Chapter 20. Father

“Hazel!” My father boomed from behind his table.

“Happy birthday, Dad,” I said, pulling him into a hug as soon as I reached him.

“Thank you, pumpkin.” He placed a soft kiss on my forehead. “Look at you. You look just like your mother when she was your age.” His smile reached his eyes, which held so much emotion.

“Sit down, Hazel. I want to speak with you concerning important matters.” My dad called my name whenever he wanted to be serious with me.

I was beginning to get anxious. “I saw you with Alpha Landon this evening.”

Okay. I wasn’t expecting that. I was expecting him to talk about Ervin and the rogues. “Yes, Alpha Landon. He is a nice man,” I said, nodding.

“You two were very cheesy this evening.” My dad wiggled an eyebrow. “You were all red, blushing, and laughing. You two look cute together,” he added, wiggling his brow suggestively.

Would he stop that? My face wrinkled in disgust. It did not suit a man of his age. “Ouch, Hazel. I’m n