The Time I Tripped into a Curse and got two Mates

Chapter 18

My breath caught in my throat as I looked at the man I had just described to Luke. He filled the doorway with his powerful presence. His wavy hair cascaded past his broad shoulders and his piercing eyes immediately locked onto mine. For a moment, it felt like time stood still.

I could feel his intensity as his energy reached out to me like a magnetic pull. It was slightly overwhelming and made my heart race as my wolf stirred with excitement in the back of my mind.

“Mate.” Selene whispered, her voice filled with longing.

I felt my cheeks flush as I forced myself to breathe. How did he find me?

“He can smell you, of course.” Selene said even though I wasn’t asking for an answer.

The Lycan’s gaze flicked briefly to Luke and I saw a frown tug on his lips, though he didn’t speak. He stepped fully into the room and closed the door behind him. The small sitting room suddenly felt even smaller as the tension in the air increased into a suffocating mist. The Lycan slowly and deliberately settled himself onto one of the sofas in the room, never saying a word, but continued to look pointedly at Luke.

Luke cleared his throat and shuffled his feet uncomfortably before he spoke. “Your Highness. I was ju–” Luke stopped speaking when the other Lycan raised his hand slightly.

Did he just say “your Highness?” This can’t be…could it?

The three of us stood there in silence. I was anxious about how my mate was going to react to finding me here, alone, with another male. And I was certain that Luke was feeling anxiety and fear by the way he was standing stiffly next to me. My mate gestured for Luke and I to sit, which we quickly did, though I made sure that my back was straight. I stared at my mate directly and without fear. I was not going to let anyone else put me down or make me feel inferior tonight, not even a prince.

“I see you’ve met my mate, Luke.” He said calmly.

I didn’t like how he said “my mate.” I was not a possession. This man didn’t even know my name! So I spoke before Luke could.

“Yes. I have had the pleasure to be the welcoming point of contact for the visiting Lycans. We met yesterday when he arrived and have spent some time together since.” I said, challenging him. I knew I probably should show more reverence, but, you know, f*ck that.

My mate raised an eyebrow at me in surprise and I noticed a soft smirk dance across his lips as if he was enjoying this.

Malcolm’s POV

She certainly was fierce as she held her chin up high with an unwavering gaze as she spoke. She had fire within her, a fire that burned brightly. I felt a surge of admiration and a touch of amusement as I regarded her. My mate wasn’t one to cower or bend easily. I had to resist the urge to smile broadly at her boldness, especially when she threw the word “pleasure” into her statement the way that she did.

There was clearly a challenge in her eyes that dared me to push back. Did I dare? Little did she know I would welcome her defiance and confidence in more ways than one…But I also felt the prickling of irritation in my chest, and I knew my Lycan, Caine, was restless. He didn’t like the scent of the other male lingering so close to our mate. Personally, I didn’t care if Luke had spent time with Evellette. In the end, women choose who they want. But I’d be damned if I didn’t put up a fight. Besides, Luke was captain of the royal guard, I knew him well, so I knew the “fight” we could have would be quite enjoyable.

Evelette’s POV

“Well, it seems that you were in good hands with Luke, he is quite the gentleman” He said as he looked directly at Luke. His tone was smooth and steady, though there was an unmistakable undertone of condescension as he looked at Luke. His eyes were sharp and seemed to assess Luke like he was sizing up a potential rival or an amusement for his own entertainment.

“Of course, Prince Malcolm. All of the Lycans that came early had shown nothing but respect for Evelette.” Luke replied quickly with a respectful but subtle edge. I could feel Luke’s tension radiating off of him beside me. But it was clever that he was trying to maintain his composure.

So this was Malcolm, that means his brother must be Ivan. I wonder if they are truly identical as many have said.

I let my eyes travel over Malcolm’s face and noted the strong lines of his jaw, the slight curve of his lips, and the undeniable intensity in his eyes. I could see why I have heard such praise over the twin princes of the Lycan Kingdom.

