10
LYRIC
I woke up feeling better than I’d slept the previous night. I made a mental calculation of the things I needed to do.
Since father’s union with Darkspire didn’t work out, it was safe for me to return to Draconis, right?
Draconis was a human country. Over there, I had a job, good human friends, and kind neighbours. It was nothing like the chaotic and violent world of the wolves, and I’d very much love to return to it.
I concluded on telling father about it before the end of today. I’ll also end my final mate bond with Roderick, then I’ll be free. My life would go back to being perfect.
My heart was light with joy as I freshened up and decided to drive out for breakfast. Of course, there were tons of food in the house, but I felt like cruising around the Pack–one last time, at least. My father’s pack was quite beautiful.
But just as my car turned onto the street, a ridiculously bright red car swerved right into my lane, nearly slamming into me. I had to stomp on the brakes so hard I thought I’d snap my foot off. The seatbelt yanked me back, saving me from kissing the steering wheel.
Now, who the hell was this blind oof? You’ve got to be kidding me!
The offending car just sat there, far too close to mine, as if daring me to lose my temper. Well, congratulations, buddy–you won. Fury bubbling under my skin, I threw open my door and stomped over, ready to give them a piece of my mind.
“Hey!” I knocked on the tinted window. “What are you doing? You almost hit me!”
I couldn’t see who it was yet, but obviously, it had to be an arrogant, mannerless twerp.
The front door finally opened, and out stepped a man in dark shades, leaning casually against the car like he’d just parked in a VIP spot at the Oscars.
“You’re lucky I didn’t run into you completely, ‘cause trust me, that was my intention,” he drawled in a grumpy tone. What? Was he kidding me?
“Are you-” I paused, instantly realizing how familiar he looked.
There was something about his cocky smirk and perfectly messy dark hair that struck a chord.
I furrowed my brows, trying to recall where I’d seen him. And then, like lightning, it struck me.
“Jace!?”
The grin that‘ spread across his face could’ve rivaled a toothpaste commercial. He pulled off his shades dramatically, tossing them onto the dashboard like he was auditioning for a rom–com. Then, in the most exaggerated announcer voice, he declared, “Ding–ding–ding! Give the lady a prize! Took you long enough, Lyric. I was beginning to think your memory got fried in the crash that almost happened. Come here!”
Before I could stop myself, I burst into laughter–the kind that makes your stomach hurt–and practically threw myself into his arms.
**********
Jace and I were childhood friends, long before I got my scar. He was the one person who never shied away from me, although at some point, he became inconsistent as he was away to a new country. I was devastated when he left ‘cause he had been the one true friend I had left.
We haven’t seen each other in over fifteen years. I was surprised when he could recognize me without my scar. Apparently, Rufus had taken a picture of me at the airport and had it sent to him.
“So, how have you been, Lyric? I haven’t seen you in like, what, thirty years?” Jace said as he locked some whipped cream off his fingers. We were in a cozy little restaurant by the window, sharing breakfast.
“Jace! I’m only twenty–five.” I rolled my eyes at him.
“Alright, fine. But you’ve grown into one beautiful woman, Lyric. Like, literally,” he pointed at my face, making me laugh.
I let my gaze roam over him like I was just seeing him for the first time. “You too, Bee. You’ve grown into a fine young man.”
And I was serious. He has really worked on his body and developed all the abs and…
“Hey, we’re adults now. Stop calling me that name.” He stabbed his finger in the air toward me.
I couldn’t help but laugh. He’d always hated that name.
We talked about so many things, including how Roderick had used and dumped me.
“I swear, if I ever see that slimy Alpha, I’ll rearrange his face,” Jace fumed.
“I’m afraid
1/2
you
can’t. He’s one of the most powerful Alphas now,” I rolled my eyes, although my heart hurt from the truth.
10
“And my father’s the Lycan Chairman–don’t forget that.”
Well, that also was true. Jace’s father had the power to declare war on a Pack. Apparently, Jace was his heir and would be taking over once his father retires.
But then, there was no need for a war.
“So, have you found someone yet?” I asked a while later, wanting to change the topic.
Jace had always had issues sustaining a relationship with a woman. It was one of the problems I worried about for him.
“Nah. Believe me, Lyric, I’ve tried. I’ve given a lot of bitches too many chances, but it’s just not working out. I don’t know.” He shrugged.
“Maybe it’s because you’re not trying enough. You’re too flirty to stay committed, Jace.”
“Uh–uh. Trust me, I’ve tried, Ly.”
Suddenly, there was a certain interruption.
The restaurant suddenly went quiet as two men walked into the place, two men whose presence screamed power. They had the built of guards with faces as hard as rocks. I recognized them in an instant. They had been with Jaris yesterday.
My heart skipped a beat. Was it a coincidence that they were walking towards our table?
“Uh… Do those guys think we have an extra seat here or something?” Jace asked, watching with suspicion.
The two men finally came to a stop before us.
“A warm morning to you, Ms. Harper,” the first one spoke. He looked kinder than the other. “We’re deeply sorry we have to interrupt this moment, but we’ll need you to come with us.”
Huh?
“Do I know you? Jace asked, squinting up at them. “Wait, are you with one of those cults that sells essential oils? Because if you are, we’re gonna have to pass–our pyramid scheme plate is already full.”
The first man ignored him and kept his eyes on me.
“Why?” I demanded.
“Alpha Jaris seeks an audience.”
The name affected me to my core.
Wow. Was he finally ready to see me? Maybe he wanted to finally accept the contract? But shouldn’t they have reached out to father first?
“Why does he want to see me?” I looked up at them.
“You’ll have to come with us to get an answer to that question, Ms.”
My hand tightened around my fork.
No. I’d already made up my mind on what I needed to do. I was going back to Draconis, back to my normal life. I was done with the people here.
My jaw tightening, I forced the words out. “I’m sorry, but I’m not seeing him. You can tell him I’ve changed my mind.”
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