The journey was shorter because Lucas drove like he was in a race with death, I was grateful to be unconscious for most of it, I wasn't sure my frail heart could handle the speed otherwise. I felt a soft tap on my shoulders, but I was too deep in sleep to open my eyes. I was lost in a world where no worries existed a no danger caused my heart to thump incessantly. I turned to the other side of the chair and continued my sleep, dipping my hands into the soft leather chair as it took me to a faraway land. When my shoulders were gently tapped one more time, I didn't budge. I muffled an incoherent leave me alone and just let my conscious ignore it and allowed my unconscious to take the floor. By the time warm hands carried me on their shoulder, I still didn't budge, I had settled myself once more into the arms of whoever it was and sniffed in the deep scent of their cologne which smellef like luxury as they walked somewhere, someplace. The lights of wherever they entered threatened
It wasn't the turning and tossing of Amanda that woke me up, even though I had to give it to her, she was such a loud fellow, neither was it the chirping of birds that suddenly thought beside my bed was the best place for them to sing their morning songs that woke me up, rather, what did was the blurry image of my father's stern face that I saw when I turned to the other side of the bed. " Father," I murmured. Usually, it took about ten minutes for my mind to be up and running when I woke up in the morning, but this was an exception because my brain responded swiftly to the odd stimuli and I found myself sitting up and looking confusedly at my father. Why was he here and so early in the morning? Then it all came rushing to me, all the memories from yesterday and how it all played out, and once more, I wanted the ground to open and swallow me. "Father I-" "I heard about what happened" Father's voice always had a way of bringing me together, all my quirkiness turned serious when
Immediately Father shut the door, Amanda bombarded me with an assortment of questions, she wanted to know how I had gotten close to Luke, how many times we had seen and if things had gotten spicy between us, I didn't know why but the more she asked, the more I flushed with the memory of our kiss. I sometimes wondered if it was real, seeing as it has never come up since that day, and we have met many more times than that, but I say nothing to answer her questions, I cannot answer them even if I begin and attempt to, so instead I blush like a new bride for a man who is not my mate. Gee Fiona, keep this up, and I might as well write it on my forehead that we swapped saliva. " Do you know what to wear to his house?" She finally let the topic die a natural death, I turned to her " Am I supposed to know that? Am I supposed to wear something fancy to visit him?" " Of course!' She exclaimed, " He is your mate, after all, you have to make him want you" She added " What happened to him com
I made sure I didn't look like the tears I had previously cried as I walked inside the mansion, Father had left me for his duty, so I was ushered in by the stern-looking butler whose face only reminded me of when I snuck in. Contrary to what I thought that night, his countenance didn't change when I said I was called upon by Mac or even when I said I was his mate. He didn't care, and for some reason, it stung because I felt he should attribute more respect to me, knowing who I am and what I am here for, he should show some more courtesy to someone who had a high probability of becoming his future Luna. Or was there something he knew that I didn't? I stared at the magnificence as he led me to a waiting room, now that it was not on the occasion of a ball or party, I could see what the mansion looked like. The living room went on forever, I suspected it was where we held the part that night. Everywhere I went, exquisite and blinding chandeliers stared me in the face radiating their m
The first thing I noticed when the door opened smoothly was that despite the fact that the door design was not as modern as the other ones in this house, it was not old and creaky at all. In fact, its hinges glided gently over each other and opened without a sound, it left me in an even bigger shock than I initially experienced. The second thing I noticed was the dust, a gust of wind blew immediately I set my feet past the threshold and it had me choking on my cough that I didn't want to let out. I walked further in and shut the door softly behind me with a click, all I could see was the haze the wind had blown and by the time it lifted, I realized it was a library all along! I let out a breath in mild relief, I still felt the spooks and chills I felt earlier but I tried to calm and pacify myself by telling myself that it was merely a library and not much could go wrong from here but it was still unbelievable even to my own ears. I walked past the first shelf of books and took
Without thinking any further, I closed the drawer containing the documents and made my way as swiftly and quietly as I could through the room of books, the dust was tickling my nostrils, but I knew I couldn't sneeze or cough if I didn't want to be caught. And I would be damned if I was.The last time I was in a situation like this in Mac's house, Lucas had been in the scene and he had somehow managed to save both of us from being caught. How he did it was still a mystery to date but it didn't help my awareness that no one was going to save me from being caught today. And what kind of mate sneaks around in a house that isn't hers, especially one mated to a devilish person like Mac? This was an act that was unforgettable. I ran out through the door and was grateful when it's lock soft clicked behind me. Outside I could hear the mini rain pouring in the room more loudly and it confirmed that the doors in this mansion are not soundproof, at least not all of them anyway. Another thing t
