Chapter 37 Lucien Nightfire
Chapter 37 Lucien Nightfire
After shopping, Maple dragged her to a favorite cafe for a quick brunch before heading home.
The moment Nova stepped inside, a sense of comfort washed over her. The place had a warm, homey feel. They slid into a booth near the window, and soon an older man approached their table with a welcoming smile.
“Welcome to my humble cafe. What can I get for you lovely ladies today?”
Nova picked up the menu and flipped through it eagerly, but her expression slowly shifted. The menu was clearly divided into two sections: one for werewolves, one for vampires.
She looked up. “Do vampires actually eat here?”
The man chuckled. “There was a time they visited often. We decided to add options for them to make the place more welcoming.”
Nova scanned the vampire section again. There were desserts infused with animal blood and drinks with names that made her skin prickle. The werewolf options, on the other hand, did not appeal to her.
She frowned. “What about humans?”
The owner tilted his head, genuinely confused. “Well, humans usually just order from the werewolf menu. I didn’t see the need to make separate options.” He paused, studying her expression. “Is something not to your liking?”
Nova closed the menu gently and set it on the table. “It’s not about the food. It’s just… it would be nice to feel welcomed here too. You made options for vampires who rarely visit the pack but ignore the humans who actually live here.”
The old man went quiet, processing her words. Then he spoke with genuine sincerity. “That wasn’t my intention, Luna. I’m an old man who’s lived in this pack my whole life. I don’t know much about yhe kind of desserts humans eat in the outside world, and truth be told, nobody here ever said anything.” He paused, something shifting in his expression. “But I see your point. It was shortsighted of me not to welcome them as best as I could. I’ll educate myself better.” He looked at her expectantly. “Do you have any suggestions?”
Nova beamed at his response. “You could start by asking people what they actually liked. Incorporate their favorites into your menu. Maybe even hire some of them to help.”
The man nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll do just that. For now, please enjoy what little I can offer.”
“Will do. Thank you.”
Nova ordered whatever Maple was getting, and the man flashed her a warm smile before heading off. Across the table, Maple gave her a thumbs-up.
“That was impressive. I didn’t even realize how shortsighted we’ve been until now.” She shook her head. “We really should make some changes around here.”
Nova didn’t reply, but a quiet sense of satisfaction settled in her chest. It felt good to be heard.
They ate and chatted until their plates were empty, then headed back to the car.
Maple was halfway through the drive home when something shifted in the air.
One moment, everything was normal. Next, people on the street froze mid-step, their expressions shifting to alarm. Then came the panic. People hurried inside, slamming their doors, and kids were being pulled away from windows.
Nova’s heart stuttered. “What’s happening? Why is everyone freaking out?”
Maple’s voice was tight and on edge. “Vampires at the border. Rune ordered everyone inside. It’s an emergency protocol.”
She pressed the accelerator, the engine roaring as they sped through the emptying streets. “I need to get my sons. I’ll drop you off first and head off.”
Still worried, Nova nodded. She recalled the threats the council had sent before. Did this mean they were under attack? Had the council finally acted?
Maple pulled up to the mansion in record time. Nova barely had the door open before Maple was already pulling away.
“Stay inside!” Maple called back. “Rune said he’s on his way!”
Nova nodded and hurried toward the house. She got the door open, slipped inside, and locked it behind her with shaking hands.
For a moment, she just stood there, catching her breath. Then she turned toward the stairs, ready to bolt to her room.
She took one step, then froze. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end.
The sound of fingers tapping lightly against the couch drifted through the silence.
Someone was here.
She slowly pulled her foot back, heart hammering, and peered toward the living room. Maple had said Rune was on his way. So who could it possibly be?
Her question was answered when she locked eyes with a man sitting on the couch, watching her with open curiosity.
He was beautiful in a way that made her breath catch — silver hair that seemed to shimmer even in the dim light, eyes the color of ice, features so sharp they could have been carved from marble.
He looked utterly at ease, one leg crossed over the other, fingers drumming lazily against the cushion.
Then his red lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile.
As strange as he looked, Nova was sure she had seen him somewhere before.
The man rose gracefully to his feet, hands sliding into his pockets.
“Ah,” he said, his voice smooth as velvet. “You must be the bride.”
He took a step toward her.
“Lovely to finally meet you. I’m Lucien Nightfire.”