Derrick shook his head in confusion. “You aren’t a werewolf? But you shifted.”
“I don’t have a separate wolf like werewolves do. My wolf is one with me … like a lycan’s would be.” Lucie watched as he pondered the information.
“So … my mate is even more badass?” A small smirk played on his lips.
“This could be a real problem for the packs. This makes me different from them. So it’s something we feel needs to remain a secret. Especially with the treaty. It’s best for them just to think of me as a regular werewolf, and that it’s because I’m their princess that I’m larger and can command them.”
“I agree with you.” Derrick watched as Lucie’s green emeralds focused on him. “I think it’s best to keep this quiet. Sometimes someone is just looking for a reason to be divisive, and this could give them the reason they need. It isn’t necessary for all of them to know anyway. I do think it’s strange, though …”
Lucie nodded her head. “It isn’t a natural occurrence. Maybe it’s because my parents are the king and queen? Or it could be our crafty Moon Goddess up to her tricks.”
“In either case, the reason doesn’t matter. You’re still my adorable little mate.”
Lucie giggled. “Little mate?”
Derrick shrugged. “It’s been my nickname for you since you were young.” He winked at her and adjusted her more onto his lap. “Rest your eyes, my Lucie. You’ve had a very long day.”
Lucie grabbed his hand and tugged on him gently. “Will you hold me?”
Derrick chuckled. She had no idea how bad of an idea that was. But how could he deny her? He just needed to really concentrate on controlling himself.
He grabbed the blanket and pulled it over both of them, pulling her against his chest as well. Her sweet, intoxicating scent hit his nostrils, and her body heat caressed his skin.It was pure torture. But it was also satisfying to be able to hold her like this.
“Is this your first time being held by a man while you sleep?” Derrick asked, expecting for her to say yes.
“No, it isn’t.”
Derrick felt his blood begin to boil. Someone else had touched what was his? He growled and tightened his grip on her. “Who dared to touch what’s mine?”
Lucie rolled over so she could look at him and smiled. “Jasper has patted me to sleep before.”
“Oh, he has? That’s a detail he failed to report.”
“Details. Plural. Meaning more than once.”
“I’m going to kill him,” Derrick growled.
Lucie giggled and leaned up, pressing her lips on his jawline. “You’re adorable when you’re jealous.” She winked at him. “One time was during a campout. Justice, Aedan, Destiny, Gia, Alexa, Mikah, Raine, and Jasper were all there. I had really bad hiccups and couldn’t sleep, so Jasper patted my back until I fell asleep. And the other time …” A faint smile spread on her lips. “My parents and my brother were away. Destiny was there with Harley … ‘watching movies.’ Jasper was staying in Justice’s room. He was watching over me while my parents were gone. Ithink I was seventeen? I woke up from a terrifying nightmare. I still remember pieces of it. What haunted me the most were the eyes …” Lucie closed her eyes as she tried to blink that part of the memory away.
“Jasper came to check on me. Not sure if he heard me or if he was just doing his usual checking. But he came and sat with me. He told me it was just a dream and stayed with me all night. He patted my back until I fell asleep and was still there when I woke up. He stayed awake and watched me all night.” Lucie looked up at Derrick. “He looked after me and took care of me like Aedan and Justice always did. I’ve always considered him like a brother to me.”
“I guess there are some stories he keeps for just the two of you. He never shared those with me. I’m glad he was there for you, though. I just wish I would have been the one who was there. But I will be soon. And I’ll be the one to pat you back to sleep.”Derrick leaned forward and pecked her nose, then leaned his forehead into hers and smiled. “Get some sleep, princess.”
Derrick felt her curl deeper into his chest. He kept his arms on her protectively as her body relaxed, her breath evening out. Holding her in his arms was the sweetest feeling in the world. Knowing that she trusted him in her most vulnerable state warmed his heart. He kissed her forehead. With much stealth, he slid away from her and stood next to the bed for a moment, watching her as she slept. He wanted to hold her longer, but he needed to do something first …
There was a conversation that needed to be had.
CHAPTER 25
Derrick looked startled when he saw Hunter and Freja sitting on the living room couch.
Freja chuckled. “Right on time, I’d say.”
“What are you two doing out here?” Derrick asked as he took a seat across from them.
“We were waiting for you. We figured we’d be hearing from you again tonight.” A small grin played on Hunter’s lips as he looked at Derrick. They knew their daughter well … well enough to know that she would plant doubts in Derrick’s head.
Derrick sighed. “The thing is … she has good points. I don’t know what’s right or what I should do. But if the situation was reversed, I wouldn’t leave her side either.”
