Chapter 8
872 Words
Lyra
I looked at myself in the mirror, seeing the scars on my back and arms, and I couldn't help clenching my teeth in rage. It was hard to believe his parents wanted me to go back and deal with the fallout.
At the same time, I could only swear at them in my mind. It seemed like all I'd suffered in the Obsidian Pack wasn't enough—they wanted to shatter me completely and maybe see me beg for pity. I tilted my head back with a sigh.
My feelings had been all over the place lately, ever since they told me they were my mates. They were attractive, with this otherworldly charm that took my breath away, and I still couldn't believe all three were mine. My brain was working overtime to wrap around it, but I knew they wouldn't let me leave this pack now. Last night, they'd been so persuasive that turning them down felt tough.
Especially since this was the first time anyone offered to shield me and actually meant it. It was like a dream, but I knew it was happening. Their touch felt real, and I couldn't figure out the pull I got when I was near them. Still, I didn't want to hole up in my room the whole time.
I felt like getting out, curious about what was around me. I stood up slowly and stepped out of the room they'd given me. A maid came up quickly.
"Good morning, breakfast's ready," she said. She took me to the dining room, where they were already sitting, waiting. My heart picked up speed—their looks left me without words. The Moon Goddess really chose three gorgeous guys for me this time.
"Good morning," they said, and I took the seat across the table.
"How're you feeling?" Soren asked, checking me over like a doctor would.
"I'm doing better, thanks," I said.
The maid poured my drink, giving me a friendly little smile as she bowed and went.
"Anything you wanna do today?" Thorian asked.
"Yeah." I kept it short, distracted by Vaelin's intense stare right at me. "Yeah, if it's okay, I'd like a tour around. I'm already bored in my room."
"No issue, but I can't take you—Soren and I have stuff to handle, so Vaelin'll show you." Thorian said.
I looked at Vaelin, his eyes still on me, but now with a grin as he said, "Sure, and I'm positive you'll love it here. Got plenty of spots to show you." He finally looked away, that gaze sending a nice shiver through me.
"Vaelin, don't wear her out with the tour—she still needs rest," Soren said.
"We'll let her call it," was Vaelin's reply.
Soren shook his head, knowing his brother wouldn't listen. I smiled, watching them eat so calm. I was relieved Thorian okayed the tour. Not just that, but I needed to confirm this was a safe spot, unlike the Obsidian Pack that was my worst nightmare, where every day was hell.
I wanted to feel like I'd found a real home, no fears, and that the pack truly took me in.
After breakfast, I headed to my room, freshened up, and put on comfy clothes for easy moving. The maid showed me where Vaelin was waiting. When I got there, I got caught up in how good he looked in his new clothes.
He grinned when he saw me coming his way. "You look great, and I'm thankful the Moon Goddess gave me a mate this beautiful." He held out his arm for me to take.
"Thanks," I said, blushing.
"Where first?" he asked as we walked arm in arm.
"I dunno, why not pick for me?"
"Alright, got a good plan." He answered as we passed the training grounds. I got hooked on their drive to train and protect the pack. Excitement built as I thought I wanted that strength and courage too—to defend myself and handle any danger.
I zoned out, eyes glued to their moves in awe.
"I see you're impressed by their skills—wait 'til you see mine. But not today; I'm taking you to my secret spot, one even my brothers don't know." He whispered near my ear, and I turned to him. My heart sped up when our eyes met, his bright smile warming me inside.
That smile built my excitement, lighting up my world and pushing away the dark from before.
"If it's okay to ask, why do you keep looking at me like that sometimes?" I said as I went with him to his hideout.
"Is it wrong to check out my gorgeous mate?"
"I suppose not." I laughed a bit.
"If you want, I could show you the world too," he offered out of nowhere.
I wasn't sure how to answer, but he had a way with words, and I liked it. "Or what do you say?" He asked, and I opened my mouth to respond but stopped cold.
My eyes went wide, face draining of color as I stared in shock. What was going on?
"W-who's this?" I stammered, looking at the person ahead. My gut twisted, heart pounding with fear.
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