Chapter 6

Lucian POV

"There's an invitation... from your father"

I paused, my work suddenly interrupted by Armand.

"Here." I stretched out my hand and he gave me the invitation— a ridiculously fancy thing with a bright seal.

I could tell where the invitation was from without even opening it. The Vampires Association. I sighed, slitting open the envelope and unfolding the letter.

With a flick of my wrist, I opened it. The words were formal, filled with unnecessary flair;

A grand event bringing together vampires, blah blah, foster diplomacy, yadda yadda yadda.

"It's a waste of time," I remarked casually, scrunching and tossing the letter into its rightful place— the waste bin.

"I'm not interested. Tell him I'm not coming. You can choose between sending a text message or writing such an elaborate reply. Have fun."

My words were quite clear but Armand, being himself, pressed on. "It's a significant event, apparently. Your father's words, not mine."

I raised a brow, leaning back into my chair as I finally looked up at him. "Is it?" I drawled lazily.

Armand hesitated, clearly trying to find a better angle. "There are... strategic alliances at play here. I'm not sure of the details but with vampires and werewolves present together, it must be—"

Before he could finish, I casually held a finger up. At once, his words ceased.

Ah~ Much better.

I could feel Armand glaring at me as he tried to unravel the curse on his throat but I didn't care. He was quite helpful but sometimes, he talked too much.

What nonsense talk about vampires and—

I paused, a detail capturing my interest.

"What were you saying about werewolves?"

He looked at me blankly and I snapped my fingers to allow him to speak.

"The event is for both vampires and werewolves. Something important is probably at stake. That's why I suggest you attend."

Werewolves.

Her.

I could still remember the feel of her pulse below my fingertips and the alluring scent of her blood. If there were to be werewolves at the event, then chances were high she'd be there.

I stood up, my lips curling into a slight smile. "On a second thought, I'll go."

Armand let out a scoff. "Oh, really? I thought you said it'd be a waste of time?" He asked sarcastically.

I raised my brows. "I said that? When? You're probably mistaken."

He sighed, simply nodding and following as I strolled toward the door. We made our way to the elevator leading to the first floor of the company's building. And just when we got out of the elevator, a commotion caught my attention.

"Please! I have to see him! Let me through!" A shrill cry cut through the air.

Looking for me? I glanced at the blonde woman covered in mascara stained tears trying to remember who she was. Suddenly, it hit me.

Amelie. The ex.

The receptionist at the front desk was trying—and failing— to hold her back as she threw a huge tantrum, her shrill voice cutting through the air irritatingly as she cried.

Immediately, I regretted coming downstairs so soon.

"Do we leave?" Armand called, waiting for my decision.

Ignoring her and walking past would be the best option. But it was too late, she saw me.

"Lucian!" she cried, breaking free from the receptionist. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she threw herself in front of me, blocking my path.

I paused, looking down at her.

"Why did you leave me?" she sobbed, her tiny frame blocking my way. "I’m sorry, I won’t do it again, whatever it was! I swear! I didn’t mean to upset you... I can fix it, I’ll—"

She went on confessing to whatever had caused me to leave her, none of which I remembered to be honest. I blinked at her in confusion. What was she talking about?

I hadn’t ended things with her because of anything specific she did. Frankly, I just grew tired of her. There wasn't any ‘incident’ or grand betrayal like she thought. I just lost interest.

I crouched slightly, bringing myself down to her level. Might as well end this quickly.

"Amelie," I said softly, my tone calculated to calm her down. "It's over."

She calmed down but her eyes filled with more tears, her bottom lip trembling. "But I—"

"Shh" I reached out to brush a tear from her cheek lightly. "Be a good girl. Go home."

She stared at me for a moment, tears streaming down her face before stepping aside, completely silent.

Much better.

I straightened up, gave a nod to the receptionist, and continued toward the door.

We walked outside and I stretched out a hand and Armand handed me a handkerchief.

"You're sure she won't come over again?" He asked as we both got into the car.

I wiped my fingers carefully before dumping the handkerchief in the car bin.

"She won't."

———

Aritzea Duval.

It didn’t take long to find her.

She was standing near a group of her own kind, her expression unreadable, but even from across the room, there was something undeniably captivating about her. Her beautiful fiery hair framed her sharp features, and her eyes—those defiant, intelligent eyes—scanned the room ready to react quickly if anything happened.

"She's the sister of Thorne Duval, leader of the werewolf association." Armand stated, his voice low.

Ah. A leader's sister. Explained a lot.

"I'd advise you stay—"

Before Armand could finish his words, something happened. I saw her fist connect with another werewolf's jaw—a well aimed punch that sent the man stumbling back in shock. The corners of my mouth twitched slightly in approval.

As expected of her.

Armand couldn't help but slow down. "—away from her."

Her actions drew attention from all corners, their eyes all focused on her— including her brother and my father. I watched her brother confront her asking her to apologise.

I paused. Apologize?

I had no idea what had happened but I knew my darling Aritzea must have been in the right. There was no letting her apologize to that measly werewolf on the floor.

"Here," I handed my drink to Armand "Hold it."

"Lucian?" He asked, puzzled.

"Going to play hero, wait here. Or leave, doesn't matter much. I might be gone for long."

I walked over, overhearing her brother call her name angrily. But before he could finish, I interrupted. "Now, now," I said, my voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

All eyes turned toward me, and I took a slow step forward, meeting her gaze with a knowing smirk.

Her eyes widened slightly, recognition flashing across her face.

Oh dear. This was going to be fun.