He Used Me For Her, I Revealed My Royalty

Chapter 3

I lowered my voice deliberately. "…Fine. I got it. You two… have fun."

When he heard that obedient little tone again, Drake's voice burst into open delight, like he'd just resolved a major crisis.

"There she is. Elena, you really are the most reasonable mate-candidate a guy could ask for."

"That's settled, then. Save us the seats,get them as far up front as you can, Tiffany's wolf loves the moonlight."

"When we're back, I'll take you to that steakhouse you've been wanting."

He didn't even forget to specify the seating preference.

"Mm." I pushed a single syllable out through my nose.

"Cool, gotta go. Tiffany's calling,let me see what she needs."

He hung up before I could blink.

The dial tone cut in, and the last bit of false sweetness slid off my face.

The next two days stayed quiet.

Drake didn't call. He just sent me one more reminder text about the temple seats,terrified, no doubt, that I'd somehow ruin Tiffany's chance at the Moon Goddess's blessing.

Tiffany, meanwhile, posted a photo to her social media: a coffee shop downtown,the one I'd told Drake for months I'd been dying to visit.

Her caption read: Hard work doesn't always pay off… my wolf-soul is at rock bottom. Thank god I have my Alpha looking out for me. Hoping the holidays will lift our spirits ~

Drake's comment, plain as day right beneath: I'll take you somewhere delicious over the break, my little warrior.

A neat row of likes and concerned comments from mutual friends sat lined up below.

I scrolled past, expressionless. Didn't even bother enlarging the photo.

The afternoon before move-out, someone knocked on my dorm door.

I opened it,and there were Drake and Tiffany.

Tiffany's apologetic smile snapped right into place when she saw me, the picture of a harmless little rabbit. "Elena, sorry,we're not interrupting you, are we?"

Drake didn't bother with the formalities. He leaned past me and peered into my room, his gaze catching on the small suitcase parked in plain view. His brow tightened, just barely.

"Something you need?"

I stayed planted in the doorway. I had no intention of letting them in.

"Oh, nothing important," Drake said, pulling his eyes back to me, voice casual. "Tiffany wants to head out early tomorrow. I'm helping her pack. Figured we'd swing by and check on you."

His gaze drifted back to my suitcase,a hint of scrutiny in it now. "So… you got a ticket? On the cargo ship? Same time as us?"

Tiffany blinked her wide eyes at me, all concern. "If you're on the same boat, that's perfect,we can keep an eye on each other at the harbor, help with luggage, all of that…"

I looked at her hypocritical little face and answered slowly. "I didn't get a ticket."

Both their faces froze for a heartbeat.

Tiffany recovered first, a thin shimmer of glee threading her tone. "Wait,you didn't get a ticket? Then how are you getting back, Elena? Are the cargo ferries sold out too? What are you going to do?"

Drake's expression darkened. "Elena, what have you been doing for two whole days? I told you to grab a ticket. Now you're saying you have nothing? Are you planning to swim back to the Sacred Isle?"

I watched them work their good-cop bad-cop routine and almost wanted to laugh.

"I have a way to get back," I said quietly.