The Alpha's Companion

Chapter 33 - Who Has Your Heart?

Julien pulled her up the stairs as tears streamed down her cheeks. But Lacey said nothing. What could she say that would make this right? But instead of turning toward the left when they reached the fifth floor, he led her toward the right. She had no idea where he was taking her, but he said nothing on the way, obviously feeling hurt and betrayed.

Lacey nearly fell over when they stopped in front of his room. Julien opened the door and inside was a suite of rooms, all luxuriously done. He took her to the living room and stood her by the sofa.

"Sit," Julien ordered, and then walked away.

Lacey did as he asked and then buried her face in her hands but said nothing.

Julien came back a moment later and nudged her. When she looked up, he held a glass out to her. "Here. Drink this. It’ll help you to relax."

Lacey reached for it and, for a split second, wondered if it was poison. But then again, if he were going to kill her, he'd do it with his bare hands, not with poison. He crossed the room to the big picture window and looked out at the darkness falling over the land with the mountains rising in the distance. Julien held a glass with the same liquid and took a sip.

Lacey looked down into the glass at the caramel colored liquid. "What is it?" she croaked, her voice thick from crying.

He scoffed, shaking his head. “It’s not poison. It’s bourbon. Now drink.” Julien looked at her expectantly, pacing, obviously trying to calm down. Then he stopped and glared at her. “Is there anything else you’d like to tell me? Do you have an illegitimate baby or a secret lover perhaps?”

Lacey looked at him as if he had lost his mind. Then she waved her hand dismissively and took another sip of the strong liquid. “No, that was it. The only secret I have is that I'm the illegitimate child of Arkin Emerson of the Shadow Pack and I've suffered for it my whole life." She scoffed. "I wasn't the one who had the affair, but I was the result of it, and my family never let me forget." Lacey took another sip and set the glass on the coffee table. Although she was used to wine, this was just too strong for her.

Lacey nodded, standing. “Well, if that’s all, I’ll pack my things and I’ll be out of here in an hour, too.”

She started to leave, but Julien caught her arm. “You’d go with them? After the way they’ve treated you?”

“Heavens no!” Lacey looked at him as if he had lost his mind. She tried to pull away from him, but he held her tightly, pulling her to him, looking into her eyes. Her breath quickened from being so close to him, and her wolf practically leapt out of her chest, wanting to claim him.

“Now that I think about it, you did nothing wrong.” Julien sighed, searching her eyes, looking for the truth. “That was what you were trying to tell me, wasn’t it?”

Lacey nodded. "Yes. I tried to tell you several times."

Julien sighed. "Then it was my fault for not listening. And for that, I'm truly sorry."

Lacey's head snapped up. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I've lived with my family—their deception, their jealously and cruelty—my whole life." She shook her head, trying to free herself of the memories. "When Cairo told me that she had invited them, I couldn't believe it. I almost told her to tell them not to come, but I thought... well….” She sighed. “Never mind."

Julien turned to face her. "What did you think?"

"I'm ashamed to say this," she began, "but I thought that maybe they might see that I'm worthy of respect now."

Julien raised an eyebrow. "Because you're marrying me?"

Lacey sighed. "Not really. I guess I'd hoped their attitude toward me would change after they saw me in my new role as your wife and mate, and as your Warrior Trainer. I guess I was wrong." She walked toward the window and looked at the gorgeous view. “We're not getting married now, so what does it matter?"

A crease formed between his eyes. "Who says?"

Lacey's eyebrows rose nearly into her hairline. "You still want to marry me? After what happened?" She looked at him, concern filling her eyes. Then she thought of something. "Why did you ask me if I had more secrets?" Lacey asked, her head snapping up. "Are you hiding any secrets from me?"

Julien shook his head, watching her, smiling. "No. You know all my secrets."

Lacey nodded, not mentioning Shana. "Is she the only one you've given your heart to?"

He sighed. “Let’s get you back to your room.” He raised an eyebrow and smirked. “After all, we’re getting married tomorrow."

“Don’t change the subject.” Lacey walked through the door as he held it, headed back to her room with Julien by her side. “She’s not the one who has your heart?”

Outside her door, Julien pulled her to him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "No, she's not.”

"Oh no?" Lacey's head snapped up. “Who is she, then? Do I know her?"

He grinned. "Yes, you know her."

"Well?" Lacey knew she was playing with fire, but she wasn't going to let it go. "Who else has your heart?"

He kissed her forehead lightly and then looked into her eyes. "You." Then he walked down the hallway, but turned back, smiling. "Get some sleep, silly girl. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."

Lacey watched him walk toward his room, surprised by his answer.. But then again, Julien Grey was full of surprises.