LYRICWhen he turned to leave, I took off in a pursuit. "Fine! Let's talk."But he didn't break his stride or spare me a glance.Damnit. All he made were threats and I was already losing my mind."Okay, I'm sorry. Alright? I was just pissed over what happened with the guy from the club. And—And the fact that I couldn't terminate the contract. I felt tricked. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have reacted the way I did."But he still didn't look at me. Damn him, he was as hard as rock.Reaching the entrance of the hall, he went in without sparing as little as a glance at me. And in that moment, I knew I was fucked........I couldn't enjoy a thing from the rest of the funeral. All I wanted was for it to come to an end so I could run to my hotel.&
LYRIC No. Not that. He could take anything from me. Not that necklace. The scanned image was the first valuable thing I had. This was the second. I couldn't afford to be away from it for one second. I tried to take it back from him, but he pulled his hand away. "Please, give it back." I couldn't control how shaky my voice was. He stared at it, like he held some sort of admiration for it. He rolled his thumb along the locket, and in that moment, I yearned for oblivion."I think this will do," he nodded. "Goodnight, Lyric."He turned away. No. You've got to be kidding me. "Please, you have it to give it back. You can't take it from me." I ran after him. I felt cold tears on my cheeks. Oh, damn it. He kept walking until he reached the parking lot. Kael and Nerion were already there, the backseat hanging open. Jaris got in, completely ignoring my pleas. Where the hell was he going?The door was shut and Kael and Nerion got into the front door. "Hand it back!
JARISI didn't expect her to be so stubborn over a mere necklace.Unfortunately for me, my suite had been facing the very spot where she was seated. So, I could see how long she spent, being stubborn and refusing to leave without it.I'd been curious enough to open the locket and to my surprise, it turned out to be ashes.It was old tradition to burn corpses and preserve their ashes. Nobody did this anymore. So, why would she do it? And who did she do it for?It made me understand why it was so important to her. And for a reason I couldn't explain, I was forced to go out and hand it back.She was so furious. Never seen that much anger in her eyes before.And as she walked out the gate, I continued watching her.It happened
LYRICI kept counting the hours until morning.As soon as it was the break of dawn, I planned on leaving immediately.But when morning came, I was surprised by a breakfast buffet, a new dress, and a nurse checking on me.I didn't want to believe that Jaris had thought of these himself.I freshened up, changed into the fresh dress—a cute black knee-length gown, by the way—and ate to my fill.The nurse removed the bigger bandage around my head, having it replaced with a small patch. She also told me I was fine and could move about. Not like I had any intention of staying over.When I finished and went to the other room, I found Jaris already dressed, talking with Kael and Jaris.Right. He had the general Alphas' meeting to attend. Even my father was attending.I waited for him to finish with his men before I greeted him and told him I was leaving."We're leaving together," he cocked his head at the door.Kael and Nerion must have had to do something else because they didn't foll
LYRICThe following day, Father and I returned home to the Pack, as did every Alpha.I was exhausted and simply wanted a shower and a bath, but my sister had a way of getting in the way of my wants."How was your stay in Blystara?" She asked as I walked toward the door of my room. "Ooh. Looks like you ran into a bit of trouble," she pointed at the patched part of my head.It actually didn't hurt anymore. In a couple of days, the mark would be completely gone."I'm fine, Nora. Just go, please."She couldn't accompany us to the funeral as she had something very important to take care of. She had been somewhat depressed since Roderick started treating her like trash. But it really wasn't my fault."I hope the driver was really hard," she suddenly said when I was about to open my door.
