Chapter 16 Eye Candy
[Nyx]
Lysander's expression shifted, the earlier playfulness draining from his face. Pain flashed briefly in his eyes, unmistakable and raw.
A twinge of regret pinched at my chest. I hadn't meant to... well, I had meant what I said, but the hurt on his face made me feel strangely uncomfortable. Before I could say anything to soften the blow, his features settled into a neutral mask. He took the box back silently, shoving it deep into his pocket.
The silence in the car grew heavier with each passing mile. I glanced over at him, noticing how his knuckles had gone white on the steering wheel.
"Are you angry?" I asked, unable to help myself.
"No."
"You look angry."
"I'm not angry, Nyx."
"Your face says otherwise."
He shot me a look. "My face is just like this."
"So naturally brooding and thunderous? Good to know."
A muscle in his jaw twitched. I bit back a smile, oddly enjoying the way I could get under his skin. It was a rare thing to see the composed Gamma captain rattled.
As I reached for the door handle, Lysander's hand covered mine, stopping me. The sudden contact sent an unexpected warmth up my arm. I turned to find his face much closer than I'd expected in the confines of the car, his eyes reflecting the dim dashboard lights.
My heart stuttered in my chest, and I felt a flush creep up my neck. "W-what are you doing?" I managed, suddenly very aware of how small the space between us had become.
"I know why you didn't want it," he said quietly, his voice low enough that I could feel it more than hear it.
"The ring. It wasn't about the style." His eyes met mine, seeing right through my excuse. "You think it's another chain—another thing being forced on you. Another decision made by your father. And I understand. But I want you to know—arrangement or not, this was my choice. I wanted to give you something real." He pulled the box from his pocket again. "I don't want my fiancée to feel slighted, even in an arranged marriage."
He opened the box, holding it between us. "It's yours. Wear it or not—your decision."
Our eyes met in the dim light, and for a moment, I couldn't look away. Before I could overthink it, I held out my left hand. His eyebrows rose slightly in surprise, but he carefully removed the ring and slid it onto my finger.
"Thank you," I murmured, not quite understanding why my heart was suddenly racing.
He nodded once, releasing my hand. "Goodnight, Nyx."
I slipped out of the car with a small smile playing on my lips. Teasing the usually stoic captain had been more fun than I'd expected. And the weight of the ring on my finger felt strangely... right.
Just as I was about to head inside, Taran appeared from the shadows like a ghost, startling me.
"Miss Nyx, Alpha Verdant requests everyone's presence for a family lunch tomorrow at noon," he announced with practiced formality.
I stiffened immediately. "Tomorrow? Why?"
Taran's expression remained professionally blank. "He did not share his reasons, Miss. Simply that your attendance is required."
The warmth I'd been feeling from the evening evaporated. What did he want now? Every time my father summoned me, it was for some new disappointment or demand. He'd stopped being a real father to me the moment Isla entered our lives, becoming nothing more than her puppet. A man who once led our pack with strength now just nodded along to whatever schemes his new wife concocted.
"Fine," I muttered, not bothering to hide my irritation.
Taran nodded and melted back into the darkness. I could feel Lysander's questioning gaze on me, but I didn't offer an explanation. Without another word, I turned and walked into my quarters, closing the door firmly behind me.
Once inside, I pulled out my phone with a sigh. I needed to let Lysander know I wouldn't make it to training tomorrow. When I pulled up his contact, I couldn't help but roll my eyes. He'd saved me in his phone as "My Beloved Fiancée" with a ridiculous heart emoji. Typical.
With a small smirk, I changed his contact name to "Eye Candy" – a little acknowledgment of his looks while keeping him at arm's length. Just because he was attractive didn't mean I was falling for him.
I typed out a quick message:
"Can't make training tomorrow. Alpha summons. Probably another lecture about proper Verdant daughter behavior."
I hesitated before hitting send, then added:
"Save my spot. I'll be back."
His response came almost immediately:
"Everything okay? Not another lockdown I hope?"
Before I could reply, my phone rang. Lysander's name—well, "Eye Candy"—flashed on the screen. I hesitated before answering.
"What?" I said, trying to sound annoyed.
I settled deeper into my blankets, phone pressed to my ear. His voice came through low and deep, rumbling against my ear in a way that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.
"Just checking if you're alright," he said, genuine concern evident. "Your father's summons are rarely good news."
I sighed, sinking further into my pillows. Something about hearing his voice in the darkness of my room felt strangely intimate. I found myself curling onto my side, phone cradled between my ear and pillow.
"I'm fine. Just tired of his games."
"Want me to go with you? I could wait outside."
The offer surprised me, as did the slight flutter in my chest at his words. I pressed my free hand against my sternum, annoyed at my body's betrayal.
"No need. I've handled him for nineteen years."
"Alright. Just call if you need anything. I mean it," he paused. "By the way, did you change my name in your phone?"