Page 155 of My Forbidden Alpha

“We are weaker than men, we-”

“We are as strong. I am as strong, Mama, and I will always continue to protect those who need me, whether that is Indigo, you… or my people.” There, Mama, I indirectly told you I tried to protect you, that I know…

I place the mug down in front of her and she stands up, wrapping her arms around me tightly. “I know you are strong. You always have been, but I’m scared. I love you, and I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you, Scarlett.” She gives me a squeeze and I wrap my arms around her.

“I know, Mama. But I promise I will be ok.”

We part, and she searches my eyes for something before she nods. “I need you to be. You know Scarlett, one day, I might not be here, and Indigo will need you.”

“She’s stronger than you think, Mama. I know you said she’s been through more than I have but-”

“I’m a mother, Scarlett, and I truly believe that if you had gone through as much, you would still be stronger because from the moment you were born, I knew you would be strong. Indigo… she’s more like…”

You?

“She’ll put up a strong front, but she isn’t as strong as her exterior.” She changes direction and I frown. I see that sometimes too.

“Don’t worry, Mama, I will always take care of her, I promise. So will Elijah.”

She smiles and nods, about to say something but isn’t able to and instead hugs me tightly, her heart racing. I know Elijah’s words hurt her, but like always, she’d never voice that.

It is laterin the evening, the sun is low in the sky and the smell of the delicious food I’ve cooked fills the mansion. I have been in the kitchen for a couple of hours before I went to get showered and changed.

I hope this meal will get the family back to some normalcy. Dad hasn’t been seen around and the one time he and Elijah crossed paths, the tension was insane.

I hope Grandma Amelia can work some magic with her feisty personality. At the very least, I am hoping the evening will be entertaining.

Scanning the dining room, I make sure everything is in place. I have lit candles along the centre of the table, adding a cosytouch to the room. The sun is beginning to set outside the window, enveloping the room in a warm, red glow. It is not as warm today either. I smile, satisfied with my work, and look in the mirror that hangs above the fireplace.

I’m wearing a halter-neck pale yellow skater dress that falls to mid-thigh. It shows off half of my back and has a corset bodice that only accentuates my breasts. My hair is up in a messy bun atop my head, with a few strands framing my face. I’m wearing large statement earrings, winged liner and red lipstick to finish off my look.

I blush, knowing I dressed up for a certain someone. My eyes fall to my neck, where I have placed a large, skin-coloured plaster over the mark. The foundation does not do much to cover it, so I’ve had to resort to using a plaster, but it looks better than having the glaring stain blotching my skin.

I tilt my head, doing a little twirl, wondering what Elijah will think of my dress since I rarely wear light colours. I adjust the strap of my dress, smoothing out the creases.

Someone clears their throat, making me twirl around. Dad stands there smiling at me. I am glad to see he is okay and his injuries are mostly healed, but more than that I’m relieved to see him smiling.

“Dad, I didn’t see you there!” I say, making him chuckle.

“A girl in love is often lost in daydreams,” he teases, making my eyes widen as his words sink in.

“What… love… no…” I mumble lamely, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear nervously. He grins.

“I do know my daughter well enough to know when something’s changed. Yellow? It’s not a colour you would go for,” he says, tugging at my cheek. I frown with a pout.

“Dad, it was in my wardrobe, so technically it is a colour I’d go for.”

“Because your mother bought it for you and threatened you ifyou didn’t keep it,” he chuckles and I smile softly.

“You have a good memory. Dad… you’ve always been there for me…” I look down, guilt filling me.How will he take it when he finds out about me and Elijah?Dad senses the change in me and tilts my chin up, fatherly concern in his eyes.

“What is it dear? You know you can tell me anything,” he reminds me. I take a deep breath and smile, nodding.

“I know, Dad, but there’s nothing to tell,” I say, feeling guilty. “I just wanted you to know I appreciate you.”

“Of course, my dear. But were you trying to avoid the conversation about love?” he teases, his smile fading when his eyes flicker to the stain on my neck. “I’m sure any man who cares for you would understand the truth behind that mark, and if he doesn’t, then he can go rot in hell.”

I smirk at that. “That’s true, but he’s perfect and this mark hasn’t deterred him at all,” I say softly, making his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. A soft smile graced my lips, and he returns it with one of his own. He pats my arm.

---