What does he want to tell me? Will whatever he wants to say change my future? She pondered while scanning him through an uncertain glance.
As she did, the wind began blowing faster than before, and with it, her hair whipped her in the face.
"Delilah answer him! You need to do it!" Someone spoke, to which she peered from one side to the other.
With every second her frustration grew to the point that Delilah rung her hands together and began to speak.
"Can't this get any worse?" She mumbled through clenched teeth while moving the hair away from her face.
When all of sudden, a horde of thoughts passed her brain with each passing second.
Dear Moon Goddess, why is it so damn cold? Couldn't it be a bit warmer this Christmas season? She wondered, rubbing both of her hands together in hopes of keeping them warm.
And to her utter dismay, it wasn't working as her father continued staring at her.
To which she crossed her arms over her chest, and unrelenting thoughts continued to spiral through her mind.
Before she could let it fester, Delilah stood taller and looked directly into her dad's eyes.
I can't let him see the worry and curiosity that is on my mind. Though I know I must ask him what's on my mind.
"Father, what's wrong? Why are you acting like that?" Delilah asked while shifting from one foot to the other.
However, her father stayed quiet, clenching and unclenching his fists with rising anger.
Ugh! Won't he speak already? Doesn't he see the skepticism I feel right now? Delilah wondered as she shifted from one foot to the other.
With every second that passed, Delilah's heart started palpitating inside her chest, causing her hands to become clammy. And her mind began to cloud over, preventing her from venturing further. Yet, she stood there, silently awaiting a response from her father.
Then, as if he heard her, he held his hand out, a small smile on his face as he intensified his stare.
"My child, let's get inside so I can shut the door." He stated softly while grabbing her by the hand and pulling her inside.
I don't want him, or even need him, to do that! Can't he see the pain he's caused me? Delilah pondered as she looked at him, and sadness flashed through her mind.
For so long, she felt alone on her journey to self-discovery. However, with her father's persistence, she slowly backed down.
Yet, she observed him skeptically, not ready to give in just yet.
Despite his actions, she reluctantly let him, and her mind began to race once more.
I despise this feeling! How could he do that to me? She thought, placing a hand on her chest, willing it to calm down.
When suddenly, the sound of boots trampling against the hardwood floor echoed through the air, causing the tension to rise.
Who would dare come this way without our knowledge? For all I could remember, every single pack member is out for the holidays. So why would we be disturbed? She wondered, looking around her father as the scent came closer.
"Father, do you smell that?" Delilah whispered, sniffing the air, trying to take a big whiff.
But then, the distinct smell lifted in the air again. This time, it was more prominent than before.
No, that can't be possible! How could my mate be here? I thought we would in some special way! She thought as her heart started palpitating inside her chest, and the silence grew.
Before she could get a better whiff of it, it was gone instantly, leaving her mind reeling.
And a burly man stood behind her father, a stern expression on his face.
"Delilah!" The man growled, causing goosebumps to flourish all over her arms.
To which she looked up, and her eyes widened by the second as his presence became known.
I can't stand here dumbfounded. What if he hurts me? He must know I'm ready for what will come. Delilah thought as she cleared her throat.
Then, stood taller, willing her fast beating heart to calm down.
"Al... Alpha! What are you doing here? I thought you were busy preparing for the Christmas feast?" Delilah stuttered as she picked her jaw up off the floor.
But, he crossed his arms over his chest, stealing his expression.
Until finally, he spoke, his voice just above a whisper.
"Delilah, can I speak to you for a moment. Somewhere no one can overhear us?" The Alpha stated, raising his hand to touch her father's shoulder.
Then he turned in his direction, an impassive expression on his face.
And she clenched her fists, as anger started coursing through her veins with every passing second.
Come on, Delilah, calm down. It's probably nothing you need to worry about. Who knows, maybe he'll promote you within the pack? Delilah pondered as she took a deep breath.
But the more she tried to calm herself, fear started snaking its way towards her heart.
"Delilah, you need to be calm. What would happen if the Alpha sees you like this?" Her father stated through the mind link.
"Alright, dad. I'll calm down. There's no need to make this situation any worse than it already is." Delilah answered back through the mind-link, agreeing to what he was going to say.
But, instead her father touched her shoulder,
and turned her around to look him in his eyes.
When out of nowhere, tears started falling from his eyes.
"My daughter, please. Don't you see what your sadness and heartbreak is doing to me?" He spoke through broken sobs.
However, the Alpha placed his hand in front of him, pushing her father to the side.
"Let me speak to your daughter alone." The Alpha stated, reaching out to grab Delilah's hand.
And then, Delilah's dad bowed, as he faced the Alpha, saying one last thing before he left.
"Of course. But just know, although you're an elder, I don't trust you fully with my daughter."