Chapter 9 Not My Heartbeat
CIARA/FIONA
I giggled as I pressed the ‘send’ button on my phone. My only regret was not sending it while they were in the same room with me to see their reaction.
“Fucking bitches,” I muttered, then paused to giggle harder. “They won't know what is coming for them.”
“Who are you talking to?” Lucien's voice suddenly came from behind.
I turned quickly, and there he was—staring at me with his brows furrowed together.
“I asked you a question, Ciara,” his voice darkened. “Who were you talking to?”
My breath caught—just how much did he hear? And why is he here? I thought I told him I wanted to train alone tonight.
Several thoughts flooded my head, but I decided to say something before his suspicion grew worse. “I wasn't talking to anyone, I was…” I stuttered, unable to find the right excuse. “I was just forming a new story in my head for the kids.”
“Oh, didn't know kids are now allowed to hear you swear.”
His sarcasm made me feel stupid for thinking of such a lie.
“Get in position, I knew you'd be playing around if I let you do this yourself, and you didn't disappoint,” he smirked.
“Well, maybe I'm lazy because we keep doing the same thing over and over again.” I rolled my eyes at him, but that didn't seem to keep him away cause he closed the small distance between us and grabbed my wrists.
“Don't test my patience, Ciara, I've still not forgotten who you truly are and how vile you can be, so don't do that!” his voice was steady and firm, he meant every word he said.
I could feel his every breath on my face, he was that close. I blinked several times and summoned courage.
“What shouldn't I do?” I finally asked.
He swore something I couldn't quite catch under his breath and ran his hands through his hair, that simple act that always made him hotter.
“Don't try to seduce me cause it won't work, don't try to act nice or whatever with that sexy look of yours, following me everywhere when we are in the same room!”
He yelled the words and he seemed angry, but I couldn't figure out why he was taking his anger out on me, I hadn't tried to seduce him. Maybe I wanted to, but how could I seduce a man when I wasn't even confident in this body?
I cleared my mind of all the doubts and leaned into his arms, then batted my eyelashes, once. Twice.
“Are you seduced, Mr. Alpha?” I mustered the most seductive tone I could, whilst batting my long lashes like an animated character.
I stayed in the position for a while, watching him swallow hard, his Adam’s apple bulging as though he was swallowing something bigger than it should normally carry.
Then, in a twist of events, he ran his hands through my hair and brought his lips closer, I instinctively closed my eyes, waiting for him to claim my lips.
“What are you doing to me, Ciara?” he murmured into my ears instead.
His hot breath did things I could never find the words to describe to me. At that moment, I could bet my two kidneys that he was the mate meant for me, or at least, I wished he was.
He pushed me away and gave me a long doubtful stare, then turned his back, walking away. “Goodnight Ciara,” he said. “Remember… we're leaving for Creeklaw tomorrow.”
I was so shaken that I couldn't say a word, I just watched him leave.
I woke up with a heartbeat that didn't feel like mine—my heart slamming hard against my ribs, like I'd just finished running a marathon.
Then—
“Mummy… look at me.” Richard suddenly came into view alongside Rita, with different colors drawn on their faces.
“Why are you guys messing with my makeup kits?” I muttered, furrowing my brows.
“I'm sorry, Mummy.” Both of their voices carried in unison.
“Both of you…” I couldn't finish. The thoughts of last night flooded my mind.
“Where's your dad?” Staring at both of them.
“He’s on a call in the living room,” Rita responded.
That was when it occurred to me that I should be getting ready to leave for Creeklaw. So, I brushed back my hair with my hands as I muttered—
“My sweetie pies, mummy needs to dress up. You have to excuse me now, okay?”
“Okay, mummy.” They responded, running after themselves.
My eyes suddenly caught the mirror standing opposite me, and my reflection stared back. That was when I noticed a big smile tugging at my lips.
“I guess I've grown attached to these kids,” I mumbled, as I headed into the bathroom.
I rushed through the whole process, and I was finally done. I was about to walk out of the room when my phone buzzed on the bed. When I moved closer to it, Alpha Lucien was displayed on the screen.
“Who saves their husband's caller ID as Alpha Lucien on their phone?” I jested.
Then I picked the call—
“Just how long is it going to take you to dress up?” Lucien's voice came on the other side of the phone.
He was back to his usual grumpy self, the man I spent the whole night dreaming about was gone.
“I'll be right outside.” Darting out of the room.
I walked quickly across the hallway, and when I finally reached the living room—Lucien’s brown eyes met me and the air between us grew awkward. I've never really been a fan of older men, but something about him pulled me, even more than I could ever imagine.
“Hi,” I finally managed to say. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” he responded with a sigh. “Let's get going.” Already walking towards the door.
Outside, the sky was bright and clear, the sun reflecting on the black paint of the car sitting right before us. Lucien opened the door, gesturing for me to come inside.
“Thank you, babe,” I mumbled, as I sat in the back seat.
Lucien stood there glaring at me, I realised what I'd done wrong and quickly mumbled a ‘sorry.’
And just like that, the trip to the pack where I was killed started.
Hours passed, and finally—I started seeing familiar landmarks across the road.
“Take your right, and drop me by ‘Marriott Hotels,” Lucien instructed the driver.”
“Okay, sir.” He responded in a low tone.
“Why are you dropping off at a hotel?” Turning my gaze towards him.
“Cause I have a business deal to close,” a smile tugged at his lips, though it didn't reach his eyes.
What would the real Ciara do in this kind of situation? I asked myself.
“I wish you luck.” I finally said, rubbing my hand against his back.
He didn't respond, only a false smile as he nodded his head.
“We're here.” The driver's voice came deep and settled.
“Alright…” alighting from the car. “I'll see you in a few hours.” Then, he slammed the door shut.
As he walked away from the car, I could see how rigid his shoulders were. And at that moment, I could tell—Lucien was hiding something.
