Lucious' POV
Ever since the day I accidentally confessed my feelings, I noticed the way Jolyn kept her distance from me. No matter how much I tried to hover around her, she didn't even give me the chance to speak.
I had no intention of pursuing a relationship with her—she was the daughter of the Lycan King. She deserved someone better than me. She was far out of reach.
This wasn't supposed to happen. The Lycan King trusted me with his daughter, to train and guard her with my life, yet here I was, my heart craving something forbidden. The very reason I couldn't be with her only made me want her more.
I wanted her attention.
I wanted Jolyn West, even though it was just wishful thinking.
My fingers drummed impatiently on my desk, waiting for the teacher, but I couldn't stop my eyes from wandering over to Jolyn's empty seat. It had been over a week since she last came to class.
A heavy feeling settled in my chest, and then a wave of anger rushed over me when I saw him—Ryner. The bastard who broke her heart.
His seat wasn't far from mine, and the way girls flocked around him made me sick. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the opportunity he had thrown away like trash.
He was Jolyn's fated mate, but he had rejected her. The thought alone made my blood boil.
My wolf fumed inside me, but I gripped my desk, forcing myself to stay calm. Losing my temper wouldn't help.
My heart stopped when I saw Jolyn stride into the classroom, looking radiant as ever. A wave of warmth filled my body, and I could feel my wolf ease at the sight of her.
A sigh escaped my lips as I leaned back in my chair, my hands finally releasing their tight grip on the desk. I tore my eyes away, realizing I had been staring too much.
****
After class, Jolyn didn't wait a second before dashing out, as if being chased by some dark force.
"What a loser," I heard Rydner scoff, his friends bursting into laughter.
My eyes narrowed, and my jaw clenched as I fought to keep my canines in check. I wanted to rip him apart. Slowly, I grabbed my bag and walked over to his side. I made sure to fling it hard over my shoulder, grazing his head enough to make him groan.
"Dude, what the heck is your problem?" he snapped, throwing his arms up in frustration.
I flashed him a smile, one that didn't reach my eyes, and gave a slight bow. "I'm really sorry," I said. But before he could respond, I turned to walk away.
"You punk! You're not sorry, are you? You did that on purpose," he growled.
Rolling my eyes, I turned back, a smug smile playing on my lips. "I did."
With that, I walked off, knowing he would try to get back at me, but I didn't care. That wasn't even a fraction of what I had in store for him if he ever hurt Jolyn again.
When I exited the building, there was no sign of her. I ran my hands through my hair, huffing in frustration. Luckily, I spotted her amidst the crowd of students in the hallway. Her steps were forced, and I could tell her leg injury still hadn't healed.
She wasn't like us, and that's why I needed to protect her, but she was just too stubborn.
Without a second thought, I quickened my pace until I reached her before she could hurt herself even more. My hand clasped around her wrist, and she jerked back from my touch.
The shock in her eyes was clear, and I could hear the sound of her heart racing in her chest.
"Lu... Luscious," she muttered, trying to avoid my gaze. My eyes darkened. I hated the way she avoided me—it was driving me insane.
"You're injured. Let me help you," I said firmly, leaving no room for argument as I pulled her along beside me.
My steps halted when I felt her body stiffen, refusing to follow my lead. I raised an eyebrow, watching her intently.
The world around us seemed to fade as I kept my gaze locked on the one thing that mattered—her.
Her eyes flickered nervously from side to side as she twisted her hand in my grip, but I held on tight.
"Luscious, can you please let me go? I can take care of myself. I'm fine," she frowned, her brows furrowing.
Whispers from the students in the hallway reached my ears, but I didn't care. No doubt they would start gossiping, but that was none of my business.
"You don't look fine. Jolyn, you're bleeding. I could smell your blood from across the hallway," I stated, my eyes never leaving her face. When I saw her lips part to speak, I quickly forced my gaze back to her eyes. I couldn't afford to get distracted, not in the middle of a serious conversation, no matter how perfect her lips looked.
I swallowed hard.
"I said let me go. I'm not a child, and stop acting like I am. I can manage by myself," she half-yelled, using all her strength to pull away from me.
Her defiance was infuriating. She always refused my help, even when she clearly needed it.
I sighed and shoved my hands into my pockets, straightening my back and giving her the space she wanted. My eyes turned cold, my expression blank.
If she didn't want my help, there was no point forcing it on her.
She rolled her eyes and pushed past me, but when I saw her limp, I couldn't hold back any longer. Without thinking, I crouched and wrapped my arms around her legs, effortlessly tossing her over my shoulder.
Her screams and struggles were like music to my ears as I pushed open the door to the medic's office. The room was empty, so I quickly closed the door behind us and set her down. Her hair was a mess, and her face was red with anger.
"Why can't you just let me be free and do what I want?" she yelled, her eyes brimming with tears as she panted heavily.
There she went again, with her unnecessary quest for freedom.
I kept my hands in my pockets and took a step toward her, but she quickly moved back, until her back was against the wall.
Her face was filled with fear as she stared at me, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
The silence between us dragged on until I closed the distance.
"Why must you always be so stubborn?" I hissed, inching closer. She squirmed, trying to put space between us.
"I've been meaning to ask, but you seem really occupied lately," I muttered, my voice softening as I narrowed my eyes.
The scent of her was intoxicating, sending a rush of adrenaline through me as I unconsciously inched closer.
"Why have you been avoiding me, Jolyn?"