“Of course I want you with me, Lucie.” Derrick trailed his hand down her arm and gazed into her green eyes. “I never want to be away from you. But not here. Not part of a battle party. You need to be where it’s safe.”
Lucie let out an airy chuckle. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to be that guy. Don’t go making the same mistake all the guys make about the women in my family. We are not the ones who wait back at home for the men to return.”
Derrick’s eyes flickered in amusement. “My future queen, your existence is too important to risk. I’m not calling you weak. Just that you’re a target. This witch is after your family, and I won’t make it easy for her. I don’t know what she’s planning, but judging from the voidless army she created, we need to be cautious.”
“I won’t be leaving your side, so don’t be ridiculous.” Lucie could see in his eyes that he was going to be insistent. Lucky for her, she had her own tricks up her sleeve. “Very well … if you really want me to leave, then I guess I have no choice but to comply.”
A faint smile spread across Derrick’s face. “Good. I’ll send you back with your parents and come for you as soon as all of this is taken care of.”
Oh, naïve Derrick… Lucie stood up and walked up to the bedroom door. As if she was really going to obediently listen to him, just like that.
“Lucie, where are you going? I want to talk more.” Derrick jumped up and followed her out the door.
“I’m informing my parents that I’ll be returning with them, of course.”
Derrick noticed the flicker in her eyes and could feel an odd emotion glimmering from his mate. “Lucie … what are you planning?”
She smirked as she entered the dining room.
“Lucie. Much better. I’m glad you got that all sorted out.” Freja stood up and looked at the glint in her daughter’s eyes.
What is it?
He wants to send me home. Since he can’t have me fighting by his side …
Freja could read her daughter clearly. As a parent, she wanted to protect her daughter. But she also trained with Lucie and knew how capable she was. Being the former huntress, she had no problem advocating for her daughter.
“I guess I’ll be coming back with you guys tomorrow,” Lucie said innocently as Derrick walked in, keeping a suspicious eye on her.
Freja smiled and nodded. “Of course. It’s probably for the best.” The devil in Freja’s eyes came out. “After all, we’ll need your help leading one of our armies into battle.”
“What?!” Derrick and Hunter responded simultaneously.
Lucie smirked. Gosh, she loved her mother. She was always in her corner, always fighting for her so she was never overlooked.
“I figure Aedan and Lucie will lead a group while we lead the other.” Freja turned an icy glare on Hunter. “You wouldn’t be thinking of leaving me behind, right?”
“Well … no, but?—”
“And after our daughter was injured and taken, we are planning to retaliate in full force, right?” Freja asked, quirking a brow at Hunter.
Chasen chuckled, already knowing exactly what was taking place. Hunter sighed in defeat. His queen has taken the king in this chess match. It was lost before it started.
“Alright. I’ll have Lucie and Aedan lead a group together. Not individually, mind you. They’ll work together.” That would be Hunter’s compromise.
“Perfect,” Freja said, winking at her daughter.
Derrick growled lowly. “With all due respect. I don’t want Lucie fighting. Period.”
Lucie’s gaze moved from her mother to Derrick. “Sorry, ‘Ryan.’ This is official werewolf business. Best not to stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong.”
A deep, dark chuckle escaped Derrick’s throat. “You’re mine, Lucie. And you are my business. I won’t risk it. The witch is gunning for your family. She’s been preparing who knows what for this moment.” He turned and looked over at Hunter. “Let the vampires handle it. Keep your pack away from this witch.”
“I understand what you’re saying, but you have to understand that we can’t just sit by and do nothing. We haveto set a precedent for attacks on werewolves, making it clear that we will come back viciously and mercilessly.” He glanced up at Freja and Lucie. “I understand wanting to keep your mate wrapped up in a bubble to keep her safe. Trust me. I know what you’re feeling all too well. I want to keep my family safe too.” He smiled at Derrick. “But don’t you think they also want us safe?”
“Mates are stronger and weaker together. It’s a fact of life. Mates give you vulnerability, but they also give you strength, and an edge in battle. It isn’t right for you to ask your mate to stay somewhere safe while you’re out risking your life, especially someone as strong as Lucie.” Freja gave Derrick a faint smile. “We want to be there, fighting and protecting our mate. As much as Hunter wants my safety, I want his. My desire to fight and protect is just as strong as his.” She looked over and gave Hunter a crooked smile. “I even fought pregnant in the big demon war because I couldn’t bear not being there to help protect my mate.”
Hunter chuckled. “I never would have allowed it had I known she was pregnant.” He shook his head. “You’re fighting a battle that all of us have fought before.” He looked over at Chasen, who nodded his head. “Lucie is a strong fighter. And even though I tend to baby her because she’s my little girl, I know she’s an asset in battle.”
