Chapter 23

Corrigan’s POV

“You’re a nice dancer.” Hale whispers.

“You’re not so bad yourself.” I say. “But you’ve stepped on me twice and missed the step three times…” he stumbles and gets back into line. “Make that four times.” I amend.

“I learnt all I know about dancing from movies.” He says sheepishly. He seems like a nice guy. He has a nice sense of humor, he is attentive and kind and conversation with him is as natural as breathing.

“Would you look at that?” He murmurs, his gaze going to the other end of the room. I look up at him.

“Don’t look!” He warns me when my eyes try to follow him. I snap my head back and stare at his shoulder.

“Lucien?” I ask, jealousy driving a knife into me and twisting.

“And Bianca…and that dress…she’s definitely going to fall out of it any time soon.”

I choke on a laugh. He holds me a respectful distance away. “Let's look at this as a rite of passage the organization of discarded mistresses/companions, shall we?”

My heart squeezes and I take a deep breath. He seems to notice my change in expression and taps my waist, dragging me back to reality.

“You do realize that was a joke, right?” he says.

“Of course.” I say.

“And you also realize that Lucien is almost definitely going to have to let you go at some point.” He says. “And this is not me being the wet blanket or anything,” he adds quickly. “but it’s almost totally impossible that he'll ever really take you seriously.”

“I’m not dense.” I say, forcing a smile. “Sorry for dumping all my problems on you,” I say.

He snorts. “It's sort of nice talking to somebody whose only life problem is a man.”

My smile falls. “I'm really acting like a spoiled bitch, don't I?” I say. He smiles.

“Just a little bit.” He replies.

“So…. what are you going to do?” I ask

“About my lack of money?” he shrugs. “I’ll work it out.”

I squeeze his shoulder. His eyes widened.

“Your…protector is walking this way looking like he wants to drive me into the ground.”

“Corrigan!” I hear Lucien say behind me. I turn, my eyes widening.

“This was a pleasant dance, darling but I’m off now.” He says, and immediately left. Lucien takes my upper arm in a tight grip, forcing a wince from me.

“Come with me.” He says, pulling me along with him.

“You’re making a scene, Lucien.” I say through gritted teeth as he pulls me out of the hall. “You’re acting unreasonable.”

He pulls me into the elevator, letting the doors slide closed behind me. We stare at each other for a couple of seconds, clearly waiting for the other person to speak first.

“What,” I say with forced calm. “the fuck was that?”

He turned to me. “I should be asking the same thing.”

“I was having a dance with a man, which, last time I checked, was legal in most countries.” I say.

“He was a guest, Corrigan. You could have placed yourself above draping yourself all over him.”

I flinch, stunned into silence. Was this coming from the person who almost got pushed to the floor by Bianca’s false double D’s? “Excuse me?” I say finally, when I regain the ability.

Lucien looks up, exasperated. “You are the daughter of a former beta, Corrigan, Act like it.

My jaw drops. The ding of the elevator sliding open pulls me out of my shock-induced silence. “Well that’s convenient, isn’t it?” I say. “Beta’s daughter in public but whore in private.” I give a humorless smile. “Almost forgot my role.”

I take my keycard from my purse, swiping it deftly. I am too hurt to be angry. I hope Lucien doesn’t come after me. I’m too strung out emotionally to handle the fight that would definitely follow. For once. I want him back at the pack house. I feel all of it. The anger and hurt.

“Corrigan…” He walks in behind me, closing the door.

I walk to the vanity mirror, taking off my earrings idly. My actions reflect nothing of the anger burning in my throat.

Tears burn my eyes but I blink them away. I would not let him see me cry. Not anymore. I am genuinely thankful we didn't become mates years ago. We can't spend two minutes in each other’s company without bringing out the worst in ourselves.

“And of course, you would have loved to have a little ménage a trois with Bianca, or are mistresses not supposed to ask?” I ask, taking the pins out of my hair.

“Maybe I was practicing for when you get tired of me and go into exile. I could always get another protector. So don’t judge me for advertising the wares.”

“You’re talking like a cheap whore.” He says

.

I still swallowing. I want to shout. Rave at him. Throw things at him. I’ve had enough but I don't do any of that. Calmly, I turn

“Actually, I’m not. Last time I checked, you had to be exiled and come back, kill my intended mate and lock me up in a hotel, kill a doppler and lock me up once again to keep me.” I slant a smile in his direction.

“The famed and widely desired Lucien Blackthorn running after a woman that he would always be too low to really have.”

He comes at me faster than I had expected, wrapping his hand round my throat so hard I have to stop myself from gasping.

I wrap my hands around his forearm. It is obvious that he is trying to hold on to his human form. He doesn’t want to shift. I want this to be over as soon as possible.

“Do it, Lucien.” I choke through gritted teeth, looking into his eyes. “Squeeze a little harder. Kill me and get it over with.”

Crystal begins to act up in defense, but holds her down. “Do it!” I urged him.

His eyes darken and I nod the best I can. “Come

His hand squeezes for a half second before letting go. I fall to the ground, my head swimming as I gasp for air. I know the bruise is healing already, but this still feels slightly crushed.

Other than that, I feel empty and cold on the inside. He falls to his knees in front of me, his face oddly apologetic, as though he can't believe what he just did.

I shut my eyes, my hand finding my throat. He strokes my hair, taking me into his arms. I am too weak to resist when he places me on the bed and throws the cover over me.``

“Corrigan…Corrigan, look at me.” He says. I turn away, lying on my side.

“I would like to get ready for my exile, now.” I say coldly. “Or would I have to run with a hundred guards chasing after me?”

There is silence and I can feel his gaze boring into my back. Stubbornly, I remain on my side, unwilling to turn around. He stands, going over to the table. I hear the splash of water pouring into glass.

He walks back to the side of the bed and puts the glass on the nightstand with a final thud.

“You’re not leaving.” He says flatly. He turns off the lights as he gets to the door and I hear the door slam shut.

Lucien’s POV

I sip on the cold coffee, staring into my crumpled paper. Standing beside me is Hannah, the matronly maid who had served my lunch this morning.

And I didn’t get that wrong. My lunch had been served this morning.

Coupled with Corrigan refusing to leave her room, eat or talk to anyone, I’ve had all the staff conclude that it was my fault, and take it out on me. So the cold coffee has become a bit normal, as well as the late service and the judgmental looks.

“I trust you’re enjoying your meal today?” Hannah asks, an innocent look on her face.

I nod, grimacing. “As much as I enjoyed the meal yesterday, Hannah. Has Miss Price spoken to anyone today?” I ask.

“She has locked herself in.” Hannah says with a sniff. “Refuses to eat or to meet with anyone.”

Like I need to be told.

“How long has it been?” I ask. I know how long it has been. Two days. Two days of talking to myself and forcing myself not to care about what had happened. So what if she wants to leave? She wants an exile? Fine, I would give her one. She was one female in, the line of many.

Next step: remind myself of that enough times to be convinced.

“Two days, sir.” Hannah replies.

I push the coffee away. I am hungry, but not desperate. “Has anyone considered breaking the door down?” I ask.

“No.” Another self righteous sniff. I groan inwardly and stand. “Prepare the rooftop lounge for tonight,” I say