Apex's POV 

Walking into my study, I find Rowena and Dad happily chatting on the sofa, staring at a photo album Dad's holding. I watch Dad turn the page. I look exactly like him, except for his graying hair and wrinkles around his eyes. I clench my teeth until I can feel the vein in my jaw twitch. 

How could he be such a fool? She's more than half his age. Yes, she is pretty, her lupine-shape and her light brown hair standing out in a crowd. Yet, he could be her father. 

Rowena notices my presence, looking up and brightly smiling at me. Her brown eyes are vacant of emotions.

"Apex, you're home," Dad sounds surprised, slamming the album shut.

I force a smile, shoving my hands in my pants pockets. Curtly, I nod at them. "Dad. Rowena."

"Apex," Rowena says, getting up from the couch and walking towards me. She tightly hugs me, leaning in for a kiss on the lips. But I turn my head, her kiss landing on my cheek instead. "Your father was keeping me company. I didn't know he had so many pictures of me," she adds, pretending she isn’t affected by my cold shoulder.

I nod, unable to pretend I am interested.

Rowena takes a big breath, looking nervous. She glances at Dad as if asking for his support, then at me. "So, we're finally doing this. I'm becoming Rowena Capo."

Dad grabs his cane, struggling to stand. He wears an irritated look on his face. "I think this is my place to exit."

Rowena approaches Dad, hugging him. I look away, scratching my head. The moment is uncomfortable, to say the least. 

"Dad, you don't have to leave," I say, rolling my eyes, motioning for him to sit down.

"I'm in the way," Dad tells me, his gaze lingering on Rowena.

"Dad," I bark out, getting his attention. "You don't have to do this. She can still be your Luna."

He turns to Rowena, winking at her. "Give us a minute, sweetie."

Rowena smiles at Dad and gives me a questioning look before leaving the room. As soon as we're alone, Dad's attitude changes. He gives me a warning look, and using his authoritative voice, he says, "An Alpha is a decisive figure, Apex. Quit being weak."

"Weak? I assumed the role of Alpha, but it doesn’t mean I have to follow the plans you made in the same role." I take a deep breath. "Dad, listen… When Wade Maldonado died, you did the right thing by honoring the peace contract with that pack—"

"Son…"

"No, Dad, marrying Rowena was your decision, not mine. It's part of your peace contract with the Maldonados." I point at him, struggling to keep my anger at bay. "Not mine."

Dad lets out a sarcastic chuckle. "You don't know the first thing about being an Alpha, son. Firstly, Wade and I negotiated a pact to adjoin our packs and stop fighting. Do you know how many of our wolves died fighting them?" He pauses. However, he doesn't let me answer. "While you were having fun with your buildings, I put in the hard work of being the Alpha of this pack, and that meant keeping our people alive and thriving."

I step back, feeling the sting of his words. Sure, I understand Dad's position. After his diagnosis, all of the packs–Farkas, Fontaine and Okami–attacked. It's what packs do to a weak Alpha. So, he gave up his power and handed it to me before it was time for me to take over.

Shrugging off my suit jacket, I throw it on the chair frustratedly, and turn to him. 

Kallisto suddenly flashes in my mind, and I frown. Why am I thinking of her now?

"You'll marry Rowena," Dad orders, and I notice a hint of jealousy in his voice.

I ponder what to do. Do I aggressively argue my point or punk out? He's my father, and he's sick, so I don’t want to be a jerk. But it’s so hard when he keeps barking his orders at me like that, disregarding my position as the new Alpha.

I feel rage rush through me. Why should I let Dad live vicariously through me?

"You're the one who wants Rowena. Marry her, fuck her brains out, I don't care," I yell. "But she's not my Luna. It's not my contract."

"You risk everything the Capo pack stands for—our entire existence, Apex," Dad yells back. "Do you know what will happen if you dodge your responsibilities? If you look weak, huh?"

"I will handle it."

"No, the other packs will come after you, Eclipse being the first. The Farkas pack is nothing but a petty rogue pack with money." Dad hits his cane against the floor. "You can't handle it."

I clench my jaw, prohibiting myself from using the harshest words to describe how I feel about his statement. I get it. Dad never expected his Alpha reign to end this way. So, I’ve patiently waited for him to resolve his conflicting emotions about stepping down as Alpha. Soon, I will show him that he must respect me as our pack’s Alpha. For now, I just say, "I am handling my Alpha duties, Dad."

Suddenly, there's yelling in the hallway. I hurriedly rush out of the room, being followed by Dad.

Freya is wagging her finger at Rowena and I try to understand what is going on.

"Freya," I bark. "What are you doing?"

Freya looks from me to Rowena and back again. Her angry expression changes to a cautious one. "She slapped me when I refused to do what she said."

Rowena shakes her head, trembling. "I didn't. I just asked for a drink of water. I don't understand what I did wrong, Apex."

I look at them both, confused. Freya's not usually spiteful. 

“She said she's your Luna and I need to do what she says or else I’m out of the pack,” Freya snarls through clenched teeth.

“I don't know what she is talking about, Apex,” Rowena exclaims. 

I frown, studying Rowena. "So, you're saying Freya made this up, Rowena?"

"Don't you believe her, Apex," Dad warns, holding Rowena. "You know better. How dare you fucking scare her, touch her?"

"Stop!" I point at Dad, yelling. "You do not talk to my people like that. Take Rowena home, Dad. I will deal with Freya."

"I'll get my purse, Thunder." Rowena approaches me, looking sad. "I'd never lie to you, Apex. I value you too much." She squeezes my arm, and I move away from her touch.

"Well?" Dad prods, his eyes studying me.

"Well, what?" I stare at him, confused.

"Discipline her," he shouts.

"Dad, stay out of my business," I warn. "Whether you like it or not, you're not the Alpha anymore. So, please let me do my job without interfering with everything."

Dad glares at me, his eyes darkening. "Once Rowena's your Luna, she'll whip you into shape."

I watch him walk away, his cane stabbing the marble floor as he leaves. Rowena joins him, throwing one last glance at me. "I'm looking forward to seeing you at the Mate Ball, Apex."

As soon as they are out of my sight, I ball my fists, wanting to punch the wall.

"I'm telling the truth," Freya muses in a low voice.

Slowly, I shake my head. "Whatever happened, just don't let it happen again."

Freya nods, lowering her gaze. “Yes, Alpha.”

Feeling like a prick, I exhale. “Take the day off, Freya.”

“Thank you,” she says, walking away. 

“Before you go, please make a pot of coffee for me,” I add.

“Oh, um,” Freya nervously says, “we ran out of coffee earlier today. I can bring some coffee back though.”

I scratch the back of my neck, considering the suggestion. “Don't bother. I’ll get some delivered.” 

Freya’s expression brightens. "Or… Scar told me of a place called Whiffs. Why don't you be a good Alpha and join me, Apex?"