Immediately I saw two figures approaching through the rows of trees, my body stiffened automatically. The forest was quiet, too quiet and every instinct in me screamed danger. I took one step back, ready to retreat.
As if he sensed my tension, he didn't even turn to look at me before saying in a calm, bored tone, "It's Kael and Lucian."
Relief washed all over me instantly. My shoulders loosened and my heart stopped trying to jump out of my chest. I let out a slow breath and continued walking beside Alexander, trying to appear like I hadn't been two seconds away from bolting into the bushes.
When we finally reached them, it really was Kael and Lucian.
Kael's face brightened when he saw me, and I couldn't hide the small smile tugging my lips. He was the nicest to me calm, patient, kind. Unlike Alexander, who seemed to wake up every morning with the mission to tease me into insanity. And unlike Lucian… well, the last time I mistakenly threw my sneakers at him, he had given off this strange, cold, murderous vibe. Even now, the way he stared at me made my stomach twist. I was certain he despised me.
"You brought her here?" Lucian asked with a scornful frown, his eyes trailing over me as if assessing something distasteful.
Before I could feel offended, Alexander shrugged.
"I wanted to show her how we live but it seems it became such a hassle."
A hassle?
My eyes snapped to him.
A hassle?
I hadn't done anything. I hadn't said anything. I had followed all his stupid instructions like a scared little puppy that I was
How was I a hassle?
I glared at him from where I stood, shooting invisible daggers into his smug vampire skull.
Kael stepped forward before I could say something I might regret.
"I'll take her home," he offered quickly.
My face lit up in pure relief. Yes. YES. Finally. A way out. At least I wouldn't have to spend another second with Alexander and his sharp tongue.
But Alexander's voice cut sharply through the air.
"Lucian will take her home. Who will carry the jewels we came to collect, Kael?"
Kael groaned under his breath, annoyed, while the color drained from my face.
Lucian?
No. Absolutely not. I'd rather walk home barefoot and hunted.
"I'd really prefer Kael to take me back," I said quickly, my words spilling out in a pleading rush.
Alexander turned and pinned me with a look that immediately shut my hope down.
He smirked.
"And I'd really like Lucian to take you back."
His voice was firm and final.
"Kael couldn't even look after you while I was away and let you slip away, so no."
My jaw tightened. I wanted to scream. Alexander was impossible. Completely impossible. Why did he say it like Kael was my bodyguard and he was ment I watch over me.
It want like I was a child and I couldn't go to where I wanted to go. If it wasn't for Jared that tolde to not get under this annoying vampire's nerves I wouldn't have foolishly cried before him this morning.
And moreover, he was the one who had vanished without telling anyone where the hell he went.
Lucian stretched out his hand toward Alexander, silent and stern.
Alexander slipped his hand into his pocket and brought out his car keys, placing them neatly in Lucian's palm.
Lucian didn't say a word. Not even a grunt. He simply pocketed the keys and turned around, beginning to walk away.
I was about to follow after him when I suddenly remembered why I'd desperately anticipated Alexander's return in the first place.
I spun back to him.
"Are you coming back soon?"
A small smirk curved his lips. He leaned forward until his face was inches from mine.
"Missing me so soon?" he teased.
I rolled my eyes so hard they practically touched the back of my skull.
"Kathy has been locked in her room for a week because Mia won't let her out."
Alexander clicked his tongue in amusement and straightened.
"Wouldn't it be better if she spends a few more days in there?"
I glared at him.
"Come. Back. Today."
I didn't wait for his response. I turned and ran after the cold vampire who hadn't even bothered to wait for me.
---
Lucian walked straight, quiet, and fast like he was gliding instead of walking. His presence alone felt colder than the wind brushing my skin. He didn't look back once to check if I was behind him. Honestly, I doubt he cared if I got lost and wandered into a lion's den.
We got to the place Alexander and I had arrived from earlier. I looked around. There were no other cars in sight only Alexander's.
My brows furrowed.
Did they walk all the way here?
But that was impossible. The distance from the pack house to the woods wasn't a trekking distance not unless they had the the ability to teleport or to run so fast or jump around trees like a monkey.
I brushed the thought aside as Lucian opened the driver's door and slid in smoothly. I reached for the front passenger seat, already halfway in when...
"The back seat."
Lucian's cold voice sliced through the air.
I froze.
Then quietly, without arguing, I stepped back out, closed the door, and got into the back seat like a scolded schoolchild.
I only wanted to sit in front because Alexander had made me sit there earlier. But clearly, this vampire hated sharing space with me. Maybe even sharing the same oxygen.
His hostility was almost physical.
What did I ever do to him? I already apologized for accidentally hitting him with my sneakers last week. Was he planning on holding that grudge until the day I died?
The car started. Silence filled every corner, thick and heavy. I sat completely still, afraid that breathing too loudly might annoy him. I had never been so terrified of someone who hadn't said more than ten words to me.
He was scarier than Alexander. That alone was shocking.
The drive lasted about twenty minutes, and as soon as he parked near the pack house, I all but leapt out of the car. If my legs could carry me fast enough, I would have vanished.
"Hey."
I stopped immediately. His voice firm, low made my heart jerk.
I turned slowly.
Lucian was holding a bag.
"Your bag."
I blinked. I had forgotten I even took a bag to work this morning.
When had Alexander retrieved it from my office?
I forced a nervous, awkward smile and walked toward Lucian. I took the bag gently.
"Thank you," I murmured.
I turned to leave, wanting to run as far away from him as possible, but his cold voice struck again.
"Be careful not to wander into places you aren't wanted."
His words felt like a warning but the way he said it made it feel like a threat. A real one.
I swallowed hard, unable to respond.
Yes. Definitely a red flag. A huge one.
If I didn't want my neck twisted off my shoulders, I needed to stay far away from Lucian.
I hurried into the pack house, looking around in paranoia, half-convinced the vampire had followed me. I rounded a corner, glancing back to make sure he wasn't behind me. Then I looked forward..
"AHH!"
I screamed at the top of my lungs.
The housekeeper jumped with surprise.
"You're back, miss."
My hand flew to my chest, trying to calm my racing heart.
My mind had been so wrapped around Lucian's threat that I didn't even hear the housekeeper's footsteps. I had almost bumped right into him.
He frowned.
"Is something wrong, miss?"
I gave a shaky laugh, my eyes darting around again.
"I… I don't think so."
"What did you say, miss?" he asked, confused.
I shook my head quickly.
"Um… can you take me to my sister's room?"
Honestly, my brain was too frazzled to walk alone. I had walked these halls every morning, but right now? I didn't trust myself not to wander into a restricted area and get my soul snatched by a vampire who already hated me.
The housekeeper bowed slightly.
"Follow me, miss."
I walked behind him, my steps shaky, my heart still unsettled.
I just hoped I would remain sane until I returned to my pack. Because right now?
This place was already driving me crazy.