Chapter 11
1271 Words
LUCY
"Where do you think you're going to, again?" he asked as he pulled me out of the house, towards the unlit garden.
"Away,” I responded, my tone cold. I wanted him to let go of my hand. But he held on to it, standing so close for my comfort.
"Where? In the middle of the night?" His eyes darted to the duffel bag slung on my shoulder. "With that?"
I turned my head, my gaze locking onto his. "I'm leaving," I said, my voice firm. "I'm going as far away from you as possible."
His expression darkened. Anger flared in his eyes, and for a moment, I felt a twinge of regret, but I quickly dismissed it. "Is that how much you despise me now?" his grip tightened painfully around my wrist. "You're being selfish. Have you even thought about how this will affect Ma? You’ll break her heart."
His words made my heart race with fury. How dare he? How dare he guilt-trip me after everything?
"Selfish?" I bit back the words, barely managing to keep my voice low. I didn’t want to cause a scene and alert anyone in the house. "You kissed her in front of me—no, in front of everyone. And now you want to make me feel guilty?" My chest tightened with the memories. "You've broken my heart over and over. What more do you want from me?"
"For you to stay,” his voice softened, almost pleading and it made my heart ache the more. “Stay here with me."
I sighed softly, too tired to hold on to my anger. "I can't. I thought I could but today made me realize I can't stay in the same house with you… and her."
He looked at me as if I had sprouted horns, then slowly he released my wrist and took a step away from me. "If you leave now, don't come back. And I'm not sending a cavalry to look for you this time."
His words hit me hard, making my heart race painfully. But I refused to let him see how much it hurt. "I couldn't care less if you wanted me here or not,” I shot back. “You don't get to decide when I come or go. I'll be back whenever I want.”
He shrugged. "Suit yourself but whatever you decide, know my word is final. If you leave today, you're a stranger to the Blackmoon family and pack. I'm going to take care of Ma and make sure she's alright without you."
I stared at his retreating figure, my mind still reeling from his words. I moved to go after him but thought better of it because deep down I knew he didn't mean what he said. He was hurting and so was I. And right now, neither of us could face it. Instead, I hoisted my bag higher on my shoulder and walked ahead.
The tears came as soon as I stepped onto the street, blurring my vision. I didn’t care. I didn’t care if anyone saw me cry.
And then, just as I turned the corner, I froze.
A figure stood under the streetlamp, his face hidden in shadow. Cautiously, I stepped closer, the figure shifted, and I finally recognized him.
"Austin?" I called softly, drawing his attention to him. "Austin! What are you doing here?"
He was smiling broadly as I increased my pace towards him. "Waiting on you."
I blinked in confusion. "How do you know where I stay?"
He shrugged, his eyes dancing with excitement. "I followed you the night those men came for you. After what happened at the club, I couldn’t leave without making sure you were okay."
"Thank you." I smiled, letting his gesture warm me. "So why are you here today?"
His smile faltered for a second, but then he leaned in, lowering his voice. "Don't freak out," he said, all trace of playfulness gone from his voice. "I’ve been watching out for you since you left my place. I kept telling myself it was just to keep you safe, but... I wanted to see you again. Every day. Seeing you was the best part of my day."
I stood there, stunned by his honesty. It felt strange but good—being wanted like that. Needed like this.
"I heard the exchange between you and the guy." he blurted out.
My mouth dropped open as soon as the words left his mouth but he had the decency to lower his head.
"I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. But... I thought he might hurt you, and I had to make sure you were okay."
I opened my mouth to respond, but the words caught in my throat.
"You can stay with me," he added quickly. "If you don’t have anywhere else to go."
I didn’t hesitate. "I would love that," I said, my heart pounding with relief. I needed to get away, to breathe, to think. And maybe—just maybe—he was the escape I needed.
"You won’t regret it," he said, his voice low as he gently took my elbow and led me to his car.
****
AUSTIN
She was fast asleep. This time no murmurs.
I stood in the doorway and looked down at her, curled up under the blanket. She looked almost child with her auburn hair tousled over her face.
She had been quiet throughout the drive, too. I knew she had been thinking about him but it wouldn't be long before she forgets him completely, now that she has me.
I moved into her room and eased the stray curl of hair from her face with my fingertip.
“Lucy,” I called softly, letting my finger rest on the nape of her neck for a little too long.
She stirred and her eyes slowly fluttered open.
“You need to eat,” I whispered, sad to keep my hand to myself.
She nodded, her eyes still drowsy. “Thank you.”
****
"What would you be having?" She asked, reaching into the cabinet. "I want to make something for you… to show my gratitude.”
I smiled, watching her make herself at home. She had come down from her room and ordered me to sit still while she took over, which I willingly obliged.”
"I'll have whatever you're making."
She poked through the fridge, muttering under her breath. "Well, we’ve got butter, eggs, and... week-old milk," she said, sniffing the carton with a frown. "But I think I can make something work."
I couldn’t stop watching her. The way she moved across the room. Oh, goddess! How badly I want her.
She turned to face me suddenly. "Do you have anyone? A mate? A lover?"
Her question took me by surprise. "No," I said quickly. "None that I’m aware of. But I could stay here... with you." And I meant every word of it.
She smiled at that, her back turned to me as she stirred the eggs. I leaned back, watching her, basking in the moment and my victory.
I thought about calling my father—there was time for that—but right now, this felt right.
Then she spoke again, her voice cracking. "What if I asked you to leave all this behind and run away with me?"
I stared at her, the words hanging in the air. Did I hear her correctly? Or was I imagining it?
"Austin?" Her voice cut through my thoughts.
I blinked. And for a moment, I had to remind myself to breathe.
"Yes," I said without hesitation. "I would."
- Writer
