CHAPTER 39
Lucie’s eyes returned to her serene green and she plastered a smile over her face.
“You know, Amanda … we can be friends if you want. But if you’d rather instigate problems, I’m happy to put you in your place.” Lucie started pushing her aura from her body. It was just supposed to be some minor pressure to show Amanda her strength, but Lucie didn’t think about the fact that she was also now recognized as a fairy princess. It wasn’t just her lycan strength pushing forward, but her fairy aura radiated invisibly around her as well. It was enough to make Amanda and Camille wince and take a small step backward.
“Lucie.” Ryan’s hot breath whispered over her ear. She felt him squeeze her deeper into his chest and could feel small vibrations on her back from his laughter. “This side of you makes me even hotter for you.”
Yeah … that shut her down.Gross.She knew they had to pretend, but that made her body shudder, and not in a good way. She took in a deep calming breath and met with Amanda’s eyes. “Please don’t say things in an insinuating way about my mate. It isn’t a wise or healthy thing to talk about … in more ways than one.”
“Forgive me. I was too forward,” Amanda said with a small curtsy.
“Nothing to worry about. I just hope that is something you’ve kept to yourself, for your sake.” Lucie didn’t like this person, but she supposed she must be important in the vampire kingdom. She guessed she couldn’t completely blame her if Ryan was fooling around with her. She probably felt wounded now. This was something she would need to discuss in detail with Ryan later.
A dark, powerful aura soon hit Lucie, and she was shocked as she turned to see the source.
“Lucie, is everything okay?” Jasper’s dark eyes were locked onto Amanda and Camille.
“Everything is fine.” Lucie watched as the two women began to tremble slightly at the sign of Jasper’s anger, more so than when she was asserting her aura. There was a real fear of Jasper, and all he had were darkened eyes. She looked up at Jasper curiously. What kind of person was he here to elicit that much fear? “We still on for roasting marshmallows tonight?”
Jasper turned his gaze from the two women. His eyes were back to his gentle brown, and a small smile rose on his face. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Will you roast my marshmallows for me?” Lucie said with a grin.
“Lucie Chain, you can roast your own marshmallows.” Jasper shook his head smiling. She was always trying to get him to roasther marshmallows because she lacked the patience to cook them how she liked them.
“But Jasper … I can’t cook them like you can. I need that yummy golden cover where the marshmallows are crispy and all melted in the middle.” Lucie pouted, sticking her lip out playfully.
“I’ll cook them for you, Lucie,” Ryan said, rubbing her arm slightly. “Let me show you some real roasting skills.”
She giggled and turned her head up toward him. “If you think you can do a better job …”
“Oh, I know I can.” He winked at her, then turned his gaze toward the women in front of him. “Well, if you will excuse us, I haven’t seen my mate for a while, and we have a lot to catch up on.” He turned and looked at Jasper. “You and Aedan planning on joining us later?”
“Later?” Jasper said, raising his eyes curiously to Ryan. “I thought the plan?—”
“To hang out later tonight? Yep, that’s still on. I’m going to take Lucie back and let her get freshened up now. Then we’ll see you guys in about an hour?” Ryan didn’t give Jasper a moment to respond as he tugged Lucie away with him.
Lucie could see her brother’s eyes shoot up toward her.
Lucie …
I’m okay, Aedan. Do your political thing. I’ll see you soon.She could see the minor annoyance in her brother’s eyes as she was pulled out of the room.
When Ryan shut the door to his bedroom, she stepped away from him and looked at him curiously. This wasn’t what they’d talked about. So why was he changing it up now?
“Shit. Okay, Lucie … let me explain about Amanda.”
Oh … so that’s why. She could see real fear in his eyes as he looked at her. She lifted her hand and waved him off.
“You aren’t mine, Ryan. I don’t need to know the details of what you did. The only problem here is that it’s my mate’s name you’re playing with. You should have been more careful.” She rubbed her forehead and sighed slightly. “It should be fine now. After what I just did to her, I don’t think we have to worry about her talking anymore.”
Ryan chuckled. “That was intense and impressive, princess. I never realized how strong you were. Though you shouldn’t go all out like that.”
“I didn’t.” Lucie said quickly. She looked up at Ryan’s shocked face. “I only pushed a small fraction forward. It just ended up being more intense than I thought. With my increased fairy magic, it seems like even a small push of my aura is strong.”
“That’s very impressive.” Ryan nodded his head in approval. “You’re going to be a powerful asset to the vampires.” He rubbed the back of his neck and looked away. “Thanks for, you know … Jasper won’t exactly go easy on me over something like this.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not mad, and I’ll deal with Jasper. What you’ve been doing isn’t fair to you either. You’re a young guy and shouldn’t have to act tied down. You’re almost free, right?”
