Chapter Six

 Lyrica

I hurried to stand up quickly, saying goodbye, then turning to hurry off. I didn't pay attention to the looks of confusion on their faces as I shot to my feet and scampered off. Of course he would take this from me. The moment I feel a little bit normal, it has to be smashed apart with one simple phone call. He always does this. It's the same at school; no matter how many times I change my classes or my routes every day, even switching timetables with others, he is always there. All my favorite places to eat or get my coffee, he has ruined them all. I do not even stop for coffee in the mornings anymore because of it. The one place even banned me because he threatened the cashier for looking at me. The poor kid was so scared he quit and never came back. Management told me I was no longer welcome there.

God why did I even answer the phone? I could feel my heart beating so fast; I swear it was going to leap right out of my chest. His words replayed in my head, the way he spoke them like he was here in the pack.

But how could he be? There was no way he got onto the pack lands; patrols would have stopped him and he couldn't come through the front without the guards informing the Alpha. So how did he know where I was and what I was doing? God I thought coming here would be a good idea. I thought he couldn't get to me. This was to be my safe place. Sure he can message but that would be it. Was someone here helping him? I quickly shook my head. No one here would go against their own pack, at least not for that pack we have been at each other's throats for as long as I can remember. It's one of those lifelong feuds between packs that I doubt would ever get settled.

I kept my head down as I hurried through the pack. I just wanted to get back to my room. I wanted to look around, but I refused to lift my head. Thoughts raced through my mind, so many what-ifs and hows. I couldn't finish a single thought. To be consumed with fear and worry that he somehow managed to get in here, what would he do if he did?

Reaching my house, rushing up to the front door, I reached for the handle. My hands shook as I twisted it, pushing it open and hurrying in, shutting the door, flipping the lock. 

"Ly, is that you?" Mom's voice came from the kitchen, but I didn't go in.

"Yeah mom," I quickly called out. I can't let her see me like this; she will know something is going on. She is already suspicious and knows something is bothering me but hasn't asked. I practically ran up the stairs, taking two at a time. Once at the top, my eyes focused on my room door. I pushed the door open, letting it shut, the faint click of the latch spinning. I pressed my back to the door. My hand reached behind me, turning the lock.

Only then did the tears fall as letting out a shaky breath. I slid down the door, pulling my knees up to my chest. The minute my butt hit the floor, I buried my face, wrapping my arms around my legs.

After a few minutes, when I felt myself calm down, I picked myself up going to the bathroom. I washed my face with cold water. I felt my phone go off again, but I didn't look at it. I was too afraid to. 

A knock on my door made me jump. I was surprised I didn't scream, but then I learned that was a bad idea as well; screaming doesn't do me any good.

"Ly, you alright?" Mom's concerned voice carried through the door. "Your dad is trying to reach you; he said you were not answering." I let out the breath I had sucked in when she knocked. Moving to the door, I pulled it open as I fished my phone out of my pocket. 

Mom stood there with a worried look on her face as she took me in with a raised brow. "Did something happen?" She moved towards me, her hand cupping my face as she looked straight at me. 

Shaking my head, "No, I'm okay. I just didn't hear my phone. The volume must be down or off. Sorry, did he say what he needed?" 

I was shocked at how calm I sounded, seeing as I was just freaking out and hyperventilating a few minutes ago. 

She just looked at me. Mom's always been good at reading me. 

"He needs you to come to the pack house. Alpha wants to talk about your classes."

"Oh." I cleared my throat. "I guess I will head over there now. Is Dad there?" 

I swiped at my screen, seeing the missed calls from Dad and one message.

"I do believe so; that's why he was trying to reach you."

I quickly shot a text to Dad, saying I was heading to the pack house.

Looking up at her, I said,  "Just messaged him back, told him I was heading there now."

I stepped out as she moved back, pulling my door close. I went to move towards the steps when she grabbed my elbow, stopping me. Turning, I looked at her. 

