“What? I have you to protect me, right?” Kyle winked at her as she led him over to a spot near the fire.
Lucie started enjoying Kyle’s company once he started acting like himself. And to be completely honest, it was nice having a guy be openly interested in her. Despite who she was, despite the fact that she was engaged, he still gave her attention as a woman. She enjoyed the casual flirting. And when he scooted closer to her, she didn’t object.
They actually had a normal conversation around the fire. They talked about random things about their lives. Things they were interested in. Things they hated.
“Are you really okay making this choice, Lucie? You seem like such a fun and lively person. I’m afraid you’ll lose that flame inside you.” Kyle looked over at her, his expression serious.
She gave him a small smile and looked at the fire dancing in front of her. “What is one or two people’s happiness in exchange for the lives of two entire species?” She looked over at Kyle and shrugged. “My parents adore each other. The way they look at one another … yeah, I wish I could have that. I wish I had someone who would look at me like my father does my mother. But as much as I want that, I also know that solidifying peace between our species is important.” She shrugged. “It’s not like I’m sacrificing my life.”
“No, but you are sacrificing your heart.” Kyle frowned as he stared at her sparkling eyes. He could see the fire dancing in them. She really was beautiful, but more than that, she was also clever. He was flirting with her before because she was stunning,and he wanted to see if he could win the princess over. But now … he was attracted to her attitude. He liked the way she easily saw through him and liked her personality. “You’re a strong person, Lucie.”
She smiled at him. “Thank you.”
“What’s he like?”
Lucie looked over at Kyle for a moment. “He’s nice, kind, and considerate. But he acts like he can’t really be bothered with me. After our mandatory meetings, he vanishes. He doesn’t even join us for the family dinners. I don’t really blame him. I’m sure he isn’t thrilled about this idea either.” She looked over to see Kyle’s angry gaze.
“He isn’t even taking the time to get to know what kind of person you are. No matter what, you’re both going through this. He owes it to you to get to know you.” Kyle growled lowly and clenched his fingers tightly into fists. “He better not mistreat you or keep a mistress on the side.”
Lucie giggled. “As if I would stand for that.”
Kyle laughed. “I guess I forgot you don’t need to be protected.”
“If he plans to keep a mistress, he better keep body bags at the ready.” Lucie bit her bottom lip and smiled.
“What does your wolf think about all this?”
Kyle asked a seemingly harmless question. Lucie just stared into his eyes and shrugged. It was a normal question for most werewolves, but not for her and not for Aedan. Unlike all the other werewolves, their wolves were not separate from them. It was something they had kept secret for now. They were similar to how werebears were. They were one with their wolves … they were the same person. This was unheard of for werewolves, but not for lycans. Lycans were different from werewolves, stronger and more powerful.
Her parents had already discussed everything in detail and even consulted their close family and friends about it. Everyone had come to the same conclusion, that somehow Lucie and Aedan were lycans. Because they were not separate from their wolves, they were naturally stronger. This was something else the clever Moon Goddess bestowed upon them. She was obviously making sure their family continued to be stronger.
“My wolf agrees with whatever choices I make,” Lucie said quietly. Which wasn’t a lie, because her wolf was her.
“You deserve more.” His voice was soft, drawing her in. She stared into his blue eyes, trapped by his gaze. She could feel the atmosphere changing around them as he slowly moved his head forward. A million thoughts raced through her mind at that moment. Should she let him continue? Should she stop him? One part of her really didn’t want to stop him, but her more sensible self knew she couldn’t kiss him. It would be wrong. She was already taken. Even though she wasn’t married yet, she was engaged. But before she could react …
In a blur, she was pulled away from Kyle and into a firm chest. A low growl ripped from his throat as two others came and sat down on either side of Kyle.
Lucie looked down at Aedan and Justice, who now flanked Kyle, their intimidating auras flowing from them. She tilted her head up to look at Jasper, who was practically baring his fangs at Kyle, a low, growl-like sound emanating from his throat.
What in the actual hell?As if she couldn’t take care of herself. Then there was the fact they didn’t trust her to do the right thing. And lastly, this was none of their business. It was hers. Her choice. She could change her mind if she wanted, and no one had the right to challenge her for it. Who did they think they were?
Lucie felt her blood boiling as her anger surged.
They’d just pissed off the wrong werewolf princess.
CHAPTER 4
Lucie elbowed Jasper in the stomach, making him make an ‘oof’ sound, and then she stomped on Aedan’s foot right in front of her.
“What is wrong with you?” Lucie growled lowly.
“What is wrong with me?” Aedan rose to his feet and faced Lucie. “What is wrong with you? What are you doing?”
The flames danced in Lucie’s eyes as an inferno raged inside of her. “What is WRONG with ME?! What am I doing?” She scoffed and stepped closer to her brother, pointing her finger at his chest. “How dare you? Where is your faith and trust in me? And my choices are just that. MY choices. You don’t see me over there protecting you from playing ‘guess my STD,’ do you? No. Because it’s your life, Aedan. And your mistakes to make. And your crabs you’ll have to take care of later.” She then looked past him at Justice. “And why are you so concerned about me?” She whipped her head back to look at Jasper, who was still glaring atKyle. “Why are you watching me as if I am some weak-hearted, fragile girl who needs protection?”
She gritted her teeth and pinned her icy gaze on her brother. “You guys wanted to go and mingle with the ladies, so why are you watching me? What, I can’t talk to anyone else? I’m supposed to just sit down and stare at the campfire alone like I normally do, right? Or stay close to Mom and Dad’s side, joining them in their political talks because you’re out enjoying yourself.”
“Lucie, I didn’t mean—” Aedan started.
