Chapter 20 20
Lucien's pov
She slept soundlessly in my arms as I walked into the dinning room. I was quick to pick up the scent of freshly cooked food and baked pastries. With a sour expression I ignored the Omegas prostrated in a bowing position as I cast a careless gaze over the table, laid out with a carefully arranged variety of food.
They all avoided staring up at me, none daring to.
"Your Majesty- we weren't aware the Lady was asleep. We would have- "
"Take them to the quarters." I replied as I turned away, mounting the stairs.
Mid ascended, I paused, realizing I hadn't sensed them moving behind me- they all stood frozen to their spots. Only exposing my profile, I hiss, "Are you deaf?"
Immediately, they scrambled, muttering apologies as they boarded the dishes on the table before fleeing one after the other, clumsily knocking over the wall before exiting.
Sighing, I turn away, my eyes landing on the woman in my arms, my eyes softening upon musing over her soft, calm breaths she took as she wrapped herself closer, snuggling into me.
In her room, I laid her down, surprising myself when I realized I was being tender with her. It took me backwards away from the bed I stared at her to realize it .
Slowly, I crossed the distance, sitting beside her, drawing the sheets over her naked body before pushing stray strands of hair over her ears.
She sighed, and slowly her eyes peeled open. It was slow, groggy, and I only managed to see a glint of her brilliant blue eyes before she turned away from me to the other side, returning back to sleep.
My heart imploded in my chest watching her- it felt like I missed what it felt like to hear it beating again, feel the rush of adrenaline through my veins as blood pumped through fast and heart, rejuvenating.
No.
I rise up, avoiding the bed as I backed away, like it was plague- like she was plague. Fuck. No.
No.
But- but she was my mate. And this time I could have her all to myself if I fought against all odds, all rules. She was worth it, wasn't she?
Or I could just keep her around, use her for the power surge. She's a mortal. I couldn't risk getting attached to her. And it was even more dangerous, because I know just knowing losing her would tear me apart.
She already had so much effect over me. Everything about her- just touching her- being with her... I forget who I am- what I stand for- my reputation to uphold and I loose all sense of reasoning.
And it's making his crazy because she probably doesn't even realize it.
I couldn't. I headed to the walk in closet where the Omegas moved in a few of my clothes during noon and threw on a shirt and pants before leaving the room, shutting the door before letting out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
I send for two guards through the mind link and in a few seconds they're before me, head bowed before they straighten.
"No one goes in. No one goes out. You," I eye down the second one. "You're with me."
"Your Majesty." Both bow before one stands guard at the door while the other follows behind me.
"Donavan, is it?"
"Yes Your Majesty."
A smirk makes its way to my lips, disappearing just as I turn to face him once we go past the gates and out into the fields, the billowing wind of the night rummaging through our hair and clothes.
"I'd like to keep whatever happens tonight between us. You can do that, can't you?" I place a hand over his shoulder, watching his eyes reflect the crimson red emanating from mine.
"Certain of that" he replied without unwavering and I pulled back, pleased with his reaction.
"I've gotten word that the Head Alpha are on the boundary between the West coast pack travelling over the bridge heading back to the inn Port which will take them back to respective packs by dawn."
"What do you have in mind?"
"They're returning from Godric's that I'm aware of. I have no interest in knowing what they discussed, but it concerns Lena, and I think it's time I start to take matters into my own hands."
I didn't have to remind anyone who I was- no. I just want to let them know I still reveled in people's demise when they dared cross me. To make an unanimous vote to out me from the head of Alphas without regarding my opinion was one thing- to side with Godric was another- to scheme against me?
Did they really think they could do it right under my nose and not have me find out.
What they discussed didn't concern me, but making them regret ever siding with my Nephews would be a worthy feat accomplishing tonight.
"Just follow me and do as I say... " With that, I turn, racing up and flinging myself up to shift into midair before I tear through the wind, feeling it blast my face as I speed across the field, paws out, claws sinking into the ground..
Right behind me, Donavan's Wolf followed after mine closely.
At the Inn port, I waited outside, shifted back and behind a tree where I leaned against the hard back, scouring the area with boredom.
We made it before they did, but it's been long enough and there hasn't been a sign of a carriage.
The door to the Inn Port is thrown open, I glance to see Donovan step out. There's the momentary cacophony of laughter, skulls and knuckles cracking, songs blaring and beer mugs slamming into each other as the door shut behind him.
He discreetly stares around before approaching the tree, handing me a change of clothes. As I take them, he goes behind the tree facing the Inn port and lights up a smoke, presenting the picture of the unbothered while he talks to me.
"Apparently, you might have miscalculated. They aren't here. If they were supposed to arrive it would have been moments ago, long before us... "
"The man behind the counter let you have the guest list and you thought you'd spot their names?" I scoff before rounding the tree, readjusting the scarf around my face. "Did you book the room like I asked you to."
"Yes- here's the key, registered under the name Donovan Laurent."
"That's one smart thing you've done all night." I snatch the key, keeping it hidden in the first of my palm before I jut my chin to the side.
"Once I gain access, I can easily find them, one of them would do-"
"If you don't mind me asking- what do you plan on doing to- " he stops talking, his expression steeling when I glare at him.
"Head to the barn behind the Inn Port and take care of the horses. Ensure they won't be able to move themselves for a day at least talk more about a carriage."
He nods, expertly flipping a small dagger around his fingers with a small smile. "With pleasure."
"Once you're done, try not to leave any traces. Leave immediately. You saw no one. You spoke to no one."
Without another word, he disappeared Into the shadows, eyes furtively searching around before the darkness completely swallowed him.
Taking one last look across, I head for the Inn. Pushing the door open, the bell ringing signifies my entrance, but barely anyone pays any attention to me.
Good.
I draw the scarf further up.
Loud music is playing, and women too young to be drinking themselves walk around with barely anything on, serving drinks to the guests around. Some usually preferred having drinks before heading up to their rooms. Some enjoyed the view put on by the strip dancers up on stage dancing to the fast paced songs, with thin smiles and recoiling bodies.
None faze me. I naturally scan the room before heading straight for the man behind the counter.
"Would the fine Gentleman be interested in a private dance session?" I look down at a she-wolf who encircles me the moment our eyes lock.
Her gaze is sultry, and she's surely already attracted half the gazes in the room but her eyes are fixed daringly in mine. A veil shield part of her face, emphasizing the gems tracing the edge of her eyes. A Latisha dancer.
"Not interested " the disappointment is palpable as I move past her.
The man at the counter spits right into his cigar box just as I reach up, shoving the key to his face.
"Donovan Laurent."
I turn to walk away, heading for the inner room leading up to the guest rooms upstairs.
"The guy seemed much shorter than I remembered. Can I see that key for a moment, kind sir." The stool under the man scrapes over the floor as he rises, stretching a hand forward.
Suddenly a pair passed by me, probably headed to the bar section for drinks. My instincts encourage me to monitor them and my pupils dilate upon recognizing them.
I'd recognize that ridiculously long knotted braids anywhere, even hidden in guise of a bun.
Elliot, and draped over his arms. The Latisha dancer from just earlier.
My upper canines tease the inside of my bottom lips as I smirk, bloodlust consumes me watching them saunter over to the bar, chuckling and flirting, intensely intoxicated.