Chapter 7

Delaney

I sat on the bed, my back resting on a pillow against the headboard, speaking with Nyra and Carter over the phone. Something about Carter's reaction when I fell was still raising questions, but I kept telling myself that maybe I had imagined it. After all I had been blinded by pain to be sure about what my eyes saw.

"How is their house? I bet it's a mansion," Nyra excitedly inquired.

"It could be a damn castle Nyra, but it's not home," I answered, glancing around the room. While mine was cozy and homey full of memories, this room was just bland. Yes it was stunning and spacious, but it just felt off.

"Your dad said that he has been trying to call you," Carter joined in, his voice rough.

"I haven't seen his calls," I lied, even though I had seen his name flashing on my screen more times than I cared to count. Each time I let it ring out.

"He's worried about you, Del." I was in no mood to talk about my dad, not when he had just stood by and watched me get taken.

"I-I have to go; we'll talk later," I quickly said, ending the call without a second thought. The mere thought of my dad agreeing with the alpha kings had pain accumulating in my chest, forcing me to take short breaths.

As if on cue, the phone still in my hand vibrated, my dad's name with love emojis flashing yet again. I debated for the millionth time whether to pick or ignore again. In the end, I pressed on the receive button, pressed on loudspeaker and held my breath.

"Oh my god, honey, I thought something happened to you," he hyperventilated on the other side.

"I'm fine; I just didn't want to talk to you," I deadpanned, pressing my lips together.

"I know that you are mad at me, Del, but I would rather you be angry than hunted by the rogues," he spoke, an edge audible in his voice.

"Alpha Kai ordered me to attend a run tomorrow morning," I mumbled, but he heard me anyway.

"Well, that is good; at least you'll stay in shape," he excitedly said, while I chuckled in disbelief.

"In wolf form, Dad, the run will be in wolf form, and the last time I checked, I do not have one," I hissed, running my hand over my face.

"What!" Came his voice, panic almost palpable through the phone.

"Why do you sound surprised, Dad? Didn't you think about this when you allowed them to carry me while I was unconscious? I fell from the balcony and got hurt; you knew that I couldn't heal fast, and yet you stood there and watched me be shipped off. What will happen if the secret we have struggled to keep since I turned 18 is revealed, worse to the alpha kings?" I couldn't sit still, not when my identity was on the line.

"I'm so sorry, Delaney," he muttered, after a short silence.

"At times like this I wish Mom was around; she wouldn't have—"

"Don't you dare finish that statement," he warned, letting out a low growl. Mom's disappearance was a sore subject to us, but it affected him more than it did me.

"I expected you to defend me, Dad," I whispered, a lump growing in my throat.

"I slipped pain meds in your bag; please take them for your ankle and head," he spoke.

"Is that supposed to make me feel any better?" I bitterly chuckled.

"I would do anything to keep you safe, even if it means you hating me." I closed my eyes at his words, feeling a burning sensation inside of them. I was about to answer when a knock sounded on the door, followed by Elias's voice.

"I have to go, Dad," I managed to whisper, swallowing hard as I ended the call.

"Come in," I called, my voice raspy.

"Dinner is almost served. I have come to pick you up as promised," Elias stated after he pushed the door half-open.

"Right," I mumbled, getting off the bed while blinking back tears. I hated what I was feeling at that moment, trapped and unwanted. I had taken a bath and had worn a short dress that reached mid-thigh, the only decent one I could find in the closet. Turns out Nyra had only packed photos, pyjamas and a few essentials here and there, not clothes.

"You look," Elias hesitated, his eyes once again lingering on my body. "You look ravishing," he finished in a calm voice, stepping aside for me to step out.

"Thank you, I guess," I answered, walking beside him down the hallway. The rest of the walk was quiet, my mind caught up in the mandatory run. So much for keeping a secret only for it to be revealed in front of strangers.

"Come, my dear, sit beside me." Ronan patted the dining chair beside him when we emerged, his eyes roaming all over my body.

He was the only one at the long oval table, with an array of serving dishes in the middle.

I sat beside him, completely aware that my dress had risen an inch when I sat down, exposing my thighs to him. I could feel his eyes checking me out, making sparks light up inside of me. The only thing that was stopping me from melting under his hungry gaze was the thought of him and Chloe being together.

He leaned over, his breath fanning my ear as he said, "you look delectable in this tiny dress."

I kept my mouth shut, clenching my fists under the table. It was ridiculous how my body reacted to him. Just minutes ago, I had been angry and hurt, and now I was flustered.

"Sit with us Elias," he said, gesturing at one of the seats.

"Where is alpha Kai?" I asked, clearing my throat.

"He's not coming, otherwise he wouldn't have told you to be ready for the run in the morning. He would have told you at dinner," Ronan explained, while I bit the inside of my cheek. A part of me wished that Kai was present for whatever reason.

"But not to worry, you won't even notice he's absent," he added, placing his hand on my thigh. The contact alone send shivers of warmth between my thighs instantly.

"What would you like to have Delaney? Alpha Ronan had the cook prepare a couple of dishes for you to choose from," Elias chimed in, giving me a nod. He must have noticed the awkwardness in the room.

"Anything; I'm sure everything is delicious. It actually smells so good." I was trying so hard to keep my focus on anything else apart from Ronan's hand on my thigh and the heat crawling up.

"It doesn't smell nearly as good as your arousal," Ronan whispered in my ear, sending heat crawling up my neck and face. I was sure that at that moment, I looked like a tomato.

If Ronan could smell it, so could Elias. No wonder he couldn't meet my eyes, poor Elias. "I will get up from this seat if you don't stop," I warned, shifting on the seat.

"No, you won't," Ronan answered, his voice husky. "Because all you want is for me to slide my hand higher...rub that sensitive throbbing little clit until you soak your panty and this seat."