Chapter 55

Lionel’s POV

My wolf prowls restlessly beneath my skin.

Agitation makes concentrating impossible. I give up the illusion of cool calm within 30 minutes. Nan’s message ruling my disturbed thoughts.

‘Long day. Don’t feel like talking about it….’

The day had started normally. Nan took one of my extra cars for work after breakfast with my daughters. I had been sucked into inane meetings all day.

Cocky idiots trying to suck up to me. Flirtatious employees that toed the line between employment and unemployment. Board members fighting to get their uncreative ideas heard.

No different than any other day.

The only noticeable difference to my routine had been the lunch dates between Nan and I. Nan and my schedules often coincide around lunch and dinner. These little gatherings became the highlight of my day.

It had only made sense for us to have meals together. How else would we keep informed of the other’s daily schedule. At least, that had become my explanation to any curious onlookers.

It had become a game between us to outdo the other. Nan took her loss of our bet during our last dinner date personally. The reminder of her competitive spirit springs to mind…

“Let’s make another bet.” Nan offered mischievously.

“Because that went so well for you last time.” I deadpanned.

But an ornery spark lit within her expression. Her grey eyes hardened into steel. It sent a faint spark of arousal in me.

“Scared you’ll lose this time?” She taunted.

It was an obvious ploy. I knew that right away. But I rose to the challenge anyway.

“Fine. What are the new stakes?” I throw back.

Her lips twitched. “We each get a turn to pick the dish. Whoever picks the better food wins.”

I narrow my eyes. “Are you sure you want to bet against me?” I ask disbelievingly.

“Yeah, I do.” She says unflinchingly.

I smirk. “May the best person win.”

“I will.” She asserts.

The game is fun. It gives me something to look forward to after a tedious day. Seeing Nan’s playful side only pulls me deeper into her orbit.

Yet today…something is different today. It was Nan’s turn to pick our dinner selection. I had been looking forward to seeing the fiery challenge in her face.

Another text from Nan changes that.

From Nan:

Hey, I’m coming home early today. We can reschedule dinner another time.

The texts from her are concerning. I could feel the strain in between the words. Something had upset Nan.

I have been upset in turn. Being away from her at this moment is no longer palpable. The wait for her arrival suddenly seems excruciatingly slow.

Tick…tick…tick…tick…tick…goes the seconds of my grandparent’s tower clock. My eyes uncontrollably wonder back to the clock once more. Then I can no longer take waiting in my study.

I walk downstairs. I am standing in the entryway before my mind catches up to my actions. Facing the doorway.

The realization of my actions hits me. ‘You look like a mutt waiting for your owner to return.’ I think. I abruptly turn away and stride to the parlor.

Thankfully, no one saw my ridiculous actions. I doubt my pride would come away unscathed otherwise. I choose the comfiest chair I can for my lookout.

Her arrival home reaches my ears as the door slides open. I tense my muscles to stop myself from leaping out of my chair. I wait for her to call out.

She does not. My frown deepens. But I do not move.

I have a feeling she will want to go upstairs to her bedroom. The quickest way to the stairs…is through the parlor. I need only wait.

My patience is rewarded.

She comes into view. But she does not seem to notice me. I glimpse a troubled expression in the furrow of her brow.

“Nan!” I call out to her.

She startles. Her head jerks in my direction. She puts a hand to her chest.

“Sorry, I did not see you there.” Nan gasps.

I stand up and approach her. “I can see that.”

My unease grows as I get closer to her. I do not like what I see. Her emotional distress is written all over her body language.

“Sorry about dinner. I think I’ll just head to bed.” She struggles to smile.

“I am not worried about that. I am more worried about whatever put that look on your face. " I remark.

The false smile dies. She looks away from me. But I am not deterred.

“Nan, tell me what's wrong. Did something happen at work?” I ask quizzically.

Her sky-grey eyes dart back to mine. Checking my sincerity. I keep my expression mild.

“Today was just difficult.” She finally replies.

I sense there is more to the story. But I do not want to push her before she is ready. So I try another route.

“That's unfortunate to hear. Is there anything I can do to help?” I ask gently.

She grimaces. “No, I think I have to solve this myself.” Nan sighs.

I bite back a scowl. Frustrated with myself. This is not the answer I wanted to hear.

‘How can I fix this if she does not want my help?’ I growl. It is aggravating to my wolf that I can do nothing.

I discreetly scent her. Hoping I will receive some clue to her unhappiness. But I am disappointed when nothing sticks out.

No particular person’s scent clings to her skin. There is no sign of pain. Completely ordinary.

Nan is already turning away. She nearly reaches the staircase when she pauses. She slowly turns back to meet my curious gaze.

“Lionel...” She starts to say.

“Yes?” I reply. Thinking she may have changed her mind.

But she does not speak right away. Her expression changes. Weighing her next word carefully.

“Lionel, if you had to choose between doing what is right even if it costs you personal sacrifice, or doing what you want at the cost of another’s happiness, what would you choose?” She asks.

The question catches me by surprise. The connotations of her words are not lost on me. My worry significantly worsens as I absorb the question.

I watch her. Heavy shadows lurk at the edge of her face. Her knuckles are white from holding on too tight to the banister.

‘This is deeply troubling her,’ I note. A glib response will not be the correct course of action. I must proceed cautiously with my answer.

I dearly want to interrogate her. To find out what transpired today that has her so ill at ease. I almost do.

Then I take another glance at her expression. In that moment I know…I know that I will only alienate her by pushing for more information.

“I don’t really think it would be a choice for me.” I answer gingerly.

“How so?” Her voice comes out barely more than whisper. An unconscious question. ‘

“I’m the alpha.” I say simply.

I see that she does not fully understand my meaning. So I gather my thoughts. Put to words the reality of my station in a way she could comprehend.

“I have a duty to those I am looking after. My own happiness is void compared to my duty.” I state expressionlessly.

“I would choose to do what is right.” I finally answer.

My words have a visible effect on her. Her breath hitches. Her eyes are now looking through me rather than at me.

Her reaction worries and baffles me. ‘What’s going through your head right now?’ I wish to demand. ‘I can only help if I know what the problem is.’

I fear that my answer may have made the situation worse. It is clear that my response was not the one she wanted to hear. I have no clue how to fix this.

“Nan?” Her name slips from my mouth.

Her eyes lose the lost quality to them. She puts her attention back on me. “Yeah?”

“I hope that helped you.” I tell her softly.

She stares intently at me. As though she could see the beating heart of mine if she only looked closer. I am terrifyingly tempted to let her.

Neither of us look away from each other. Emotions and desire passing unspoken. But clear to anyone listening.

She speaks first. “Thank you, Lionel…I know what I need to do now…”

I am left standing alone in the parlor as she walks away.

Possibilities whirling in my mind dangerously…