The last of the Lycans

Chapter 8

Eliza’s POV

I was a mess. I was trying to find something that was not overly appealing but not unappealing. Was there even such a thing? I knew I was attracted to him, but I wasn’t going to break my vow to myself or my fated mate. I was just hanging out with him. Maybe he was drunk or something, and that’s why he said those things. Maybe he could be a good friend. A friend that I got aroused by. Seriously, No! I need to get that out of my mind. Friends weren’t something I usually cared much about, but I was working on this.

Crystal was pretty much my only friend. When we graduated, we both set some goals for ourselves since we hadn’t found our fated mates. We’d get a job, enroll in the academy, travel during breaks, and make new friends. So far, I’d accomplished two; she was way ahead of me and had made several new friends. I just didn’t particularly click with any of them.

Even though I was attracted to Ryan, I wanted to remain true to my original vow and not give myself away. I firmly believed in fated mates and intended to find mine. Until the mating ball, I was technically free to do as I pleased; that didn’t mean it had to be with him, though. The mating ball was no guarantee either; many attended the ball several times before finding their fated mate. Some skipped them altogether, either to spend more time being a free spirit, or to avoid disappointment. Some chose to stop going and chose mates instead. I only hoped I would never have to do that. I couldn’t imagine choosing someone and then later finding my fated mate. What a mess that would be.

After trying on 10 outfits at least, I finally settled on jeans and a nice blouse that didn’t show too much cleavage. Hopefully, he won’t take me somewhere fancy. I put some mascara on and did my hair. I glanced at the clock; it was nearly 5. I went downstairs, and Dad was sitting in the kitchen reading some papers. He looked up and said, “Hey, Liza”. I smiled and said, “Hey Dad”. We chatted about his work and my work. After a while, he asked if I would like to get takeout. I’d almost forgotten to tell him I was going out. We had spent so much time catching up, and I lost track of time. I let him know about my dinner plans, and he gave me a serious look.

Dad: “Have you changed your mind about your fated mate Liza? I have never seen you go anywhere with a boy.” He looked genuinely shocked. I wasn’t sure if I should be offended or flattered. I kept to my intentions, didn’t I?

Me: “No, of course not. I’m just trying to make some new friends. It isn’t like that, Dad; I’m way out of his league anyway.” I chuckled a bit.

Dad: “Liza, you are beautiful. Many would be lucky to have you. You are also very smart and strong. Don’t sell yourself short.”

I smiled at his kind words. Dad never hesitated to let me know how much he loved me and that he was very proud of me. He’d also always remind me that my mom would be proud of me. It made my heart hurt, but I was also happy at the same time. I wish I had gotten the chance to get to know her. I enjoyed looking at pictures of her and seeing her artwork. She was a talented artist. She loved to draw, paint, and do sculptures.

Her photos were like looking at a mature me. She had long flowing black hair and ice blue eyes. Her skin was flawless. She was smaller framed than I was, but still curvy. She had tattoos that adorned her arms, and I am sure other areas, though I never got the courage to ask Dad. She was always smiling. She had full lips and a bright smile that looked like it could light up a room. She reminded me of Crystal in that sense. I was shy and awkward; she didn’t look like that at all.

Dad: “Liza, did I lose you for a moment?”

I realized I was completely lost in thought.

Me: “Sorry.” I smiled. “Thank you, Dad! I love you. Are you going to work late?”

Dad: “I’m afraid so. I need to go into the city and do a little work from the office, then I’m heading to the Crescent Moon pack to do some training and business stuff for a week. I had planned to tell you over dinner, but since you have plans, I’m letting you know now.”

Me: “Isn’t that the pack with the Lycan king? The cruel Lycan king?”

I had always heard rumors about how powerful he was and in the most intimidating ways. He was said to be huge. He was the oldest among us. He was feared by all of us. He had a reputation for violence, and he was not someone you wanted as an enemy.

Dad: “Yes, to the Lycan king, but I wouldn’t say he’s cruel. He has a reputation, but you can’t judge him when you have never met him. People talk; it doesn’t mean it’s always the truth.”

Me: “Ok. But promise me you will check in and be careful?”

I don’t know how you can assume the rumors are not true when everyone says the same thing. To be fair, anytime I went to visit the city with Dad, which wasn’t often, his people always seemed happy. You would think if he was as terrible as he is made out to be, maybe his people would look more miserable? I don’t know.

Dad: “Of course, Liza. I always do.”

After that, I noticed it was 6:30 already, and my stomach became very uneasy. I was nervous, no denying that. Before I could head back upstairs, the doorbell rang. I froze; I knew who it was, and my stomach was a bundle of nerves again. Get a grip, I scolded myself. I shook my head, smiled at Dad, and headed off. When I opened the door, my pulse quickened a bit. He smiled and said, “Are you ready?” I nodded and headed out the door. Here we go, I thought.