Chapter 79

Nan’s POV

A banging at my door jerks me from my sleepy dozing.

My internal clock tells me it’s late. Not quite morning, but definitely not night either. I groan. I know my job interview will be hellish.

I go up to the door. I glance through the peep hole. The person on the other side is a surprise to me.

I throw the door open. “Lionel, it’s late. What the hell are you doing here?”

There is a strange look in his eyes. “Nan…may I please come in? There is something I really need to say.”

I cross my arms. “And it could not wait until a reasonable hour?’

He does not rise to my provoking. “Please.”

I pinch my lips together. Then stand aside. “Alright.”

He comes in. His body language is tightly controlled. Like when he is trying desperately to control his emotions.

I do not sense any anger. But I remain cautious. No longer sure if my comfort is welcome or not.

“Well? What did you want to say?” I curiously probe.

He takes a deep breath. I watch the way his throat constricts. It’s a tantalizing sight.

“You were right. I completely bulldozed my way into your life. I had no regard for how I came off or the way it affected you.”

My shoulders hunch in. As though to protect myself from his penetrating words. I watch him expressionlessly.

“It took only one time for me to destroy the relationship we were building. All out of my jealousy and hurt. I lashed out at you.”

He clenches his fist. His earth brown eyes are more open than I’ve seen them in a long time. It’s the Lionel I’ve come to love.

‘Don’t do it Nan,’ I plead to myself. ‘Don’t let your guard down. You know how this went last time.’

“I am so, sorry. I should never have doubted you. I should never have hurt you like that…you did not deserve that.”

“No. No, I did not.” I reply faintly.

“I know.” He said softly.

“Is that all?” I ask.

He hesitates. “No.”

“Then say your piece. I have a job interview in a few hours.” I smile to remove the some of the bite from my tone.

“Nan, I know you are wolf-less.”

The blood drains from my face. The room is quiet. His words linger between us like smoke.

Terror overtakes me. ‘No…no…no…’ I think incoherently.

He knew my secret. Another person that held my livelihood in his hands. Was he here to condemn me?

I watch him wearily as he steps closer. I listen closely to what he says next. Ready to bolt.

“You lied to me.” He says simply.

I flinch. “Lionel, I didn’t want to. I just-”

He interrupts me.

“You must have been so scared. It’s the only reason I can think of that you would lie to me.” He concludes.

His takes in my reaction. Waiting for my response. I swallow heavily and nod.

“Hearing my own judgmental view must have made it worse.” He comments bitterly.

“You didn’t know.” I weakly defend. Surprised at myself for defending him.

“But it did not help either.” He argues back.

“No.” I sigh.

“The world is not kind to the wolf-less. You must have struggled with it a lot. So much more than I ever knew.”

His tone is kind. Sympathetic. That acknowledgment brings unshed tears to my eyes.

“I thought you would be mad I lied to you. That you would hate me.” I admit.

He gently places his hands on my shoulders. I lean in slightly. Allowing myself to absorb the warmth.

“Nan…I don’t care about your status. I can’t picture anyone else by my side. Please, return to the mansion.”

My breath catches. He is staring at me so lovingly. So gentle.

It’s everything I’ve ever wanted to hear from him. I shake slightly from the desire to take what I am being offered. If he changes his mind this time…I will never recover.

I need some assurance. I need him to understand. To give me what I need.

“Promise me.” I whisper.

“Promise what?” He asks.

“Promise me you will never hurt me like that again. Promise me, Lionel. I won’t be able to bear it if I am always worried about losing everything if we fight.”

He looks intensely into my eyes. Allowing me to see the vulnerability there. It brings me some peace to know my heart is not the only one on the line.

“I promise you Nan. I will never do anything like that again. I could write up a contract if you would like.”

His voice is serious. But I catch the teasing glint of his mouth. I guffaw at him.

“Considering our last contract…I’m not to sure that is a great plan.” I giggle.

The corner of his eyes crinkle as he smiles. A tiny dimple appears on one side of his mouth at his wide grin. It’s a precious sight.

“I don’t know. I would say it worked out pretty well.” He adds.

I raise an incredulous eyebrow. “Now I have to hear this. How exactly would you say it did?”

“I got to know you. It allowed me time to see you.” He says warmly.

I blush hotly. “Ugh. You sound so cheesy.” I throw out.

“You enjoy it.” He notes. I scowl playfully.

“Don’t get such a big head. You won’t be able to fit through the doorway.” I roll my eyes.

The moment is peaceful. It’s almost like old times. It feels good not to be choking in my own hurt and anger.

His acceptance of my status is even better. I thought we might never get to a point like this. My gaze softens.

“By the way...I forgive you.” I say.

His eyes widen. “What?”

“You’re forgiven. It’s too much energy to be mad at you.” I remark dryly.

“Nan, you don’t have to forgive me just because you have decided to move in with me.” He cautions with concern.

“Now who said I will be moving in?” I ask teasingly.

“Well if you want to live with the roaches, who am I to judge?” He jests.

“And here I thought you were supposed to have ‘heroically’ slayed the little monsters.” I place my hands on my hips. The sternness in my voice barely concealing my mirth.

“I did. But alas, the little beasts have called for reinforcements. I fear we are outnumbered.”

I place a hand under my chin. Pretending to think. “I suppose I will have to move if that is the case.”

I never do make it to my job interview. But I am not too heartbroken. Now that rent and utility bills are no longer a concern.

The next week or so is filled with packing and unpacking. The extraordinarily little I own is easy enough to pack up. I was worried about breaking the lease…until Lionel tells me not to be.

I have a good guess as to how he will handle it. But I feel no pity for the landlord. The guy is a scum bag.

The unfortunate part was telling my sisters. I had no choice since they were keeping a firmer eye on me. Kay was vindicated and happy that I worked it out.

“That guy may be a jerk, but at least he is hot and rich. I’m glad things are looking up for you.” Kay cheered.

Dena on the other hand…

“Dena, please. Say something.” I say.

“Nan…you really don’t want me to do that, right now.” She said quietly.

“I know he did me wrong. But this is my choice. You have to respect that.”

“No…no I don’t. I’ll always be there if you need me. But I won’t watch him hurt you.”

That was the last I heard from her. The words hurts. But I knew Dena meant well.

‘She’ll see,’ I tell myself. ‘Dena’s always been overprotective. She’ll understand in time.’

I hoped she would. I still had questions about my past that I needed answering. I had a feeling Dena might have them.

My welcoming home gift made my day. Laying on my pillow was my birthday necklace. I thought I would never see it again.

I settled back in for the most part. Picking up the same routine as though I never left. My old job is waiting for me.

Yet things were still not quite alright at the mansion.