Chapter 15
Ryan walked away, annoyed with the timing. He really needed to talk to Lucie. A small smile spread across his lips as she curled into his arms. She didn’t even realize she was doing it, but subconsciously, she wanted to be close to him.
He had his suspicions about them being soulmates, but he wasn’t sure because Lucie should be feeling these things too.
He figured it was because she was trying to fight off the mate bond and they hadn’t marked each other yet.
But he was certain now, after the dream and feeling her heartbeat, that they were connected on a deeper level.
Soulmates were rare among all species. One thing was certain, though, and that was that all species respected the sanctity of soulmates and their bond.
This was something so rare that none would oppose it, no matter the situation.
But even still … there was more to Ryan than she knew, and he was dying to explain this to her.
He wanted her to know that it was okay to accept the mate bond, if it was what she really wanted. He wanted to know exactly how she felt.
Now that she said she would also choose him, it was a done deal.
Wanting her was never a question. He just needed to explain the situation to her.
This was just a temporary delay. They would have eternity together, but he still felt so frustrated.
He needed her to look at him with want and not feel guilty about it.
Even in her dream, she’d desired him, but she felt guilty.
Just thinking about it now made him want to go right back into the bedroom with her.
But first things first. He needed to see what had been discovered.
Chaz and Sabrina had been tasked with watching what was going on with Beryl.
They were the two on his team called ghosts because they moved like ghosts and could go undetected.
They were able to conceal their aura, making it seem as if they weren’t there.
It made sense for Sabrina, a tiny little vampire who was five foot nothing, petite in every aspect except her attitude.
But Chaz was built like a brick wall. Not only was he tall, coming in at almost seven feet, but he was built like a tank.
Despite his size, he was incredibly stealthy.
They were the best assassins among the vampires, except for one other person.
Jasper was the only vampire better than the two of them.
He was also extremely deadly in combat, which made him an incredible asset to the vampires. His loyalty was also unquestionable.
Lucie looked at the two strangers as Ryan carried her closer. She could see they were looking at her curiously, probably wondering why their leader was carrying her around. Ryan stopped a few feet in front of them but still kept her in his arms.
“You can put me down,” she whispered, tugging on his shirt.
This only made him smile and grip her tighter.
Sighing, she folded her arms in front of her.
Okay, she’d asked nicely. This was why you couldn’t just be nice, because you might get taken advantage of.
When people think you’re nice, you get bullied.
Well, not her. Despite how wonderful it felt being curled up in his arms, she still needed to stand up for herself.
Meeting Ryan’s gaze, she gave him a small smile.
“Ryan, you’re going to put me down or I’m going to get down on my own. ”
“Are you threatening me?” Ryan’s eyes danced in amusement as he grinned widely, looking down at her.
“No. I’m promising you.”
Ryan smiled, but when he noticed the serious look in Chaz and Sabrina’s eyes, he slowly lowered her body down beside him.
“What is it?” Ryan asked, keeping his hand on Lucie’s shoulder. Chaz stared at Lucie as he hesitated. “You can speak freely in front of her.”
“Is she the prince’s mate?” Sabrina asked.
“How did you know about that?” Ryan asked. They were sent out when he came back with Lucie, so they hadn’t heard of her connection.
“We ran into Jasper, who came here because of the prince’s mate. We described the girl you brought back and he seemed immediately relieved,” Chaz said as he eyed Lucie up and down. “If she is going to be with us for a little while, we could have some fun with her …”
Lucie didn’t even have a moment to react. One second Ryan’s arm was around her and the next it was gone. A blur moved in front of her and then a body hit the wall loudly. In a flash, Ryan had Chaz pinned against the wall by the throat. He growled in his face and bared his fangs at him.
“Whoa, Ryan, chill. It was just a joke. I didn’t realize you were so protective over the prince’s fiancée.” Chaz struggled a bit under Ryan’s grip.
“Lucie, are you alright?” Tonya gasped in shock.
Immediately, Ryan released Chaz and whipped back to Lucie’s side.
Tonya smirked, and Lucie turned her gaze to her, confused.
“Oh, must be the lighting playing tricks on my eyes.” All it took to snap Ryan out of his rage was to make him think something could be wrong with Lucie.
