A Hidden Crown

Chapter9:Truth

Lyla

Now that we were sitting on the couch, I think I should have just kicked him out. This mate bond was really driving me insane. I had to ask Michael if we could go sit on the couch because if we kept standing there, I would have let him take me all over this house. Thinking about the first time he kissed me, sent my body into overdrive.

I’m trying to be mad, but my wolf is hopping around in my mind like a puppy. She was enjoying the way he looked at us.

I took shallow breaths, not wanting him to know that I was taking in his scent. The black ice had a deep citrus and cedar wood undertone. With him so close I could fully take him in. His arms were sculpted now, far more than I remembered. Cords of muscle flexing with the slightest movement. I could feel myself drawing my bottom lip between my teeth. I wanted to be his shirt, craving the heat and tingles that I felt when he touched me.

“Lyla?” He laughed.

“Yeah.” I was staring. “Sorry,” I said, quickly looking toward the TV. Why didn’t I turn on the TV before I sat down? At least it would have given me a good reason to stare at it. But the embarrassment was already a hot, heavy cloak. My cheeks were on fire, due to the blood rushing to my face.

“Hey,” he said gently, turning my head back toward him. His smile wide, loving the fact that I’m over here flustered. “Do you remember the game we used to play when we were kids?”

Nodding my head, yes, I laughed. “Who would have thought that you would be my fated mate.”

“I hope you’re not disappointed.”

I wasn’t sure how to respond. It was a statement, not a question. He looked upset when I sat there in silence.

“So how do you feel about my uncle?” he asked.

“He’s all right. He would come by from time to time to check up on me if he didn’t see me at the pack house.” I could tell that he didn’t like that as he clenched his jaw, but I guess he would be the one checking on me now.

“Has he ever made you feel uncomfortable?”

I could see worry in his eyes. If he wasn’t going to tell me what made him suddenly ask about his uncle, I wasn’t going to push the issue. “No, he is very kind to me.”

He had me worried a few minutes ago. I know how Michael can be when he is upset. And before I could stop my intrusive thoughts, I blurted out, “Earlier in the kitchen. If the letter was from another guy, would you have hurt me?” The discomfort in his face was unsettling.

“No,” he said, turning his body so he could fully face me. “I’m sorry for my actions earlier. I let my anger take control of me. After losing my parents, I knew that my mate would be all that I had left in this world. I don’t want anyone trying to take you from me.” He responded truthfully.

I felt a sharp pain in my chest. It never crossed my mind that he would feel so strongly about his mate. He has been waiting to find her to fill the void of losing his parents.

“With that being said,” he paused, bringing my attention back to him. “Can I have a kiss?” he asked with a smirk on his face.

Shaking my head. “No. Lover boy”

Changing the subject, I asked him questions about Alpha School. He told me how he excelled in all his classes. Even anger management. How he beat the record of the most take downs in combat and problem-solving. He mentioned starting a business like most werewolf packs in the human cities in the future, but he wanted to start one here to help the werewolf community first. He asked about Ian and what our relationship was like. I didn’t tell him about our pact. I didn’t see the need to tell him about something that was never going to happen, especially after what happened to my countertops. Ian had found his mate, and I had found mine.

It was always easy talking to Michael. I felt like we were teenagers again. Just having a moment to ourselves before they were ruined by someone or something. We were just two kids stuck together because of our parents. Now we are bound together because of fate.

The way I was sitting on the couch started to feel uncomfortable. I had my legs scrunched up under my butt. When I tried to stretch out, I accidentally kicked Michael. “Sorry.” I apologized.

“No, it’s okay. You can stretch out if you’d like. Here.” The moment his warm hands touched my skin he looked up at me, checking to see if I felt the electrical current as he did. He smiled, staring at me for a moment before stretching my legs out over his lap. We just sat there enjoying the silence. Michael had started rubbing small circles on the bottom of my feet. I laid back against the couch, telling myself I’d only rest my eyes while letting his touch soothe me.

I hadn’t realized I had fallen asleep until I felt the movement under my legs. My eyes snapped open landing on Michael. He was readjusting himself so that his legs were further out in front of him. He seemed lost in his thoughts.

Checking the time on my watch, I saw it was thirty minutes passed midnight. I groaned, knowing I still needed to take a shower. Sitting up, I asked Michael if he would like to stay. His head whipped toward me so fast I almost flinched. He was just as shocked as I was. Why did I ask him to stay? Not wanting him to see me panic, I began picking lint off the couch. Please say no. I thought to myself.

He checked his watch and replied, “I would love to stay the night, but under one condition.”

I scoffed. See, now he wants something from me, I said to my wolf. “If you think you're getting in my bed tonight, you might as well leave.”

He shook his head and started to laugh. I didn’t see what was so funny. “Although sleeping in your bed would be wonderful. It’s not my one condition. I want you play truth with me,” he stated.

“Just truth?” I asked.

“Just truth,” he repeated. “Whatever question I ask you must tell the truth and vice versa. We can add dare in when you are more comfortable with me,” he said, with a crooked smile.

His smile hints at his dares, consisting of me doing acts of intimacy, kissing, verses doing something embarrassing.

“Fine but let me take a quick shower first. There are some extra blankets in my dad’s closet. He might have some shorts in there that you could wear as well.” I stood up instantly, missing his heat. “If you want, you can take a shower in his bathroom.” I paused, biting on my lower lip. “You can sleep in my room on the floor. If you want.”

“Just like old times,” he said with a grin.

Unable to contain my smile, I rolled my eyes. “Wait till you hear the water running before you come in.”

“Yes ma’am.” He raised his hand and saluted me as if he were a soldier. I rolled my eyes and walked to my room. Everything I needed was already in the bathroom except for my pjs. I grabbed a white Mickey Mouse shirt and some green shorts. As I stepped into the bathroom, I locked the door. I’m not sure why I did it. If he wanted to come in, he could.