The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 38

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Chapter 38 

Chapter 38 

He was the one person I couldn’t predict, couldn’t even try to imagine what could be going through his head. It was much harder trying to come up with the best way to act and what words to say when I knew the smallest thing could send me tipping over the edge. The last thing I wanted to do ras end up in his bad books. 

“Why?” Lucian’s voice was hard as he spoke. “We’re literally your family, Melanie, Why didn’t you tell us? You were going through this all by yourself and the first thing you thought to do was bear it all alone?” 

“I had to, Lucian.” I said, unable to hide the frustration in my voice. “The last thing I want is to lose my freedom because of this. You’d all try to protect me and won’t even let me move where I want to.” 

San looked like he was about to interject but she cut him off and continued talking. 

“I know you care about me but you have to understand that I’m not a little girl anymore. There are somethings I have to do by myself.” I said to him, my voice calmer than it had been before. 

“Melanie.” Lucian’s eyes softened just a little. 

“I’m sorry I kept it from all of you.” I admitted, my voice coming out smaller than I had intended. 

Lucian nodded his head, a small breath leaving his lips as he leaned back against the wall. His eyes watched me carefully for a while. 

“It’s alright, Melanie. I understand why you had to do that.” 

He pushed himself off the wall, closing the distance between us. I’d never been this close to Lucian before and yet, there was a glimmer of an emotion I couldn’t quite put my finger on. 

“You don’t have to shoulder everything on your own now. That’s why you have us. Your brothers. Your family.” 

I nodded my head, taking in a deep breath to try and still my nerves. I’d taken a big step by deciding to open up to him. Hopefully it wouldn’t end up blowing up in my face. 

Over the next few days, I and Haelor stayed with Lucian at his cottage in the Border Forest. It wasn’t easy been under constant surveillance and over time, I was becoming restless. 

Jane was also staying with me so I was the slightest bit grateful for the company. Right now, we were trying to concoct a way to sneak out. 

Jack had been imprisoned for quite some time and I still had a couple of questions I wanted to ask him. There was no amount of mantras I told myself that would make it any better. 

“Coast is clear,” Jane whispered to me. “Come on.” 

I nodded, slowly following in her footsteps as we tried to head out of the exit. I could almost taste the sweet sensation of victory. 

“Where are you going?” 

I froze, already dreading the sound of a voice I’d become all to accustomed to. We turned to see Lucian’s beta watching us with an unimpressed stare. 

“I just want to interrogate Jack. There’s nothing wrong there.” I tried to reason with him. 

“You don’t have to worry about that, Princess Melanie. I’ll take care of that.” The beta replied coolly. 

I wanted to retort again but before I could speak, Lucian entered the room. His eyes lingered on me, a small smile tugging at his lips. He must have heard everything. 

“It’s okay. Since you’re so keen on moving about, I’ve got a temporary guardian for you.” 

As soon as I peered behind him, my mood soured. Quentin slowly walked into the room, his eyes an unreadable mask 

When his eyes landed on me, I noted a mix of emotion brewing behind them. Lucian, oblivious to what was going on, turned to Jane. 

“Come on now, Jane. There’s something I need to ask you.” 

14:15 

After Divorce: Pursued by the Three 

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