Chapter 7
1505 Words
LUCY
I stood there, rigid as steel. I heard Austin asking who was at the door and I opened my mouth to speak, but words failed to come out. It was like I was a spectator in my own body.
I felt movement beside me and heard the exchange of words between them. Rahl was saying something about Blake putting out a search party for me.
A tiny flicker of hope teased my heart— I wasn’t expecting him to look for me after the way we had left things when I walked out.
A hand gripped my arm and pulled me inside, jolting me back to the present, just in time to hear Austin growl. I knew how this was going to end if I didn’t do something… and fast. Rahl was head of guard at Blackwood Pack for a reason and he rarely leaves the premises.
If he was here, then Blake must have been very worried. Why, then didn't he come himself? I should mean more to him than sending Rahl to come fetch me.
I wetted my dry lips, trying to find my voice. "I should get going, Austin. Thank you for everything." I spoke as I walked out from behind him, diffusing the tension between both parties.
I glanced back briefly, a pang of guilt squeezed my heart as my eyes locked briefly with Austin’s confused one. I have never felt so selfish, leaving him standing without a proper goodbye.
I turned away, increasing my stride to get away from Austin or my guilt; I couldn't really tell.
"Miss Lucy, are you alright?” It was Rahl speaking. The others were trained not to say a word unless spoken to. “You left the whole house worried."
I slowed down, my eyes focused on the road ahead, trying to distract my thoughts. “I'm not so sure everyone was worried.”
"Alpha Marcus and Luna were extremely worried last night. No one knew where you were, even Alpha Blake."
My heart throbbed painfully at the mention of his name.
"I didn't mean to worry anyone," I muttered to myself, fighting the sob lodged in my throat. "And he knows exactly where I was if he wanted to find me."
"Did you say something, Miss?" Rahl asked, prying the car door open.
"No, nothing."
We rode the rest of the journey home in silence, leaving me alone with my not-so-friendly thoughts.
We arrived and they left me at the door. Ma was waiting for me— they must have alerted her before we arrived. She engulfed me in her arms shaking with relief while I was ridden with guilt.
"Are you alright, little one?” her words were strained, and her hands held me back, letting her eyes roam over my body. “You had us so worried. Where have you been?"
I could ask myself the same question and come up with no answer. Last night was a blur, a reckless move.
My lips moved accordingly, saying the words I knew she wanted to hear. "I'm alright, Ma. I went out with a couple of my colleagues from work and lost track of time." I said, navigating us to the drawing room. “I should have called or texted. I'm sorry.”
The whole party were present there. They had their eyes on me as I directed Ma to a sofa. She wouldn't let go of my hand, so I sat on the floor— there wasn't enough room for the both of us.
A beat passed. Then, Alpha Marcus' voice thundered through the quiet room.
"What happened to you!?” it wasn't a question as much as an admonition. “You've never displayed such insolent behaviour."
I tensed at the tone of his voice. He has never yelled at me, ever.
"Don't bombard her with questions,” Ma replied, coming to my rescue. “She needs to freshen up and get some rest."
Alpha Marcus' eyes rested on me, his anger evident. "She will answer my question this very minute."
I bowed my head, trying to hide my trembling lips before mumbling the same story I had told Ma minutes ago. "I'm very sorry for making everyone worried."
My eyes sought out Blake, daring him to counter my words. But he sat quietly, tapping his feet on the floor. It was a telltale sign that he was upset.
"Pa, we've got a meeting in 30 minutes,” Blake stood up, his back turned towards me. “We should get going."
"Alright son." Alpha Marcus walked towards me, "I'm glad you're home safe. You got us all worried. Get some rest."
He squeezed my shoulder gently, kissed Ma goodbye and walked out. Blake followed behind, avoiding my eyes which were focused intently on him and said no words to me.
I thought he wanted me here. I was wrong. It might have been Ma’s worrying that forced his hands.
"Love, why the tears?" Ma whispered into my ears. I didn't even realize I was crying. "Did something happen to you?"
I wiped the stray tear with my fingertip. "No Ma, I'm just exhausted." It wasn't a lie. "I didn't mean to upset the house and make you worry."
Her fingers stroked my head. "It's all right darling. Blake kept assuring us you were fine but this was unlike you."
"Did he send out Rahl to find me?" I asked, resting my head on her lap.
"Yes, he ordered Rahl not to return without you. You should have seen his face." Ma laughed at the memory "He was being a protective big brother."
"Oh." was the only response I could utter without screaming ‘he’s not my brother!’.
"He is a man now. He told his Pa yesterday that he has found his mate."
Oh no. Definitely not the conversation I want to have. "Ma, I think I'll go lay down a bit. I feel tired." I spoke, rising from the floor and hurrying out of the room.
"But you don't know the…."
"We'll catch up later, Ma. Love you." I threw over my shoulder as I closed the giant doors.
I headed straight to my room, flung myself over my bed and drifted off.
****
I opened my eyes to the weak sunlight flitting into the room through the window. I moved towards it and rested my head on the rails. The sun was setting and the sky was coated with an orange hue.
The trees surrounding the house swayed with the wind. A movement in the woods caught my attention. I paused, straining my eyes to catch a glimpse, but there was nothing there. Still, I couldn't shake off the unpleasant feeling it left behind— like I was being watched.
I stepped away from the window and dragged the curtains over it. I had other pressing issues, like how to rid myself of Blake and all the talk about his fated mate. Light me on fire, drown me, but don't subject me to any talk of Blake and his fated mate.
A knock on the door startled me out of my thoughts.
"Can I come in, please?" Speak of the devil. Always the gentleman, even when he's breaking my heart.
"Hmmhmm."
He walked in, his hands jammed in his pocket. "I checked in on you earlier, you were asleep. I didn't want to disturb you. How're you doing?"
"Good," I replied curtly.
He arched an eyebrow, amused at the tone of my voice. "Where did you stay last night?"
"With a friend."
His face lost all its humor. "Don't give me the bullshit story you gave Pa. We both know you didn't spend the night with your colleagues." he jammed his fingers into his hair. “Who is he?”
I stared at him as a ghost of a smile touched my lips. So he knew. Rahl must have told him. And now he cared? And I should jump for joy?
Anger consumed every emotion within me, burning every part of me it touched. If he really wanted to know, then he should.
"A man… I met at the club." That wasn't a lie.
He wrapped his hand around my arm and tugged, slamming me against his chest.
"You wouldn't act so recklessly. " He breathed into my ears, his voice horse.
He was acting jealous and it only infuriated me more. He didn't have any right to act that way
"I'll do whatever the f**k I want. I am my own woman." I pushed him away, barely breathing through the rage within me. "Get out of my room!"
He reached for my arm and I pulled away. "Lu…"
His voice sent tingles down my belly. But it wasn't going to sway me. Not now. I turned away. "Please Blake… leave."
I held myself until I heard my door shut and broke into tears. I didn't want to be consoled. I wanted my heart to stop aching.
I wanted to feel nothing… I wanted out of this world.
- Writer
