Chapter 66
Freja hugged Lucie tight. “That was a very brave and selfless thing you did for your brother.”
“He would have done the same thing for me.” Lucie leaned back as her father patted her head gently.
“Also, given the current situation of Aedan finding his mate, I think it’s more appropriate for him to return to the pack.
He will need to get Deeana acclimated there as well.
Since we know they’re immune to the potion, there shouldn’t be a problem. ”
Hunter nodded. “I think you’re right. Besides, he will need his privacy with his mate for a while. I’m sure there’s a lot for her to adjust to. Like our way of life now.” Hunter stared into his daughter’s green eyes. “Do you want to come back too?”
Lucie shook her head and smiled. “My place is with Derrick. I need to also get better acquainted with the vampires.” She felt Derrick come up behind her and she leaned her back against his chest. His mind was speaking of a much more private agenda for the two of them.
Alexa walked in, and her eyes met Lucie’s.
“It seems your mate came to our rescue again.” Lucie said with a faint smile.
“He’s really making me frustrated. I swear, I am going to punch him when I finally meet him.
The man is infuriating,” Alexa huffed out angrily, though there was a smile at the corner of her lips.
“I’m glad he’s taking care of my important people.
But he has another thing coming if he thinks I’m just going to let him do his thing.
I don’t care about Erebus. I’m not going to let one crazy deity keep me away from my mate. ”
“He’s really crazy, Alexa … and dark,” Lucie said quietly.
Alexa’s face fell and she gave Lucie a sympathetic smile. “I don’t want your efforts to be in vain either.”
“Lex, they aren’t. That’s your mate out there. And they tend to push their feelings over ours.” Lucie nudged Derrick playfully. “If it was me, I’d be fighting too. This is your life. Call your own shots and find him. Wear him down. And place your mark on him.”
Alexa smiled warmly. “Thank you, Lucie, I knew you’d have my back.”
“Abe, do you mind if I borrow you for a moment before you head back to the vampire kingdom? I want you to take something to Lucie for me.” Freja looked up at the demon, who nodded his head. “Thank you.”
“You and dad still better stay out of the fighting,” Lucie said with a smirk. She was the one who had the upper hand now.
“Jasper and Brian are still looking for the witch, but things have been quiet. I think she’s gone into hiding.” Hunter sighed and rubbed the back of his head.
The door opened and Justice walked in with his parents. “We going back to the vampire kingdom now?”
Lucie nodded her head as Levi walked in with Reiya and Xander.
“We have Aedan and Deeana set up at the far end of the castle. Do you want one of us to interrupt?” Xander asked with a chuckle.
“No need. He will be heading to the Black Ice Pack. Reiya can open a portal for him when he comes up for air.” Hunter rubbed the back of his neck.
Having mates was a normal part of life, and it reached a very primal part of their beasts.
Almost hard to control. He was sure if things were going well between them, they wouldn’t be waiting long to seal their bond.
“You guys should all plan to attend one of the days during the mating party that will be coming up. You know, Xander … I was thinking there should be a rededication ceremony or something, where we get to feast on our mates publicly again.” Brody felt Chelsie elbow him in his side and he grinned widely at her.
“I’m down for that,” Levi said, smirking at Reiya.
“Haha, nice try, but no.” Chelsie snorted.
“Wow, you guys are embarrassing sometimes.” Raine sighed.
“Mikah, you should really think about taking a mate. Just for the ceremony.” Justice beamed at him.
“Yeah, and what if I end up with someone like one of your cousins here? No thanks. Alexa is enough trouble already.” Mikah chuckled, shaking his head.
These women may have scarred him from ever taking a mate.
Playing with the ladies was one thing, but having a committed relationship was another.
Who knows if that will change in the future.
“Oh Mikah you’re just jealous that none of us ladies want you,” Alexa said, sticking her tongue out at him childishly.
“You got me, Lex. That’s it. I’ll pine away for the rest of my life.” He snorted.
“Well, it’s been a very interesting couple of weeks and a crazy day.” Derrick glanced at Lucie and she nodded at him.
“Lucie, if you ever decide that you miss that part of you … I know it isn’t the same, but I know Caden didn’t want to take on another wolf, and that was his personal choice. I know a lycan and werewolf are different, but there are also similarities.” Hunter watched Lucie flash him a wide smile.
“I know where to find you, Daddy. But I’m okay. At least right now, I think I’m alright. Okay, I guess this is goodbye for now. See you all soon.” Lucie opened up a portal. “Where will this open up?”
“Should open up into our room. Aedan opened the portal as soon as we got the pearl piece.” Derrick looked up at Abe. “See you back at the castle.”
“Mom, tell sis I said hi next time you talk to her.” Justice grinned at his mother before walking through the open gateway.
