“He’s going to be alright,” Sam said. “He was with patrol group B. They said these pale creatures came out of nowhere and attacked them. They were heading right for our pack borders.” Sam’s eyes looked a bit worried.
Derrick knelt next to Lucie and put his arm around her waist, guiding her up so he could hold her against him. “I’m going to have another band of soldiers join us, Lucie. They won’t get past my men. This only happened because we left to escort you back here. They won’t get close to your pack again.”
“How can I leave my pack when it’s in danger?” Lucie whispered out. She looked at Aedan and could see he was thinking the same thing.
“It won’t happen again. Hey, Lucie, look at me,” Derrick said, lifting her chin up to him. “They will never get close to your pack again. I already sent Chaz to go and request more soldiers. We’ll have this area under our protection as well.” He looked at Aedan. “Trust me.”
“It’s not like we have a choice anyway. Mom and Dad are not going to change their minds,” Aedan said with a scowl.
“Hunter briefly filled me in on everything. We appreciate your assistance. We can’t let anything happen to our royalty.” Sam stood up and looked at Adam. “Help me get him to the infirmary.”
“Will do, Sam. Then Winston and I are going to collect Gia, Kurt, and Jamie. They’re at a party.” Adam sighed, lifting up the body with Sam.
“We’ll double the patrol sizes for now. There’s nothing for you two to worry about. I’ll personally see to the pack’s safety until your father returns.” Sam looked between Lucie and Aedan.
“You two should probably stay close to the house until your father gets back,”Adam said, not liking leaving the two of them out here.
“We will.” Aedan nodded for them to go on.
Lucie leaned into Derrick’s chest as they carried the injured soldier away. “Dad is not going to like this at all.”
“Lucie, please don’t just dart off like that,” Jasper finally breathed out in annoyance. “I know this is your pack, but at least explain what’s going on. You’re going to give us a heart attack.”
“Sorry I didn’t have time to type up a memo, Jasper.” She shot him an annoyed look that quickly became one of concern. “There hasn’t been an attack on our patrols in a very long time.This is big news. It’s going to be unsettling for pack members. I’m worried they will feel anxious about Aedan and I being sent away.” Lucie frowned, biting her inner lip.
“I think they’ll be relieved to know you two are safe,” Derrick said quietly. “Speaking of safety, let’s go back to the house.” He looked at Aedan, who nodded his head, looking around.
They were lucky there weren’t any casualties this time. But this was Lucie and Aedan’s pack … their home. It was hard thinking they wouldn’t be there to help defend it if the need arose.
Lucie took in the scent of her mate. It was amazing how it helped her relax. His warm arm around her was a weighted comfort. She was glad she had him by her side right now.
Jasper,Derrick linked to him as they walked back to the house. He rubbed his hand over Lucie’s shoulder in soothing motions.I want Lucie to go and stay in the vampire kingdom until after the ceremony. It will be safer for her there.
Jasper looked over at Lucie and nodded his head. It wasn’t him he needed to convince. Though he figured Hunter would understand, especially after this. And Justice could just plan to meet them in the dragon kingdom afterward. It would give him more time to hone his skills as a guardian too.
CHAPTER 34
Lucie came down from her room after changing quickly. She put on a black tank top and a pair of shorts. The guys hovered around the table as Aedan pointed to something and laughed.
“What are you guys doing?” Lucie asked as she came closer to investigate.
“Just giving your mate here a tour down memory lane.” Aedan beamed widely.
She watched as Derrick lifted something up, and she realized what they were doing. They were going through their photo albums! Aedan was also showing him pictures from his phone. Derrick smirked and waved a picture at her.
“He said I can keep this one.” Derrick held up a picture of Lucie in a pink sleeveless dress.
Lucie smiled and shook her head. “That one was from prom.” She felt mildly embarrassed as he stared at the picture. She watched his brows furrow as he lifted up another photo.
“Who is this? Your date?” Derrick asked, lifting up another picture of Lucie in the same dress next to a very tall, muscular guy. It was someone he didn’t recognize. The guy had black hair and light blue eyes and was half lifting Lucie up into his chest. He could feel his blood boiling mildly, seeing someone holding his mate so close. Way too close.
Lucie bit her bottom lip and smiled. “Yes, that was my date. You turned me down and Jasper was busy.” Technically it was his double that turned her down.
“You two seem close,” Derrick said as his eyes darkened on the photo.
“That’s only a picture of one moment. I believe those two ended up in bed together that night,” Aedan said with a smirk.
“Aedan,” Lucie hissed.
