Chapter 8

His words were so lofty, pretending pure concern for the child. I pulled a chair beside his bed and sat, meeting his gaze directly. "First," I stated, my voice unnervingly calm. "I don't hate you. Hatred takes too much energy. I have more important things to do. Honestly, if not for this surgery today, I'd nearly forgotten you existed." "Second, you needn't worry my son feels lacking without a father. From the moment he could understand, I told him his father was a hero who died protecting the pack. He's always been proud of you." Derek choked, coughing violently, his face flushing. "You... you told him I was dead?" My gaze turned icy. "Seven years ago, when you tried to secretly give our son to Arthur, if you'd succeeded, what difference would it have made to him whether his biological father was alive or dead?" I leaned forward slightly. "I simply honored your wish. Why are you angry?" Derek visibly deflated. "I was foolish back then... but seven years is long enough to realiz