Chapter 41
I stared at my mom’s back as she walked out of the room after dropping that bombshell. The power of immortality.
The door suddenly opened, and Cara walked in. Her face beamed with smiles as she hugged me tightly.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
Cara’s presence brought warmth and comfort, instantly easing the tension that lingered in the room. Her joy was infectious.
“Oh, Lyra, I’ve missed you so much,” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection.
“I’m not used to having friends, but Cara has proven herself time and time again to be someone closer than a friend to me,” I reflected silently.
“I consider her a sister I never had. Cara, I’ve missed you too,” I said awkwardly, not used to showing emotions.
Cara pulled back slightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. I could see the depth of emotion in her eyes, my heartstrings tugged.
“I was curious and asked, ‘Are you okay?'” I was concerned.
She swiftly nodded her head, but the tears continued to flow down her eyes, betraying the strength she tried to maintain.
“What’s wrong, Cara?” I asked, searching for any clue in her eyes. But all I found was regret. What could it be? I needed to find out.
“Is there something you’d like to tell me?” I asked again.
She shook her head and, between tears, said, “I’m sorry for all you’ve been through. I see you, looking pale and unhealthy, and I blame myself for it.”
I reached out, gently taking her trembling hands in mine.
“Blame yourself for what?” I asked, “What do you mean by that?”
Suddenly, she gasped, a smile spreading from ear to ear. Despite the seriousness of the moment, I chuckle inwardly at her dramatic flair. “What is it, Cara?” I prompted, curious about her sudden change in demeanor.
She moved her hand to my mark and asked, “Have you found your mate?” Her eyes beamed with so much happiness.
I rolled my eyes at the mention of my mate. “What was it like? How do you feel? Have you completed the mating session?” she asked all at once.
Slumping back onto the bed, I turned to the side. “I know every lady will be thrilled to have Kessler as a mate, but I’m not a fan of him,” looking at her. “Yes and no,” I replied, conflicted about my feelings.
“What do you mean, yes and no?” she asked, pouting slightly but still wearing a questioning expression.
“Yeah, I have found my mate,” I started, feeling a weight in my chest, “and no, we haven’t completed the mating process.
Yes, I hate him,” I admitted bitterly, “and no, the feeling wasn’t mutual.” My thoughts drifted to Kessler, and frustration boiled within me. “Damn you, Kessler,” I muttered through gritted teeth.
“You’re confusing me, Lyra,” she said softly, her confusion evident in her eyes. “And how come you’re marked?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Taking a deep breath, I composed myself before explaining. “I’m marked because…. He,” I started carefully, trying to find the right words.
“He forced his damn mark on me because I told him I’d rather be a rogue than be his mate,” I confessed, frustration evident in my tone.
“Why so much hatred for him, Lyra?” she inquired, her voice filled with concern.
“I hate him because he killed my father,” I said, the words heavy with pain. Memories flooded back, vivid and haunting.
“I can still remember it like it was yesterday. Every time I think about my father’s death, I have this feeling that something is not right.” I recounted the painful truth.
“Oh, Lyra, I’m so sorry to hear that. Who is he?” she asked, her sympathy evident in her voice.
“The Lycan Alpha, Kessler,” I replied, my tone filled with bitterness.
She gasped in shock. “Oh my goodness, Lyra, dang, that man is so damn hurt,” she exclaimed, while Sasha growled in my head.
I rolled my eyes at Sasha’s protective instincts. “hmmm,” I muttered.
“But you, Lyra, you’re destined for great things,” her tone was convincing. “The Lycan king? That’s a big catch, girl.”
“Oh, please,” I replied with a wry smile.
“But Lyra, how come you’re back? I was happy when you escaped without them being able to trace you,” she said, looking at me sympathetically.
“Chloe has been a pain in the arse,” she confessed, with frustration evident in her voice. “I can’t wait to find my mate and just be taken away from here.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that, I went for a run and was surrounded by wolves, and here I am,” I explained.
She looked down, her expression filled with remorse. “Lyra, I’m sorry. I can’t say much now, but I know I will make things right,” she said earnestly.
With a sense of urgency, she stood up. “I’ll have to run back to the kitchen,” she explained hurriedly. “The pack doctor told me about your arrival and I decided to stop by,” she added before rushing off.
What did she mean by making things right? I shrugged, unable to decipher her intentions, as I closed my eyes to rest.
My eyes shot open as I sensed someone approaching. I was so accustomed to his aura and footsteps that I could recognize him even in my sleep.
Quickly, I slumped back onto the bed, covering myself with the blanket, pretending to be asleep.
He gently opened the door, trying not to wake me. That was strange, I thought. Tristan was not one to be gentle.
Peeking slightly through my opened eyes, I watched as he walked closer. He took a chair, carried it swiftly, and placed it right in front of me.
My heart raced in my chest as I wasn’t sure what he had in mind.
He sat down and took my hand in his. “That’s strange,” Sasha said. I wanted to yank my hand away from him, but I sensed he was lost and vulnerable. I didn’t want him to realize I was awake, so I let him hold it.
“I’ve missed you so much, Lyra,” he whispered.
It felt strange hearing those words from his mouth. I could feel his emotions running high, his breathing erratic in his chest.
“This is strange, am I safe?” I asked myself, my mind racing with uncertainty. Without thinking, I fluttered my eyes open, taking in his appearance.
He was undeniably attractive, but not in the same way as Kessler. I rolled my eyes at the comparison.
“Lyra, how are you?” he asked, his voice breaking through my thoughts. I stared at him as if I had seen a ghost, my eyes wide as saucers.
“Imagine someone who threw me in the dungeon for close to two weeks is asking how I am,” I thought bitterly in my head.
With a shaky breath, I nodded my head, signaling a hesitant yes.
His looks were sinister as he held my hand. “Your home is here with me now. Welcome back.”
“Home, here,” I murmured in response, nodding my head in submission, though internally I was seething with anger and resentment.
Home with a cold-blooded fool who had taken away my innocence. I felt the urge to lash out, to overpower him, to exact revenge for what he had done to me.
But I knew I had to be cautious, to conceal my true emotions. So I remained silent, keeping my gaze steady, though the disdain was evident in my eyes.
I didn’t say anything but just stared at him.
He moved closer to me, and I felt a wave of disgust wash over me. I couldn’t bear the thought of a repeat of all he had put me through before. I couldn’t let him have his way with me again. But as he moved closer, his body stiffened, as if he had seen something.
“W… what is it?” I stuttered, my voice barely above a whisper.