Ken smirked as the deity disappeared. He turned toward the distance where Lucie and Aedan had disappeared. He owed her for what she’d endured, pretending to be his mate. And whenever he got the chance, he’d be there to help her. What he did just now was his simple thanks.
“Tell your master not to be so reckless. I can’t always pop in and save the day. And where the hell is that blue lizard at?” Ken looked up toward the tree canopy. He knew Abe was up there.
Abe flashed in front of Ken and lowered his head to him in appreciation. “Thank you. I believe Leviathan is watching them but was waiting until the last second to intervene, since Lycaon had invoked the code upon him.”
Ken rolled his eyes. He looked back in the direction Lucie had gone. “Keep her safe.”
Abe watched him vanish and a smile spread over his face. Ken was also protecting his princess. He closed his eyes and transported himself back to Lucie.
CHAPTER 64
Lucie and Aedan both were panting heavily in the middle of a clearing. They laid down while Derrick and Justice stayed beside them looking toward the forest, wondering what had happened.
“Geez, that was close. We almost didn’t make it.” Justice sighed and looked over at Lucie. “You two okay? That was some intense running.”
“You did good, Lucie,” Derrick said in a cooing voice as he massaged her fur.
Abe materialized in front of them and immediately searched for Lucie. He found her lycan and instantly relaxed.
“Thank goodness you’re alright! What did you do to stop them?” Derrick asked, feeling Lucie’s immediate relief as well.
Abe shook his head with a soft smile. “I didn’t. Ken did it. It seems you made quite the impression on him, princess.”
“As long as it’s a platonic impression, I’m fine with it.” Derrick curled his arm possessively over Lucie. When it came to deities, he didn’t have a high opinion of them after what happened to her.
Abe chuckled. “You don’t have to worry. His heart is somewhere else. Right, Lucie?”
Lucie nodded her head and leaned into Derrick’s touch more. She was shocked that Ken had come to their aid but incredibly grateful. She was certain if they’d gotten any closer, her Uncle Levi would have intervened, and she didn’t want to be stuck in her lycan form.
I don’t think we should go that way on the way back,Aedan said with a chuckle.At least now we know I’m the fastest, though.
Lucie jerked her head in the direction of Aedan.I was an inch ahead of you!
That’s cute, Lucie. Really, it is. But you didn’t beat me.
Abe chuckled. “Do one of you two know which one of them made it out of the woods first?” he asked, looking at Derrick and Justice.
The two men looked at one another for a second before they both said in unison, “It was a tie.”
Lucie and Aedan growled in displeasure. That was not what either of them wanted to hear.
Derrick chuckled and wrapped his arms around Lucie’s neck, burying himself in her fur. “You are too adorable sometimes, Luce.” He held her just like that, buried in her warmth. This habit of risking their lives was starting to become a normal occurrence for them. He just wanted them to live their lives together, peacefully running their kingdom. Nice and quiet, where he could spend his days loving her. When they finally got back, he would be taking Jasper’s idea of the mini fridge. A quick snack, rehydrating, and back at it. He would put whatthey did during her heat to shame. They had some long overdue lovemaking ahead of them. She was healed now, but she wasn’t in the right form.
“You want me to cuddle with you like that too, Aedan? Because I will.” Justice laughed as Aedan snarled at him.
Aedan rose slowly and turned. In the distance away from the forest were the ruins of an ancient past. The area that lycans once dominated. He wasn’t sure at first what he was feeling, after having run for his life. But now he was feeling it … the slight pull.
Lucie, I feel something.
Lucie eased herself to her feet, slowly bringing Derrick up with her. She looked at her brother curiously and watched as he sniffed the air.
What do you smell?Lucie asked, trying to test the air with her nose as well.
I can’t describe it. Something amazing. Something that makes me excited …
Your mate.Lucie looked into the distance. She could see Aedan was now anxious to follow the scent. So much for resting. But she couldn’t blame him.Alright, let’s go. The sooner this is done, the sooner we can shift again.
“We getting back to it already?” Justice asked with a stretch.
