Zara ushers us through the gates and the front door, beaming from ear to ear with her curly hair half-up, half-down. She’s a natural beauty, and Felix is one lucky man.
If I were into girls, Zara would be the type of person I’d want to be with because of how caring and bright she is, but I’m not into girls, which means I’m stuck with a grumpy, beautiful Alpha instead.
The second we step through the door, I’m flooded with the lingering scent of Caleb. It’s inevitable, given he lives here and he’s my mate, so my senses are heightened around him, but it never gets easier.
We greet everyone, and I subconsciously keep an eye out for Caleb, who is yet to make an appearance. I despise myself and him for having this stupid hold over me.
The modern interior of the house counteracts the feel of the older style from the outside, and how creepy it looks. Something straight out of a horror movie. My eyes flicker over the pieces of art dotted along the halls, from abstract paintings to sculptures to photography.
As we move into their kitchen, Zara runs around to make sure everyone is okay. I settle beside Ava at the kitchen counter as she talks to Felix, but I remain silent.
“So, Jaxon mentioned you captured the hunters,” Ava pitches in.
Felix takes a sip of his drink. “About time. They’ve been hiding within the district for weeks; their scents were more earthy than human. I wonder how they got away with it for so damn long. We can’t let anything like that happen again.”
“Well, good thing they’re gone, and we learnt from our mistakes.”
“Agreed.”
“Where’s Caleb?” Ava asks casually.
He runs a hand over his head with a strained expression. “His father made an unexpected visit. He didn’t want anyone coming over today, but Zara convinced him. We wanted to show everyone there’s nothing to fear.”
Ava nods at his words and quickly gives me a side eye.
Their conversation continues, and I listen silently. My mind wanders to Caleb, and I can’t snap out of it. What’s the deal with his father?
No.Stop it.
I almost slap myself.
After a few moments, I excuse myself to get some air and to escape the gasoline scent filling my lungs. As I exit the kitchen, I pause in my tracks at the sound of footsteps.
Caleb walks towards the door beside a man as tall and large as Caleb himself. It must be his father; they look alike. My eyes almost fly out of my skull at the sight of him. He looks like a Viking—a big, scary Viking. His eyes are dark as midnight, and he has a long brown beard and arms the size of an elephant's.
My blood turns cold, and my skin chills over.
Neither of them notice me as I tuck myself behind the outside pillar and crouch down with my eyes slightly peeking between the gaps.
Caleb’s father glances through the kitchen window, and I pray he doesn’t see me as he steps forward. I hold my breath and imagine I’m invisible.
I glance at Caleb. I can’t read the expression on his face, but if I can pick apart anything, he doesn’t look happy.
His father scoffs at him. “It’s been weeks, and you’ve done nothing productive,” he murmurs harshly.
Caleb continues to look away from him as he speaks.
“Look at me when I’m talking to you, son,” he growls.
Caleb reluctantly looks up at his father, and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him look vulnerable. Fragile almost.
“If Kyle were still here, he would never have a pack looking like this. This is pathetic.” He grits his teeth. “Where’s the authority? They’re having a damn party, and you’re allowing it?”
Caleb’s jaw clenches as he looks at him under hooded eyes. His fists tighten beside him. “You have no idea what you’re talking about,” he grinds out.
His laugh turns sour. “Your brother would be turning in his grave. You’re a pathetic excuse of a son if this is what you think would make me proud. I gave you everything. I doubled your pack, and this is how you allow them to act. You need to lose that softness, boy. It’ll get you nowhere.”
“I never asked you to give me another pack,” Caleb hisses through his teeth. “We were doing just fine alone.”
