Chapter Eight – Urge To Go Home

Lyra’s POV 

I didn’t know what he had in mind. Yet I showed my readiness for whatever he wanted to do. I didn’t want to portray myself as a coward. I would definitely tackle whatever he threw my way! 

“Come with me!” His eyes glittered with amusement as he beckoned me. It immediately made me suspicious. 

“Where?” I stayed where I was, making no move to get up. 

“Are you afraid I would punish you for punishing me?” The smirk on his face told me he was reminding me of my shameless act. Why couldn’t he let it go? My cheeks flushed with color and I wanted to die out of shame. How could I have been so reckless? Why did I have to kiss him? My lips still felt his warmth, although he hadn’t kissed me back. 

“Lyra Andreadis doesn’t fear a thing in this world! Get it, Mr. Mate?” I got off the bed and stormed out, brushing past him as he watched me with an amused smirk permanently plastered on his face. 

“Is that so? Then why did you leave midway and run?” He leaned over while his piercing gaze held my confused ones, as if reading through me. I looked away, searching for a fitting reply. Yes, I was afraid he would grab hold of me and claim me, but how could I admit it in front of him?

“I was bored!” I knew it was a lame excuse the moment he burst into laughter. 

“You got bored kissing a hot male like me! I think you have a lot of growing up to do, my sweet little mate!” I glared at him, ready to fight him.

“If I’m so little, why are you challenging me to resume the kiss? I refuse to rise to the bait, Mr. Gamma!” I walked away towards the kitchen to make dinner.

The blizzard was still going strong outside, but it was nothing compared to the tornado roaring inside me. Leandros’ presence around me always made me want to fight him tooth and nail. He always got on my nerves! Did mates behave this way? Why did he always try to tempt me to react? It might have worked once, but not always. I was learning to be immune to him. 

It’s a difficult task, but not an impossible one! 

It was getting colder every minute, and I checked the pantry and freezer for something to make. 

“So, what else can you make?” I looked up to find Leandros leaning against the kitchen doorframe and watching me. 

“Everything. I’ve lived on my own for two years! Remember?” Was his taunt necessary? Didn’t he taste the lunch I had made for him earlier?

“Right. Good, I don’t the have time to teach you everything!” I gaped at him for a second. What could that mean? Why would he have to teach me anything? Did he consider me dumb?

“Thanks for your concern, but you need to teach me nothing! Get it? Nothing at all!” He laughed, enjoying getting me all riled up. 

“Oh, you have a lot to learn, little mate. I’m sure you will love to take lessons from such a hot teacher as me!” he indicated himself while I rolled my eyes at his arrogance. Of course, I could understand what sort of lessons he was implying. I wasn’t dumb! 

“Can you give me lessons in fashion designing? ‘Coz that’s what I’m interested in.” I took out the frozen bison beef and proceeded to the counter to make a stew to be served with Bannock. I learned the art of cooking from Sally, my uncle’s housekeeper, in Hay River. In the last two years, she has trained me so well, I could open a cloud kitchen of my own if I wanted. But my interest was in dress designing! I wanted to start my fashion house under my label, Lyra’s! 

“Is it now? So won’t you train under your uncle to help with his business?” He looked extremely interested, making me suspicious. 

“No, I’m not interested. I’ll enroll into the undergraduate program in fashion design once the results are out.” I concentrated on the work at hand rather than on disclosing any more information about myself. Why was he so interested? I noticed he hardly spoke about himself. “So, what do you do for a living apart from being the gamma of the Luceres Pack? How can you afford this lifestyle?” 

I knew the value of money. The meager pocket money my uncle conceded to me always finished by the 15th and I had to borrow from uncle Derrick! Luckily, he never asked me to return the loans I took from him every month. If he did, I would have to beg my uncle for more money. He would definitely get mad at me, although he was loaded. He was the CEO and owner of his own financial firm, but what about Leandros? 

He grinned and watched me work without answering my question. I waited for him to give me some smart ass concocted tale. 

“Are you into something illegal?” I asked with dread. Instead of taking offense, his grin widened, and he walked into the kitchen with purpose. Stopping right beside me, he leaned over as if revealing a secret.

“What will you do if I am? Will you be my mafia queen if I’m the mafia Don?” My eyes widened, and a gasp escaped from my mouth. 

“Hell, no. I would escape your clutches even if you’re my mate!” I stepped away from him with apprehension, but he sobered up and gazed at me. 

“What if I’m into human trafficking? What if I have abducted you for a motive?” I gaped at the guy with horror, unsure whether I should run or cook his dinner. 

“You’re kidding, right?” I whispered, but he shook his head with a solemn look on his face.

I dumped the dinner on the counter and whirled around to flee back to my room. I would surely flee from here the next morning, even if there was a blizzard. 

He reached out to grip my arm to stop me from fleeing. “Hey, Lyra! Stop. Where are you going?” 

I desperately tried to free myself. “Please let me go, Leandros. I was just kidding when I asked you to abduct me. I didn’t mean it. Please don’t sell me. If you return me to my uncle, I’ll give you all my jewelry.” I thrashed to get myself free, but he pulled me into his chest instead. I could hear his heartbeats thumping wildly against mine. His actions confused me. Why was he embracing me if he intended to sell me? 

“I’m sorry, Leandros. I want to go home to my uncle.” 

“What about my dinner? If you don’t make my dinner, I’ll be furious with you,” he said, releasing me. 

I gave him a bewildered look and went back to the counter. “Will you let me go home if I make your dinner?” I gave him a pleading look, but he rubbed his chin as if considering my request. 

“I’ll think about it. If you cooperate until the blizzard dies down, I might consider your request.” I sighed and got down to work. My foolishness had gotten me into this situation. I would definitely try to escape him once he fell asleep. No wonder my uncle hated him so much! 

I didn’t even glance at him as I concentrated on the job at hand. Although I was acutely aware of his presence near me and his gaze permanently stuck on me, I ignored him. It was better to stay away from the criminal. He could never be my mate, my life partner. It would do me good to plan my escape and not fall for his temptations. 

I carried the food to the table while he followed with the plates and cutlery. “Looks delicious! Let’s see if it’s edible!” he said in a solemn tone, making me tremble a little. Would he punish me if it wasn’t up to his standards? I had seen the mafia dons in movies and they looked almost like Leandros Vasiliou did! 

“I tried my best.” He tasted a spoonful of the stew, chewing the meat as he watched me with the same solemn look on his face. “I’ll make something better the next time.” 

“The beef could have been more tender!” My heart sank, and I glanced at the bedroom door. Should I make a dash for it before he could punish me? But what was the use? He had all the keys with him.

“I’ll keep that in mind if you forgive me this time.” I lost my appetite and sat watching him eat. Now I realized my mistake. I shouldn’t have left my home and my uncle. He loved me and looked after all my needs without ever imposing on me. I could go everywhere with uncle Derrick to protect me. Why did I have to be so immature? 

“Why aren’t you eating?” he growled at me, startling me out of my wits. 

“I’m not hungry. I’ll go to sleep, please.” 

“No. Eat first if you want me to spare you.” I didn’t need a second prodding. I scarfed down the food on my plate and rushed into my room. 

Now I would surely plan my escape!