Chapter 3
“I’m Kyle. My father is the beta of the Slate Pack.
He’s always dragging me along with him to these things which, no offense, are usually pretty boring.
I know this is supposed to be a celebration, but …
” Kyle looked around, his brows raised. “This is more like a retirement party than a school graduation party. I mean, where’s the alcohol? ”
“That’s exactly what a bunch of puffed-up wolves need. Alcohol to fuel their egos.” Lucie sighed and inwardly rolled her eyes. This guy was cute, but so far, that was all he had going for him.
Kyle chuckled. “You’re not at all how I imagined the werewolf princess would be. I expected someone more quiet and reserved.”
“Of course you did. I bet your idea of a good woman is one who stays at home with the pups. She keeps the house clean and has a hot meal waiting for you when you come home from patrol.” Lucie smirked at him. “You see, that isn’t me. I would be the one leading the patrol and keeping your ass safe.”
“Ho ho ho.” Kyle grinned and sat close to Lucie, side-eyeing her a bit. “The other stuff might be ideal, but I don’t know. There’s something attractive about having a strong female by your side.” He openly looked her over.
For once, she was getting noticed, but she didn’t feel good about it.
Instead, it actually annoyed her. It felt disrespectful in a sense.
She turned her sharp green gaze on him. “I’m not sure if I need to mention this.
I mean, it is common knowledge, but I can’t detect if you have a brain or not.
The thing is, you’re looking at me like I’m someone obtainable.
I’m already promised to another. While I am flattered that a paper bag with hot air is attracted to me, it really is bad form to be so open about it. ”
Kyle’s grin widened, and he leaned a bit closer so she could feel his hot breath on her skin.
“Aren’t you a bit curious? I bet your lips have never been touched.
” His eyes wandered to her soft pink lips.
“Don’t you want to know what it feels like?
Aren’t you a bit curious to feel real, intense passion?
I’m not going to cross the line with you, princess.
But I think you’re beautiful. I know you’re being handed over to the vampires.
” Kyle looked annoyed, and he frowned. “Our precious princess is being given to those bloodsuckers.” He looked into her green eyes.
“You deserve more than that. You deserve to have a real choice and a chance at passion. I don’t have any delusions.
I know we can’t be a thing. But if you want, I can show you what a real kiss feels like. ”
Lucie burst out laughing. She couldn’t help it.
She raised her hand over her mouth and giggled uncontrollably.
“You are good. Any other soft-minded female would have gone weak at the knees for your speech, I’m sure.
” She then shot him an icy gaze and narrowed her eyes at him.
“Those ‘bloodsuckers’ are our allies and my friends. And soon to be my family. They’re also a part of me and my mother.
You know, YOUR queen. I don’t like your tone when you talk about them.
And I don’t appreciate your wording. Your ‘precious’ princess has CHOSEN this life in order to keep the packs safe.
In order to ensure peace. And YOU want to show me what a REAL kiss feels like?
” Lucie scoffed. “There would be nothing real about it. This is you trying to put another mark on your checklist. I don’t need your pretentious words. ”
She stood up and started walking away. She’d just made it to a well-beaten path in the woods when she heard someone running up behind her.
Kyle laughed as he slowed beside her. “Okay, you win, you win. I won’t underestimate you again.
I’ll just be me, and hey, if you like that, then my offer is still on the table.
” He winked at her. “And being completely transparent … yes, I would absolutely love to taste your lips. It is one for my bucket list.”
Lucie smiled and shook her head. “I appreciate your newfound honesty, Kyle. You know, you’ll probably get a lot farther with one of the other ladies here. Go and use your flirtatious talents on someone it will work on.”
Kyle grinned and flashed her his white, toothy smile. “And give up my dream of kissing you at least once? Never. I have time. I’ll wear you down.” He winked at her and looked around at the trail they were taking. “So where are we headed?”
“Away from the retirement home party.” Lucie smiled. “That party is for the adults. That’s why you didn’t see anyone our age there but me, which made me your prime target. There were no other females around.”
She led him through some thick brush to a large bonfire. Around the bonfire was the younger generation, laughing and having a good time. Lucie spotted Aedan, Justice, and Jasper near a large group of girls. They were practically fawning over the men. Gross.
“Welcome to the real party.” Lucie tilted her head at Kyle and smiled. She nodded her head toward her brother and the other guys. “And right there is your competition with the other women.”
“I told you. I’m after you tonight, Lucie.” Kyle looked at her and placed his arm around her shoulders. “There are so many people here, and I feel a bit scared being away from you,” he teased. “Please protect me.”
Lucie shook her head and laughed. “You’re wasting your time with me, Kyle. Seriously, go and find another target. You reek of overconfidence and arrogance anyways.”
“Then humble me.”
Lucie laughed and led Kyle closer to the bonfire. Little did she know that several sets of sharp eyes were now following her and the man who was acting too familiar with her.
“Oh, Lucie … who is this tasty-looking man next to you?”
“Kyle, meet the female version of yourself, Gia.” Lucie smiled at her cousin.
Gia was not promiscuous, but she enjoyed being flirtatious with men.
She was Adam and Susan’s daughter. Adam was Kristen’s son, who was her grandfather Asher’s cousin.
She was also stunningly beautiful with her blonde hair, fair skin, and blue eyes.
If it wasn’t for her being a relative, Aedan and Justice would have already made a move on her.
“Hey, Kyle. Do you want to come and spend some time with me? I can show you a quiet spot I love.” Gia winked at him as she bit her bottom lip seductively.
Kyle grinned and shook his head. He pulled Lucie closer to his side. “No, I’m spending the evening with this amazing woman.”
“Oooohhh Luce Luce. Nice. Well, don’t get pregnant.” Gia winked at her cousin before she strolled over to another lone wolf.
Lucie sighed and rubbed her head. Her cousin had no shame.
“Don’t worry, Luce Luce. I won’t get you pregnant.” Kyle chuckled.
Lucie shot him an unamused look. “Funny. But seriously, you shouldn’t say such things.” Gia was bold, and this was her pack. But Kyle saying something like that even as a joke could cause trouble, especially around young pups wanting to bump chests.
“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.