Page 80 of Serpentine

Even though I knew there was another reason for his gesture, my stomach sinks, realizing he did it himself.

“Now, I got you a new apartment and had all your things moved there. Even though Carter isn’t living at the house you two bought any longer, I figured you’d like a fresh start. It’s here, in this little town you seem to love. I’ll text you the details.”

He takes his phone out and clicks away as he forwards me the information for my new home, even though I know that nowhere will feel like home now—not unless they’re a part of it.

“Thank you. That was very kind. It’ll be nice to be out of the hotel, that’s for sure.”

“Mmm, I’m sure. So, let’s discuss your future, hm? With Carter gone, that leaves an opening in your life…”

If he’s about to thrust another man into my life, I’ll fucking scream.

“Well, actually,” I cut him off, sitting forward and placing my hands on the table, “I wanted to discuss that with you.”

“Oh?” he asks, intrigue is plastered on his face.

“I’d like to be the one you groom to take over, Dad. I know you’ve got it in your head that you need a man in charge, but you don’t. I’m as level-headed as the next person, and I’m your daughter, for fuck’s sake.”

He winces as my language degrades.

“I want to learn the business and be a part of it, Dad,” I finish, and he sits back in his chair, looking over my shoulder at whatever is happening behind the coffee counter as a few more customers have trickled inside.

“I’m not going just to hand you a key to the castle because you’re my daughter, Aella. Carter started on the bottom, and so will you.”

My heart skips a beat. Had he?

I can’t recall a time that Carter was ever anything but beside my dad—up his ass, more like.

I nod. “Whatever you think I should do. I want to be a part of your legacy and make my own.”

His smile seems genuine, but there’s also a look of confusion and speculation on his face. “You can start in a couple of days at the factory here in town. Start on the line, where everyone does. They won’t go easy on you. You’re a Montague, after all. Your name will cause you strife, but it’ll build character.”

I nod along with his words, eager to secure my place. The factory here in town is what I needed access to. It doesn’t matter that I’m going to be at the bottom. That’s where their mom had been. I’ll need to be right where she was. Hopefully, even after all these years, someone still remembers her. If they’ll talk to me, that is.

“Sounds good to me. I want nothing given to me, Dad. I’ll work for their respect and yours.”

His face changes from accusatory to beaming in the flash of a second as he nods. “Well, then you’ll start on Wednesday. You’ll need to show up to administration and go through the hiring process, and then you’ll be on the floor for the rest of your shift. I’ll give H.R. the heads up that you’re coming in.”

Today is Monday, and it gives me time to settle into my new apartment before I begin my new life as a Montague Inc. employee.

“Sounds good. Thank you for this opportunity, Dad.”

He stands and buttons his coat, looking down at me. For a moment, I think I see pride in his feature. I’ll likely never see it again. “Thank you for wanting it. Had I known you had this fire in your gut, I’d have never put up with Carter and his foolishness.”

Feeling flutters in my chest, and I try to swat it away because this is a rouse. I must keep my head and feelings out. I need answers. This man could be a monster. He could be a killer, and I need to keep disillusioned by his aura, no matter how charming.

“Go get settled, and keep me updated about how you’re doing, hm? I’ve missed you, Aella.” His hand lingers on my shoulder as he stands next to me before heading toward the guard at the door.

I look up at him, feeling as small as a five-year-old girl wishing her daddy loved her more. “I will.”

He nods as he turns and heads out.

I linger in the café and drink my latte as I watch the sky turn orange with the setting sun. Sully is still in the alley, so I don’t worry about returning to the hotel in the dark. Now that I’m a Cobra, I’m never alone. I’ll never have to be again.

I thought about texting Miles and telling him I’m in, but I want to be sure before I contact them, so I’ll let him know once I’ve started on Wednesday.

As I head out for the night, throwing a wave over my shoulder to the lovely barista behind the counter with the pierced face, I let the warm summer breeze greet me and carry me to the hotel to get my things.

My heart is heavy, being away from the compound, and I hope they’re alright.