Chapter 85 Chapter 85
LUCIAN’S POV
The words in my front blurred together. I’ve been trying to read a particular report but it was hard not when my thoughts were somewhere else. I stared at my desk long enough for it to crack.
Ailsa
That was the name that occupied my thoughts. The argument replayed itself with clarity. Her voice was tight with hurt. The way she stood her ground, her eyes bright with unshed tears. Even in the dark, I could see it even though she tried to hide it. I had told myself I was doing the right thing. But why didn’t I feel happy with my decision?
‘That’s because you didn’t tell her before taking that decision’ my wolf said. I groaned. The truth say heavier now. My jaw tightened as I shoved the papers aside.
Now, we weren’t speaking and I miss her.
‘Then go and admit you’re wrong. It’s simple’
Knowing Ailsa, she was going to avoid me if I didn’t go speak to her. I didn’t even know what I was thinking last night agreeing to go sleep somewhere else. I should have insisted that we talk about it last night rather than letting it get this far. I’d take the entire blame.
A knock came, it was sharp and I groaned. I didn’t want to talk right now.
“If that’s another report…” I began but was cut off by Aiden pushing the door open.
“It’s me” I swallowed the remaining words. I shot him a glare. He took one look at my expression and laughed.
“Why is your face like that?” He asked while still laughing.
“Don’t” I muttered. He shut the door behind him and leaned casually against the wall, his arms crossed.
“Alright. What’s got your panties in a twist? You’re having mood swings like a pregnant woman” I scrubbed a hand over my face.
“It’s Ailsa” that wiped the humor from his face.
“What? Ailsa is pregnant?” He asked surprised.
“No. Who is talking about pregnancy here Aiden? Why are you even bringing that up?” I asked annoyed.
“No reason. So what did Ailsa do?” He raised a brow.
“She’s angry with me and she has every right to be” I mumbled the last part.
“It’s about Elara. She’s angry that I removed the restrictions”
“You finally realized?” I glared at him.
“I didn’t do it to make her angry. I was just thinking about Elara’s health first”
“I know but you didn’t handle it the right way because you’re an idiot when it comes to the people you care about” I scoffed.
“You aren’t helping matters”
“Ailsa is your Luna now, I’m not supposed to be reminding you but you need to talk to her before you make some decisions especially when it comes to your ex” he said and there was silence.
Aiden made sense. I was not seeing it in that light, I was thinking as an Alpha and not as a mate. I didn’t realize the pain she must have felt when I just dumped the news on her.
“How long?” I finally asked. He frowned.
“For what?”
“For Elara’s claims to be verified” I asked flatly.
“Three weeks minimum” he didn’t hesitate. My chest tightened.
“Three weeks it’s stop long. I told Elara she could stay here for only a week”
“It may be less than that if our man gets information quickly. Why?”
“I want her gone quickly. She just got here and it seems like everything is off and worse….” I broke off, my irritation flaring.
“I feel the bond” Aiden’s eyes sharpened.
“Explain what you mean by that”
“I don’t understand it either” I admitted. “The bond between us should be dormant but when she’s near, it’s like something tugs at me” Aiden pushed off the wall
“Is it desire or affection?”
“I don’t know. I should hate her but when I see her all the hatred just vanishes away and I feel pity for her”
“Then don’t be near her”
“Is it that simple?”
“Yes. I can take care of that aspect, just tell me what you want. You don’t have to see her, if you continue being near her, then you’re walking a dangerous line” his gaze softened.
“Trust me when I say women see things before they happen. You don’t want to lose her trust now” I sighed.
“I didn’t think about this before. I just thought she was being unreasonable when I told her about Elara’s panic attacks and my decision to reduce her restrictions”
“Even I am a bit angry with you. Why did you let Elara back into this pack house?”
“She came here begging for help. I couldn’t turn her away. The man she ran with was trying to kill her”
“And you believed her?”
“That’s why I’m asking you to verify, isn’t it?”
“I know you Lucian, you wouldn’t have let her in here if you didn’t believe her in the first place”
“She looked weak Aiden. You needed to see the marks on her body. I don’t understand how an Alpha can treat a woman he claims to love like that” I clenched my jaw.
“You still care about her” he was not asking a question.
“No” he pointed to my clenched fists and I uncurled it.
“I don’t have to care for her before I feel pity. She might have hurt me in the past but she doesn’t deserve such cruelty. And Elara doesn’t lie” he scoffed.
“I’ll tell you not to trust blindly, people change. She might not be the same person you used to know”
“I understand you Aiden. I promise you that it’s only pity I feel for her. I have still not forgiven her”
“So have you gotten any news from the Silver Moon pack. I mean, has Chase sent any new information?”
“No, I’ve not heard anything from Chase yet. Maybe Lorcan hasn’t planned his move yet. The annual Alpha’s meeting is close” Aiden nodded.
“Whatever happens we’ll be ready then”
Before I could respond, there was a knock on the door. It was soft and hesitant. Aiden and I focused on the door when it opened gently. Ailsa stood there. Her scent filled my nose immediately. My breath left me all at once.
I saw the dark circles under her eyes. She probably didn’t sleep well just like me. We stared at each other like it was just us.
“Ailsa! How are you?” Aiden interrupted. She turned to him and smiled.
How I missed that smile.
“I haven’t seen you in ages” Ailsa said in a little voice.
“I have been busy. Lucian always keeps me on my toes” he joked and she laughed. I scoffed.
“I’m not complaining though” he added.
“Of course, you wouldn’t. One of these days, you need to make some time so we can spend it together” Aiden looked at me.
“Sure, I’d like that. After all, we have a lot to talk about” Aiden winked at her.
Damn, if I allowed him spend anytime with her. I’ll be the only person spending time with her.
“I’ll leave now to give you two space” he paused as he passed her, lowering his voice.
“He has been unbeatable all morning”
The corner of her mouth twitched and the door closed.
Silence filled the room again but this time it was different.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt” she said slowly.
“You didn’t” I replied honestly. She took a few steps forward, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. I wanted to take her in my arms and kiss her senselessly but just resisted that urge.
“I came because….I don’t like how things ended last night”
“Neither did I”
“I shouldn’t have gone off on you. I was just so angry and I let it control me” she said quietly. I crossed the room, so I was now standing in front of her.
“No. I should have told you everything. I didn’t realize my mistake at first. I won’t make decisions like that without you again” her head lifted, her eyes searching mine.
“You promise?”
“I swear it”
Something in her eased then. She stepped closer and I pulled her into my arms without hesitation. I missed her. She fitted perfectly in my arms. Her fingers curled into my shirt.
“I don’t want us to fight” she whispered.
“Neither do I. I don’t want us to ever sleep apart again. I couldn’t sleep well without you by my side” I whispered into her hair.
“Me too. I missed you”
“I missed you more”
I tilted her chin and kissed her slowly. Her lips parted and our tongues entwined. At that moment, it was just us and I savored her taste. My hands grabbed her waist firmly.
“Lucian….” The door opened abruptly.
Elara’s voice cut through the silence. We broke apart instantly. She stood frozen in the doorway, her eyes widened like she was in shock.
“I….didn’t realize you were busy” she said softly. I felt Ailsa stiffen against me.
“Next time knock” I said coldly.