JARISI didn't like the sound of that."I don't need to beg you for information, Nerion. What did you find?" There was slight irritation in my voice."Actually," he took the seat across from me. "she has previously been mated to Alpha Roderick."What?"They got mated when she was eighteen, but as soon as Roderick got what he wanted—which was going up the ranks—he dumped her."Woah. That didn't sound good. I bet Mother mustn't have been aware of this. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been so quick to push her to me.But if things were over between them, why was Roderick all over her at the party?"When did they break up?" I asked."Five years ago."I shot a surprised stare at Nerion. That long? Goes a long way to explain why the news wasn't common."Are there any photos from when she and Roderick were together?""Sadly, no. It was quite surprising when I couldn't even find any old pictures of her. Turned out Lyric wasn't fully involved with her family before now. I don't know wh
LYRICA while later, I left to grab my belongings. Coincidentally, Jace had come around to deliver something to father.Father was thrilled when I told him of my plan to move to Darkspire. It served as a kind of assurance that the contract was going through, and he'd have nothing to worry about.As for Jace, he insisted on accompanying me to Darkspire. In his words, he wanted to help me move in.I told him about Jaris' new rules, but he didn't seem to care. Seeing that he was stubborn, I decided to call Jaris."Please, believe me when I say Jace is merely a friend. He means no harm and only wants to help." I tried to sound as convincing as I could.By some miracle, he approved of it. Hm. Jaris Dreadmoor was showing a different side of him today, and I think I prefer this side.Jace helped me gather my things whi
LYRICI stepped out of the bar for a few minutes, but Jace was already in trouble.Broken tables. Smashed glasses. Chairs flipped upside down.The place was in chaos as people struggled to separate the two men engaging in a serious brawl.Jace and Kael.By the moon, not again!"Jace! Jace!" I shouted, pushing my way through the mess."Having a friendly conversation!" he yelled back, just before dodging a punch.I grabbed his arm, trying to pull him away, but he shook me off like a damn wet leaf. They kept going at each other, tossing chairs, knocking over drinks—basically turning the bar into a battleground.How in Selene's name did this happen?It took Nerion's intervention to bring an end to the madness.I stood in front of Jace, panting and glaring at both him and Kael. How could they do this in front of so many people?"I need an apology from him. This instant! Before he steps a foot out of this place!" Kael demanded angrily.Boy, was he pissed.Jace wiped blood from his
JARIS "I'm going with Marta," I supplied when she was done, returning my attention to the files in front of me. She must be surprised because she was speechless for some time. I didn't care. I just continued ticking and writing on my files. "O... Okay," she said at last, clearing her throat. But for a moment longer, she stood there, as if waiting for me to say something else. But I didn't even look at her. As usual, that stupid pull was imploring me to take a look and say something, but I won over it. I didn't. And shortly after, she opened the door and left........... LYRICpain knifed me in the chest as I watched Jaris and Marta go into their waiting car, leaving for the party. Marta was wearing a long blue dress, looking so beautiful. For a moment there, I wondered if she was prettier than me. Maybe that was the reason Jaris preferred her company to mine. Was I still ugly in some way? Do I embarrass him?My vision soon became blurry with the tears that fi
LYRIC There was a party tonight. One of the top ranking Alphas was celebrating his birthday. It was going to be a mega party and of course, very fun. But for the past few days, since the news of it circulated, I'd been trying to push it behind me. Until Jace and I were on a phone call this evening and he had to remind me of it. "What're you wearing to the party? You need to dress to kill. It's a game of who looks the finest, Lyric." He gleamed. Yeah, I know. This was one reason I never attended such parties years back. The pressure was often too much, and well, with the scar on my face, I never truly fit in. "I don't think I'm going." I lowered my eyes as my countenance dropped. "What? Why?" When I said nothing, he realized. "Shit. Jaris hasn't asked you yet, has he?"According to our contract, I was supposed to accompany him to such events. But considering the fact that we haven't spoken to each other since we got mated, I wasn't so sure anymore. Although, I'd have really
JARISToday was the most important day in our world. And I wasn't going to miss out on it.I walked into the Silver Citadel and found the Alphas, the chairman and other representatives gathered as expected. Everything was getting set, and they were all very shocked to see me. That, also expected."Alpha Jaris. What're you doing here?" One of the representatives asked. Although, I could see the hope in his eyes."What does it look like, Adan? I am here to participate." I shrugged.Today was the registration for the Alphas seeking to contend for the King's Throne."What are you talking about? I thought you were not interested?" One of the Alphas asked.Their fear was so obvious. They already knew they didn't stand a chance against someone like me.Well, ini
