Fated to the Werewolf King novel Chapter 14

When she got the okay to visit her, it overwhelmed her with joy. She packed everything she could fit into her suitcase. She cleared her schedule and in the morning she was off. Lily had told her it was a close call of her not coming because of security reasons, whatever that meant, but her new boyfriend reconsidered.

"I swear, if he's just like Jasper, I'm leaving with her." She grumbled as she walked off the escalator. Most of her anger was aimed at herself. All the signs were there, yet she blatantly ignored it. She was focusing so much as Lily's manager and less as her friend. She could've ended the relationship sooner with Jasper, but she didn't truly know what all happened. Now she will.

"Erica!" Lily's voice screamed across the terminal, her arms waving to signal where she was in the crowded airport. All the rage she felt dissipated instantaneously when she saw Lily smiling and healthy. The man behind her caught her attention, along with what looked like armed body guards that flanked him. He was a tower of muscle with the atmosphere that screamed not to fuck with him.

How did Lily get herself wrapped up with this guy? He looks like some mafia boss.

"Lily." she said as she closed the distance. Lily sprinted toward her, her arms encircling her. Erica hesitated a second, but once she realized how real this was, she hugged Lily tightly in return.

"I'm so happy you came. I've missed you so much." She cried into her shoulder. Erica pulled back slightly, pushing Lily's hair from her face.

"Babe, are you okay? Has he hurt you at all?" She asked, her eyes shooting daggers at the man behind her. He scoffed in response, his arms crossed over his broad chest.

"No, he hasn't. I promise. Jayce wouldn't hurt me." Lily sounded so sure of it. For now, she'll believe her, but she wanted proof. Lily grabbed her arm and pulled her closer to this Jayce character. "Jayce, this is Erica. She's my best friend and my manager." She introduced so easily. Erica pushed her curly bangs from her face, glaring up at him. His red eyes were totally out of the norm.

What is this guy?

"Erica, it's a pleasure to meet you. Lily has spoken highly of you." He inclined his head respectfully. She looked over to Lily questionably.

"We can talk in the car. Come on, I know how you get when you're jet lagged." Lily teased her. Her attitude has changed completely since she last saw her. She was so reserved before, hardly spoken. Jasper always spoke over her, or even for her. What magic has this man performed on Lily to have her seem better?

"What?!" she yelled as Lily told her story to her. She was fumbling with her hoodie, that she had zipped all the way up.

It's hot outside. How can she be in a hoodie and jeans?

Lily looked over at Jayce, who sat across from her. He nodded firmly, and Lily unzipped her hoodie. Erica's eyes widened at the sight of it. All of her scars that scattered across her chest, shoulders and arms. Lily looked away uncomfortably, tugging on the tank top she wore beneath.

"That's why I left. I had to get away." Lily told her, her hands shaking. Jayce reached over and grabbed Lily's hands. They met gazes and Erica watched Lily smile.

"And this one?" She pointed out the odd bite mark on her neck. Lily's face flushed as her hand covered it.

"That's..." she went to explain.

"That's my Mark." Jayce told her. Erica felt her rage bubbling up again. Lily grabbed Erica's hand. She knew her temper better than anyone.

"Wait! I asked him to." She told her. Erica looked at her, feeling a little disgusted.

"When did you become a masochist?" She said half jokingly. Lily blushed even more.

"It's not like that! He's a Werewolf." She told her.

"A what? You let him bite you? Are you going to change into what he is?" She was fuming. She had so many questions that needed to be answered.

"Perhaps the Werewolf himself should explain." Jayce intercepted his voice powerful and forced her to yield. He explained the contract Lily agreed upon in order to escape Jasper. Coincidentally, he discovered she was his Mate, his soulmate in human terms. He went on that he respected Lily and wanted to be patient with her while she was in therapy.

"I see... So, you're the head honcho?" She asked him. He nodded once. She eyed him suspiciously. "You look like a mafia boss. Are you sure you can trust this guy?" She looked pointedly at Lily.

"Of course I can." She said without hesitation. "And he's not a part of the mafia. Aside from being an Alpha, he's the Werewolf King." Lily told her. Erica looked between them for a moment, letting that information sink in.