Miatta
After my bath with Lucas, I began to give more thought to returning home. I loved Lucas truly but I loved my family first. They meant the world to me and I had to see them again even if it was for the last time. Lucas was uncharacteristically quiet, giving me more time to ponder my plans.
“What do you think about Beta Logan?” he suddenly asked, taking me by surprise. I didn't know why he was asking me about the sneaky lycan and so, I was unsure of what answer to give him. Personally, Beta Logan made me uncomfortable in my own skin but I couldn't tell Lucas that because it would lead to him asking more questions.
“I think he is very loyal to your father.” With my back to him, I heard rather than saw Lucas approach me from behind. He tugged on my arm, pulling me onto a stool. I didn't resist him, going along with whatever he wanted. He pinched the bridge of his nose, meditating on whatever he was about to say.
“Cut the crap, Miatta. I asked you what you think of him as he is. I don't care if he is loyal to my father or not.”
“What do you want me to say?!” I screamed, trying to divert his question. I didn't want to talk about Beta Logan; I wanted to go to the dark room and speak with Addy. Lucas lifted a brow, picking up on my uneasiness and toyed with my long tresses. He combed through my hair gently, soothing me and I arched into his hand.
“Miatta, baby,” he purred softly, his deep baritone rolling in his throat. “You are stressed. I'm sorry, baby.”
I sighed, relaxed and happy that the Logan problem was closed. His endearment was a plus and the major reason behind my smile. If Lucas ever knew that I had interacted with the Beta, only the Goddess knew what he would do. I leaned into him, my back to his front and silence descended upon us. His thoughts were probably scattered and I couldn't eavesdrop on them at the moment because his guard was up. Nevertheless, it did not put a damper on my curiosity to know what he had in mind.
“Lucas, I—I want to go over to the slave quarters and see Addy. It's. . it's rather important.”
He inhaled sharply, my first sign that he wasn't cheering for my idea. I didn't know the baggage between Addy and him but honestly, I didn't really want to know. Anything that would force me to choose between my friend and my mate wasn't worth pursuing.
“Do you really have to, Miatta?”
“Yes,” I purred softly, glancing down at our linked hands. As mates, we were of my soul but it didn't mean we had to agree all the time. It was a matter of talking things out before either of us did anything crazy.
He exhaled as if he had indeed been holding his breath. Damn, it wasn't like I had asked for an island. “Fine. You can go see Addy. Just. . .” he hesitated weirdly, “. . . try to be more careful, okay? We don't know who has a target on my back or who they will strike at in order to blackmail me.”
I gingerly left his embrace, thinking that perhaps he saw me as a security hazard or a walking time bomb. Was that it? I didn't care much. “You don't have to worry about anyone threatening you with me. I am but a slave and nobody knows that we are mates. I think I should be grateful for that but it is what it is. I'll be back in an hour.”
He looked like he wanted to say something but held himself back at the last minute. “I'll save you some breakfast.”
I left immediately, nodding when Ryker sent me a subtle bow. He must be confused, not knowing how to acknowledge me in the open. The courtyard was scanty, making it easier for me to navigate the premises. As I slipped out through the Hall of Alphas, I looked on in the direction of the escape route I had discovered. In less than twenty-four hours, I would be free, back with my pack like I was never gone. The frenzy heightened my hopes and I jogged off to see Addy. The guards usually posted in front of the darkroom were no longer there and I pushed the flap aside, the chilly breeze ending outside the room. The room was warm from the cluster of shifters and for once, I envied spending the night in the warm environment. Werewolves were warmblooded but there was only so much cold the body could take before breaking down in submission. The night before, Lucas and I had kept ourselves warm in an embrace hence, I did not realize how cold it had been during the night.
Everyone was getting ready with their group to head out for their morning chores. Festival or not, there was work to be done and they were the ones to do it. Occupied in my thoughts, I had not seen Yvette coming.
“Miatta, you have returned. Has the Lycan Prince grown tired of you at last?”
Her spiteful words sounded both harsh and hopeful at the same time. I had only limited time to speak to Addy and I didn't want to waste it by exchanging words with the troublesome prefect.
“I have not come to banter with you, Prefect. As for anything concerning the Prince, you can always ask him. You are Prefect, after all.” I nodded and walked around her, leaving her alone to gnash her teeth in fury. I had not said the words she wanted to hear obviously and it must have hurt. Good riddance.
“Miatta!” a more enthusiastic voice called my name. Her high-pitched voice was so unique that I did not need to turn to know who it was. In mere seconds, Addy appeared before me and enveloped me in a warm beer hug. She exercised great strength by lifting me off my feet, holding me in that position for at least four seconds before dropping me on my feet. We were both laughing by the time I was on the ground. Ramona drew nearer too, beaming like a brand new sunny day. Her hair was a bit longer now but Addy's golden locks still outshone any in sight.
“Yvette gave you any trouble?” Addy asked, screwing her nose oddly.
“I took care of it,” I quickly replied, not wanting Yvette to have a place in our discussion. “I guess a congratulation is in order.”
She grinned widely, her angelic light never losing its bright intensity. “Thank you. I have been wanting to talk to you. I want to know how you got from troublesome Miatta to the Prince’s Lady of Honour. It's a big privilege that has always been reserved for Yvette.”
Somehow, the prefect had found a way into our conversation again. I sighed in oblivion and held Addy’s hands. “I will tell you everything. You won't believe your ears.”