Chapter 48 How Many Steps Backwards?
Xander
Lucinda Vale visiting is unexpected, to say the least.
I had been on my way to Vanessa's room to see how she's faring, but then, Max had mind-linked me to inform me of Lucinda's arrival. It would've been rude to ignore the arrival of a guest, so I turned around.
Now, I wait, watching as she gingerly steps out of her yellow sports car, dressed regally as ever, just like I remember.
She ambles towards me, her movements, slow and relaxed, with an earsplitting grin lighting up her features.
Pulling off her sunglasses, she envelops me in a hug and I involuntarily stiffen for a moment, arms rigid at my side. But my body goes lax at the last moment at the familiar, yet strange warmth, and I return the gesture.
She pulls away and I take a step back, her smile doesn't falter. "Xander!" she exclaims. "Moon Goddess, how long has it been?"
It's been years. Four, to be precise.
"Lucinda, it's such a pleasure to see you again," I greet, and I mean it.
"Oh, Xander, you really haven't changed. Still as formal and stiff as ever," she laughs. "Come, and tell me everything that's been happening with you."
Looping her hands through mine, she pulls me along as we walk inside the mansion. I don't miss the looks of surprise aimed our way as we go, but I ignore them all.
I lead her to my private office where she chatters on and on about her life and what she's been up to in the other side of the world.
"So, tell me, what's been happening with you?" she asks, then leans in conspiratorially as if afraid someone might overhear. "I hear you have a new crown princess, and she's human," she says the last part with a slight frown.
"Yes, Vanessa is human, and I will not tolerate any acts of discrimination against her," I warn, somehow needing to defend her.
Lucinda leans back slightly, an undecipherable look on her face as she studies me. "You love her," she declares.
I inhale sharply, my eyes widen and I'm almost sure my face has gone pale. "I-I..."
What am I supposed to say to that?
My eyes catches Lucinda's expectant gaze, as if waiting for me to either confirm or deny her statement. Her blue eyes continue to bore into mine, and I can't help but wish it's a certain electric blue ones throwing murderous glances at me instead.
Lucinda lets out a merry laugh, her eyes crinkling at the corners, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Oh Xander, you don't need to deny it. It's clearly written all over you." She rises to her feet, a thoughtful look on her face as she paces, studying each one of the various paintings I had ordered to be brought in a few days ago.
"I understand it though," she continues. "Rumor travels fast, and I've seen pictures, she's stunning, by the way." She turns to face me, a small smirk curling her lips. "She's a vixen, isn't she? The type to almost make you go insane," she teases.
My lips tilt up at the last part. "She can be a handful a lot of times," I chuckle, remembering all the times Vanessa and I had clashed which is more often than not.
"I really can't wait to meet her," Lucinda says, her eyes darkening slightly but I don't pay attention to it. I'm sure she really wants to know what Vanessa is like. I would too.
For the next few days, Lucinda and I go everywhere; the library, the gardens, and she's even invited to meetings by some of the Council members who seem to have taken a quick liking to her.
Lucinda fits into the pack like she never left.
She's familiar with the customs, and the elders respect her, even Wade who's always the most displeased has been happy to engage her in conversations.
I find myself laughing at old memories we share, and those I don't even remember still live with me.
The more time and days I spend with Lucinda, the longer I'm away from Vanessa. I haven't seen her for a few days now, not knowing what she's been up to or if she's safe, and I'm starting to get agitated. Even Lucinda has started to notice, but everytime she asks, I either just brush her questions off or change the topic of conversation to something else.
There's something a little strange also. Everytime Lucinda and I are having a conversation, she always circles it back to Vanessa, and whenever I try to talk about something else, she does it again.
I always wonder why.
Lucinda and I are just coming from a meeting at the Royal Court room when I catch sight of Vanessa. She's dressed in her usual training clothes and seems to be heading to the training grounds.
When she sees us, her blue eyes darken and she turns her head away, pretending not to see us.
I step away from Lucinda to try talking to Vanessa, but Lucinda's hand shoots out to grab my arm. "Xander, wait," she says.
I look between her and the direction in which Vanessa left. "What is it?" I ask impatiently.
"Well, you talked about us going out to the–"
"Whatever it is can wait, Lucinda. I'll see you later," I cut her off without thinking, guilt washing over me at the look of hurt in her eyes.
"Okay," she smiles and leaves.
In the next second, I'm bolting out of the hallways, my eyes scanning the field for the little redhead.
I walk up to her once I see her. "Vanessa," I call.
"Oh, I thought I didn't exist here anymore. Done playing husband to little, Cinderella?" her tone is biting, sarcastic.
"What? Vanessa, I'm not playing husband to Lucinda. I've just been busy."
She whirls around. "Oh really? Looks like everyone here seems to be happy letting in a breath of fresh air with a real Royal in the pack," she says bitterly.
What? "Vanessa, what are you talking about?" I ask in confusion.
She sighs heavily and unclasps the pair of boxing gloves in her hands.
She gives me a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "Don't worry about. I'm leaving."
I step closer to her before she can move. Her blue eyes blaze with anger. "Move out of my way, Xander," she grits out.
I shake my head. "No. I'm not letting you leave until you tell me what's wrong," I plead, reaching out to cup her face but she tilts her head back. My heart plummets.
"Just let me know when you're ready to nullify the contract. I'll be waiting."
Wait, does she really think Lucinda is here to take her place? I'll never do that to her.
"Vanessa, wait. It's not what you think. Lucinda–"
She raises her hand up to silence me. "I don't care to know the relationship between you two," she croaks, her voice betraying her words. "Just do me a favor and don't rub it in my face. You and your people."
My hands fall to my side at the realization of her words.
This time when she moves, I don't stop her, just watching as she trudges back inside.
My heart shattering into a million tiny pieces.