78 Unexpected confrontation…
Lyla
My heart nearly stopped when I saw the familiar figure approaching our car.
Even after all these years, I’d recognize Lenny anywhere – Ramsey’s ever–loyal Beta, his right hand in everything. Without thinking I ducked down, practically diving towards Nathan’s lap.
“Beta Lenny,” I heard Jeremy – Nathan’s father call out. “To what do we owe the presence of the White Moon Throne? You’re far away from home and you could have requested for a report to
be sent instead of coming down here.”
“I know, Beta Jeremy,” Lenny chuckled “But a request came for the Lycan Leader himself from Alpha Logan’s widow – Luna Vanessa and he’s obliged to attend to her needs, especially after the brave feat the late Alpha pulled – he’s practically the reason why Elder Eldric is still alive.”
“I see!” Jeremy responded, with uncertainty in his voice but he didn’t sound surprised that my mother had requested the presence of White Moon Throne. If anything, he was acting normal…
almost too normal.
I couldn’t help but wonder why my mother needed help from Alpha Ramsey. I pressed closer to Nathan, hoping Lenny would leave soon. Just then, Nathan woke up, blinking sleepily at my nearness, staring at me in confusion.
“Lyla? What’s wrong? Why are you…” his voice was low and groggy. But before I could answer. and ask him to talk quietly, Lenny’s smooth voice cut into the conversation.
“Alpha Heir, looking good.” His eyes moved to the back of the car. “You don’t look like a man who’s spent even a day in the dungeons. What’s your secret?”
He was mocking, Nathan. I felt him stir and I squeezed my eyes shut, wishing I could disappear entirely. If Lenny was here, Ramsey would be here too. I know it sounds foolish especially as I didn’t owe Ramsey but the thought of meeting him impromptly was causing me to panic.
For one, I looked like a mess. I’d just endured an 8–hour drive, I had bags under my eyes, my nails were chipped, my clothes wrinkly and I had no make–up on. How could I appear before my ex–mate looking like life has been unfair to me?
Even if it has, why would I give him the satisfaction? Knowing who Cassidy was, I’m sure she would be with him. Slender, beautiful and regal with matching jewellery set, not a single strand of hair out of place with her wolf, probably whispering to Ramsey about how stupid I look…
The typical Wolfless Deviant…
Tears pricked at my eyes but I pushed it back. I didn’t think I could face him.
“Lyla?” Lenny said suddenly calling out my name with a smug familiarity. “Stop hiding, I can see you there?”
Realizing there was no escaping, I slowly straightened, forcing what I hoped was a cold smile. “Beta Lenny,” I tried to sound cool. “Who exactly am I hiding from? You or Alpha Ramsey? C’mon,” I huffed. “I was looking for my earring. it suddenly fell.”
11;21 Q
174
<
78 Unexpected confrontation…
Lenny nodded an exaggerated amused smile on his face. “Still, it’s good to see you back!” Then he moved towards my side of the car and opened the door for me. Then he held out his hand,
smiling.
“Allow me to help you out, Miss Lyla.”
I murmured my thanks, stepping out of the car with his help. Every part of me was on high alert, my gaze darting around for any sign of Ramsey. At least, if I could spot him first, it’ll help me. Though I was desperately hoping he wasn’t nearby.
“Can you spare a few minutes of your time, Lyla?” Lenny cut into my thoughts. “Most of the Alphas are yet to arrive and I came here earlier so I could have enough time to talk to you.”
But before I could respond, Nathan stepped between us, his eyes flashing with annoyance.
“She’s not going anywhere with you, Beta Lenny,” Nathan stated. “Whatever you need to say, you can say it here. No one is a stranger here and I’m sure everyone present has her best interests
at heart.”
Lenny’s smile didn’t waver but his eyes hardened as he stared at Nathan. “And since when do you speak for her? I believe she can speak for herself don’t you think? If she doesn’t want to talk to me she can tell me herself… then I won’t bother her again.”
“And I’m saying she doesn’t need to speak with you or your Lycan Leader privately,” Nathan insisted, shoving me behind his back. “Don’t you ever get tired of ass–licking and running around like his dog?”
“Those are treasonable words, Nathan…” Lenny said quietly. “You’re yet to be made Alpha… goddess! Who knows if you’ll become one at the end of the day? So watch it. Besides, the punishment for treason isn’t some fancy dungeon and food every day. It’s death… instant death.”
