114
LYRIC
I didn’t stop running until I was outside by the parking lot. I was about running to my car when I remembered I’d arranged
for someone to drive it home since I thought I’d be going home with Jaris from our dinner..
I had to go to the road, then. I could board a cab or something.
I was a crying mess. Even my vision was blurred with tears. I hoped I wouldn’t bump into someone.
Just as I turned around, I did bump into someone.
“Lyric.” Jaris held me.
Everything came on me at once. Shame. Guilt. He must think I was incompetent. Even if he’d been supportive of me in there, a part of him must be angry at me. A part of him must doubt me at least.
“Let me go,” I whimpered, struggling against his hold. I didn’t want to be with anyone right now.
His grip on me was relentless. “Hey, calm down.”
“Please. Please.” I kept crying.
I’d never felt so broken in my life. People were dead, and everyone thought I was responsible.
“I didn’t do it,” I finally stopped struggling and just whimpered. “I don’t–I don’t know how it happened, but I didn’t do it. I’ll never be that careless.”
“I know,” he uttered to my surprise, then pulled me into his arms.
Everything was overwhelming. If this was under a normal circumstance, I’d have expressed my shock over Jaris‘ actions. He supported me in there when everyone was against me, he believed me when everyone thought I was lying. And now, he was hugging me. Jaris Dreadmoor was hugging me. Someone that had said awful things to me just four days ago, and in return, I’d wanted to stay away from him. Now, I was finding comfort in his embrace.
“I didn’t do it. I didn’t kill them,” I continued sobbing, my whimpers muffled against his shoulder.
If someone had told me Jaris had this side to his personality, I’d never have believed. He treated me way better than an egg that night. Kept asking if I was okay and needed anything throughout the ride.
When we got to Darkspire, he put his arm around me as he led me to my room.
“Are you sure you don’t need anything?” He asked one more time as he stood on my doorway.
If it wasn’t for how comforting he had been, I was sure I’d have been crying the whole ride home.
“I’ll be fine. Thanks.” I sniffled.
Although, I wished I had a friend to keep me company. If only Jace was still here.
“Okay.” Jaris took a step back.
Maybe it was just me, or did Jaris look hesitant to leave?
Unfortunately, he’d have to. We didn’t have that kind of relationship yet. I didn’t mean enough to him to get him to stay.
“Goodnight, Lyric.” He said and was gone.
I woke up to an email from the HR department, telling me not to report to work for now until I received further instructions. Well, I expected this. I knew there was no way I’d simply walk back into TCH like four people didn’t die last night because of me. Or so everyone thought.
Still, it hurt to see the email. It hurt so bad I cried.
I was going to lose my job. After everything, I was going to be kicked out of the hospital. I felt cursed.
A knock on my door snapped me out of my anguish. I sniffled and wiped my face completely before going to get it.
My heart skipped a beat when I came face to face with Alpha Jaris.
“G–Good morning.” I darted my eyes to the floor.
Successfully unlocked!
He was wearing a suit pant with a white crispy top, the top two buttons undone. No doubt, he was going to work. But he looked way too hot for that.
I wondered what kind of a boss he was at the office. I imagined all his female staff crushing on him.
“Lyric.” He seemed to take in my form, slowly. “How was your night?”
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“Okay.” I nodded.
I’d developed a terrible headache from crying too much. So, when I showered and changed, it was actually easy falling sleep. Although, my dreams were filled with nightmarish images of the people dying.
“Going to TCH today?” He asked.
My heart clenched from the question. “No. They uh…sent me an email this morning, telling me to wait for further instructions.”
It felt so strange sharing my problems with Jaris. But I wouldn’t deny that it actually felt good.
“Don’t worry,” he sighed. “It’ll all be fine.”
He stepped back, and I realized he was about leaving.
“Alpha Jaris.” I hesitated. “Please don’t… Don’t try to use your influence or anything to get involved. It’s possible I made a mistake. Maybe, I did confuse the tags. Those people might have really died because of me. So, if the hospital thinks I should be penalized…” I exhaled deeply. “…Then, maybe I deserve to be.”
His brows furrowed, like he was surprised I could utter those words. He probably thought I’d be one of those people who would happily use connections to get out of shitty situations.
Well, not this. Not when lives were involved.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He gave a clipped nod before walking away.
***
I told Jace what happened. He was so worried and bent on seeing me. He went as far as saying he was ready to defy Jaris‘ order and come to Darkspire.
But since we didn’t want that to happen, I had to find my way to him.
It had been long since I visited his Pack. Plus, I needed to clear my head and all. So, I decided to go to his place.
I was busy on my phone while climbing down the staircase, and didn’t notice someone standing at the end of the staircase. Fortunately, I looked just in time before I’d bump into them.
“Goodness! So sorry, I didn’t see you.” I put a hand on my chest, taking a deep breath.
Then, I took a proper look at her, realizing she didn’t look familiar.
She looked quite young but fierce, a hair that went all the way to her waist, and cold familiar silver eyes.
“Lyric Harper.” She folded her arms. “Or do you prefer Dreadmoor?”
My brows furrowed. Who was she?
“You’re so pretty,” she shook her head. “When they told me, I had no idea it’d be this serious. Which makes me even more curious; what the hell are you doing with my brother?”
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