chapter 97

Imogen’s POV

My head was racing, my mind going into overdrive at the sight of the man I thought was dead,

now standing before me.

“Hey sweety, you probably don’t remember me,” he says.

“You, you fucking killed us and left us” Josiah bellows coming face to face with the man that

changed them and disappeared off the face of the earth.

“Blame your guard dog there. He chased me away before I could explain,” he spat back at

Josiah. Tobias growled menacingly at being called a guard dog. Josiah went to step forward, but

Mara got between them.

“As interesting as this is to watch, we have more pressing matters at hand, and you have some

explaining to do as to why you just disappeared for a century,” she said, pointing to my father and

folding her arms across her chest.

“I was on vacation,” he said, eyeing his daughter, making me look at Bianca who had fallen

silent behind us, still trapped in the vines. She averted her eyes, and I knew there was something my

father was hiding for her benefit.

“Guards take Christopher away” Mara called before turning to Bianca.

“Now Cedric, I understand she is your daughter, but we will punish her, I never like these

challenges. Such a waste of life” she said, shaking her head before looking at my father. I couldn't

tear my eyes from him. It was like looking at a ghost. I looked like him. I always thought I looked like

my mother but with him in front of me, I am not so sure. We had the same hair colour the same full

lips, he was a bit of a hippy which I didn't picture, even in the memories I had of him, he was always

clean and well shaven and dressed clean. Not in dyed shirt and board shorts. His feet bare but his

gaze softened as he took me in and I could tell without a doubt he loved me even if he wasn't there

when I needed him or that I could fully remember.

Tarina came forward, pulling my attention to her. “So, what about the challenge?” she asks and

the rest of the council members walk over too, also wondering.

"Will you be taking your position back?” The Irish man asks, looking at my father. My father

nods his head, and they look relieved.

“What about Christopher's next in line?” Tobias asks.

“No, I reckon it is time for a change. Let the people vote who get the head of the table,” Percy

says stepping out from behind my father. I forgot he was even there. They all nod in agreement.

“Well, it is decided. Josiah welcome aboard. I will give you early congratulations as we all know

you have the people on your side and after this mess. I don't see anyone stepping up to challenge

you for the spot.”

Josiah nods his head but adds nothing. Everyone's eyes dart to Bianca, who shrinks under their

intense gaze.

“Imogen, you can choose what happens to your sister,” Josiah says, and everyone looks at me

waiting. My father's eyes dart to hers, worried.

“She can share the same Fate Josiah had after he killed Alaric. Then I don't care what you do

with her,” I tell them. Bianca screams and fights against the vines trapping her. Our father walks over

to her and rubs her cheek.

“You did the crime, now you must accept the punishment,” he tells her, and she drops her head

ashamed before nodding, a sob leaving her lips.

“It's only a month of whipping and having organs pulled, Bianca. You will live, unfortunately.

And to add to that you will become my servant until we can trust you again,” Josiah sneered, and I

knew he would give her hell, as his eyes flared. Bianca paled, and I had to hold in my laugh.

I let the vines drop and wobbled slightly. Theo grabbing my elbow to steady me. I hadn't

realised how much energy and power I was burning just by keeping her trapped until I let the magic

go. A wave of exhaustion washing over me and darkness pushing against me. Guards hauled Bianca

away, kicking and screaming.

“We will get out of your hair, go home, Imogen. You did well today. I know this won't be the last

time I will see you,” Mara said dismissing everyone before walking off with the rest of the council.

That only left Josiah, Tobias, Theo, and my father standing in the quad with me. I looked between

my father and Josiah, who seemed to be having a Mexican standoff. The silence was awkward. What

do you say to the man who took your memories of him away?

“Dad, for the sake of Imogen, can you please take it up with Cedric later? As much as I want to

skin him alive, he is still her father,” Theo says, touching his father's shoulder gently. Josiah takes a

deep breath before sighing. His eyes move to me and he comes over and hugs me tightly. I return

his hug.

“Take the car. I need to sort some things here. You are lucky your daughter is mates with my

sons and the mother of my grandchild,” he tells my father before turning to face his sons. “Your

mother is going to have a heart attack when she finds out,” he says looking at Theo and Tobias

“Bianca said I had an adorable grandson,” my father said looking thoughtful. Tobias growls low

and I elbow him. My father smirks at my actions.

“You can meet him, just let me get my head around the fact you are alive first,” I tell him.

“Here put your number in here, I will ring you once everything settles down. I really want to

meet this grandson of mine and let you get to know me better, Imogen. I never planned for any of

this. I loved your mother still do, and I know Bianca has hurt you, but I promise she isn't all bad.

Hopefully, one day you will get to know the better side of her,” he says, passing me his phone.

I doubt I will ever feel differently about Bianca, but I type my number into his phone, anyway.

Today has been a strange day.

Handing his phone back, he touches my shoulder, squeezing softly. “I better head in and I am

sure your father has some choice words he wants to deliver to me,” he says, nodding to Tobias and

Theo.

“What now?" asks Theo watching as my father leaves.

“We go home" I tell him, walking to the portal needing this day to be over with. I just want to

go home and see my precious boy.000000