Page 23 of Lycan and Lark
“It won’t be like that.”
“And what about your brother? You think he’s going to accept me? Accept us? He’ll have me torn apart faster than you can blink.”
“That’s not true.” He could hear the uncertainty in her voice, though. He had successfully planted the seeds of doubt.
He got up and paced by the table. “Stop lying to yourself.”
“So you won’t try?” Her eyes were wide.
“No.”
Aria stomped into the bedroom, slamming the door. When she reemerged, she was fully dressed. “Take me back to the complex.”
Lark scented her. She was fuming at his unwillingness to try her plan. “Stay here,” he implored.
“Take me back. Now. I’m not your prisoner. I have people who look out for me, who will be worried if I’ve been avoiding them for the last three days. Take me, or I’ll walk back.”
A tight lump had formed in Lark’s gut. He didn’t like the hurt look in her eyes, but she was right. He would never want anyone to feel like a prisoner. “Fine.” He growled his unhappiness. She crossed the room, standing close to him, and he transported them to the side of the coffee shop across the street from the complex.
Aria stormed away, looking back once before she crossed the street. “I meant what I said. You can’t do this alone.” And with that she dashed away, taking the complex steps two at a time before disappearing inside.
The wolf surged inside him and he bit back a growl. He knew she was right. Sooner or later he would need help. He just prayed he could hold it together until he could form his own plan.
ChapterTen
Four days. Four fucking days and she hadn’t left the complex once. She knew he wasn’t able to enter the wards, which meant she was staying inside intentionally. She was punishing him. And he knew she was in there. He had intercepted several food delivery drivers headed her way. He had spent every day at the coffee shop, waiting for the chance to apologize. The hours ticked by and he felt more like a fool each day. The sun began to set again, and the cold hand of desperation begin to claw up his insides. He had to find a way to get to her. If he could just get his hands on that witch and destroy the wards. Everyone knew if you killed a witch her remaining spells would be broken. Wait. Killed a witch? Yeah, great idea. Killing off one of Aria’s friends was sure to get her back in his good graces. He slammed his fist against the brick wall. He was going crazy without her.
It was dark outside when a sleek black car pulled up in front of the complex and a lithe blonde climbed out. Lark recognized her as the Beta’s wife, Laurie, and a close friend of Aria’s. He had seen Laurie and Aria together on many occasions. An idea formed and he hurried across the street.
“Laurie,” he called out, and the woman stopped and turned.
“Hello.” Her voice was warm and Lark could feel magic swirling around her. This wasn’t going to be easy, but it was his only plan. “Can I help you with something?”
He stepped closer to her, making sure to keep his glamour in place. She was currently seeing a teenager with shaggy, sandy-blond hair and olive eyes. “Yes. You’re going to do something for me.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and stared into her eyes.
This better work.
* * *
Aria stared at the ceiling whilePoltergeistplayed in the background. Horror movies and take-out usually did the trick, but even after the overpriced brunch she still felt empty. Plus every bite had reminded her of Lark and the picnic. It had been three days since she saw him. She bet he was lurking outside the complex, so she avoided leaving and stayed away from the windows. The complex had everything she needed. A cafeteria, gym, a bunch of lycans to socialize with. She technically never had to leave if she didn’t want to. The only downside was that she was missing Lark, like all the time. It was time for a much-needed distraction.
She dialed Laurie’s number and chewed on her nails as it rang.
“Hello?”
“Laurie! Are you free for a girls’ night tonight? I am in desperate need.”
Laurie laughed lightly on the other end. “I would love to but I have an event for Ulric and won’t be back until later.”
“Perfect! We will just do it when you get back.”
“Okay, you got it. Is everything all right?”
No, everything was not all right. She was falling for a man she had no future with. One who completely dominated her thoughts and dreams. And she missed him more than she had ever missed anything. “Yep, everything’s fine. Just call me when you get in tonight.”
“Will do.”
The call ended and a quiet restlessness took over. What was she supposed to do until tonight? Maybe it was time to pay Gideon a visit. She’d been meaning to talk to him anyway. She made herself presentable and headed toward his floor. Sometimes all you needed was your big brother telling you everything was going to be all right.
