Caitlyn's POV
"When you recover, I'd like you to consider leaving the Purple Moon Pack; it would be the best decision for both of us."
After returning home, my father addressed Talon with a stern expression.
"Father, you can't do this. Talon is badly injured, and you know Alpha Shaco has been showing interest in him. Leaving him now would do him a great disservice."
I snapped to my feet and defended myself to my father with indignation, as in my mind, he wasn't such a heartless person.
My father didn't respond but turned his gaze toward Talon, awaiting a reply.
"Is this because I defied Alpha Shaco?" Talon asked, tilting his face up, his once-handsome features appearing a bit pallid.
"Yes, it was Alpha Shaco who took us in, and my actions today crossed a line."
There was no change in my father's calm demeanor, as if he were discussing something unrelated.
"Pantheon, I never thought you'd become what you are now," Talon shook his head, disappointment in his eyes.
"Well, that's likely because you haven't grasped the concept of responsibility," Father sneered, casting a sidelong glance at Talon. "Are you willing to spend your life with Caitlyn in this small pack? I think you know exactly what kind of person Alpha Shaco is."
Talon braced himself to sit up, then slowly lifted his shirt, revealing the wound to me. As I gazed at the gruesome injury, I unconsciously frowned. I slowly raised my hand, and the radiant green light blossomed once more, even earning a flicker of amazement in my father's eyes.
"Enough! I chose to leave that place in the first place because I wanted to find somewhere free from conflict and live like a normal person."
My father appeared somewhat sulky before tossing a photograph onto the table.
"Father, now I have powers too, and I'm no longer the little girl who simply relied on others for protection. You see, I can heal, and you witnessed it earlier at the church. I'm not sure what happened, but I managed to knock Jayce off his feet. Leona mentioned that even werewolves rarely possess such abilities," I exclaimed with glee to my father. However, instead of appearing relieved, his expression seemed somewhat regretful, which puzzled me.
"Caitlyn, I'd prefer you to be like you were before, when you knew nothing and couldn't do anything. Back then, you could lead a carefree life like a normal person, instead of constantly getting into trouble," my father replied, gently shaking his head as he slowly rose from his seat.
"That's it. Once you're fully healed, you should leave with your pack early. This place doesn't really suit you. When things settle down, you can return for them. As for Caitlyn and the baby, I won't allow anyone to harm them," my father said, looking at Talon with a tone that seemed more like a decision than a plea.
"I don't believe it's fair for you to decide this for Caitlyn. It's the life you want, not the one she desires. She possesses a unique talent that dictates she can't lead an ordinary life!" Talon clenched his teeth and slowly stood up. The frustration he had endured over the past few days had made this once unrivaled Alpha appear somewhat humbled, but he couldn't unleash his anger in front of my father.
"Enough! She's my daughter, and I have the right to decide how she should live!" My father had evidently lost his patience as well, grimacing and staring at Talon with anger.
I stood between the two men, feeling torn. I knew precisely what my father wanted, but my heart had long been set on my own path.
"Father, I understand the love you have for me. I may not know the full extent of what you've experienced in your past, but what I want to express is that since all of this seems preordained, we should heed the guidance of the Moon God. The fact that I possess this unique ability suggests that I am meant to make a difference. Since I've chosen Talon, I will stand by his side without any hesitation, regardless of the dangers that lie ahead."
I gazed at my father with determination and slowly took his hand. His broad palm, heavily calloused, radiated a comforting warmth.
When I looked up at my father, I noticed that his temples were already sprinkled with a hint of gray. I understood the challenges he had faced in raising me as a single parent for so many years, and my eyes welled up with tears.
"Caitlyn..."
My father clearly hadn't expected my response, and his voice quivered. He gently stroked my head, just as he had done when I was a child heading off to school.
"Caitlyn, you can't fathom the dangers that await you. The world is not as straightforward as you believe. I've always been an accommodating father, granting every request you've made, but this is the one time I've chosen to say no. Even if it means you might resent me, it's better than losing your life."
My father let out a sigh and spoke with a seriousness I had never heard before, then patted me on the shoulder and prepared to go upstairs.
"I hope that when I wake from my nap, you'll assume your responsibilities as a man and not burden a poor pregnant woman too much."
My father didn't turn around, but it was clear his words were meant for Talon.
"Pantheon, you're being selfish! This isn't the man I used to know. You're nothing but a coward, running away from reality. I regret ever crossing paths with you again!"
Talon appeared slightly indignant, and his voice took on a somewhat hysterical tone. I expected my father to respond with equal force, but he merely turned to look at Talon calmly.
"Let's move past this, leave the past behind. All I want is for Caitlyn to be safe and happy."
I gazed up at my father, and for a moment, I saw him not as the formidable warrior he had once been, but as a father who simply wished for his daughter's well-being.
"Don't you want to uncover the truth about Gwen's death?"
Hearing what Talon said, my father's pupils abruptly contracted, and he instantly adopted a stern demeanor.
Gwen was my mother's name.