Chapter 16 Chapter Sixteen
George nods and heads back downstairs. I glance at Leilani’s door; my inner wolf is urging me to beg for forgiveness on my knees. Ignoring the urge I head to the dining room, the faster I can get her father out of here the faster I can make it up to her.
“Tiberius you requested me?” I say calmly as I enter the dining room.
“Yes, Malakai. There is a conference call with the pack to our east border tomorrow. I will not be able to make it, I need you to be on the call.”
I nod in understanding. “I also need you to take care of Leilani, make sure she eats and gets her school assignments done.” I feel a twinge of pain at her name, knowing that I hurt her.
“How long will you be gone sir?” I ask out of genuine curiosity.
Tiberius shrugs. “For sure a week, maybe two. If it’s longer than that I will let you know.”
I nod and Tiberius pulls me in for a hug. “Give Leilani my love. I have to head out.”
“Will do. Be safe and call if you need anything.” I say giving him a pat on the back.
Tiberius heads towards the door. George carries his suitcase to the car for him. I watch on the porch as the car drives away. Once he is out of sight I rush back inside. All the pack members that were here for the party have already left for the night, leaving just me, Leilani, and the help.
I give George, Nova, and Nora the okay to call it a night. They can finish cleaning in the morning. Sprinting up the stairs I stop in front of Leilani’s room. I take a deep breath as I try to organize my thoughts and what I am going to say. As I reach for the silver doorknob, I hear a quiet sob coming from Leilani.
The door is locked. Shit. I knew she was mad, but I didn’t think she would lock me out. Knocking I say “Leilani, please let me in I can explain.”
‘Go away.” Leilani’s voice cracks as she breaks into a louder sob. My heart shatters with every haunting sob that leaves her. My wolf howls in pain. Why did I let this happen? I collapse in front of her door, not knowing how to fix this.
After hours of sitting in front of her door listening to her sobs, wishing she would let me in she goes quiet. Maybe she is sleeping, pressing my ear to her door I try to hear her heartbeat. Thump, thump, thump. Slow and steady. Hopefully after a little rest she will let me explain. I lean my head against her door, wishing she would open it and ask me to come in.
Five short minutes later Leilani whimpers softly. My heart shatters all over again as Leilani begins to cry. I want so badly to hold her and stroke her hair while she sleeps on my chest.
“Sir is everything alright?” Nora asks quietly as she stares at me.
“Umm yeah. What time is it?”
Nora checks her watch. “It is eight forty-five sir, breakfast is being served in the dining room.”
“Thank you. I’m just going to hop in the shower, and I will be right down.”
Nora nods at me. “Will Leilani be joining you for breakfast?”
I shrug my shoulders. Nora nods again and heads down the hall towards Tiberius’ office. This is her usual cleaning time as he is usually eating breakfast right now.
Leilani won’t even talk to me; I highly doubt she will want to eat breakfast with me. I slowly crawl off the floor grunting as I try to stretch. My lower back and shoulders are sore from sitting on the floor all night. Making my way to my bedroom I check my phone, Tiberius called twenty minutes ago. Shit.
He picks up on the first ring. “Malakai why isn’t my daughter answering the phone?”
“She is probably still sleeping Tiberius. I will make sure she calls you later.” I lied about her sleeping but if I tell him she is crying I will have to explain why.
“Please make sure she calls. Don’t forget about the conference call later. The alpha’s name is Abel. He just took over the pack he just wants to discuss territory lines and make sure his records are correct.” Tiberius rambles. He hates not being here to take care of stuff himself, but I know just as much as he does about the pack.
“I will take care of it Tiberius. I’ll call later.” I say trying to sound polite when really, I just want off the phone.
“Talk to you later Malakai.”
Hanging up, I hop in the shower. The hot water soothes the muscle aches in my back, but nothing will help the pain in my chest. I need Leilani to forgive me. Throwing on a t-shirt and sweatpants I try once more to talk to Leilani.
I jiggle the doorknob on the off chance she unlocked the door for me. Still locked. Disappointment rushes through me. I knock twice with no answer. “Leilani please, if you won’t talk to me at least come eat breakfast. You need to eat something.”
The door flings open suddenly making me jump. Leilani stares at me for a second. Her eyes are swollen and red, her hair is a mess, and she is still wearing the gorgeous silver dress from last night. Even in her distraught state she is still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. “Leilani…” I start to say but she cuts me off with a hand in the air.
“Don’t. You do not get to apologize. I do not want to hear whatever bullshit excuse you have come up with. You also do not get to tell me what I NEED. You are not my father, and you are not my boyfriend, so do not tell me what I need, what I need is for you to leave me the hell alone. In fact, you can go home back to your own house. I do not want you here, and I definitely don’t need you here.” Leilani screams at me as tears rush back to her eyes.