Page 110 of Vexatious Queen

Before I could respond, someone cleared their throat. Myles yanked me behind him when we saw who it was.

“What the hell do you want,” Myles asked Vadin. “Did getting thrown out the first time not tell ya that yer not wanted here?”

“It’s okay,” I said, stepping out from behind Myles and rubbing his back.

Anger flowed off him in waves, and I kept my hand where it was to keep him from leaping on Vadin.

We did not need two scenes on school property involving my grandfather. I looked him up and down, and other than a different suit, he appeared the same as when I met him in Dean Henry’s office. His hands were folded in front of him, displaying the polar bear tattoo that had become a staple in my nightmares.

“Myles does have a point. I didn’t call or text you. So why are you here?”

Parked behind Vadin was a Mercedes with two guards standing beside it.

“I was hoping that we could have lunch. Despite Edmundo’s outburst, I still want to get to know my granddaughter,” he said, with his thick Russian accent.

How had my mother masked hers so well that I never picked up on it?

“You want to have lunch with me, even though I’m not Christov’s daughter?”

He tilted his head as he stared at me.

“Does that make you any less my granddaughter?”

“It makes me the less desirable option. I know you wanted me to be Christov’s child, and I know that, for whatever reason, you hate my father and basically shunned my mother. So yes, it makes me wonder why you’re here.”

He let out a long sigh and then turned to face the school.

“I have been here only twice before, and both times, I’ve had confrontations with your father. The first was the beginning of the end of my relationship with your mother, and it was my fault. I can see that now.” He looked back at me. “I only wish to tell you my side of things, and if you never want to speak to me again, I will leave and never return.” He held out his hand toward the car. “We can go for a drive and have a nice meal⁠—.”

“Over me cold dead body are ya takin’ her off property. If ya want to talk, then ya talk right here,” Myles growled, balling his hands into fists.

I agreed with him. There was no way in hell that I was getting in that car.

“Alright. Here it is then. Do you have a good spot we can talk,” Vadin asked.

Sucking in a deep breath, I played Liam’s words over in my mind. He was right. Vadin’s words could never change the past, but I wanted to hear what he had to say. Not because I didn’t believe my father, but because I wanted to hear it from the horse’s mouth.

“Fine, I know where we can go. But Myles is coming with us, and your guards remain outside,” I said, knowing that I held the power.

Vadin gave a little nod.

Holding hands with Myles, we walked toward the front doors of Wayward. Vadin trailed behind us.

“Can you grab us something to eat and meet me in the chapel,” I asked Myles.

“I’m not leavin’ ya alone with him,” he whispered under his breath.

“Then text one of the others and ask them to,” I said, and he pulled out his phone.

The chapel was the perfect spot. It was small, private, and maybe the holy location would compel Vadin to speak the truth. Although somehow I highly doubted that he cared where he was going when he died.

Dean Henry stepped out of the main office as we passed. I nodded to him that I was fine, but it helped settle the bundle of nerves in my chest knowing that he was aware Vadin was on the property and keeping watch.

Myles pushed open the door and stepped inside, waiting until Vadin entered before taking up guard duty. There were a few pews, but also a table with chairs set up for talks. That was where I took Vadin. I’d only been in here a couple times since arriving, but more recently, after Ella died. It was not the place to come for answers, because I only left with more questions. Still, it was quiet and gave us space away from prying eyes and ears.

We sat, and I stared at him, face void of all emotion. I wasn’t giving anything away.

“You look so much like your mother, it’s…incredible, the resemblance.” His eyes searched my face. “And I see you have her fire and tenacity as well.”