Fated to the Werewolf King
22: Lily

As she washed her face for the seventh time, she sighed heavily. She hadn't spoken to Jayce at all once they got home yesterday, and it was destroying her. She knew why he did what he did, and his reasons were justified, but she wanted to handle it specifically. Lily wanted some sort of control of her situation, and Jayce took it away from her. Control he gave her and immediately took it away. She thought she could be fine passing through the night without talking to him or sleeping beside him, but she yearned to be at his side. To embrace his muscular form until her body molded into his and to never separate again. Since she remained stubborn instead, she worked on her next draft for her novel while ignoring the sleep that tugged at the edges of her mind. Before she knew it, her clock flashed 6 AM in her face. She could feel the bags under her eyes as she applied skin care to her face. Her eyes dropped to the slightly visible scar on her arm that Penelope covered up yesterday, relieved that it held out all day yesterday and couldn't wait to walk around freely.

"Oh Lily, I've brought you some donuts... Oh dear Lord, what the Hell happened to you?" Erica asked as Lily opened her bedroom door. She was her constant support yesterday even though she was spending her time with Damion instead. Lily looked at the donut and peered out into the hall.

"You didn't see him at all?" Lily asked her as she let her into the room. Erica set the bag of donuts on her dresser, pulling off her new leather jacket she got from the dress store yesterday.

"Nope, don't care either. Come sit." She told Lily, and she sighed, leaving the door open for when Penelope would arrive later. She took a seat on her stool, looking into the mirror on the vanity. Her hair combed, but slightly frizzy, the bags under her eyes a light shade of purple. She looked like garbage, but at least she applied her skin care.

"I don't know if I really want to be out all day.” Lily said with a yawn. Aside from being downright exhausted, she didn't have the energy to deal with Jayce right now. Jasper was still at large, and now she had to be present when Jayce delivered his announcement to his people about her being his Mate. Why the fuck would she offer that idea up?

"Lily, look at me." Erica said and Lily looked at her through the mirror, "Your man is an egotistic, short-tempered, sharp tongued asshole.” Erica said proudly, puffing her chest out slightly.

"I knew that already.” Lily said, lowering her gaze. Erica reached around and lifted her chin so she looked into the mirror again.

"But he's kind, caring, and he loves you. Lily, I've seen love between people before and this man is in love with you. He's practically head over heels for you, and if he's not, we'll find you someone else that will adore you just as much.” Erica said before slamming down her large black makeup back beside her.

"He's not good at showing it, but I know he tries.” Lily let out another yawn. "I was so shattered after what happened yesterday, but now that I had time to think it all over, maybe it's not over yet with Jasper." She said, wishing she had some coffee right now.

"We knew Jasper would come back, but do you think he'll show up today?" She asked her. Lily looked to where her book was sitting and grabbed it. Her fingers brushed over the image of the woman.

"Rayne would never let a man get her down or in her way." Lily muttered to herself. She pressed the book to her chest, praying for guidance and strength from the fictional character as she started her new plot.

"Ding." Penelope sang from the doorway as Erica started setting up her makeup. She set her own make-up bag aside, along with what looked like a curling iron. She walked over, gathering strands of her hair into her elegant hands. "My dear, you look absolutely exhausted." She said, rubbing the back of her cheek with her finger. It was gentle.

"I haven't slept yet." She told her truthfully. She had no reason to lie to the woman after everything she has done for her. "I could really use some coffee right now."

"Did someone say coffee?" Jayce's voice perked up from the doorway, looking godly handsome in a t-shirt and sweats, his hair damp from a shower and holding a tray with four coffees. His amazing scent wrapped around her as they met gazes. "Could I have a word with Lily, please?" He asked politely. Erica looked down at Lily and she nodded to her.

"If I hear her cry, I'm coming for your balls.” She threatened him as she walked past. Jayce closed his legs a bit more as Penelope joined Erica and closed the door behind himself. He stood there for a moment as the awkward tension settled between them. Lily looked away from his face, but her eyes were drawn to his strong biceps and the comfortable look. She was so used to his semi business attire, seeing him in regular clothes was a blessing.

He finally moved away from the door, resting the coffees on the vanity in front of her, and he got on his knees, grabbing her hands. Lily looked at him with a cocked brow. Who was this man? What happened to her boyfriend? He rubbed the back of her hands in slow circles.

"Lily, I'm sorry. I'm truly and deeply sorry for what I did yesterday, and for what I said to you." He said to her. Jayce squeezed her hands gently. "You wanted to handle this situation on your way, and I fucked up.” He admitted. Lily steered herself from looking around her room, trying to spot the cameras that maybe he planted when she was in the bathroom.

