Chapter 12
1136 Words
BLAKE
Ma hadn't left her room all morning since I told her about Lucy. She was worried sick and even the presence of Raelle didn't help to lighten her mood.
"Why did she leave?" she asked for the umpteenth time.
I sighed, repeating the same mantra I'd been reciting for over an hour. "She said she needs time to herself. Wants to explore the world on her own."
“Out of the blues?” she cried, gripping her pillow. “No. Something is wrong, son. I can feel it.”
"Ma, she's fine. If she wasn't, I'd be the first to bring her back." That was a lie. Lucy was dead to me. And She had better hope I hear nothing from her again.
"Then, why won't she call me or pick up my calls? Her gaze rested on me. “Have you told your father about this?"
I shook my head. "I'll let him know the minute he comes back from his meeting."
I settled myself into her bed, cradling her head in my arms. "You have a guest Ma. It's rude to keep her waiting by herself. You taught me that. Come downstairs and have breakfast with her."
She hesitated. "Where is she?"
Thank the goddess. Finally, we're getting somewhere.
"In the dining hall, waiting patiently."
She paused for a beat. "She can have her breakfast with you, son. She wouldn't mind. I need to hear from Lucy. She worries me."
I let out a frustrated sigh. Ma was being unbearable right now but I had to get her downstairs to eat.
"I'll sit there with the both of you,” I coaxed gently. “It will be a privilege to be seated amid the most beautiful women I've ever seen."
She smiled.
Progress.
"Ma, I promise you—Lucy’s fine. She will call you once she settles in. But for now, would you come downstairs with me?"
She nodded and got out of bed. I pulled a shawl from her drawer and draped it over her shoulder.
"You still plan on attending the Luna meeting with Raelle?" I asked as we made our way down the hall.
She looked at me, scowling. "I guess I have to. Don't want to be rude to our guest."
Raelle was already in the hall. She looked as beautiful as ever. Her skin looked radiant and flushed under the sleeveless gown she had on.
"Good morning Mrs Sophie,” Realle’s smile lit up her face. “I hope you had a good night's rest?"
"Yes, I did but I'm having a terrible morning," Ma replied distracted, stirring her tea. "Hope you had a pleasant night?"
Raelle's smile turned into a full-blown blush.
“Yes,” she mumbled, hiding her face behind her hands.
I almost laughed. I knew exactly why she was blushing. After the house had gone quiet, I’d gone to her room. And on my way out... I’d run into Lucy. The memory still twisted in my gut. Rage, guilt, confusion — I buried it. Lucy was dead to me now.
I focused my attention on Raelle. She was trying so hard to engage Ma in a conversation, but Ma wasn't having it.
"Are you all having a party without me?" Rufus announced his presence in his usual way— loud. He placed a kiss on Ma's cheek and did the same to Raelle.
"No, we're just having breakfast," Ma replied, swatting his hand as he reached for the bread. "Wash your hands first."
He chuckled, diverting his attention to Raelle. "How was your first night in your husband's bed?"
I spluttered, spraying coffee all over the table.
"Rufus!” I barked. “You don't have to answer that, Raelle."
Eager to end this conversation before it began, I got up. "Rufus, we are to leave for the inspection now. Ma, please—remember your meeting with the Lunas today.” I kissed her goodbye. “And I'll check in with Lucy later."
As expected, Rufus followed me out.
"What happened to Lucy?" He asked, falling into step beside me.
"She left," I muttered. I didn't want to dwell on the topic but Rufus didn't take the hint.
"Left? Left where?"
"I don't know. And I don't care."
He grabbed my arm, pulling me to a stop. "What do you mean you don't care? Blake— what the hell is going on?"
I glared at him, my claws sprouting from my fingers. "We are not talking about Lucy. Not here, not in front of my mother, not ever." My voice was low, but seething. "She made her choice. That’s the end of it. My mother doesn’t need to hear another word."
Rufus studied me for a long moment. Then, thankfully, he let it go.
She was dead to me in every way possible. And I was going to make sure of it.
****
AUSTIN
"She’s at my place," I answered the moment I picked up. I was barely a few steps from the house. "Everything’s going according to plan."
"Then, why haven't I heard from you in a while?" his gruff voice carried over the phone.
"I've been… busy."
"So Mannord tells me. He is always covering up for you. His tone dripped with disapproval. “So what's next?"
I hesitated, unsure how he would react. "I don't think we need her anymore. I overheard Blake telling someone he never wants her back. If she can’t get close to him, she’s no use to us."
"Shut up!" He thundered through the phone. My ears rang.
“Don't think, just follow instructions. And your instructions were—"
"Keep her close." I finished quietly.
"Good. That's how it’ll stay in till I say otherwise. Make her comfortable."
I clenched my jaw. "Yes, father—"
The call cut off.
I exhaled sharply, stuffing my phone into my pocket before walking back to the house.
Lucy was dangerous—not because she was a threat, but because she made me feel things I shouldn’t. She made me vulnerable.
When I entered the house, she was sitting on the couch, facing the fireplace.
She turned when she heard me. "I’m sorry about earlier," she blurted out, her fingers tracing the couch nervously. "I shouldn’t have said that. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. Just… forget I asked."
I took a step closer. "Don’t be sorry." I held her gaze, my voice quieter this time. "I would love to travel the world with you. If you’ll have me."
Her eyes widened, searching mine for any sign of hesitation. Finding none, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around me.
"Thank you, Austin."
I closed my eyes, resting my chin against her hair.
I was in deep.
And I didn’t know how the hell I was supposed to get out.
- Writer
