Olivia's father and the commander of the werewolf sanctuary, Alex Blackwell, waited in the doorway, his gaze fixed on his daughter. His pupils dilated as he took in the sight in front of him: the steamy bathroom, Olivia wrapped in a towel, and Keith standing there in a compromising posture. As he addressed Olivia, his voice was firm and commanding.
"Father, I didn't know you were back," Olivia said, as she tried adjusting the towel on her body. The tension in the room was apparent, and she could sense her father's scorn.
Alex's harsh appearance softened a bit, but his eyes maintained an aura of sadness. "I returned earlier than expected," he said, his voice tinted with anxiety and authority. "And it appears I've stumbled upon quite a scene here. Olivia, would you mind explaining?"
Olivia took a long breath to regain her composure. She felt she had to confront her father's concerns head-on. "Father, he is the new intake. Keith is his name. "He was having episodes, Father," she explained, her voice firm but tinged with defiance.
"And that explains why you were in there with a towel on?" Alex questioned, with a frowned face.
"No, Father. I'm sorry," Olivia pleaded, with her head bowed to the ground. She knew her father wasn't happy with her. He hardly questioned her like that.
Alex went away, not saying anything. Keith was just inside the rear door, listening in on their chat.
"Was that your father?" As Olivia opened the door, Keith turned to face her.
"Yeah. I have to leave now. Make sure to stop and eat something. "I'd return later to check on you. "Please stay in for the time being," Olivia said.
Meanwhile, her father had stepped outside the house, his mind heavy with the weight of Olivia's defiance. He had warned her countless times about bringing new intakes on her own. She is the Alpha's daughter but she is already misusing the privilege.
The cool evening air brushed against Alex's face as he stood outside, trying to calm his angered nerves.
As he walked around, the thoughts of who the new intake was overshadowed his mind. As the alpha of the Red Wolves, the safety of his pack rests solely on his shoulders. He loves his daughter very much but her recent behavior had tested his patience. The werewolf sanctuary, he commanded demands discipline and order, and he has always expected his daughter to uphold those principles.
His footsteps echoed softly against the gravel path as he made his way to an isolated spot beneath a grand oak tree just within the Sanctuary. He leaned against the rough bark, his gaze was fixed to the air like he could see something in front of him.
Moments later, Olivia's stepmother, Cherry, approached Alex. She had noticed his troubled countenance and couldn't resist the need to find out what was hurting him. "Alex, what's the matter?" she asked, her voice concerned. "You appear to be bothered by something."
Alex sighed hard as he turned his gaze to Cherry. "It's Olivia," he said, his voice irritated. "She simply refuses to listen."It's as if she's determined to go beyond the boundaries I've set for her."
She went closer, her brow wrinkled, and a soothing touch was placed on Alex's arm. Rebellion is a part of growing up but I understand your concerns." Cherry said.
Alex nodded, grateful for Cherry's understanding. Together, they began to stroll along the moonlit path, their footsteps falling in sync. The soft glow of the night enveloped them, casting long shadows that danced at their feet. As they walked, Alex poured out his worries, sharing the details of what he had discovered in the bathroom and the conversation that followed.
"I worry for her safety," Alex confessed, his voice tinged with a mix of fear and protectiveness. "The werewolf sanctuary is not a place to be taken lightly. There are dangers she cannot comprehend."
Cherry listened attentively, her presence a comforting balm to Alex's troubled soul. "Perhaps we need to have a heart-to-heart with Olivia," she suggested. "She needs to understand the risks and responsibilities that come with the pack,"
Alex considered Cherry's words, realizing the truth hidden within them. Olivia needed guidance, but she also needed to feel heard and understood. He knew he had to confront his daughter, not just as her father, but as the commander of the sanctuary she called home.
The moon hung high in the night sky as Alex and Cherry retraced their steps back into the house. When they got back into the house, Alex made his way to Olivia's room, his footsteps firm and resolute.
He knocked gently on the door, waiting for Olivia's muffled response before entering. The room was bathed in a warm, soothing glow, with reminders of Olivia's blended background adorning the walls. He found her perched on the side of the bed, her eyes full of vulnerability and rebellion.
"Olivia," Alex began, his voice steady yet gentle. "We need to talk."
Olivia raised her head, meeting her father's gaze. In his eyes, she sensed pity and affection, as well as steadfast determination. As a result, the father and daughter began discussing topics that would have an impact on their understanding, friendship, and future journey. The walls of the Blackwell home absorbed the echoes of their discourse as the night progressed, carrying the weight of their unspoken pledges.
"Father. I've been watching him far and closely for some time now. I didn't just decide to bring him to the Sanctuary on a first meet. He is a lost soul and he needs our help," Olivia explained.
"Before you say anything Father, he fed on a woman in cold blood right on Oak Street. It was one hell of a scene. I needed to just bring him in," Olivia explained further, interrupting her father's response.
"It's fine. First thing in the morning, I want to meet this person, properly," Alex sighed.
"Has Xander met him?" Alex asked.
"Yes, Dad. He isn't entirely cool with it either but he is good now," Olivia answered.
Whilst they were in the room, Kruger barged into the room
"Olivia, you need to come and see this," Kruger shouted. At an instance, he cautioned himself and bowed his head when he noticed Alex's presence "I'm sorry," he said softly.