A Luna for the Lycan King novel Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Allissa

Darren had engaged in the food fight until he suddenly had to leave. I wasn’t sure what came over me, but when I saw him, I had to flick sauce at him. In a strange way, I think we both needed it … a moment of normalcy and seeing that everything was okay. I reached my fingers up to my lips. The way Darren kissed me before he left… there was so much love. Undeniable love. It made me feel so silly for doubting him. I would try to convince myself of his love the next time my emotional wounds resurfaced.

I rinsed the suds out of my hair and shut off the water. I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel with a frown. Darren took Finn and Ivan with him this time. Something was going on and I needed answers. I looked around the bathroom and realized I didn’t have any clothes to wear. I gripped my towel and opened the bathroom door.

My eyes locked with Lyle’s surprised blue ones. His face heated red and he quickly spun around.

*Sorry, Issy … I didn’t realize … and I …” he sputtered, making

me laugh.

“I was such a mess, I didn’t bring clothes in. Sorry about that. You look much better without your own layer of food on you. Glad Darren let you get cleaned up before you took guard duty.” I headed to the walk–in closet as he scoffed.

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I smiled, thinking of the sight as I chose a soft pair of black leggings and one of Darren’s shirts to wear. The shirt still had traces of his scent on it, making my body feel calm and secure.

I stepped out of the closet and looked at Lyle, who was standing in front of the window looking out. I think he was afraid to look my way. It was an innocent and cute reaction. I looked at him for a moment, noticing how similar he looked to Darren. Darren’s face had a more rugged and intense stare, while Lyle’s looked more soft and sincere. I was sure that being plagued with the curse had changed Darren’s appearance as well. It was a heavy weight to bear.

I moved to Lyle’s side, my shoulder brushing his. “Well?”

He knew what I was asking. “Some skeletons are better left in the closet.”

“And some secrets fester in the dark. I need to know what is going on.”

He turned to look at me, leaning a hip against the windowsill and crossing his arms. The fabric of his black t–shirt stretched taut over his muscled chest. “Darren’s investigating the Waiting Ladies and their noble families. With my mother being locked up, we’re worried about potential threats. Darren is erring on the side of caution.”

“Threats? You mean threats against me?” I watched as his blue eyes flickered at me and then he slightly nodded his head.

“Darren wanted to handle this personally,” he said, his voice low and soothing. “He took Finn along to help identify any threats more quickly. You know how protective Darren is, especially

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“And Ivan?” I asked, needing to understand the full scope of what was unfolding.

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Lyle sighed, his brow furrowing. “He’s rallying the troops as we speak. Getting them ready to march for war? He shook his head ruefully. “Talk about terrible timing, with everything going on with our mother …”

“How is he doing?” I asked, tilting my head up to study his face.

Lyle had a small smile on his lips. “I don’t know. He doesn’t confide in me, but he has a lot on his mind right now. I’m sure he’ll talk everything over with you later.”

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly tight with emotion. “Lyle, I…I’m worried that your family might resent me. For Darren feeling he had to lock up your mother on my behalf. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but as time goes on.” The words spilled out in a rush, and I needed to get it out in the open. I needed to see how he felt about all of it. He was quiet, and for a moment I thought I might have been right. “Maybe…maybe you all would have been better off if I had never come into your lives.”

Lyle’s eyes widened, and before I could blink, he wrapped me in a fierce, brotherly hug. His strong arms anchored me to him, overwhelmed by my words. “Don’t you dare think like that, Issy,” he growled, his voice rough with emotion. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to Darren. To all of us.”

He pulled back slightly, his hands gripping my shoulders as he met my gaze intently. “None of us blame you for what happened with our mother. Her actions, her choices…that’s on her, not you.” His expression softened, a glimmer of mischief entering his eyes.

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“Besides, you’re stuck with us now, little sister. In case this was you trying to escape, you failed. Better get used to this life. Darren will never let you go. I think he would burn down the forest if you went in hiding … so keep that in mind.

“You’re our queen, Issy,” he murmured, quiet conviction in every word. “More than that, you’re my sister.”

I stepped back from Lyle’s embrace, offering him a small smile. “Thank you,” I whispered. I really appreciated him. “For everything. I’m so happy that Darren has always had you in his life. What would he do without you?”

“Probably would have had a temper tantrum and burned the castle to the ground,” he quipped with a lopsided smile. “I had to keep him in check or he would have scared off all the ladies. I’m still trying to find my mate, you know!”

“What woman could resist tall, dark, and grumpy? I’m sure the ladies were pouring in to see him.”

“You certainly couldn’t,” he mused. “Poor kitten. You never stood a chance.”

“Shut up!” I laughed. He wasn’t wrong, though. I never had a chance when it came to getting lost in Darren’s forest green eyes. Even his temper turned me on. It was game over for me, and I wasn’t ashamed to admit it.

“He never stood a chance either.” He winked at me with a wide

grin.

“Lyle …” I frowned as I thought of something. “With Darren going to war, who will watch over the kingdom?” I asked, worry

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responsibility right now.”

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“I’m staying behind.” His tone left no room for argument. “I’m going to make sure everything runs smoothly while Darren’s away.” He reached out, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “And as the war progresses, as your pregnancy advances, it will fall to you to lead our people, Issy. You will be the crowned queen soon. It will be your job to keep this kingdom in order.” Lyle’s expression softened, a flicker of concern in his blue eyes. “For now, just focus on taking care of yourself. Rest, stay healthy.” He hesitated for a moment, as if weighing his words. “Darren … he won’t be joining you tonight. He’s planning to pull an all–nighter, questioning the others.”

I understood, but Darren and I still had not had the chance to talk. I was worried about him. Lyle must have seen the disappointment in my eyes because he slung an arm around me and hugged my shoulders.

“He’ll be back soon, Issy. Until then, you’ve got me. What do you say we raid the kitchens for some hot chocolate? Drown our worries in whipped cream and marshmallows?”

“I’ll pick the movie and you pick the snacks.” I then looked around the room. “So, am I sleeping alone tonight?”

“I’m staying on the couch. I’m under strict orders not to leave you at all.”