Chapter 29

Roxanne

For a very long and intense moment, the three of us kept in that position until Lucas made the first move and started moving closer to me. This was exactly what I had dreaded all this while. The whole scheme with Rose's family's company was all in a bid to avoid an encounter between these two and exactly just that had happened.

I felt like I was about to have a panic attack. There was no going back now, everything would be out in the open. Before Lucas could get further closer to me, Derek pulled me back and got in front of me. It was a strong display of him protecting his property, in this case that was me.

The move angered Lucas and he showed his contempt with the sneer he wore on his face. I began to think of what I could do to stop the clash that was bound to happen between these two today. I feared for Lucas' sake that it could be avoided. But as I looked at Lucas, I saw a whole new creature behind that face. It was very different from the one I knew. He didn't look scared at the very least. In fact, he looked like he had been awaiting this moment for a long time.

I was completely lost. It seemed I was a stranger to what was going on. I turned to look at Derek again. He had the usual cold and self-assured look on his face.

"Roxanne, have you forgotten that you're, at least, bound to me by contract? And you're not allowed to have any relationship with any other mam whole that lasts?" Derek stated fiercely.

I felt embarrassed that Lucas was present to hear Derek state the conditions of the contract. He was never going to look at me the same way after today. To be honest, I knew a lot was going to be different after today but all I wanted at the moment was for everyone to survive this encounter and leave here unharmed without any chaos.

"It's not what you think," I replied. Lucas scoffed at that statement but I ignored him. Before I could utter anything else, Lucas moved closer and challenged Derek.

"Who are you to tell her what to do and who she can be with?" He said.

"And who exactly are you to ask me that question?" Derek shot back at him. The tension was becoming more intense between them.

Lucas suddenly grabbed my arm and laid his own claim on me. I knew the situation was hopeless after that move. Derek became furious at the sight of another man touching me and he showed it. He panted heavily and aimed to pounce on Lucas. At the same time, Lucas was ready to launch at him but thankfully the crew that was with Derek came in time to stop the both of them before anything decisive could happen.

I was immediately filled with temporary relief. I knew the day wasn't over just yet and a fight could still break open between the two but I was grateful for the interference. I wouldn't be surprised if the men that had come with Derek were also werewolves. After all, they were meant to move in packs.

Maybe they saw the need to stop Derek because they didn't want him to transform in the presence of everybody and get himself exposed. Whatever it was, I was happy for their presence.

Despite the interference, Lucas' face continued to build up with anger. His eyes became smaller as he went on. I was beginning to think that something strange was happening to him but I was too distracted and unsettled to figure it out. I could see that if I didn't do anything, Lucas was going to attack again. He looked as if he was having a hard time controlling himself.

"Derek? It's not what you think it is." I said again to cause a distraction. "I came here with Lucas as a friend. This company belongs to my best friend's family. Can't I come out with my friend? There was nothing on the contract that said that."

"If that's the case, then where is your best friend because I can't find her anywhere," Derek said before he started laughing.

"I know exactly what to do with you. It's been a while since I taught you a lesson and it seems you're due for one." Derek said mockingly.

The statement made Lucas angry again. With a very quick movement, he eluded the men around and got close to where Derek stood. The two of them grabbed each other's arms and began to pull at each other. I turned to Derek's men for support but it seemed as if they knew better than to interfere at this stage.

Clueless as to what to do next, I grabbed the area where their arms touched each other and I felt completely helpless against the great and immense amount of energy that passed in between the both of them. I pulled away quickly when I couldn't handle it any longer.

"You think you can handle this? I advise you to move out of the way before this gets really bad for you." Derek warned.

Lucas wasn't having any of it. He remained bold and strong in his stance against Derek. "If it's a war that you want, then bring it on."

They continued to shove at each other without any of them particularly winning until one of the men suddenly called out at Derek.

"It's a call from Dennis, he says your attention is urgently needed. We need to leave, sir." the man said.

Reluctantly, Derek pulled away and gave Lucas one last shove before he did. The impact made Lucas lose his balance for a moment but he quickly held himself together.

"This isn't the end." Derek told him, and before he left, he said to me, pointing his finger, "You! Get prepared for our next meeting." Then he left with his men.

I was left with only Lucas and when I turned to look at him after Derek had gone, he quickly muttered something that suggested that he also had to go and left.

I stood there not knowing how to proceed. Lucas must really be disappointed in me now. I had really fucked things up this time around and there was really nothing I or anybody else could do to fix it, not even Rose.