#Chapter 19: Bad Blood

Lucas must have caught the scent of alcohol as well because he swiftly pushed past me, entering the house first. "Lucas, don't—" I reached out to stop him, but as I grabbed his hand, I saw my father emerging from the kitchen. He looked wild, unlike himself. His eyes were bloodshot and glazed over, but there was also an unfamiliar anger burning within them. "Dad?" I called out, taking a protective step closer to Lucas. Even Lucas appeared on edge as he locked eyes with my father. It dawned on me then that my father must have sensed Lucas's Alpha presence. Wolves are territorial creatures, and my father, though only a Beta, still possessed some strength. However, Lucas surpassed my father in every way. And at that moment, he stood confidently in the middle of my living room, poised against my father. "Dad," I spoke gently, attempting to diffuse the tension. "This is Lucas, my friend. He isn't going to hurt you. He’s just here to make sure I’m okay.”