“I always find out the truth. You of all people should know this, Marta.” I pinned her with my gaze, taking in her nervousness. “Were you so eager to take the glory and get commended by me? Does our son’s health mean that little to you?”
“Jaris, no, It’s-It’s not what you think.”
“I know you always want to be the best, Marta. But if there’s someone out there who can help our son, shouldn’t you be happy as the mother?”
She stuttered but formed no words.
I emptied my drink down my throat and slammed the glass on the table. This was one of the many reasons I could never make her my Luna. She was too selfish. Even to her own children.
“I’m sorry,” her pride was a hard pill to swallow. “It was wrong of me.”
There was a knock on the door.
“Leave,” I dismissed her.
I caught the hint of tears in her eyes before she exited the room.
Her presence was quickly replaced by Kael and Nerion.
Kael looked like he’d fought off some rogues himself. I didn’t need anyone to tell me the mission was trash.
“She wouldn’t come with us,” Nerion supplied when I asked.
I was numb for a moment, but when the words registered, it came off like a blow on my face.
“What’re you talking about?” My brows furrowed.
“Sorry, Alpha. We tried to talk to her. Kael even got into a fight with a friend of hers trying to bring her here. She said she’s… no longer interested.”
Now, he was joking.
But as seconds passed and no one laughed, I realized he was serious. My hand closed around my glass so tight until it cracked.
Angrily, I threw it on the floor.
Rejection. How dare she reject me? My whole life, I’d never been rejected by anyone, ever. Who did she think she was?
“Kael, tell Astrid to cancel the rest of my schedule for today,” I instructed. “Nerion, get the cars ready. We’re heading out.” Nerion appeared surprised. “Where are we going?”
“Where do you think? Bennett’s Pack.”
LYRIC
Jace and I went our separate ways when we finished from the restaurant.
When I got home, I was met with an unpleasant surprise. Well, not really a surprise since I knew he’d be coming. There in the living room was Roderick. Ex-mate.
He had been busy with his phone, but the moment he saw me, he couldn’t look away.
“Finally, you did come.” Nora rolled her eyes, rising to her feet.
Roderick was still staring at me, seeming surprised.
“I know you,” he suddenly muttered. “From the airport.”
I watched Nora’s body language grow uncomfortable.
“Um… Roderick,” she sat next to him, taking his hand. “This is Lyric. She’s here now. So, let’s go get this over with.”
I did not miss how tensed she looked.
Roderick’s countenance clouded with confusion. He looked at Nora like she was insane, then at me.
Wearing a smile, I ultimately said. “Hello,,Roderick. It’s a good thing we finally met, because I’ve been as eager as you to get this over with. Let’s go.”
I turned toward the door. I wasn’t even going to change or anything. I was too longing for that.
“I don’t understand,” Roderick said, standing up. “How can she be Lyric? She’s…” he chuckled. “She can’t-“
“I wasn’t born ugly, Rodrick, just incase you’re forgetting. All I had to do was get rid of my scar. But, don’t worry, it’s the same Lyric standing before you. I still remember your favorite words: ‘Don’t look at me.’ ‘Your face disgusts me’. ‘Get out of my Pack’.” I shrugged. “See? Same me.”
His eyes widened like saucers. For someone as rigid as Roderick, the sight was golden.
I continued to the door and soon opened it. But I paused when I noticed Roderick wasn’t following.
“I have things to do, Roderick. Please, we need to get moving.”
He lowered his gaze, seeming uncertain. Suddenly, he took his phone, tapping on the screen.
“Uh… something just came up. I-I have to go somewhere now.”
Wow. Roderick stuttered. But what the hell was he talking about?
“Babe,” Nora drew close. “Anything can wait. We’ve been waiting for ages now.”
“It can’t wait,” he nearly slapped at her. Looking at me, his gaze softened. But there was guilt in his eyes.
“We’ll finish this later,” he muttered and walked past me, out the door.
*****
As expected, Nora was displeased with Roderick’s dismissal, as was I. I was more than eager to get this thing past me. Hours later, I met father to tell him of my plans of returning to Draconis. As expected, he didn’t take it well.
“You just got back, Lyric. Besides, we still have the pending agreement with Darkspire.”
“I’m not interested in Alpha Jaris anymore.” It was difficult getting the words out, but I had to. “I’m sorry, father, but I really want to leave.”
Seeing him again had brought me too much pain. I just wanted to go back to my normal life in Draconis.
Father’s face paled. I couldn’t help feeling pity for him.
He was about to say something when two guards rushed in, displaying urgency.
“Alpha,” they bowed to him. “We have company. Alpha Jaris is here.”
My eyes flared wide in surprise. I wanted to believe I hadn’t heard clearly, but father sprang to his feet. Shit! This was real. We scurried outside to find Jaris and tons of his men stepping out of their cars. The two men from the restaurant were also present. My jaw dropped. Why do I have a feeling he was here to cause trouble?
“Alpha Jaris,” Father stepped forward, delighte pleasant surprise. You should’ve told me you were coming. I’d have prepared a grand welcom
Jaris’ eyes found mine, and not for one second did he look away. That made me uncomfortable in a lot of ways.
“There’s no need for that, Alpha Bennett. I didn’t come here for a grand welcome. I came here,” he stepped forward. “to hear directly from your daughter.”
Nora and her mother were out of the house, although they kept their distance.
By the moon, I didn’t like this one bit.
Father looked at me with furrowed brows.
Jaris explained. “Your daughter here told me she was no longer interested.” His eyes took on a shadowy gleam. “I got your message.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.