A large gust of wind scattered leaves around our legs. Flora whimpered and clutched my bare leg, making it hard to walk. After a moment I gave up and picked my little sister into my arms. She immediately buried her head into my neck. I continued walking aimlessly, searching for help.
The London night was cold. Wind blew in horrid strong gusts, making my short dress rise up to reveal more than I wanted. Fear and worry clenched my stomach. The patter of my heart could be heard by Flora, who was shivering. I pushed herself tighter against me, wanting to protect my sister from the dreadful wind.
The sky was dark with night. Somewhere in the distance, a bottle clattered down the street. Draycottwas empty of its residents, but there was still evil lurking in the deadly alleys that must be avoided at all costs. Druggies and the homeless wandered in the shadows, waiting for something that would never come. Prostitutes roamed the streets for new customers, and the sounds of moaning could be heard near the trash cans. I kept my head down and continued walking through the bitter cold, holding Flora as tightly as I could.
Lucian was nowhere to be seen.
12 Hours Earlier
"I am not going to leave my home, Lucian!" I shouted. Flora woke with a start, slapping my face with surprise. I lulled her back to sleep after a moment, and her childish snores sounded once again. In front of me, Lucian's heavy breathing could also be heard. He eyed me angrily.
"I have never met such a character as yourself, Victoria." he growled. "Why must you always be so defiant? I don't understand you. I have said before, we can't live apart! The Luna Bonda will not allow it. We must be in each other's presence at all times. I can't live without you, literally. If you are to stay here, it will cause physical pain."
"You are not serious." I scoffed. "This is bloody ridiculous, Lucian."
"Victoria, please." his words were softer this time. I looked up in surprise. I had expected to receive anger at defying his order, but instead it was the complete opposite. Lucian looked saddened by the fact that I refused to live with him, and it broke my heart for some reason. He walked over until his lips were against my hair. I suddenly noticed how much taller Lucian was than I. He towered over Flora and I, with such a power that had my knees buckling. I couldn't understand how everything he did or said was such a turn on.
"Please." he repeated, voice a liquid smolder. I felt the incredibly heat coming off his chest, even with Flora between us. My lips twitched with the need to kiss Lucian, but I fought off the warm feeling. This wasn't me. I couldn't let him break me.
"Okay." I said. But of course, it really wasn't. Lucian wouldn't leave me alone unless I did what he said. I could be the perfect mate he wanted me to be, but only for pretend. I would leave with Flora when he least suspected, and move far away where even the stupid bond between us couldn't reach.
"I can tell what you're thinking, Victoria, and let me warn you that it won't work. You can't escape from me. You may not believe it now, but if you leave, I can guarantee you will come back. Willingly." Lucian muttered. I ignored his jabs and walked into the living room with Flora. Lucian's helpers appeared from the couch. Without being wolves or in their ski masks, I could finally make out the features.
One of them was thick and burly, with stiff brown hair and a stubble that looked like it was honestly trying to grow. He had a quiet demeanor about himself, and wouldn't make eye contact with me. His friend was tall and skinny, with no hair and a mustache. He wouldn't look at me either. It took me a moment to realize this was probably because of Lucian's dumb mating thing.
Because God forbid anyone looks at the Alpha's mate.
"Flora..." I turned on Lucian. "...is coming with me."
He merely shrugged. "Okay."
"I mean it, Lucian." I pestered. "My sister isn't going anywhere without me."
"I said okay, Victoria."
"She is too young to be alone. I don't think it's a good idea for us to move in with you. I mean, Flora doesn't react well to change. I can't take her home away from her. This was her childhood, Lucian. No matter how broken down or bad this building looks, it was where we both grew up. I have memories here- are you even listening to me?" I snapped.
Lucian glanced up, truly surprised that I was speaking to him. He looked clueless. I slapped his chest angrily and stomped away, which for some reason made Lucian laugh. Heat crawled up my neck, but not only from the embarrassment. Lucian's laugh was dark and incredibly beautiful. I didn't know how I was supposed to live with him when every moment was filled with sexual tension.
But you're not, Victoria. A voice in my head warned. You're not staying one night with Lucian. Flora can't live like that, and Lucian is a heartless beast who will try to control everything about you. God forbid the respected Alpha had a mate with pink hair.
Lucian's friends went down the stairs first. They chattered about something which was probably important to me because I heard my name being said, but the voices were far too low for me to make out any plausible words. I went next, holding Flora tightly. Lucian followed after. Strangely enough, I could only hear my footsteps on the stairs. Lucian or his friends made no noise, and if I had closed my eyes, I wouldn't have even known there was someone there.
We went outside. The fresh air was a relief against my sweaty face. I didn't miss the looks people gave us who were nearby enough to see what was happening. Lucian was instantly by my side, protecting Flora and I from any wandering eyes. It bothered me a bit that Lucian could be so protective just because someone merely looked at me.
"I cannot believe you stole my car." Lucian growled. He pulled open the door and pushed me into the passenger side. I sat down and adjusted Flora on my lap. She had been sleeping until Lucian slammed the door shut. With a small whimper, her blue eyes blinked open.
"What a wanker." I muttered under my breath. Lucian had been passing in front of the car when I said it, but somehow he heard it. I ducked my head, blushing as he glared at me through the windscreen. After a moment the door opened on his side and he got in. His friends silently slipped into the backseat.
"Victoria, please behave." Lucian said softly as he started the engine. He smoothly backed out and began heading up the street, at a way better pace than I had driven with. His tan arms were buff with muscles. I swallowed dryly and looked away. There was no reason to get horny because he had sexy arms, for fuck's sake. What was wrong with me?
"I don't feel like chasing you all over London tonight. I am at my wit's end with you. If I do catch you trying to leave, then this time, you will be in grave trouble. So for your own sake, don't jump out any windows or open the doors. There are security alarms and I doubt you are desperate enough to jump out a 50-foot high window. Is that clear?"
"You don't know how desperate I am." I muttered. "But okay, do what you want."
"Do not underestimate me, Victoria." His deep voice rose with anger. The back of my beck prickled with apprehension. "You will regret it."
"Fuck off."
As soon as the words left my mouth, I instantly regretted it. Lucian's eyes flashed a liquid gold. I froze, waiting for a reaction. Lucian slipped one hand off the wheel and placed it on my bare leg. My skin prickled under his warm hand, and tendrils of flutters snaked through my entire body. It was an intense pleasure, but one that I hated.
"Do you care to repeat that?" he growled, his voice low and sexy. I could only stare in shock. Lucian smirked and began tracing his fingers higher up my leg, so that I was enveloped in a crushing heat. I mashed my teeth together in a sad attempt to feel anything but Lucian's skin on mine.
"Stop." I whispered. My voice cracked on the simple syllable.
Lucian withdrew his hand as quickly as he put them there. I hated the way he was making me feel. I wasn't used to situations that I was not in control of. Lucian just crushed every piece of dignity I had with a simple touch. He had won, and the fucking dog knew it.
The rest of the car ride was as silent as a empty room. Lucian's friends didn't bother to make any conversation in the back, as did Lucian himself. I pressed my lips together and stared out the window. A small feeling of excitement ran through me. Even though I had already seen Lucian's house, I hadn't been awake to be driven there. Now, as the trees blurred past, I could finally appreciate the feeling of leaving Draycottbehind. It felt as though a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
Maybe Lucian was actually a blessing in disguise.