Page 66 of Dream Weaver

“Jay Wilson.”

“You’re not on the list either,” she said.

“What list? I’m her goddamn father!” he bellowed, advancing a step.

The principal was a head shorter and thirty years older than him, but she didn’t retreat an inch.

“School policy. Students may only be released to adults on the authorized pickup list. It’s for their own safety. I’m sure that’s your priority, too.”

I wasn’t all that sure, judging by the way Claire clung to me.

“My priority? My fucking priority?” he hollered, making heads turn. “She’s my kid. Give her to me.”

His tone was that of a guy trying to claim an impounded truck. So much for parental warmth.

“It doesn’t work that way, sir.” The principal turned to me and bent down. “Claire, honey. I need you to come to me, please.”

Claire shook her head, and I gave the lady an imploring look. “I don’t want to take her anywhere. I’m just here to wait with her.”

Jay looked like he was about to punch me. I growled under my breath.Let him try.

But not with Claire there. I turned sideways, putting myself between him and her.

“I’m her father!” Jay yelled. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

The principal signaled to a pudgy security guy, who spoke into a radio before joining her.

Great. Jay was going to get us both arrested — and worse, traumatize Claire.

“I’m just a friend,” I said as calmly as possible. “Like I said, Abby will be here soon.”

Jay’s frown suggested he’d hoped to be gone — with Claire — by then.

“A friend? A fucking friend?” He shoved at my shoulder. “Well, let me tell you something,friend. You can sleep with that slut all you want, but you can’t have my kid.”

My fingernails ached as I fought to keep my bear under control. This was not the time or place to shift. But damn, did I come close.

“Now, Mr. Wilson…” the principal snipped. “According to our records, you don’t have custody.”

He scowled. “Custody? I’m getting it. I got me a lawyer and everything.”

Ha. I would love to see a lawyer argue his case, especially after this scene.

“Well, that’s a matter for the courts,” the principal said. “This child goes nowhere without an authorized adult.”

I nodded vigorously, making it clear I was on her side.

“I’m her fucking father!” Jay insisted. “You want ID?”

“I want you to stop raising your voice.” The principal couldn’t have known she was facing a wolf shifter, but even if she did, I doubted she would back down. The woman deserved a goddamn medal.

Things went on in that vein for a while, with Jay barely acknowledging Claire. My heart bled for the kid, who wrapped herself around my leg, boa constrictor style. I kept a hand on her back, letting her know I wasn’t going anywhere.

Over the next few minutes, parents hurried up to pick up the other three kids waiting with the principal. Loving, politeparents who apologized profusely and gave Jay a wide berth. Smart folks.

That left just me, Claire, Jay, and Wonder Woman.

The line of cars exiting the school gradually trickled out. I watched for Abby, but a couple of squad cars appeared first.

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