“I don’t know if you can hear me … but thank you.” She sighed. “I don’t care what the risks are. I know you’re trying to protect me, but I just want to be with you. Are you really planning to keep avoiding me?” She bit her bottom lip, staring into the darkness. “It isn’t fair for you to decide this yourself. What do you really want? Do you really want me to move on and take another mate? You can’t want that. Staying away from me isn’t going to stop anything. It’s only going to hurt us both.”
She felt dumb talking into the darkness, but it was the only way she could vent. She hated this. She hated that he took the choice from her. She didn’t want to take another mate, not when she had a fated one. And now that she knew he did care about her, she was infuriated. He wasn’t even giving her a chance. Did he really plan to make her wait until Erebus was dealt with? What about after that? Would he come to her then? And who knew how long it would take for the Erebus situation to end.
She clicked her tongue angrily and glared into the darkness. “You aren’t making this decision. No! If you won’t show yourself to me, then I will find you. I’ll drag you here and put you to your knees. You are mine. And I’m going to take what’s mine. Just wait. I’m going to find you.”
Alexa turned and stormed away. She felt dumb, always having to yell into the empty night air. She had no way of knowing if he was there to hear her or not. But it was all she could do to vent.
Little did she know that hidden in the darkness, Ken watched her. A smile played on his lips as he listened to her words. He watched her stomping away adorably as she marched back to the castle.
“I’m sorry princess, but you won’t be able to find me. You deserve someone better than me, and I hope you find him. This has to be goodbye for us. I’ve loved watching you grow. I’ve lovedseeing your shining light. But your light isn’t for me. The light doesn’t belong in the dark.
“The day can never be one with the night. Be happy, Alexa. Find love … and be safe.” It pained Ken to even think of another man embracing her. But it was dangerous for him to take her. She was someone too pure for him. It was best all around to just let her go. She would never know the man who loved her so much he was sacrificing himself for her. The sting of walking away hit him deep in his chest. He’d slowly fallen deeper and deeper in love with her, after all these years of watching her. She wasn’t just a mate to him. She was the woman he loved.
He was a monster who had dangerous enemies. He couldn’t risk her life for his happiness. It was best for her to find another, to have a chosen mate instead. It would be hell, but it was a hell he deserved. He would endure it as long as she was safe and happy.
“Goodbye, my love.”
CHAPTER 62
“Can I just be healed already!” Lucie growled and crossed her arms over her chest. It had been several days since she was rescued. Several days of still not being able to heal or be healed. And her family was keeping her still. From the bed to the couch. At least now she was moved back to the main floor. But it was ridiculous. They even had her in a wheelchair now. Between Derrick, Abe, and her family, she was being smothered.
Abe had been sent to give the king and queen an update, and they were waiting for him to return. Jasper and Brian had gone back to witch hunting. They’d formed a partnership and started a friendly competition. The first one to capture the witch wins, and the loser shaves their head. Either way, it was a win-win situation for Lucie.
“Just enjoy the pampering, my love.” Derrick chuckled as he set a drink beside her. He leaned his head down and gentlypecked the top of her head, taking a moment to let his nose linger in her hair while he took in hits of her scent.
“I don’t want to be pampered. I want up!” Lucie snorted with a pout.
“Even once you’re healed, I’m putting you in bubble wrap.” Justice beamed at her while she shot him an irritated look.
“I feel just as confined as Lucie. I’m stuck holed up here while Brian and Jasper get to stretch their muscles.” Aedan growled. “Though it is nice to be with everyone. Mom and Dad are enjoying spending time with everyone as well, even though Grandma and Grandpa had to leave today. Brody and Chasen are getting to spend some rare time together, too. I guess that is a positive. Even you and me, Lucie. Our time together will be coming to an end soon, too.”
“It isn’t coming to an end, Aedan. Sure, we might not live together, but we’re only a portal away.” Lucie gave him a small smile.
She felt the familiar burn, as if she was about to shift. This must be a good sign. Her magic must be coming back. She glanced at Aedan, who also had a peculiar look on his face.
And just like that, they both shifted into their lycans forcefully.
“What is going on?!” Derrick asked in shock.
Lucie and Aedan looked at each other. Lucie felt her body completely heal, but this wasn’t just about what was happening to her. Something had also forced Aedan to shift.
“Great … something weird is happening again!” Mikah stood up, sprinting out of the room, shouting, “I’ll get Hunter!”
Lucie tried to shift back but couldn’t. Even weirder … she couldn’t communicate with anyone.
Aedan?
I hear you, Lucie.
Okay, she could communicate with Aedan. But why couldn’t she communicate with Derrick? He was her soulmate. What was severing that connection?
Nervous family members flooded into the room.
“What’s going on?” Hunter asked.Lucie! Aedan!But they didn’t answer him. Their heads looked his way, but he couldn’t hear their voices.
Derrick walked up and touched Lucie. “I can’t hear her thoughts, but I can sense her emotions. She’s confused, too.” He ran his fingers through her fur and squatted down in front of her. “It’s just one adventure after another for us, huh?”
Lucie licked his face and gently pushed her muzzle under his neck. He wrapped his arms around her neck and hugged her to him.
