Page 10 of Not a Gift

“I’m staying at the house with my father.”

She goes pale, swallowing, before she can regain her composure.What the hell is that about?My dragon floods my system with irritation, but I can’t decipher his mood right now.I need to focus on Lyrik.

“Fine.I’ll meet you there.”

Nodding, I discreetly shift my erection before standing.“Thanks, Doc.”

Chapter Seven

Memories

Lyrik

I hate that I let Malichai goad me into this.I have been berating myself and trying to think of a plausible excuse for the past two days.I haven’t figured anything out, so I am parked in front of the house I grew up in.

I am also frustrated by the fact that it took me an extra hour to do my hair and makeup, and I changed my outfit three times.It has been this way since I can remember.I want him to think I’m pretty.How can I still be stuck on this damn crush?And how do I make it fucking stop?

Technically, I only lived here for four years after our parents got married, and most of that was spent avoiding Malichai before he left.

Today, my nerves are frayed.I don’t want to spend time around Malichai, much less touching him.I’ve changed my patch twice, afraid it will fail, and he will find out I am an omega.I don’t know if I could stand to have him finally want me only because I’m worthy of being bred by an Alpha.

I also don’t want to go into this godforsaken house where all the memories are waiting to bombard me.Every last good memory I have of this place has been replaced by something dark.But Malichai has always brought out the worst in me.Even when I was younger, he would goad me into things I didn’t want to do by baiting me.

The front door opens, and Malichai stands on the top step, dressed in grey sweatpants and a fitted black t-shirt, staring at me, his gaze challenging me to put my car in “reverse” and drive off like a coward.Instead, I open the door, grab my bag, and step out.

Each step I take toward him has my heart stuttering, emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

Silently, Malichai leads us into a downstairs living room which he has cleared of furniture.I stare at the pale walls, wishing I was anywhere but here.I always hated living in this house.It is too big and empty.It doesn’t matter that the most expensive items are everywhere.This house is devoid of love and happiness.No, this beautiful shell hides the rotten core wonderfully, exactly the way Thomas Black intended.

Taking a deep breath, I center myself.All I have to do is teach him the exercises and then I can get the fuck out of here.That is when the memories assault me.Birthdays, Christmases, dinners, and more, all spent with my mother.And then, all the darkness, pain, loneliness, and empty moments after she died.

This house used to be filled with love and laughter.But not for long.Then the fear and the tears took over.

“Lyrik,” he starts, but I cut him off.

“I thought I could do this, Malichai.But I was wrong,” I say softly, allowing my emotions to get the better of me.

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