I froze on my feet as the voice washed all through my body. It wasn't Mac and it definitely wasn't Mr Ashen, so who was it? It sounded old and even female, I was stuck between my curiosity and flight and just when I decided that flight would be the logical and best thing to do in a situation like this, I heard her call again in a groggy voice "Samantha, is that you?"Once more I was frozen and unable to reason or do anything, if I ran out of the room right now I had no idea if she would follow me, or if she could command a search or raid with as brief as a snap of her finger and who the hell was Samantha? I took an involuntary step back, maybe if I make my departure slow and clumsy then she won't catch it, if I took baby steps and all before getting to the door then maybe I could escape this somehow. "Samantha dear, are you the one?" She asked again, and this time it seemed like the voice was getting closer. "Oh dear, it seems I am getting too old and my eyes are beginning to play
Once more my feet were stuck in a dilemma of race or stay, I staggered back as I looked around me for confirmation of the things that were happening. It was a wild unbelievable thing. She was awake and agile merely seconds ago, yet all I had to do was to look away for the briefest second before her eyes shut in sleep and her face transformed magically into a younger version. It felt like a fairytale.The amazing thing was that despite the fact that the older face was long gone, I could tell it was still the same person from before, her slender hands were still atop the duvet and her small smile still clung to her lips. I wondered if the whole thing was merely an imagination or something I dreamed up, because I wasn't sure how possible it was for something like that to occur, so many weird things kept happening and I didn't know what to attribute them to or even how to understand it. Before I could get lost in my thoughts, the small bedstand lamp beside her went off quickly as if i
After the very intense and romantic dinner, which mainly consisted of Lucas staring at me with his electric blue orbs and me trying not to puke everything that had entered my belly due to the intensity in his eyes, he led us quietly back into the room where I perched awkwardly at the edge of the bed. "Where is everyone?" I whispered. I couldn't help but note the differences between his and Mac's houses. No pack members were sprawling around here, and no slaves or workers were moving to do his bidding. I was curious: was this how he lived as an Alpha?"I dismissed them," Lucas replied, dispersing the chaos in my mind. That made sense, I thought. Lucas continued to stare at me with something like longing in his eyes, and I had no idea what to do. He had said nothing would happen tonight, so why did he stare at me like that?As if sensing my thoughts, his long fingers wrapped around my jaw smoothly. " Don't think too much, just stay here with me." "What attracted you to me?" I whisper
"Oh, my goodness! I've told you, Amanda, I'm not going for something extra and shiny; I want something simple and nice!" She smirked as she handed me yet another one of her extravagant dresses. "You mean something cute and sexy?" My face went up in flames. "Oh my god! Amanda! For the hundredth time, we are not doing anything tonight!" "Oh yeah, and that's why you are spending the night with him?" "Urghhhh," I whinnied, covering my face with my hands at her absolute morbidity. It was practically impossible to win with this girl. In her most innocent voice, she added, "Well, since you claim it is nothing sensual, then you probably wouldn't want to wear a dress like this." She held up a red dress, and I lost my breath. "That's it," I whispered, and with one final squeal, I ran into the bathroom to get changed. At exactly seven pm, the doorbell rang, and Amanda ran excitedly to open it while I finished up my outfit. Spritzing perfume and taking deep breaths. I walked out to
Two weeks later, there was no word from Lucas. If I had not seen the weary news and heard the whispered rumors I would have been scared, but now I was more upset than anything. His plans were already in motion. It was one downfall to the other of the Ashen subsidiaries, and the tabloid made sure everyone knew. Between clans, they could tell that things were looking bad for the Ashens. Even though they played all the cards they had, Lucas was smarter, strategically utilizing all his inside men to break down the very foundation of their business. Father kept us updated as he continued working there, despite the fresh rage I had seen in his eyes after that discussion and the hunger for revenge for Mom. He kept us updated on the incessant fights that kept happening while also trying to gather some men who were formally of our pack before they became slaves as a means of survival. I sighed for the fifth time, watching as the red mother broadcaster spoke about an outbreak of fire in the
