Page 68 of Ryder’s Storm

“Why not? If your mother cheated on your father, wouldn’t you want to tell him immediately?”

Ryder knew such a thing would never happen. Vampires were devoted to their blood-bonded mates. Infidelity was virtually unheard of. But he understood what Scarlet meant with her words.

“Yes, of course. But the problem is, it’s my word against Claudia’s and Derek’s. You weren’t even there. Do you really think he’ll believe me after you accused Derek of attempted rape, and I broke the asshole’s nose? He’ll claim that we’re trying to get back at Derek, and at Claudia for making excuses for her supposed nephew.”

“But Dad has to find out. He doesn’t deserve this. He’s a good man.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Ryder said softly.

“I have to try. I owe him that much.”

There was determination in Scarlet’s voice, and Ryder knew he had to respect her decision. It was her father after all, and she knew him best.

“Okay, call him.” Ryder took a deep inhale. “Let’s hope he believes you. Perhaps leave out that the man Claudia is cheating on him with is Derek. He doesn’t need to know that yet. It might be easier to swallow if he doesn’t know that Derek is involved. Cross that bridge when you get to it. Besides, I want to look into Derek first, find out who he really is.”

Scarlet nodded. “Okay.” Then she took a deep inhale and pulled her phone from her jeans pocket. She sniffled and wiped the remaining tears from her eyes.

“Is there anything I can do?” Ryder asked, sensing Scarlet’s apprehension.

“Just stay here with me.”

He squeezed her hand and pressed a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll be here for you.”

Ryder noticed Scarlet’s hand tremble as she dialed her father’s number and let it ring. She put the call on speakerphone.

Brandon King answered on the second ring. “Scarlet, honey?”

“Hi, Dad.”

“It’s so good to hear your voice. I’ve been worried about you.”

“I’m fine, Dad, but… but…”

Scarlet cast a glance at Ryder, looking worried. He took her hand in encouragement and squeezed it.

“But what? Are you okay?” Brandon King sounded alarmed. “Did something happen?”

She cleared her throat. “Dad, I’m fine but there’s something I have to tell you.”

“You’re getting me worried,” King replied. “Are you in some sort of trouble?”

“No.” She took a quick breath. “Dad, it’s about Claudia. She’s having an affair with another man. She’s cheating—”

A gasp came through the line, then a female voice shrieked.

“How dare you, Scarlet!” King thundered over the female voice that now became clearer.

“Why are you lying like that, Scarlet?” Claudia said, outrage coloring her voice.

Shit! Claudia was with her husband in Palo Alto?

“How can you hurt me like that?” Claudia asked. “I love you like my own…” Sobs swallowed her last words.

Ryder had to admit that Claudia sounded convincing. She was a good actress.

“You’re cheating on him!” Scarlet cried out.

“Not another word out of your mouth! You apologize to Claudia right here and right now,” King demanded, his voice laced with fury.