5- What Do You Want From Me?

EVELINE

“Gotta go, Tam.”

“Where is his place?” Tammy asked, looking up from where she sat on the couch.

Eveline paused to put on her jacket, then took up her bag again.

“It's out of the city,” Eveline replied. “But I could Uber there apparently.”

She had checked just before taking her bath. ‘Vale Villa’ was the name of the place, and it was a ten minute drive.

“I still don't understand why he can't just admit your dad at the hospital.”

Eveline avoided her eyes. She still hadn't told Tammy about the deal she made with Lucian, or what happened last night, or the fact that he was her fiance's uncle.

Or former fiance.

“His condition is bad,” she said. “Bad enough to make him shift out of control, so he has to be with…you know, someone who understands. Doctor Lucian is his best option right now.”

“Oh, you werewolves.” Tammy stood up, and held her arms out. “Alright, come here.”

They hugged each other tightly, and Eveline squeezed her friend's back for extra measure.

“He’s a handsome guy, though,” she whispered. “Just saying.”

“Tammy!”

Vale Villa was located outside the city and deep into the countryside. Eveline relaxed in the backseat of the car as the driver took her through the road that lead into the woods.

And then the building emerged into sight. It was huge and wide, built in the middle of pine trees and cordoned off on all sides by a metal fence.

As she paid the driver and walked up to the door, she stared around, admiring the quiet beauty of the flowers, the grass and the gravel that lined the walkway.

She had expected Lucian to be rich, but nothing like this had come to her mind.

The door wasn't open like the gate was.

She checked her watch. A minute past four.

She puffed out a breath and rang the doorbell.

A few seconds passed. Then the door swung open.

It wasn't Lucian at the door.

A woman stood there: tall with tousled dark hair falling over her shoulders. She wore nothing but an oversized men’s shirt, the hem barely reaching her thighs, the buttons undone enough to reveal smooth skin and the swell of her bossom.

She looked Eveline up and down slowly, one eyebrow arching. “Can I help you?

Eveline found herself frowning heavily, her throat suddenly tasting bitter.

“I’m looking for Mr. Lucian,” she said, trying to keep the coldness out of her voice.

But she must have been unsuccessful, because the woman’s brows fell into a frown as well.

“What for?”

Eveline opened her mouth, a harsh reply coming to her lips, when someone stepped into the hallway. It was too dark for her to see, but she could tell it was Lucian. Even from here, she could catch his scent.

“Step aside, Maeve,” he said in that unmistakable deep voice.

The lady at the door hesitated, glancing between them with clear irritation.

But she obeyed, stepping back and leaving the door open for Eveline.

She walked inside, adjusting her sight so she could accommodate the sudden darkness in the hallway.

Her gaze settled on Lucian, standing casually at the other end. He was in a robe, the top slightly open to reveal a tangle of hair.

Eveline averted her eyes, focusing instead on a point just past his shoulder.

“Where’s my father?”

“He’s in the west wing of the house. My steward is watching over him.” He turned to Maeve. “You can go.”

Maeve’s expression turned sour. One hand reached for his shoulder, but he gave her a look.

She muttered something under her breath, then climbed the grand staircase.

Eveline watched her leave, then returned her gaze to him.

“Your girlfriend?”

He scoffed. “I don't keep girlfriends.”

He crossed over to the living area and motioned for her to follow.

She obeyed, but found herself frowning at his back, wondering about what he said.

Then she stepped into the largest room she had ever seen. It was paneled with dark wood at every turn, complimented with brown, leather furniture. The windows were large enough to let the evening light in; even without the giant chandelier, the place would have seemed like a powerhouse.

“You like it?”

She turned, jolted back to attention by Lucian's voice. He was standing by the bar cart, pouring a bottle of wine into two glasses.

“It’s beautiful,” she admitted.

“It belonged to my father. When he died, I took residence here. It was the only place I could truly get away from the Vale Pack.”

Eveline frowned, suddenly remembering the name of the hospital.

“Why aren’t you using the Vale name?”

He shrugged, sliding one glass toward her. “I was exiled.”

Before she could press further, Maeve descended the stairs, now fully dressed in a brown dress and carrying her heels. She shot Eveline a venomous look before striding out the front door without another word.

Lucian’s face remained blank as he watched her leave.

“What is…going on between you two?”

She tried to keep the curiosity out of her voice and what she sensed to be…jealousy?

If it was, Lucian didn't notice. Or didn't care.

“One of those exes who can't take a hint.” He paused, then gave her a side look. “I suppose you know what I'm talking about.”

She thought of Damon and lowered her eyes.

“Thanks…for earlier, today. At the elevator.”

“It's nothing.” He took another sip of his wine. “You’re not drinking?”

She shook her head slightly. “Not yet. I wanna see my father first.”

He nodded and gestured down the hall. “This way.”

The villa was massive, every turn revealing more luxury than before. Lucian led her through wide corridors until they reached a set of double doors.

He pushed them open, revealing a spacious, sunlit room. Her father, laid on a large bed, breathing easily without the oxygen mask. Fresh air flowed through open windows, offering a breathtaking view of the pine forest beyond.

And besides the bed, a man in a crisp prim suit rose from a chair and bowed slightly.

“This is Howard, my butler and steward,” Lucian introduced.

She smiled softly at the man, then took her father’s hand. His fingers seemed to squeeze back faintly, though she couldn’t be sure if she imagined it.

“I gave him medication to ensure restful sleep,” Lucian explained. “I’ll continue monitoring his condition closely, before deciding on the best course forward.”

“How long before he wakes?”

“Couple of hours, at most. He won't be able to do much,” He touched her hand lightly. “He needs his rest now.”

She nodded and rose from the bed.

“Thank you.”

“I wouldn't be too hasty,” said Lucian, his eyes twinkling.

She opened her mouth, then closed it again when she remembered their deal.

“Well…” She felt her heart beat painfully in her chest as she met his eyes again. “What do you want from me?”