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I chuckle. “They were the talk of the night.”
Her cheeks redden. “That’s...good. It was all Violet’s idea. We had a theme, and I wasn’t sure what to get as a gift.” Crinkling her nose, Sapphire turns to Scarlett, shaking her head. Scarlett will surely laugh about this later. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve been dying for a moment with my sister.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea, princess. I’d like to get acquainted with Mr. Hart, anyway. Why don’t you and Scarlett go see if your mom needs any help?” Lee glances at his daughters and then at me. “If you don’t mind.”
I square my shoulders. “Not at all. It was nice meeting you, Sapphire. Scarlett talks highly of you. I’m glad to be able to bring her here.”
Lee clears his throat, motioning his daughters away.
This is it.
I can see a dozen questions on his face, and he needs answers. I don’t have to read his mind to know that he disapproves of me without even giving me a chance. I knew to expect this. A father will always be protective of his daughter.
And unfortunately, I’ll have to stand my ground. Because Scarlett is mine now.
I’ll have to prove to be a worthy alpha, and the first step is never backing down.
11
Scarlett
Challenges
IyankawayfromSapphire’s hold and stop short in the hallway, giving myself a view as two deep, guttural growls challenge each other. My heart sinks into my stomach at the sight of my dad challenging Adrian in a pissing match. What does he think he’s doing? He knows exactly what the terms are to keep mom happy and living in her lavish life of luxury. But worse, he’s showing major disrespect to my alpha, and I can’t stand around and tolerate it.
“Dad!” I yell, striding forward and back to them as they stand in the foyer. “What are you doing? What kind of welcome is this? Mom has been demanding we come here, but if you don’t want us to be here, then we’ll leave. I don’t understand what has gotten into you.”
“Your mother failed to mention that she betrothed you to a pack my age, Scarlett. You deserve someone better. Younger. He can only give you half a fucking life with him. I will revoke your contract. It is in my right, considering that your mother misinformed me.” Dad shocks the hell out of me by shoving Adrian and pushing him against the door. “What kind of sick intentions do you have? You’re far above the appropriate age for taking an omega.”
“An appropriate age? You speak to me as if I’m elderly, and I’m not. I’m well established in Pack Carlisle and far more powerful than you, so I suggest you take a step back and cool off. I paid the dowry. I’ve done everything and more for your daughter to ensure that she is happy. I gave her the opportunity to back out if she were uncomfortable with our age difference. She didn’t. She chose us.”
I get between my dad and Adrian, my eyes filling with tears. This wasn’t the reaction I was expecting. I thought he’d be happy. He knew how important it was for me to find a pack, especially because no one else offered. I press my hands to my dad’s chest, getting him to stay back. He growls in my face for the first time ever, startling me.
I try to nudge him back, but he doesn’t budge. “You need to stop. Mom arranged everything. At first, I was a little nervous, but it wasn’t because of their age. You know how hard it’s been for me. I have been rejected by basically every fucking pack, and now you’re going to try to deny me the happiness I found? I won’t stand for it. You don’t get a choice in this matter.”
“Do not disrespect me, Scarlett.” Dad glowers, looking ready to snatch me up, but Adrian slides his hand around my waist and pulls me back.
“You’ve disrespected us first, and I will not let you speak to her like that. She is mine. She’s my wife, and I don’t care who you are. You will not talk to her in this manner. She spoke her peace, and it is clear we’re not welcome here, so we’ll go.” Adrian reaches for the door, twisting it open without turning his back on my dad.
He drags me back, minding the steps as Dad watches from the doorway. I’ve never seen him so angry. So disappointed. But I don’t give a fuck. He has no right to an opinion on my decisions any longer. He basically discarded me the second he sent me away.
The Harts are my pack now.
It’s never been clearer
If only I didn’t feel as if the bonds to my sisters must also be broken.
So much for my perfect life.
Once again, my family has proven that the only thing that matters is them.
Fuck them. I matter too.
I won’t stand by as they try to push their anger on me, because it’s not my fault. It’s theirs.
And I’m happy.
My pack is happy.
