, sending him flying straight into the massive willow tree near where I sat. He landed gracefully, shaking off the impact, and caught my scent in the breeze. His copper hair glinted red in the sunlight as his gaze found mine.

He smiled.

Jogging over, he pulled me into a bone-crushing bear hug, making me laugh—really laugh—until, suddenly, the laughter turned into sobs.

Big, gasping, body-shaking sobs.

All the emotions I had been bottling up for days came crashing down, breaking free in a tidal wave. I couldn’t stop it. Didn’t even try.

"Cammy-Bear?" Dad’s voice was filled with alarm. He pulled back just enough to study my face, his hands gripping my shoulders. I never cried like this. Not since I was a child.

He cupped my cheek, his brows furrowed in concern. "Sweetheart, please—?! Did something happen last night?"

I could barely breathe. Ugly crying.

"Sorry, Daddy," I choked out. "It’s just… all so much."

His expression darkened. "What is, baby girl?"

I sucked in a breath. "I mated."

His entire body went still.

"Did he hurt you?" His voice was a low growl, his power rolling off him in dangerous waves.

A chill ran down my spine. Even the thought of Dad perceiving Kai as a threat was terrifying. I sniffed, shaking my head quickly.

"No! He’s perfect, Daddy. He’s—" My voice cracked.

Dad’s shoulders eased slightly. "Then… what is it?"

I hesitated. The words felt too heavy to say out loud.

"He’s from a different pack," I whispered.

His jaw tightened. "But your grandfather—"

"He ranks higher than Grandpa," I cut in before he could finish.

Dad’s eyes narrowed. "Higher?" His voice was careful now, calculating. "Then he must be a Rutherford—?"

"Yes," I whispered.

Silence.

A long, suffocating silence.

I felt the moment the realization hit.

"You’re moving to Hailey," he breathed.

The finality of it shattered something inside me.

And for the second time since I arrived, I broke down in sobs.