Her Forbidden Alpha novel Chapter 35

　　It was later in the evening; the sun was low in the sky and the smell of delicious food being cooked filled the mansion. Scarlett had been in the kitchen for the last two hours. Jessica had come in once to ask if she needed help, but Scarlett had refused. Her mother still looked upset, and she knew Elijah’s reaction had hurt her.

　　She hoped this meal would get the family back to some normalcy. With Grandma Amelia’s feisty personality, she was sure the evening would be entertaining at least.

　　She looked around the dining room, she had lit candles along the centre of the table adding a cosy touch to the room. The sun was beginning to set outside the window, enveloping the room in a warm red glow. It was not as warm today either. She smiled satisfied at her work and looked in the mirror that hung above the fireplace.

　　She wore a halter-neck sunflower coloured cotton skater dress that fell to mid-thigh. It showed off half of her back and teased the tip of her yellow bra. Her hair was up in a messy bun atop her head. Large statement earrings hung in her ears, winged liner and red lipstick finished off her look.

　　She blushed knowing she dressed up for a certain someone. Her eyes fell to her neck, where she had placed a large skin-coloured plaster over the mark. Foundation did not do much to cover it, so she had to resort to using a plaster.

　　Someone cleared their throat making her twirl around.

　　Jackson stood there smiling at her, she was glad to see he was ok and had healed from his head injury.

　　“Dad I didn’t see you there…” She said, Jackson chuckled.

　　“A girl in love is often lost in daydreams.” He said, making her eyes widen.

　　“What… love… no…” She said lamely, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. He grinned.

　　“I do know my daughter well enough to know when somethings changed… Yellow? It's not a colour you would go for.” He said tugging her cheek. Scarlett frowned 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 if you didn’t keep it.” He chuckled, Scarlett smiled softly.

　　“You have a good memory dad… you’ve always been there for me…” She looked down, guilt filling her. How would he take it when they found out about her and Elijah?

　　Jackson sensed the change in her and tilted her chin up, fatherly concern in his eyes.

　　“What is it dear? You know you can tell me anything.” He said, she took a deep breath and smiled nodding.

　　“I know dad, but there's nothing to tell,” She said feeling guilty.

　　“Ah… So were you trying to avoid the conversation about love?” He teased, his smile fading when he wondered if her mark had upset her. “I'm sure any man would understand the truth behind that mark and if he doesn't then he can go rot in hell.”

　　Scarlett smirked.

　　“That’s true, but he’s perfect and this mark hasn’t deterred him at all…” She said softly, making Jackson’s eyebrow shoot up in surprise but Scarlett was lost in thought. A soft smile gracing her lips.

　　Jackson smiled although he was rather confused, she decided to let herself fall in love now, when she would meet her mate soon enough… but he did not say anything, instead patting her arm.

　　“I’m glad to hear it, I would like to meet this perfect man...” He said.

　　“Someday…” Scarlett replied, her heart skipping a beat. She was sure Jackson would not be so understanding once he knew who he was.

　　“I’m not blushing…” He said frowning at her as she took the rose, her laugh making his own heat race. She kissed the petals softly, brushing her fingers along the stem, he had removed the thorns. She looked at him unable to express how much this gesture meant to her. Turning towards the mirror she slipped the rose into her bun.

　　Elijah stepped closer, glancing at the open dining room door. He gripped her hips placing a soft kiss on her shoulder looking at their reflection in the mirror. She was beautiful, her vibrant hair, her soft green eyes and those plump lips… They looked good together he thought.

　　“It looks even better now…”He whispered. She leaned into him, for once not caring about the open door. It was the first gift Elijah had given her and it was clear from his behaviour he hadn't given another woman something like this before.

　　She stepped away after a moment, turning and looking up at him, tiptoeing she placed a soft butterfly kiss on his jaw.

　　“Thanks…” She said again before she left the room, pausing at the door, throwing him one last look and blowing him a kiss.

　　She was about to enter the kitchen when the front doorbell went. Hurrying over to it and pulling it open expecting to see Grandma Amelia but it was Liam who stood there. He looked handsome in black sweats, a fitted black t-shirt and a pair of trainers.

　　His eyes widened as his eyes ran over Scarlett.

　　“Wow… you look… breath-taking.” He said softly, making Scarlett tense. It was not the first time Liam had complimented her but she wasn’t sure it was the right thing to do with Elijah in the other room. He was an Alpha and their possessiveness knew no boundaries.

　　“Thanks, are you here for Elijah or Alpha Jackson?” She asked trying to pretend she did not notice his gaze that was still fixed on her as if he was seeing her for the first time.

　　“Erm, Alpha Elijah, we heard he’s back in town. A few of us were thinking about a get together tomorrow night, you should come too. Fiona, Monica and a few others will be there… We could go together?” He suggested, now leaning in the door.

　　Before Scarlett could even reply a low dangerous growl was heard from behind her, making the hair at the nape of her neck stand up. The warmth of the entrance hall was gone, replaced by the chilling anger that was radiating from a very pissed off Alpha…