Page 84 of Crimson Moon Falling

“I know exactly what I’m talking about, and I know what you do to her. The control, the isolation, the way you turned her into a weapon aimed at my brother. She told me everything, Alistair. Every fucking detail.”

A calculating reassessment flickered across Alistair’s face.

“The law is clear,” Whitlock cut in. “Parents have a superior claim unless both are deemed unfit. Based on Anna trying to kill her own child, I deem her unfit. Owen Segerson is claiming his parental rights.”

Conall stood. “Owen can be a bastard, but he’s not unfit. I support his claim.”

It was one of those times when I had no idea what my role was, but I stood as well and stared at Alistair. “I also support Owen’s claim.”

“You aren’t part of this conversation,” the shifter sneered.

I raised an eyebrow. “Since the child will be living in our Pack house, and I’ll help raise her, I believe I am a part of this conversation.” I pointed to the now-faded scars on my face from where Anna had slashed me. “Your daughter injured me at our Canis mate bonding ceremony. Then she committed fraud and caused me further harm. I’ve also been told you and your daughter owe me reparation, which I haven’t seen.” I turned to Whitlock. “I’ll be expecting that within the next thirty days, or I’ll be filing a formal complaint with the Pack Council.” I turned back to Alistair. “No worries. I plan to put that money in a trust for your granddaughter.”

Contempt and loathing bled from the man as he sneered. “You think my grandchild would be better off raised by you? You’re an uncouth, bottom-feeding Cog, for Christ’s sake.”

“Her name is Seraphina,” Owen cut in.

“Seraphina? What kind of a name is that?” Alistair sniffed.

“An old and noble one,” Owen answered. “She’ll go by Feeny until she can decide for herself.”Alistair opened his mouth, but Conall cut in. “Seraphina is our late grandmother’s name, so be very careful what you say next.”

Whitlock stood. “It’s settled. The child is officially placed in the custody of her biological father and is thereby deemed a member of the Northwestern States Pack, now under the protection of the Alpha and Alpha Mate.” A small strand of magic flowed from Whitlock to Conall, as if to solidify the proclamation. “You can go.” Whitlock turned away from Alistair, clearly dismissing him.

Alistair’s furious gaze swept the room before he stormed out. The door slammed shut behind him, leaving a charged silence.

A moment later, a nurse entered, carrying a bundle wrapped in a pale green blanket. She was middle-aged, with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor.

Owen turned. He stood there for a moment, his hands at his sides, his eyes wide. Then he swallowed and awkwardly reached for the bundle.

“Hold your elbow out like this. Always support her head,” the nurse instructed as she transferred the child into his arms.

Seraphina had a thatch of dark hair and a face that was still new and unformed. Her eyes were closed, and her mouth moved in her sleep. God, she was so small.

“Hello,” Owen murmured. “Hey, teeny Feeny, open your eyes.” I glanced at Conall, who raised an eyebrow at me.

The nurse handed me a large duffel bag full of supplies. “There are two cans of high-protein formula here. I’ve packed enough diapers to get you home and a few changes of clothes.” Somehow, the woman thought I knew what to do.

“Uh, thank you.”

She glanced at Owen and Feeny. “You’re welcome.”

“Can I get your number in case we have questions?” I already had a million.

She smiled. “Of course. My name is Janice.” We exchanged contact information, and Janice recommended a few books as Conall said our goodbyes to Whitlock.

Outside, the mountains rose against the dark sky as a storm rolled in. I fervently hoped someone at the Pack house knew how to care for an infant because I didn’t have a clue, and by the panic creeping into Owen’s eyes, he didn’t either. I was petty enough to enjoy his discomfort.

My enjoyment died as Conall brushed my shoulder, then took the duffel bag Janice had handed me. We still needed to talk about the photos on my phone.

I also wondered how long it would’ve taken him to call me back if he hadn’t needed me.

Chapter 26

Riley

The new Pack house was beautiful, and I felt like an imposter as I stood on the front porch with a sleeping infant in my arms. Owen held the diaper bag as Conall unlocked the door.

Owen’s energy vibrated with confusion and resentment. Feeny had woken up on the plane, fussy and unhappy, and he’d tried to hold and feed the infant, but she was having none of it. Finally, I stood and held out my arms.