Chapter 22

Caleb

I watched Lucas close the door behind him, and I couldn’t help but feel grim satisfaction. He might be running away with his tail between his legs now, but I knew he would be back. It was just a matter of time until he worked the strength back up to face me again.

“Well, that was a little more excitement than I was expecting for this evening.” I said. “I’ll have someone come here to clean this up in the morning.”

“I want to go to sleep.” I looked behind me at Ruby, stunned by the pained expression on her face. What was wrong? I know Lucas’s attacks had been violent, but Ruby wasn’t the kind of girl to cower when she was afraid.

I studied her face, the soft glimmer in her eyes, and I couldn’t stop myself from reaching out to touch her. As I did, she turned away, like she thought the tips of my fingers might burn her. I pulled back, hurt by the interaction.

“You must be exhausted.” I said, looking for any emotion or expression which could tell me what she was thinking.

“You too,” she said, and left the room. She closed the bedroom door behind her, without so much as a goodnight.

I rubbed the back of my neck, looking around the living room. The place looked like a disaster with the broken glass scattered across the hardwood panels, and the spilled wine pooling in front of the fireplace.

That was unexpected. My wolf Thor said in the back of my mind as I scanned the place for a broom. There was probably one in the closet.

What, Lucas? I responded, That little bitch doesn’t win fights, but he has an awful habit of starting them.

Thor snorted, Then finish him already! You’re so much stronger, and everyone knows it. Even Lucas’s supporters know that if it really came down to a fight between you two, you would win it. Why are you letting this go on?

I sighed, picking up a dust pan from under the sink. it was tucked away behind a collection of other cleaning supplies. Because if I were to completely destroy Lucas it would be even worse for me and Ruby. Our public images would be ruined. Who wants to support a King who won his power by killing?

But you would never have to worry about him again, your struggle would be all over! Thor exclaimed, working himself up over the possibility.

I shook my head, I don’t want power that comes from death, even Lucas’s. He might be willing to hurt others to get where he is going, but I’m not. Besides, it would be terrible for Ruby. Even if she doesn’t love him anymore, I can’t just kill her mate.

Thor laughed at my words, You said it yourself, he’s not worthy of being her mate!

Maybe not, but that doesn’t change the fact they’re still connected by the mate bond. I thought for a moment of the pain in Ruby’s face when Lucas was fucking Harper. I had never seen anything like it, it was like Lucas was sucking the life out of her.

I couldn’t believe he could be so cruel, especially to a girl who had treated him so tenderly.

I had told Ruby to come and live with me because she wasn’t safe with her parents, and yet I had allowed Lucas to come and try to attack her in the room I provided for her? I wouldn’t let him do it again.

Even if I couldn’t destroy him completely without ruining our public images, I could still add more security to my property. I’d hire guards, I’d plant cameras and alarms. If he tried anything like this again, he would be sorry.

Well, setting her free would mean she can do whatever she wants with whoever she wants. Thor giggled.

You don’t know what you’re talking about, I said back, reliving the warmth of her pussy clenching around my fingers. She was so tight, so wet. I couldn’t help but lick my lips, remembering the sweet taste.

I hadn’t touched someone like that in so long. Despite the long line of hookups and women throwing themselves at me for a chance to sleep with the playboy prince, I had never felt anything with any of them.

I stopped myself immediately before I could finish that thought.

I think you’re just in denial, Thor said back, who’s the one daydreaming right now?

You will be dreaming very deeply if you don’t shut up. I threatened, but my wolf ignored it. He knew I would never do anything to hurt him, however much he taunted me.

Don’t worry, I wasn’t suggesting she would do anything with you. Since you’re so clearly not interested. What about Daniel? He seemed nice.

I stopped brushing up the glass as Thor highlighted the memory of Ruby and Daniel cozily sipping wine on the couch earlier that evening. A felt a knot forming in my stomach.

Oh, what’s that? You don’t like seeing her with another man?

It has nothing to do with that, I snapped back. We’re engaged, and she brought someone I don’t know onto my property late at night. I need her for my plans to work. I was just… worried.

Worried that she likes someone better than you?

I growled, You’re not proving your point, Thor.

I don’t have a point, all I’m saying is you are jealous. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

You’re right, I responded, it’s nothing to be ashamed of because that’s not what’s happening.

I dumped the contents of the dust pan into the trash. There was still a scattering of sparkling shards across the living room floor, but this way there was nothing too big for her to cut her feet on in case she got up again in the middle of the night.

She was still drunk, and I was sure she would have a hangover, so I filled a cup of water and put out some pain-killer pills for her. I’d have someone come to clean the place thoroughly before she woke up.

I sighed, and rested my head in my hands. This arrangement was becoming more complicated than I had ever intended or expected.

I suddenly heard the shower turning on, followed by the slight creaking of the floor which told me she was getting in. I listened to the sound of the water for a few moments, wondering what Ruby was thinking, if she could still feel the press of my thumb at her clit.

I shook the thought away and left through the front door, locking it securely behind me.