“Both of you, stop!” I stepped around Nathan, inserting myself in their middle. “You don’t want to create a scene on a day like this. Fine, I’ll hear whatever the Lycan Leader wants to say!”
“You shouldn’t go if you don’t want to,” Nathan’s eyes left Lenny, seeking mine. “Don’t let them bully you into what you don’t want to do.”
“Don’t worry, Nath,” I gave him a small smile touching his arm gently, though my heart was racing. “It’s okay. I can handle this and until I go, they won’t stop coming. Don’t worry, okay?”
“Lyla…”
“Please,” I said softly, cutting him short again. “Let me deal with this now, so we can focus on what’s important tonight.”
Nathan’s jaw clenched as he reluctantly stepped back still glowering at Lenny who had a satisfied smirk on his lips. “Five minutes. I’ll be right here if you need my help.”
Lenny gestured towards a small garden path in the Council compound and together we started for in. We walked a short distance, stopping when we got to the path covered with tall hedges. My pulse hammered in my chest… the last time I had met Ramsey in the garden or rather he had
met me…
We had sex
11:21
78 Unexpected confrontation…
A blush rose to my cheek as I tried to thrust the memory away from me. Why on earth would I be thinking about that?
Lenny turned to me, a pleasant smile on his face and I tried to meet his gaze without flinching wondering silently where Ramsey was.
“He’s not here, Lyla!” he said slowly. I arched my brows at him, feigning ignorance but he repeated. “Ramsey… he’s not here but he does send his regards. He wants me to extend his condolences on the passing of your father and he has promised to attend the funeral.”
I felt my stomach drop with disappointment. “Spare me,” I said through gritted teeth, clenching my fists. “What else?”
Lenny’s lips quirked into a bitter smile. “He misses you, Lyla… you cannot imagine how much. He spent the last four years searching for you, up until the moment you drove into our world, he was still looking.”
Anger flared in my chest as I narrowed my eyes at Lenny. “Am I supposed to be grateful for that information? Me and Ramsey are done with each other. He rejected me… not once, not twice… every time, he walked in and saw me, every time he laid his eyes on me… he rejected me. Even now, I guess he couldn’t come… doesn’t want to be seen with Alpha Logan’s Wolfless Deviant.”
“The Lycan Leader has his hands full with duties and couldn’t make it himself.”
“You know, years ago I would have accepted that line but I know a man will drop everything for
the woman he wants and this is not me insinuating that I want him to do the same. It’s just me saying, that I’m so over this line. But, I’m grateful for his condolence and I’ll accept that. If there’s nothing else…”
“Lyla… please!” Lenny reached out to stop me. “He’s not perfect but he spent four years devoted to searching for you. He spared no resources.”
“By sending Panthers after me, by locking up my best friend and traumatizing him? Those were
his resources.”
Lenny had the grace to look uncomfortable. “He wasn’t himself. He was desperate to find
explain…”
–
you,
to
“I don’t care,” I snapped. “I don’t care about his explanations or his desperation or his resources or his misery. All I care about is that he showed exactly who he is – cruel, and controlling. What was he thinking when he kept Nathan locked up for four years?”
Lenny sighed. “He wants to see you. I’m sure he’ll…”
“I will never see him again, Beta Lenny.” I stopped him midsentence. Go back and tell him, that he should let me go just as I have him. I’m happy with my life and he should be too. For Moon’s sake. He’s married.”
“He’s not married,” Lenny said quickly. “The marriage between him and Cassidy is yet to happen.”
That information left me stunned but I quickly masked it and shrugged. “His business, not mine. I have to leave now.”
As is turned to go Lenny caught my arm. Lierked away my nulse snikino in alarm
11:21
37%
78 Unexpected confrontation…
“Just hear him out, Lyla,” he pressed. “Just… take this…” he thrust a folded paper into my hands. “If you change your mind, come to this address tomorrow by noon. He’ll be there waiting for you.”
I stared at the paper, remembering all the nights I’d cried myself to sleep, all the times I’d wishe he’d chosen me even if it was for a minute.
“I won’t change my mind,” I said crumpling the paper in my fist. “We’re done here.” “Ramsey is not who you think he is, Lyla. Once you get to know him, you’ll understand.”
“Yeah,” I threw the paper at him. “You can tell him not to hold his breath.”
With that, I turned on my heels, trying to erase the address from my memory, I’d caught a glimpse of it.
I would not be going anyway.