"Ly, whatever is bothering you, just know I'm here whenever you are ready to talk about it."

See, she can read me so well, but this is something I can't tell her. I can't risk her or anyone ending up in the middle of it. This is my battle and I'm alone in it. 

I gave her a soft smile, 

"Thanks mom, but I'm good. Just a little stress if the Alpha will let me go back to class. I just don't want to lose out on all my work I have done so far."

"I do not buy it, but I will not push you either; just know I'm here." She gave me a slight squeeze before letting me go. 

"Thanks Mom. I appreciate it, really. I will be fine, you know I overthink everything all the time." 

She didn't say anymore as I hurried back down the stairs and out of the house, making my way towards the pack house. 

Stepping through the front door, I saw the Luna as she was sitting in the small den area surrounded by some of the pups as she played with them. Her head lifted as she heard the door. A small smile came across her face. 

"Lyrica, it's good to see you."

She was a wonderful Luna and a great person. She was always helping anyone who needed it. And she has never treated me differently from the others even though I lack a wolf. She never once shut me out or turned me away. She always includes me in all the pup activities. Like I said, she was a great Luna and person.

I bowed my head, "Good day Luna. Alpha wanted to speak with me about my classes. My father was to meet me here as well."

"Oh, go ahead. I do believe they are both in the office; you know the way sweetie."

With another bow, I said, "Thank you Luna."

"You be sure to stop back and see me, young lady. It's been too long since you've been in the pack house. I would love to catch up and hear all about your college days."

With a smile and nod, "Of course Luna,"

I turned, heading towards the office, my fingers twisted together as I made my way. In one way, I wanted him to agree for me to go back, but there in the back of my head, I was hoping he would disagree and I would have to stay here, 

Stopping at the large wooden door, I gave a quick knock. 

A simple come in came from the other side. Turning the handle and pushing it open, I stepped inside. My father was there. He got to his feet the minute he saw me, guiding me to sit in one of the large armchairs in front of the Alpha desk.

"Alpha," I bowed my head. 

"Lyrica, thank you for coming in. I wanted to go over with you about your classes. And see what we can work out."

                                                  ***Wren***

I could feel myself getting restless the closer we got. I know it has to do with the fact that my mate is somewhere in this pack. According to what was told to me, this is why the Vampires and Rogues are targeting this pack, 

When we pulled up to the gates, the guards there saw the Royal flag attached to the car along with the symbol on the doors. They quickly slid the gate open, letting us pass. They knew they could not stop us but they would link the Alpha, letting them know we arrived. I know it was not told to them that we would be arriving, or when I wanted that to remain quiet. 

I didn't want to risk the vampires finding out and hitting the convoy. The drive wound along for not too long; I noticed a larger house come into view. There was a group of people standing out front. I spotted the Alpha and Luna standing front and center. 

The car came to a stop. I stepped out, and that's when a wonderful smell hit me. My nose lifted as I pulled in a deep breath. My Lycan purred in my head, 'Mate.'

My eyes scanned the group of people, but none seemed to be reacting to my presence. 

The Alpha stepped forward, bowing his head.

"Your grace, it's a pleasure to have you here."

I didn't answer him as the smell danced along my nose. Again, my head turning, I saw a man standing there. The smell was coming from him. I sidestepped the Alpha, moving closer to him, dragging in a breath. The faint smell of oranges tickled my senses. 

Just then, the door behind the group opened. A small female stepped out. She halted in her steps when her eyes locked on everyone standing there. I watched as her eyes moved to everyone, stopping on the man I was standing in front of. 

I was moving before I knew it. I was right in front of her. Her eyes widened as she took a small step backwards, but I leaned closer, breathing her in. Orange flooded my nose, almost making my head spin with how good she smelled. But then I smelled it. There were no traces of a wolf. My mate was human? I didn't care. A smile broke out. 

"Hello mate."