“It’s Lucie, right?” he asked, keeping his grin wide.
Lucie smiled and nodded her head.Okay, so maybe this party wouldn’t be so bad.
CHAPTER 3
“I’m Kyle. My father is the beta of the Slate Pack. He’s always dragging me along with him to these things which, no offense, are usually pretty boring. I know this is supposed to be a celebration, but …” Kyle looked around, his brows raised. “This is more like a retirement party than a school graduation party. I mean, where’s the alcohol?”
“That’s exactly what a bunch of puffed-up wolves need. Alcohol to fuel their egos.” Lucie sighed and inwardly rolled her eyes. This guy was cute, but so far, that was all he had going for him.
Kyle chuckled. “You’re not at all how I imagined the werewolf princess would be. I expected someone more quiet and reserved.”
“Of course you did. I bet your idea of a good woman is one who stays at home with the pups. She keeps the house clean and has a hot meal waiting for you when you come home frompatrol.” Lucie smirked at him. “You see, that isn’t me. I would be the one leading the patrol and keeping your ass safe.”
“Ho ho ho.” Kyle grinned and sat close to Lucie, side-eyeing her a bit. “The other stuff might be ideal, but I don’t know. There’s something attractive about having a strong female by your side.” He openly looked her over.
For once, she was getting noticed, but she didn’t feel good about it. Instead, it actually annoyed her. It felt disrespectful in a sense. She turned her sharp green gaze on him. “I’m not sure if I need to mention this. I mean, it is common knowledge, but I can’t detect if you have a brain or not. The thing is, you’re looking at me like I’m someone obtainable. I’m already promised to another. While I am flattered that a paper bag with hot air is attracted to me, it really is bad form to be so open about it.”
Kyle’s grin widened, and he leaned a bit closer so she could feel his hot breath on her skin. “Aren’t you a bit curious? I bet your lips have never been touched.” His eyes wandered to her soft pink lips. “Don’t you want to know what it feels like? Aren’t you a bit curious to feel real, intense passion? I’m not going to cross the line with you, princess. But I think you’re beautiful. I know you’re being handed over to the vampires.” Kyle looked annoyed, and he frowned. “Our precious princess is being given to those bloodsuckers.” He looked into her green eyes. “You deserve more than that. You deserve to have a real choice and a chance at passion. I don’t have any delusions. I know we can’t be a thing. But if you want, I can show you what a real kiss feels like.”
Lucie burst out laughing. She couldn’t help it. She raised her hand over her mouth and giggled uncontrollably. “You are good. Any other soft-minded female would have gone weak at the knees for your speech, I’m sure.” She then shot him an icy gaze and narrowed her eyes at him. “Those ‘bloodsuckers’ are ourallies and my friends. And soon to be my family. They’re also a part of me and my mother. You know, YOUR queen. I don’t like your tone when you talk about them. And I don’t appreciate your wording. Your ‘precious’ princess has CHOSEN this life in order to keep the packs safe. In order to ensure peace. And YOU want to show me what a REAL kiss feels like?” Lucie scoffed. “There would be nothing real about it. This is you trying to put another mark on your checklist. I don’t need your pretentious words.”
She stood up and started walking away. She’d just made it to a well-beaten path in the woods when she heard someone running up behind her.
Kyle laughed as he slowed beside her. “Okay, you win, you win. I won’t underestimate you again. I’ll just be me, and hey, if you like that, then my offer is still on the table.” He winked at her. “And being completely transparent … yes, I would absolutely love to taste your lips. It is one for my bucket list.”
Lucie smiled and shook her head. “I appreciate your newfound honesty, Kyle. You know, you’ll probably get a lot farther with one of the other ladies here. Go and use your flirtatious talents on someone it will work on.”
Kyle grinned and flashed her his white, toothy smile. “And give up my dream of kissing you at least once? Never. I have time. I’ll wear you down.” He winked at her and looked around at the trail they were taking. “So where are we headed?”
“Away from the retirement home party.” Lucie smiled. “That party is for the adults. That’s why you didn’t see anyone our age there but me, which made me your prime target. There were no other females around.”
She led him through some thick brush to a large bonfire. Around the bonfire was the younger generation, laughing and having a good time. Lucie spotted Aedan, Justice, and Jasper near a large group of girls. They were practically fawning over the men.Gross.
“Welcome to the real party.” Lucie tilted her head at Kyle and smiled. She nodded her head toward her brother and the other guys. “And right there is your competition with the other women.”
“I told you. I’m after you tonight, Lucie.” Kyle looked at her and placed his arm around her shoulders. “There are so many people here, and I feel a bit scared being away from you,” he teased. “Please protect me.”
Lucie shook her head and laughed. “You’re wasting your time with me, Kyle. Seriously, go and find another target. You reek of overconfidence and arrogance anyways.”
“Then humble me.”
Lucie laughed and led Kyle closer to the bonfire. Little did she know that several sets of sharp eyes were now following her and the man who was acting too familiar with her.
“Oh, Lucie … who is this tasty-looking man next to you?”
“Kyle, meet the female version of yourself, Gia.” Lucie smiled at her cousin. Gia was not promiscuous, but she enjoyed being flirtatious with men. She was Adam and Susan’s daughter. Adam was Kristen’s son, who was her grandfather Asher’s cousin. She was also stunningly beautiful with her blonde hair, fair skin, and blue eyes. If it wasn’t for her being a relative, Aedan and Justice would have already made a move on her.
“Hey, Kyle. Do you want to come and spend some time with me? I can show you a quiet spot I love.” Gia winked at him as she bit her bottom lip seductively.
Kyle grinned and shook his head. He pulled Lucie closer to his side. “No, I’m spending the evening with this amazing woman.”
“Oooohhh Luce Luce. Nice. Well, don’t get pregnant.” Gia winked at her cousin before she strolled over to another lone wolf.
Lucie sighed and rubbed her head. Her cousin had no shame.
“Don’t worry, Luce Luce. I won’t get you pregnant.” Kyle chuckled.
Lucie shot him an unamused look. “Funny. But seriously, you shouldn’t say such things.” Gia was bold, and this was her pack. But Kyle saying something like that even as a joke could cause trouble, especially around young pups wanting to bump chests.
