“What, Aedan? What didn’t you mean? You didn’t mean not to trust me? You didn’t mean not to let me make my own decisions? Or you thought that your weak little sister was getting taken advantage of, is that it?” Lucie furrowed her brow, challenging her brother, who growled at her. She was provoking his alpha blood, and this was only going to end badly.
“It’s my job to look out for you,” Aedan growled, baring his teeth slightly.
“Oh? It is? That’s what your job is? I guess Mom and Dad will be thrilled if you actually take on the responsibilities of a job,” Lucie said in a condescending tone as she poked her finger into his chest.
The party went silent as the yells of the prince and princess carried in the air. But Aedan surprised everyone. He lowered his shoulders and placed his hand on Lucie’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I was wrong. I wasn’t used to seeing someone else close to you.”
Lucie took in a deep breath and lowered her hand. She looked up at her brother sadly. “I’m sorry, too. I didn’t mean what I said.” The truth was that she and her brother rarely fought. They were more like best friends, so this was very uncharacteristic of them. “It’s just that, if you really think I have a choice, then let me make my choices. All of them.”
“You do have a choice, Lucie.” Aedan looked over at Kyle with a low growl. “But find another one, someone other than him. His reputation precedes him, even here. We overheard the girls talking about him, so we were immediately alert and watching his every move.”
Lucie giggled and looked at her brother like he was crazy. “I know what type of person Kyle is. Do you really think I’m that naïve? He tried to come on to me at first with his usual game.” She looked over at Kyle, who gave her a sheepish grin. “But we got past that point real quick, and he has been nice to talk to.”
“Um, he was getting ready to do more than talk to you.” Jasper shot daggers at Kyle.
Lucie turned and looked at Jasper. “But he was about to strike out again. I was about to stop it myself, except some puffed-up macho men decided to strip my honor away.”
Kyle chuckled. “I figured you would probably reject me again. That’s okay. You deserve better than me. But I also think you deserve better than the vampire prince.” He locked eyes with Jasper, his stare cold.
“What do you even know about my prince? He’s a great guy!” Jasper growled lowly.
“He might be a great guy. But it doesn’t sound like he’s being a good mate.”
Jasper looked down at the ground angrily. Lucie could see he was struggling, deciding what to say. He met Kyle’s eyes again, his gaze intimidating. “You don’t know ANYTHING!” He shook his head and pursed his lips together tightly. “He’s really busy …” He looked at Lucie. “He’s one of the best guys I know. He really is, Luce. You’ll see.”
Aedan snorted and crossed his arms over his chest. “I still say she would be better off with you than him.”
Jasper looked up at Aedan with amusement and chuckled. “Taking the prince’s mate would be a crime. You must want me dead.”
“I’m serious. Why can’t the treaty work if you take Lucie? It’s almost the same thing.” Aedan shrugged and looked between Lucie and Jasper.
Lucie looked at her brother, mortified.
“It isn’t the same thing. I’m not the prince.” Jasper shrugged.
“And let’s not forget the fact that Jasper is like a brother to me.” Lucie shook her head, exasperated. How could her brother say something like that in front of Jasper? Not to mention she was not interested in Jasper in that way at all. And she knew he wasn’t interested in her that way either.
“I promise I’ll always be there for her, though. You can rest easy knowing I’ll be watching out for her.” Jasper nudged Lucie playfully. “I really need one of those child leashes for her.” Then he started laughing. “Get it? You’re a werewolf, so if I put a leash on you, it will be like you’re my pet dog.”
Jasper laughed at his own joke, and Lucie looked back at Aedan. “Really? Him?”
Aedan shook his head and grinned. “We can only work with what we’ve got.”
Lucie looked at Jasper. “Go ahead and put a leash on me, Jasper. Let’s see how it turns out for you.”
Jasper grinned widely. “See, that’s why Luce and I can’t be mates. She isn’t into bondage and the fun stuff.” He winked at her, and she rolled her eyes.
“The thing is, Jasper, if there’s going to be tying up involved, it won’t be my arms being tied down.”
“La la la la. Don’t need to hear about your closet dominatrix personality,” Aedan said, holding his hands up to his ears.
“I wouldn’t mind hearing about it,” Kyle said with a smirk, which caused the three other men to glare at him again. Kylechuckled. “I guess I’m not making friends here.” He rose to his feet and winked over at Lucie. “It was great getting to know you a little bit. Maybe I’ll see you around sometime.”
Lucie watched as he walked away and was immediately attacked by a horde of girls who surrounded him, giggling. “It looks like you guys lost your harem.”
“That’s alright with me. I’m sticking by your side for the rest of the night.” Jasper patted Lucie’s head and grinned at her.
Lucie swatted his hand away and listened to his chuckle. “You three boys, get. You’re cramping my style.”