When I got in, Father pulled me into a big, tight hug that left me both shocked and in awe, and I went to bed tipsy with happiness and the euphoria of everything that had happened. Finally, it felt like everything was all coming together, so for that night, I swallowed the questions I had for Father and basked in the sheer joy in the air, falling asleep with a huge smile on my face and a weight lifted from my chest. Soon, very soon, we will all witness the heavy downfall of Mac and the entire Ashen family. ****** The smell of pancakes and bacon that wafted through the air the next morning told me of my sister's arrival. Father must have called them over last night, and that could only mean that we were having a family meeting. I jumped down from the bed, excited to see them and eat delicious food after such a long time. "Fiona darling," Giselle's slender arms wrapped around me as I stepped into the kitchen, looking as ivory and as beautiful as ever with that flowery scent that ma
The ride home was silent and filled with the many words and thoughts running through our minds. I finally had enough time to process everything Lucas told me, which was a lot. The plan was for him to drop me off, but I knew I was going to tell my family the truth about everything that occurred many years ago and find out why Father hid so many things from me. Even if Lucas was fine with being the bad guy and being blamed for things he had no hand in, I wasn't okay with it, and I needed to get it out.I glanced at the brooding man on the wheel. Ever since we managed to pry ourselves apart and his almost confession, he had been unusually quiet and even more brooding, like he was lost in thought in a space of his own, and I had no idea how to reach him. "What's going on?" I asked, turning to face him and taking him in more; we had spent the past days together, yet he still looked handsome in a new way. I still couldn't get over how handsome he was. I didn't think it would ever be somet
Somehow the kiss transcended from my little kiss as Lucas took control, fighting with every urge in his body against his wold from ripping my clothes and taking me, and I could feel it in every strain as he deepened the kiss, picking me up from the floor, I wrapped my legs instinctively around his waist as I went in for more, grabbing a handful of his shirt. The desire I felt eroded my senses, but I knew it was nothing compared to the one a person with full access to his alpha wolf felt; all I got from my wolf was an intense need and constant purring, which rang out as moans as Lucas raked his hands hastily from my back to my waist repeatedly.Carefully and still deep in the kiss, he led me back into the room till I was dropped softly against the soft sheets and towered by him. My heart seized as I stared at his almost black-blue eyes now, electricity running up and down his blue orbs and desire fueling them so passionately I felt dizzy for a second. My own need propelled me to wrap m
"No," Lucas thundered, taking my soft fists in his large ones. I expected this, so I didn't budge. I added calmly, "I wasn't asking for your permission, Lucas. I was simply letting you know I am all in on this." "I don't want to drag you down this path. The Ashens are ruthless and very crafty. You are not ready, and I would hate for any harm to come to you on my account." "You think I don't know they are ruthless? Do you think I have no idea how crafty they can be when I have been a victim myself? I am well aware, and it is my knowledge that fuels my anger." I paused, inhaling deeply. "I, too, have been offended, and I am itching for my revenge, So train me or protect me. Whatever makes you feel better, but know that I will not sit and watch idly, and I will make Mac pay whether or not you let me in on this. I will beat him at his own game," I fought. He stared at me warily for a while before heaving a breath and nodding. "I will not put you in harm's way, but I will train you we
Lucas didn't come in for at least twenty minutes, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop thinking about the big bulge in his pants when he walked out of the room. I had felt it earlier when I laid down, and now it has become the most fascinating and most terrifying thing to me, but I just couldn't breathe my head to kick out the thought.I lay beneath the duvet, covering my red-coated face and my swollen lips from the past few minutes, my heart was still racing as though I had just run a marathon, and particles of the lightheadedness I felt when Lucas was kissing me still remained. I missed him immediately when he left, as he walked out of the door, as soon as his hands left my body. I came to the slow realization that my feelings for Lucas were rapidly changing into something big and beyond my control it was only a matter of time before they blew up in my face. The air in the room still smelled like him, like wood and soap and masculine sweat and for a second I imagined hi
Lucas caught up with me in no time, but I refused to give in when his large arms encircled me again. I thrashed against his body and bumped into trees hoping to scratch and loosen his death grip on me. "I'm sorry, Fiona, But listen, Hear me out first," He said, not sounding a minute breathless or like someone carrying a thrashing girl. "No, let me go!" I thrashed and kicked around the open air "You're only going to hurt yourself, Fiona," Lucas growled. " Stay put and listen to what I have to say for your own sake." "No, you listen to me, Let. Me. Go." I protested. Lucas sighed and wrapped his hand even firmer around my torso. "Why do you choose the wrong times to be stubborn and throw a tantrum? Do you have any idea how difficult it has been for me to watch you fawn over someone as horrible as Mactervish?" He scoffed, then continued in a ludicrous manner, "Or should I speak about how worried I have been every second that you have spent with him? dined with him, sat with him, a