LYRIC"How can you even say that?" I scoffed with disbelief. "I've been treating your son. You've seen how good I am.""I've seen you perform little tricks and don't even know the source of your knowledge.""Little tricks? I've done things you or no one else has been able to do in years. You can't just make a mockery of that."Her eyes turned colder. "I told you no! These are the standards of TCH. It's not like I put them in place. So, why don't you take that and leave?"My hands balled into fists. How could I be rejected so easily?Marta was nothing like the woman that had called me to the garden and spoke 'peace'. Now, she acted as if that night never happened."I was hoping you'd give me a try, at least." I pressed. "It's unreasonable to just dismiss me without seeing my potential. And you of all people know
A heavy lump formed in my throat."I'll just forward the footage to you.""Okay. Thank you. So much."The call ended.I inhaled nervously.While I was hurting, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something might've happened to me that night. Something I did not remember.I eagerly waited for the footage, but the manager appeared to be slow, and until I reached my destination, the footage did not come.I stared at the tall building in front of me.Ugh. Was I making the right decision?Yes.Grabbing my bag and file, I stepped out of the car, into TCH.The place was bright and busy.Large, glass windows lined one wall, allowing natural light to flood the space. Colorful artwork adorned the walls, providing small bursts of warmth amid the clinical atmosphere. The reception desk buzzed with activity as calls were answered and visitors were directed. Sitting in the reception, I put a call through to the woman I was supposed to meet. I told her I was there, and in a few minutes, she join
JARISI was on my sixth bottle.It was infuriating because I hated drinking this much. I was always in control of how much alcohol I took into my system, but tonight, I wanted it all.I stayed in my office for hours, replaying everything in my head. Drinking made me feel slightly better.Nerion came in to remind me that it was too late and I probably should get some sleep. Ugh. The good guy. It was in such situations that I missed Kael. He'd have drunk with me, knowing I needed the sensation.Unfortunately, he was out, executing a task.But Nerion was right. I was tired and could use some sleep.I left the office for my room, and right there, on the bed was Marta.She was wearing a red transparent night dress. I could see the small red bra she had on, and the small red pant. The dress was as good as useless because it was a see-through.Her hair was stretched and packed to one side, a red color tinting her lips. Right there, she looked like a seductress."Fuck, Marta. What did
LYRIC"Why would he do this to me?" I whimpered against father's chest. "I thought we had a deal. I thought he wanted this."The humiliation was crippling. Twice, I tried to end this deal, but he wouldn't let me. Did he only push it this far just to humiliate me? Was I cursed?"Jaris?" I heard Luna Isolde call.Sniffling, I lifted my face off father's chest for a look, and there he was, striding into the hall with a look of cold detachment.My face remained pale as I watched him. He did come. After three excruciating hours? After all the guests had left!"Jaris, where have you been?" Luna Isolde asked in a cutting whisper when he reached her side. But Jaris walked past her without sparing her a glance.He didn't spare me a glance either as he walked down the aisle, stopping in front of the altar.The Priestess must have been informed of his arrival, because she stepped out again, taking her place at the altar.I'd stopped whimpering, but my tears were still flowing. Was this a
LYRIC Jace was at the Pack house when I arrived. I told him about the weird dream, and he only made fun of me. We sought out my jewelry and every other thing I'd be needing for the ceremony tomorrow. Later at night, I went to Jaris' office. I still felt like telling him the truth about five years ago. I was eager to see his reaction and know what he'd say concerning why he left that morning. To my surprise, his office was locked. When I checked his room, it was locked as well. Hm. That was strange. Normally, he'd be back by now. I was headed back to my room and conveniently bumped into Marta. "You left without telling me. I was there, asleep on the table." I told her. She was just as dressed as she'd been at the garden. She shrugged unapologetically. "I had to take care of something. And I didn't want to wake you." Okay. There was the mean Marta I knew. Before I could say anything else, she walked away. .....It was the day we'd all been waiting for. The day that
LYRICFor two days, I avoided Jaris like a plaque. And I think he was doing the same.I know we've both been intimate before. But that was five years ago! When I was a very different person, right before he abandoned me.This body is very special now. He couldn't just look at it when he wanted."Congratulations, aunty," Xylon said with a sweet smile as I massaged his sister's scalp on the bed."For what, honey?""The mating ceremony tomorrow. We know you'll become daddy's Luna," Xyla answered.Oh. "Thank you."Actually, I'd been quite nervous about that. Jaris and I would finally be mated tomorrow, only to be broken apart after a year.But I was still more concerned about the fact we were only going to be together for a year. While it'd help my father clear his debts, I still didn't understand what Jaris would be getting out of this.Someone knocked on the door. It was the children's nanny, followed by Jaris who stood before her.Oh, damn it.I got goosebumps instantly, my t