Chapter 15
Something cracked within me at the genuine words he offered.
Friend.
Not as Alpha Lucien, but as Lucien my friend.
And one moment, we‘ re back to being college again. That’s exactly how I approached him. Now, he‘ s using my own techniques to win me.
I punched away that lingering thoughts and leaned forward. “Well, welcome. aboard, friend!”
The flight will probably be a bit awkward but having a friend onboard was one thing I couldn’t ask for more.
***
It was midnight when we landed at the Foghounds Pack‘ s airport.
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He fell silent until we were stepping down from the airplane. The story he told me was still echoing deep in my bones. I moved quickly as soon as we landed
though I’m sure Lucien was just following behind.
Despite my initial suspicion whether I should listen to the story he told me or not, there was something in Lucien that never gives up just so he can protect his pack. Just so he can protect the ones he loves.
His story is a testament itself to the courage and willingness to sacrifice that he inherited from his father just so he can hold the pack together as an Alpha.
There was a fierce bite of the truth he
offered me, the truth he revealed to me. Perhaps I was too possessive, too childish, to see the efforts that he’s being my boyfriend at the same time being there for Charmaine at the same time being the Alpha of the Brightheart Pack.
Was it my fault for our relationship being
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wasted into nothing?
Was it my overreaction to Charmaine‘ s actions that caused me our relationship of more than five years that we built with our bare hands and open hearts?
Maybe Lucien was never the manipulative one. Maybe it was me who’s just telling myself that I’m being manipulated.
I didn’t doubt the truth of his story nor did I think it was absurd and impossible. Lucien wouldn’t go to great lengths just to impress a girl. Charmaine IS a part of his pack responsibilities and I was his girl.
He was trying all his best for us to get back together. In fact, some things started to make sense now. I could see how–why- my ex–boyfriend might have felt forced to prioritize Charmaine all for the approval of her father.
But…it’s too late. For me. For him. For both of us.
“Friends?” This time it was my turn to
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offer him a friendly hand.
“Friends.” Then we had a pinky promise, like what we used to do during our college
days.
The Foghounds Pack‘ s airport came to life with our arrival. I whipped my head to my friend. “Thank you for sharing your story with me, Lucien. It must have been hard for you and your family.
your family. I hope you found yourself healing too.”
Though his face was partially hidden by a white mask and baseball cap again, I could see the sorrows lining his eyes at my straightforwardness. “Vesta.
“It was final, Lu. My decision between us,” I forced myself to let a smile plastered on my face. “Let’s just move on.
There was no going back, no matter what he said or did. It was just… too late. I’m now on my way to start a new life. I wouldn’t bring him with me.
Yes, I accepted him as a friend because of
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what we’d once been to each other before
we were a couple. I still respect him in some way. He’s my Alpha, the leader of our pack. It’s my duty to pay respects to my Alpha.
I kept my eyes on Lucien for a few more minutes. He held my gaze too until my eyes found my luggage and I immediately sprinted towards it.
“Let me help you,” he offered but he was already hauling it from the baggage claim even before I could answer.
“Good luck wherever you‘ re heading, Lucien.”
He wanted to say more. His eyes signaled to me that he wanted to stay with me a bit longer.
But my new life starts tomorrow.
“Good luck, Vesta.” Then he was gone.
***
The crowd was overwhelming. The airport
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was more so; it was a labyrinth of turns and open hallways that seemed to stretch on and on.
Ten minutes later, more passengers are pouring into the airport from various packs. I can’t seem to find my way–I can’t even find the exit.
The information desk and the security guards are busy accommodating other passengers.
The clock chimed to one in the morning and my head began pounding. I haven’t had a proper sleep since the day before yesterday because of preparations.
The airport was larger than I expected, bigger than Francis described it to be. I soon found myself lost in a sea of crowds. I pretended I wasn‘ t but in reality, my palms are already sweating and I already dropped my phone several times because of my anxious sweaty hands.
This was my first flight–my first
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international trip outside the Brightheart Pack. The fact that I’m traveling alone and the fact that I barely knew this place. only added to the nausea churning in my
stomach.
I glanced around, trying to make sense of Francis‘ instructions: find the green sign that says exit just after you turn right from the baggage claim.
I’ve already turned many rights and looked for many exits. All I see is just
people pouring in and I was just walking in a circle.
“Vesta!” Lucien‘ s voice was like a shooting star, cutting through the chaotic. noise. “Need help, friend?”
He was now holding two paper bags of fastfood and bottled soda.
Walking with that predatory grace of his, he found himself in front of me, stopping just before our lips met.
We instantly became the center of
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attention, his scent drawing in the eyes of some passengers. Not to mention his handsomeness and charisma not only made some airport vendors blush, it also made my heart throb so loud as I fought the urge to either run away from him or run towards him.
He was panting slightly and took a few moments to speak. “Let.me guide you to the exit. There are cabs already waiting there. I know my way around here very much.”
mu
my
I don’t want anything to do with him again. But…perhaps I should set aside pride and my hatred for the time being and accept the help from an old friend.
I nodded repeatedly, despair fogging my eyes. “Yes, please. Lucien.”
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