06

CHAPTERS 06

« You love Ian because he’s safe. He has no imminent danger in his life, he loves you, lets you lead… You know you’re his protector, » he clicks his tongue, « but Darius… he’s a whole another story. And you’ll be entering his life. Not the other way around. »

My hand reaches for one of my father’s cuban cigars.

This could never work out. What was I thinking ?

I light one up.

Was I even taking it as an option ? To stay and be part of his pack ?

« I am leaving home with Ian, » I announce. I have to get out of here. And I have to do it fast. Before this escalates into God-knows what.

« Since when do you smoke ? »

« Since now, » I say. « Will you resent me for doing that to you ? »

Shaking his head, he smiles. « You’re my only daughter. My first-born child. If you want to leave, I will make sure your wish is granted. »

My stomach turns. « This already sounds like I’m imprisoned. »

He squints subtly. I can tell he’s brooding, but won’t share his thoughts.

He then stands up, certain in his action. « I will help you leave. But I will not help you escape. »

I narrow my eyes. « What exactly do you mean by escape ? I’m not shackled here, dad. »

« Well you don’t expect him to just hold the door open for you, do you ? » he watches me unconvinced. « You are Luna of his pack now, whether you like it or not. »

« As long as I’m not in wolf form, he has no power over me. » Theoretically, even then I could disobey my Alpha’s command, but I don’t quite control my wolf. She’s… different.

I remember how she followed his words earlier in the woods. She actually wanted to. Oof, my wolf’s a hoe.

« Of course not, » Father reassures me. « The only way he could force you to stay is by physical force and he will never do that. »

I look at him suspiciously. « Do you know him that well ? »

He shrugs. « Werewolf men are prideful beings. The higher your rank, the prouder you are. You don’t think an Alpha of the strongest pack around will stoop so low to shackle his own mate to keep her near ? »

It does seem too lame for a big fat Alpha.

« Let me talk to him first, » he says. « We won’t take long. Then I suggest you meet him for a few minutes and explain things from your perspective. »

As I don’t reply immediately, he continues. « I assure you it is the better way. You can’t run away from him. He would find you wherever you go. You are linked now. And when he does find you, running will only make you look weak. »

I can’t help but agree. So I look at my father and give him a short nod.

It’s my best shot anyway.

My father quickly grabs hold of the doorknob and I can’t help but notice his eyes glowing with some hidden victory.

I realize I don’t want to know why.

I sit nervously in my father’s office, waiting for him to finish his conversation with Darius.

He said they wouldn’t be long. However, the wall clock shows it’s been half an hour already. That’s a pretty long talk by my standards.

I hate that I forgot to take my purse with me in all of that mess, because now I don’t have a cellphone with me and I can’t contact Ian. I can always go outside and fetch him, but I somehow want to avoid all the people that might still be there.

On second thought, the majority must have stayed. If normal human manners applied to us as well, then everyone would have left the moment things escalated. Being werewolves, however, we like to stick together in situations like these.

I need to make sure Ian is well, though. So screw it.

As I leave the office and walk down the hallway, immediately, I hear familiar voices coming from downstairs.

It’s Darius and my father.

Why haven’t I thought of this sooner ?

I quietly descend the stairs, following the sounds to our living room.

I approach the door and lean on the closest wall, hoping to hear the entire conversation.

« That is not even an option, Patrick, » I recognize my mate’s voice. « She is staying with me. Where she belongs. » His voice is calm and determined, yet authoritative.

« Belongs ? » I suddenly hear an angry male voice. But it isn’t my father’s. Ian. What is he doing there ?

« Yes, » my mate replies less calmly now, « belongs. We are mates. I thought you said you were informed on the subject. Because if you aren’t, » he pauses dreadfully, « I damn sure can educate you. »

« There is no need for this, boys, » my father jumps in. « We can all agree that soon, no matter what, Lila will do what has to be done. Because she will want to do it. All we are trying to accomplish here is that Darius gives her some time to adjust. A few days, no more. »

There are some footsteps and then Darius speaks again. « Do not address me as a boy ever again. » His voice freezes blood in the veins. « And second, a few days without her are days I cannot give you. If she wants to live without me, let her tell me that to my face. She’s been in front of this door for the past five minutes anyway. »

I freeze in place. Shit !

« What ? » I hear my father ask and then Darius opens the door. Our eyes meet and I feel devoured again.

« Lila, » he nods gently. « Join us, please. »

« How did he hear her ? » Ian asks my father.

« He didn’t, » he replies quietly. « They’re mates. He can smell her miles away. »

« Well he should’ve said something, » Ian states, seeing my anger towards this situation.

« Why ? I don’t want to have secrets in front of her, » he replies matter-of-factly.

Ian approaches me, trying to put his arm over me, but is stopped by my mate before he can touch me.

« No, » he says simply, as a warning.

Ian is irritated by his gesture. « Lily is my fiancé. Do not tell me what to do. »

Darius’ eyes widen and his nostrils flare. He is enraged.