Derrick smiled as they walked into his room. Ryan and Jasper were still out looking for the witch. He would need to regroup and replan things, but for now, he couldn’t think about what to do next with the witch.
“We need to find my parents and fill them in on all the events,” Derrick said with a tired sigh. He looked at his bed wistfully. There was a lot more he wanted to do, even though he was tired. But he wasn’t sure if Lucie was really up to it. She had been through a lot.
And maybe that’s exactly what I need. Lucie smiled as she intertwined her fingers with his and walked down the hallway.
“We need to put a deity-proof barrier up or something. Isn’t that what the Merrow Queen has around her place? Where did she get one?” Justice recalled the last time he was here and how everything went amiss because of that damn Erebus. There had to be a way to prevent that in the future.
“I don’t know. I guess we can talk to Grandma or Aunt Reiya about it. Maybe one of them would know. I don’t think it will be a problem now, though, according to what Ken said.”
“Still … if there is a way to put that type of barrier up, I’m all for it. I’m tired of deities and their nonsense,” Derrick said with a low growl.
“Don’t forget it was also a deity who saved us earlier and who saved me,” Lucie said with a smirk.
“Yeah, and it was deities that put you in both of those situations.” Derrick scowled, and Justice nodded his head in agreement.
“I think it’s worth looking into for sure.” Justice wasn’t going to bank on Erebus not being vengeful. Knowing he was going to die, he might come to kill Lucie first. It would be best if they could at least create a safe area.
“And then what, guys? I never leave the safety of the bubble you put me in? That isn’t happening.
What does it matter if I’m safe in the castle or castle grounds?
As soon as I leave, I’d be exposed again.
You are not keeping me locked up. It isn’t happening.
” Lucie looked at the two men. “I know that what happened lately … well, it’s taken a toll on all of us.
But for the most part, we know this isn’t the norm. ”
Derrick looked up to see his parents walking toward them.
“Oh Lucie, we’re so glad you are back.” Willa said, wrapping her arms around her.
“Thank you. I’m finally all healed up.”
“That must have been quite an ordeal. Derrick has filled us in about Rogio getting involved. You should be safe now. He has always looked over our family well when he was awake.” Alaric looked over at Derrick. “It’s good to have you back, son.”
“Thank you. We had another interesting experience today as well.”
“Well, come walk and talk with me, son.”
Derrick sighed. He really didn’t want to have a lengthy conversation right now. But his father deserved to know about all the recent events as well.
“Myra.”
“Sire.” The pale girl materialized in a kneeling position.
“Please escort Lucie back to the room and stay with her until I return. I’m sure she wishes to take a proper shower and relax after the day we’ve had.
” Derrick could see Lucie protesting until the moment he mentioned a shower.
He smiled, reading her adorable thoughts on how wonderful a real shower would feel.
“I’ll stay with Lucie too, until you get back.” Justice felt extra anxious and protective after what happened last time.
Lucie watched as Derrick reluctantly walked one way with his parents while she went the other.
“Lucie, I’m so happy you’re back with us.” Myra said as she guided Lucie into the bedroom.
“Thank you. It’ll be nice to take some time to acquaint myself with this place as my new home.” Lucie looked up to Justice, who nodded his head. This was Justice’s home now too, and he also needed to get familiar and comfortable with the place.
“Well, if you two don’t mind, I’ll be getting a much-appreciated shower. No more sponge baths for me.” Lucie cheered.
“Well, unless it’s part of your foreplay, right?” Justice chuckled, and Lucie tossed a pillow at him from the couch.
“Do you wish for me to accompany you in the bathroom, Lucie?” Myra asked.
“No, thank you. I think I’m perfectly safe getting a shower.
” Lucie giggled at the banshee’s protectiveness.
But she guessed she had more reason to be on edge after what happened.
A member of the royal family had been taken from under her nose.
Something the royal guard dog was not used to. It had never happened before.
Lucie enjoyed a long hot shower, thoroughly cleansing herself before she dried off and put on fresh, clean clothes. She walked out into the room to see Abe was back, sitting with Justice and Myra. When he saw her, he immediately stood up, holding a bag in his hands.
“What is that?” Lucie asked with a curious smile.
“This is what your mother asked me to bring to you. She said you would know what it is and why,” Abe said, handing the black leather bag to Lucie.
Lucie smiled and took the bag over to the table, setting it down and opening it up to see what her mother had sent her.
Silently she stared at the bag, looking at its contents.
Hot tears began to stream down her face and she clutched the bag tightly against her chest. She closed her eyes tight and began sobbing quietly.
Everything hit her at that moment, and it felt like she was being crushed with another heavy blow.