Malcolm bit his lower lip slowly as a smirk played across his lips. This deliberate action sent a shiver down my spine.

“Evelette, is it? That is a beautiful name. It truly is a pleasure to meet you.” Malcolm said coolly. His voice sounded like velvet and dripped with dark charm. His gaze didn’t waver from mine as he spoke and the corner of my mouth twitched when he emphasized the word “pleasure” in the same manner I had earlier. His eyes glinted with a mixture of curiosity and something else that made my stomach flip.

“I am pleased to meet you too.” I said with more confidence than I probably should have, “but Luke and I were in the middle of a conversation and I would greatly appreciate it if you would allow us to finish it.” I stood up and gestured towards the door. I kept my expression steady as I silently challenged him to argue.

I heard Luke choke beside me, which he unsmoothly covered up with a fake cough. Malcolm’s face actually broke out in a quick grin at my words and at Luke’s reaction. His eyes narrowed slightly as if he found this little display both entertaining and unexpected.

Luke stood up suddenly, “No, it’s okay, Evelette. I can go. Our conversation was nearly finished anyway. I’m sure you and Malcolm have a lot to talk about.”

I turned to face Luke, determined to stand my ground. “No, really, I had more to say. It won’t talk long though.” Then I faced Malcolm who had a daringly coy smile on his face. His eyes were sparkling with a dangerous kind of playfulness. I have to admit it, this man is beautiful. His smile was infuriating and disarming all at once.

Malcolm stood up slowly, all the while, maintaining a fierce eye contact with me. His movements were controlled and almost seemed feline. He took his time and made sure every second of his presence was felt. The room seemed to hum with tension as he spoke, his tone dripped with sarcasm. “How rude of me. Of course, finish your conversation. I will wait for you at the ball. My brother will be wanting to meet you as well.”

“Thank you, your Highness.” I said with a slight bow out of courtesy, even though it burned me to do so. Just as I straightened, he reached out and grabbed my chin and lifted it until our eyes met yet again. The sudden contact sent a jolt through me as I marveled at how firm, yet gentle his touch was. He brought his face mere inches from my own and I must have stopped breathing because his closeness made me feel lightheaded and dizzy. I could see every detail of his face–the exact golden hue of his eyes, the slight stubble on his jaw. His scent was woodsy and fresh and it invaded all of my senses.

“Please, Evelette,” He said in an incredibly sultry voice, “call me Malcolm. I’m sure you will be using it quite often.” Then he winked at me–a bold and confident gesture that left me both flustered and irritated– and walked out the door with a slow, deliberate stride.

I cleared my throat before I looked at Luke again and saw that he had a hesitant smile on his face.

“Malcolm, then? Your mate is one of the crowned princes of the Lycan Kingdom. What are the odds?” Luke said with a hint of disbelief in his tone as he ran a hand through his hair.

“It appears so.” I started as I felt a swirl of emotions tightening in my chest, “but, this thing with us–”

“No, Evelette. It’s fine,” Luke interrupted, his tone was softer now and more understanding. “In all honesty, Malcolm is a decent enough person. I don’t know him too well, but I haven’t heard anything too terrible about him.” He noticed I was about to contradict him so he quickly took both of my hands and squeezed them gently as he looked directly into my eyes. “We knew this was a possibility. We are fine, I’m fine. I’m just glad we had the opportunity to meet.”

I nodded my head, not trusting myself to reply without my voice breaking. Instead I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around him for one last hug. He held onto me tightly as his chin rested on top of my head. I could feel the steady beat of his heart against my ear. I took one last breath of his own personal scent and then pulled away as my chest ached with bittersweet heaviness.

“Evelette, this isn’t ‘goodbye.’ Remember? You’re coming to my home. I’ll see you around.” he said with a reassuring smile. Then he lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to it. His touch lingered for a moment and I could feel the sincerity in his words.