Chapter 12

Chapter 12:

Jace and I went our separate ways when we finished at the restaurant. When I got home, I was met with an unpleasant surprise. Well, not really a surprise since I knew he’d be coming.

There, in the living room, was Roderick. Ex-mate.

He had been busy with his phone, but the moment he saw me, he couldn’t look away.

“Finally, you did come,” Nora rolled her eyes, rising to her feet.

Roderick was still staring at me, looking surprised.

“I know you,” he suddenly muttered. “From the airport p>

I watched Nora’s body language grow uncomfortable.

“Um… Roderick,” she sat next to him, taking his hand, “This is Lyric. She’s here now, so let’s go get this over with.” I did not miss how tense she looked.

Roderick’s expression clouded with confusion. He looked at Nora like she was insane, then at me.

Wearing a smile, I finally said, “Hello, Roderick. It’s a good thing we finally met because I’ve been as eager as you to get this over with. Let’s go.” I turned toward the door. I wasn’t even going to change or anything. I was longing for that moment.

“I don’t understand,” Roderick said, standing up. “How can she be Lyric? She’s…” he chuckled. “She can’t p>

“I wasn’t born ugly, Roderick, just in case you’re forgetting. All I had to do was get rid of my scar. But don’t worry, it’s the same Lyric standing before you. I still remember your favorite words: ‘Don’t look at me.’ ‘Your face disgusts me.’ ‘Get out of my pack.’” I shrugged. “See? Same me p>

His eyes widened like saucers. For someone as rigid as Roderick, the sight was golden.

I continued to the door and soon opened it. But I paused when I noticed Roderick wasn’t following.

“I have things to do, Roderick. Please, we need to get moving p>

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He lowered his gaze, seeming uncertain. Suddenly, he took his phone, tapping on the screen.

“Uh… something just came up. I—I have to go somewhere now p>

Wow. Roderick stuttered. But what the hell was he talking about?

“Babe,” Nora drew close. “Anything can wait. We’ve been waiting for ages now p>

“It can’t wait,” he nearly snapped at her. Looking at me, his gaze softened, but there was guilt in his eyes.

“We’ll finish this later,” he muttered and walked past me, out the door.

As expected, Nora was displeased with Roderick’s dismissal, and so was I. I was more than eager to get this over with.

Hours later, I met Father to tell him of my plans to return to Draconis. As expected, he didn’t take it well.

“You just got back, Lyric. Besides, we still have the pending agreement with Darkspire p>

“I’m not interested in Alpha Jaris anymore.” It was difficult getting the words out, but I had to. “I’m sorry, Father, but I really want to leave p>

Seeing him again had brought me too much pain. I just wanted to go back to my normal life in Draconis.

Father’s face paled. I couldn’t help feeling pity for him.

He was about to say something when two guards rushed in, displaying urgency.

“Alpha,” they bowed to him. “We have company. Alpha Jaris is here p>

My eyes widened in surprise. I wanted to believe I hadn’t heard clearly, but Father sprang to his feet. Shit! This was real.

We scurried outside to find Jaris and a group of his men stepping out of their cars. The two men from the restaurant were also present. My jaw dropped. Why do I have a feeling he was here to cause trouble?

“Alpha Jaris,” Father stepped forward, both delighted and shocked. “What a pleasant surprise. You should’ve told me you were coming. I’d have prepared a grand welcome p>

Jaris’ eyes found mine, and not for a second did he look away. That made me uncomfortable in a lot of ways.

“There’s no need for that, Alpha Bennett,” Jaris said. “I didn’t come here for a grand welcome. I came here,” he stepped forward, “to hear directly from your daughter p>

Nora and her mother were out of the house, though they kept their distance.

By the moon, I didn’t like this one bit.

Father looked at me with furrowed brows.

Jaris explained, “Your daughter here told me she was no longer interested.” His eyes took on a shadowy gleam. “I got your message p>

I nervously licked my lower lip. “I… uh p>

“Can you say it again, Lyric?” He ambled toward me.

He looked far too intimidating like this. I found myself retreating.

“What makes you think you can actually reject someone like me p>

I took offense at that. Oh, so you’re the only one who gets to reject people, huh?

“Lyric, what’s going on?” Father turned to me.

Now, there were too many eyes on me.

Jaris finally stopped approaching, but his expression didn’t soften.

You can do this, Lyric.

I should stand by my words of not being interested. The problem was, it was easier saying it to his men than it was to him. Staring at that terrifyingly handsome face, I couldn’t bring myself to get the words out. He opened his palm, and a gun was placed into it.

Okay… what did he…

I gasped when he aimed at one of Father’s cars and took a shot. The window shattered instantly.

“Jaris! What’s the meaning of this?!” Father growled.

“Forgive me, Alpha Bennett, but I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong. If your daughter will not honor our agreement, then I believe everything you own now belongs to me, considering the depth of your debt.” He shot at another window.