Delilah's POV
The meaning behind her words was clear. Mom's smile faltered.
"Of course we're close. She's my daughter."
"Of course, of course," Sarah said quickly, her tone taking on a false brightness. "It's just that at the celebration, and around the pack in general, people have noticed that Delilah seems... distant from Ryker. Uncomfortable around him. Some are wondering if she actually accepts the mating."
My stomach dropped.
"That's not true," Mom said, her voice sharp. "Delilah has been nothing but supportive."
"I'm sure she has," Sarah said in a tone that suggested the opposite. "It's just what people are saying. That she's cold to him whenever they're in the same room. That she makes it clear he's not welcome in her life. Poor Ryker, trying so hard to be a good stepfather to
