CIAN
I stepped through the doorway and pulled it shut behind me with more force than necessary. The sound echoed down the hallway, sharp enough to make them both flinch.
"You can carry this dysfunctional family nonsense away from here," I said. My voice came out flat, controlled. "My mate is trying to rest."
Joseph's jaw worked. His face was still flushed, anger simmering just beneath the surface. "About that. I need to see my daughter."
"I'm sure you heard me say she is trying to rest."
"So she will neglect her father now?"
The word hung in the air between us. Neglect. As if Fia owed him something after what had happened. As if he had any right to demand her attention while she lay unconscious, healing from wounds his other daughter had inflicted.
I felt something cold settle in my chest.
"Neglect?" I repeated. The word tasted bitter. "Do you even know what that is?"
Joseph swallowed. His throat bobbed visibly. "She is my daughter. You cannot keep me from her."
