5. ARIANA

“Can I come in?” He asked and I stepped aside from the doorway and let him in. “I got these for you. I didn’t know what flowers you like but I hope you like Tulips.”

“Now just because you got me something, I must like it?” I snapped back, feeling a sense of frustration building up.

“No. I am sorry, that’s not what I meant. I can take them back if you—”

“No, it's fine.” Xavier cut him off and I glared at him. He glared back at me and I knew what he meant. He was asking me to remain composed. He picked the bouquet and walked to the kitchen to place them in a jug of water. I sat on the couch and he sat in front of me. Xavier came back with a bottle of water for me and kissed my head. Sitting beside me on the armrest, he wrapped his arm around me and I leaned into him. Lucas was clearly uncomfortable with the way he was fidgeting in his place seeing us. He tried to look here and there to hide his discomfort but he was doing a poor job at it.

“I want to let you know that we are coming to Chicago to help your pack.” I let out everything in one go.

Lucas was shocked for a second but he quickly composed himself. “Thank you so much. When do you want to leave?” 

“Leave? First listen to my conditions.”

“Sure, tell me about them.” Why is he acting all caring and respectful?

“One. Xavier and I need complete protection from your pack and your mate. Any form of threat or attack, we shall immediately come back and you shall take responsibility for it. Two, I shall decide when the sacrifice shall happen. No one, I mean no one will put any kind of physical, emotional or mental pressure on me for it. Three, we shall live in our own place and nowhere close to the pack. You shall hire the necessary security and personal for our safety.  And on top of everything, if anything goes wrong, you shall take responsibility for the entire thing.” He nodded listening to me attentively.

“I shall ensure that both of you are safe and happy there. It shall be my duty to safely escort you back here.”

“I have already lost so much because of you. Don’t make me regret anything for making this decision.” 

“You have my promise. I shall protect you with everything in me. Afterall you are my—” He coughed trying to cover his words.

“Extend that honor and promise to Xavier too. I will not tolerate anything bad or wrong happening to him.”

“Come on. Don’t be so pessimistic.” Xavier spoke.

“You don’t know these guys honey. They know very well how to treat people. I am just making sure that we don’t regret this decision at any costs.” Sarcasm was evident in my tone.

“You won’t. I shall make sure of that. And before you even know, I shall safely escort you back here to San Francisco.” I nodded agreeing to him, but I couldn’t assure myself. There was a restless feeling inside me and I prayed hard wishing that it shouldn’t harm the three of us.

“Have you thought of a plan for this? When do we start?” He was impatient about this and I was going to give him a very bitter medicine.

“I will talk to my doctor and let you know.” 

“Do–doctor?” He stuttered.

“Yes. I am pregnant and until I have medical clearance I cannot fly.” I told him and his eyes went to my stomach.

“You are preg–pregnant.” His eyes were glossy. I was surprised to see him be so vulnerable. I looked up at Xavier who in turn was in a deep frown looking at Lucas. I nudged him with my elbow and he turned to look at me with a different emotion in his eyes.

Fear.

I shook my head and assured him with my eyes. He nodded and kissed my forehead, his lips lingering there for a while.

I kissed his cheek and he patted my hair.

“Is there a problem?” I asked Lucas and he snapped his attention back to my face.

“No. No, there is no problem. It's just that I–I” He chuckled mirthlessly and discreetly wiped his eyes. “This is my number. Let me know your plans. I shall get going.” He placed his card on the table in front of him and walked out of the door leaving me and Xavier confused.

What is happening?