She may have lied to make him switch gears.
Chaz rubbed his throat, his brows furrowed. Sabrina was watching the scene curiously, shocked by Ryan’s outburst. It didn’t make sense.
“If I didn’t know any better …” Sabrina began quietly, watching Ryan gaze at Lucie with concern.
“Lucie is Ryan’s mate. Chaz is lucky he didn’t get gutted for what he said.” Zach chuckled as he walked up behind Tonya and pulled her into his chest. She was such a vixen sometimes, and he loved her for it.
Chaz’s eyes widened. “Oh shit, dude. I’m sorry.” Then his mouth gaped and he pointed at Lucie. “The prince’s fiancée is your mate? Aww man, tough luck. I know how you’ve been waiting for your mate to show up.”
Ryan wrapped his arm around Lucie and looked back at Chaz in annoyance. “Lucie is mine. I’m claiming her as my mate. So from now on, I expect you to treat her as such.”
“Ryan, duuuude. You’re going against the royals? You’re more badass than I thought. But what are you going to do with the prince’s watchdog? He’s come to take her back with him.” Chaz straightened himself up as he mulled over the situation.
“I’ll have a chat with Jasper. It won’t be a problem,” Ryan said simply.
“And if he is a problem, there are a lot of places we can bury a body,” Chaz said with a laugh.
Lucie let out a low growl as her eyes flashed with the color of her animal. “Touch Jasper and see what happens to you.”
Chaz looked at her in shock while Ryan looked down at her in amusement. Sabrina, however, studied Lucie skeptically.
“You would protect Jasper and take his side over your mate?” Sabrina said as she scrunched her nose in distaste. “Do you love him or something?”
“Of course I do! Jasper is family to me. I would never allow anything to happen to him.”
“Don’t worry, Lucie. Jasper is my family too. I would never allow anything to happen to him either. Chaz here was just teasing.” Ryan squeezed her into his side and smiled at her. He admired her loyalty, especially to someone who wasn’t her pack member.
“Well, Jasper has to make it back to us first,” Sabrina said as she waved her hand in the air.
“What do you mean?” Ryan’s voice was sharp as his eyes snapped up to the girl.
“That’s what we have to report. We ran into Jasper, and when he heard about the girl you found, he shifted directions to the ones who took her.
He was livid. We told him you’re formulating a plan and not to give himself away, but he went after them anyway.
” Chaz rubbed the back of his head as he started feeling uncomfortable watching Ryan getting more and more agitated.
“We’re going after him. He has a hard time controlling his temper when it comes to people he considers precious.” Ryan glanced down at Lucie, then at Zach. “Get Enzo and Lenny. We’re going after Jasper. Tonya and Sabrina will stay here.”
“Hey! I don’t want to be stuck on babysitting duty. You may need my help,” Sabrina said angrily.
“You will stay behind with Tonya, and if one hair is out of sorts on Lucie’s head, it will be your necks!” Ryan curled his lips as he seethed in anger.
“Ryan, I don’t need a babysitter. I’m not fragile. I promise I won’t leave, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Lucie meant it too. She needed to know Jasper was okay, and it made sense to take their whole team since who knows what mess they could encounter.
“I know you don’t need a babysitter, but I’d feel better having people I trust around you. Don’t worry. I promise I’m coming back to you, and with Jasper in tow.” Ryan winked at her, a cocky grin on his lips.
“Fine, but if I end up having to come out there to save you guys, I won’t let you live it down.”
Ryan chuckled and he patted the top of her head.
“You just stay put. I don’t want you leaving this cave.
” He leaned his head down close to hers.
“We will finish our talk when I get back … my Lucie.” He gave her a quick peck on the forehead and then flashed off before she could object. The other men followed suit.
Lucie quietly relished the light sparks his kiss sent down her spine …
the deep pulling and yearning inside her.
Her whole body screamed for her mate, so much that she felt empty now without him near her.
So, this was how it felt to be apart from a piece of your soul.
And the sweet warmth she felt from his quick kiss had butterflies swirling in her chest. It was so soft and sweet, yet she could feel everything he was feeling in that quick kiss, that split second.
Maybe Ryan was right. Maybe they were soulmates.