Page 89 of Simon

I pushed the thought away and tried to concentrate on Dutton’s movements. One warrior was tailing us, making sure there weren’t any signs of the ogre lurking in the trees.

We were going so fast, I didn’t think the ogre could catch us, but one stepping out in front of us could.

As we ran, for what felt like hours, we came to the clearing at the front of the Wood.

Towering trees and the crumbling of the wall surrounded the clearing on the other side.

The light sources filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Someone had neatly arranged carts filled with supplies and flanked by tents, tables, and chairs in the middle of the clearing, with a large, crackling bonfire at its center. The crew, who had accompanied me on my journey before Simon took me, were all gathered here, and their faces lit up with bright smiles as they lifted their heads to greet me.

“Lucy, you’re back!” Elmira ran toward me when I dismounted Dutton.

I dusted off my hands and braced myself for the big hug. “Sorry about riding Dutton on the way here, I know that is usually a no-no.”

Elmira waved her hand in dismissal. “Who cares, he isn’t my mate.”

The shifter beside us, who had shifted in the forest just a minute ago, chuckled. “Yeah, you rode him. Long and hard and—”

Elmira punched the naked shifter in the shoulder, and he hobbled off laughing.

Dutton's shifting caused his bones to crack, the sound echoing through the clearing, while a faint rustling accompanied his fur being pulled back into his body. The sight of his transformation made me gag. I would never get used to that.

I am glad I did not get mated to a shifter.

Dutton gave a dashing smile toward Elmira. “Sure about me not being your mate, sweetheart? I’m tired of your games.” He cupped his groin and gave it a shake. “My teeth are aching to take a bite of that subtle ass.”

Elmira snorted and threw her head back. “After the expedition is over, I told you. Then, maybe I’ll bite you.”

Dutton held his hand up to his chest, puppy dog eyes at play and all. “You wound me. It is I who should claim you first.”

I groaned and stepped away from the conversation. Now wasn’t the time to figure out their weird relationship. It was for me to check on my father.

I rubbed my forehead and headed for the biggest tent. Since it lacked royal decorations, I knew it wasn't Kane and Clara's tent. I hadn’t even seen them in the area. If I was under no duress, they may have returned to the castle because their presence wasn't needed.

As I approached the tent, I could feel the curious eyes of the others watching me in curiosity before pushing open the flap. Inside, I saw a double bed cot, neatly made, resting on the dirt floor of the tent. A desk stood on one side, cluttered with papers and writing tools. On the other side, my father’s suitcase sat open, his belongings neatly arranged as if he were planning to stay here for a long time.

I kneeled down and picked up the blanket that was covering his head. From the outline of the blanket, he was curled up on his side and a loud snore broke the silence.

“Father?” I leaned over and pulled the blanket away from his face. I was not expecting to see what I did.

It didn’t look like my father at all. It was a younger man, head full of chestnut brown hair with a lush goatee on his face. When I pulled the blanket down further, I found he was naked from the waist up. A tattoo of a hand covered his heart. I covered him back up quickly, and the smell of bourbon and cigars hit me. The wave of nostalgia fluttered around me at the familiar scent, and I was left speechless.

He smelled like Father.

But what was on his chest?

“Father?” I touched his shoulder and shook him. I wasn’t about to leave until I had answers, and if he hadn’t woken up for anyone else, surely he would do it for me.

Because I was his daughter, and I demanded it.

“Father!” I shouted and shook him again. He snorted, grunted, and laid on his back. His eyes flew open, and he sat up straight.

He blinked a few times, his bleary eyes trying to focus on my face. When recognition finally dawned upon him, his eyes widened in surprise, and he scrambled to sit up properly, pulling the blanket around him self-consciously.

“Lucy!” he mumbled, his voice rough from sleep. “What are you doing here?”

I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to maintain an air of authority despite the shock and confusion swirling inside of me. “I could ask you the same question, Father,” I said coolly. “What is going on? And what is with this?” I twirled my finger around his face. “You look so young.” I breathed. “Did you drink a potion, get some magic face cream?”

Father chuckled and rubbed his hands up and down his face. “It was a special cream, alright.” His chuckle turned into a full-blown laugh, and I stepped back from him.

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