DANDELION

Freya's POV:

The rejection had hit me hard in the face that my embarrassment wouldn't make me face Lucien anymore.

It was hard but for the past few days, I've successfully avoided him with Nora's help.

She knew something was going on but didn't ask questions.

I haven't been seeing things anymore and it was probably because Nora gave me my medication. I didn't have to ask who it was from.

I had that figured out already.

Currently, we were all gathered around the largest counter and dropping our latest gossip.

The vampires apparently have a meeting and we hardly have any hovering around us which we were grateful for.

Well, I was especially grateful that Laura wasn't anywhere close by. Thinking about it, I've not seen her ever since I returned.

“I heard Baron Stephen was demoted after that incident,” a pet muttered and gasp filled the kitchen.

I had surely missed a lot since I didn't know the incident she was talking about. With a sigh, I stood up and quietly left their midst.

It was clear that I couldn't fit in for now so my best option was to explore the places I could when I still had the chance.

My eyes went to the main door and I couldn't help but wonder if slaves were allowed out there without permission.

There was only one way to find out.

My feet stayed rooted to the spot for a while when I spotted two guards at the door but I pushed away the fear.

I did probably get killed at most and maybe I would even be grateful for that.

I stiffened as I walked past them but they didn't spare me more than a glance.

The moment I escaped their gaze, I let out a shaky breath before taking a look around.

This was the first time I ever considered stepping outside.

A smile appeared on my face when I spotted a specific flower bed that drew my attention before u walked up to it.

I wasn't good with flowers so I didn't know the name.

“That's a dandelion.”

I turned around and there he was, intruding in my space again.

I placed my hand on my chest to calm my beating heart before I threw Duncan a dirty look.

He left out a huff then said, “Audacity.”

I knew what he meant so I simply bowed my head and proceeded to leave.

Duncan's hand found its way to my arm and stopped me before I could disappear.

Slowly, I turned once more but with a questioning look.

He dressed differently from his usual casual top. I couldn't help but raise my brow at how formal he looked.

“I'm here to keep you company.”

His words brought me back and I couldn't help my frown that deepened.

“I'm not bored,” I replied.

Why was he treating me so casually? Wait… I was his mate.

The thought made me scoff before I pulled my arm out of his hold.

A look I couldn't decipher appeared and only spent a second on Duncan's face.

“You are,” he said then waved his hand in the air, “That's why you are out here.”

I didn't reply and only went back to admiring the rest of the flowers. It was clear that I couldn't get rid of him politely and being rude wasn't an option.

“I heard Lucien is out.”

His words made me stiff as it brought back the memory of the car. I closed my eyes and cleared my throat, warning my brain to keep the embarrassment for another time.

“Did he do something wrong?”

It was clear I hadn't been quick about it.

“Why do you care?”

My words came out sharper than I wanted but I pretended like I didn't notice.

Duncan went quiet and I didn't dare turn back. In fact, the flowers suddenly became very interesting to me.

After a while and I was almost done with my observation, Duncan said, “I actually need to talk to you.”

I slowly stood up and turned my attention to him. The distance between us was a lot compared to when he first announced his appearance.

I folded my arms against my chest as I waited for him to continue but he just stared.

“About what?”

Duncan looked around before he scratched his eyebrows and said, “Not here.”

A frown appeared on my face as I wondered what he wanted to discuss. I didn't want to be in a private space with him anymore.

Not after I realised how I've been acting like a rabbit. Hopping between him and Lucien.

“It has to be…” I trailed off when I realised how commanding I sounded.

What's happening to me these days? It was as if my fear was gradually going and I wasn't even acting like a slave.

“A few months ago, you were so quiet and easily shaken,” Duncan joked but it hit the wrong nerve.

“I still have the bite scars.” His smile dropped immediately and I relaxed.

That was exactly what I wanted.

“I really have a lot to tell you.”

“Does it include explaining the whole mate thing?"

Duncan looked away and let out a sigh into the air. The answer was clear.

He wasn't ready to explain.

I bit hard on the inside of my lips as I felt my anger rising.

“I need to go now,” I said and bowed to him.

“I-I just can't tell you,” he replied with a strained voice.

“Why?”

“It's going to co-

“Complicate things,” I said before he could and he stared quietly.

“Lord Duncan, I will only have a conversation with you if it has to do with telling me about what is happening,” I started with a fake smile plastered on my face.

It seemed to make him wince but maybe it was irritation.

“I can't keep living in the dark,” and with that, I bowed one last time and walked away.

If they weren't going to change then I wanted to have nothing to do with them.