Page 102 of Grayson’s Challenge

She shook her head. “Grayson and I will be together no matter where we have to go. If he stays here, I’ll stay here. You know that. And we’ll be happy no matter what. But he’s the right man to run Scanguards in New Orleans.”

Cain nodded. “I understand.” He pointed to the door. “Come, let’s join the others.”

~ ~ ~

Grayson looked at his father. They were alone in the den on the first floor of the Woodford residence. When he and his siblings were kids, this had been their playroom.

“What was it that you wanted to talk about?” Samson asked.

He looked better now. Grayson knew that he’d fed from Delilah, and her blood had healed the damage the foreign human blood had done to his body.

“I need to apologize to you, Dad. What I said to you at the New Year’s Eve party… I should have never said such hurtful things. If I could take those words back, I would. But I can’t. But believe me, I’ve regretted every single word I said that night. And it haunts me. Nobody should treat their father like that. I’m ashamed, Dad. I’ve been such a disappointment to you. I know that. And I want to be better. I know I can be better. I will be better.”

Samson shook his head lightly. “Son, you’re not a disappointment. I’m proud of you.”

“But I never do anything right in your eyes. I’m not like you. I’m not perfect.”

“Grayson, nobody’s perfect. Least of all I.” He blew out a breath. “All I wanted for you was to become the best man you can be. That’s why I pushed you harder than anybody else. Because you have the potential.” Samson smiled. “And now I can see that you are the man I knew you could be.”

“Oh, Dad.” Grayson tried to suppress the tears that were welling up in his eyes. “I love you, Dad. I’m so sorry for all the hurt I’ve caused you.”

Samson pulled him into his arms. “I love you too, son.”

Grayson sniffled. “Thank you, Dad.”

Samson released him from his embrace. “Now, let’s go join the rest of the family. Everybody wants to celebrate your blood-bond with Monique.”

“You were right about her, too,” Grayson admitted. “She’s perfect for me. She’s so much stronger than I could ever be.”

“You deserve a strong mate.”

Grayson nodded. “Monique is strong, and she’s incredible. That’s why I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor?”

“I’m withdrawing my application for the CEO job in New Orleans.”

Samson lifted his eyebrows in surprise.

“Give it to Monique. She’s the leader the company needs. Without her, I doubt we would have been able to save you and Cain, and to take the palace in New Orleans back. She’s a natural leader.”

“I’m stunned to hear this,” he said slowly. “But, Grayson, the decision of who will lead the branch in New Orleans has already been made. Cain and I are in agreement.”

“But, Dad,” Grayson said.

Samson lifted his hand. “Come. I think you will be pleased with our decision.” He walked to the door and opened it.

Grayson followed him back to the living room, disappointed that he couldn’t sway his father to consider giving the position to Monique.

Only family was now left in the living room. All Scanguards staff had left. Striker had disappeared too. The only ones missing were Monique’s brothers, but they had been notified that everybody was safe, and were expecting their parents to return home soon.

Grayson’s gaze fell on Monique who was hugging her mother. He walked to her, and Faye released her from her embrace.

“Grayson,” Faye said. “I’m so happy for you two.” She embraced him.

“I love Monique. And I’m so lucky that she loves me too.” He peeled himself out of her embrace and reached for Monique. She put her arm around his waist, and he pulled her close. “Hey, babe.”

There was a faint golden shimmer in her eyes, and he pressed a soft kiss to her lips.