"I'm not your King either. This is the first time for me I don't need to rule over someone. You have your own free will, you can do whatever you wish.” He told her. She inclined her head at him.

"So, I can drive your Audi?" she asked him. He simply nodded. "I can build a fort made from pillows in your office?” He cocked a brow at that one, but nodded. "Then I can have a threesome while you watch?" He growled deeply at that one.

"You're still my Mate, Lily." He growled softly. She let go of his hands, resting them on his face. His hands rested on her bare thighs. His eyes fluttered shut as his hands massaged her skin, his fingers dipping to her inner thighs for a moment. She blushed, biting her lip.

"I think we may still have a chance today.” She told him. He sat on the floor in front of her, continuing to massage her inner thighs. She felt her sex get wet just from his motion, and she watched him get affected by her arousal, but he held control

"How? I thought Jasper would run?" He mentioned.

"He might have, but if he's that eager to get to me, today would be the best day to do it.” She said to him. His eyes looked away for a moment. "What is it?" She asked him as he looked troubled.

"He got into the house. He had a picture of you sleeping." Jayce nodded toward the bed she used to call her own. Lily stared at the bed, her body trembled. He got so close to her.

"Wait, why didn't he do anything, then?" She asked him.

"Maybe he was worried about being caught.” He wrinkled his nose. She let out a small giggle. She grabbed one coffee, inhaling the sweet aroma. Jayce got to his feet, grabbing one for himself.

"Are we okay now?" She asked him. He looked down at her before leaning in and placing the softest kiss he'd ever delivered onto her lips. She thought she was going to melt.

"We've been okay. Just because we had a fight doesn't mean this is over.” He told her before going to the door and opened it, finding Erica just behind it. She stumbled slightly after losing her support, but quickly regained her footing. She straightened her back and walked past him to the coffee.

"Go now. You can see her when she is done." Penelope shooed him from the room. Lily met Jayce's gaze one last time before shutting the door behind himself.

"Lily, you look fucking phenomenal. If not for Damion, I'd fuck you." Erica complimented. Lily laughed at her remark. So like her. Penelope was nodding her approval with a satisfied smile on her lips. Lily turned to her standing mirror and took in her transformation. Penelope had applied her new make up to all the visible scars on her body, the blue dress fitting just as perfectly as the day before. Her hair was in loose curls around her. Erica applied a light layer of blue faded eye shadow, liner and mascara. The two women stood side by side with each other, taking in their masterpiece. "Have you ever thought about being a beautician yourself, Erica?" Penelope asked her. Erica blushed at the question.

"I actually went to school to be a beautician originally, but I found my calling elsewhere.” She said to her, smiling at Lily.

"If you change your mind, you have my number." Penelope said to her, making Erica slack jaw, "Are you ready, deary?" Penelope asked her. Lily looked at herself one last time, glad she went with short heels and gave a confident nod.

When she turned toward the staircase, Jayce and Damion were waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Jayce's eyes flew up, and he stopped whatever conversation he was having with Damion and focused completely on Lily. His eyes drank her in as she stepped down the stairs. He was wearing his usual black slacks with a black button up and black jacket with a blue tie that matched her dress. God damn, he looked fine as all Hell.

His hand reached out to her as she was on the second to last step. She took it, carefully stepping down to the main floor. The skirt swayed with every motion she made. His eyes moved from her face down to her neck where his Mark sat. His thumb brushed against it, making her shiver in response to his warm touch. It surprised her when she changed into the dress that the Mark had a red hue to it. She thought perhaps it was some type of bruising from being bitten again, but Penelope clarified to her that once the Mates discover their true feelings for one another, the Mate’s Mark takes on the color of their Mate's eyes

His eyes moved over her shoulders, over her arms. He stepped back as he peered down at her legs, a look of confusion on his face.

"Your scars..." he brought up.

"Penelope had a new foundation that withstands moisture and can last overnight.” Lily looked back at her. Penelope nodded with a smile. His eyes trailed back to her face, brushing his fingers through her hair slowly, letting one of her curls wrap around his finger. He pulled back, reaching into his inside jacket pocket and pulled out a small black box. Lily's heart raced as he opened it and pulled a necklace out with a thin chain.

"May 1?" He asked her and she nodded. He stepped closer, and she basked in his scent and the small dabble of cologne on his jacket as he wrapped his arms around her loosely. He stepped back once he was done, and she felt a small, cold object against her collarbone. When she glanced down at it, it was a small orb Ruby.

"Oh Jayce, it's gorgeous. I can't accept this." She said, her mind trying to calculate how much it even costed him. He grabbed her hands to stop her from taking it off.

"Please. It was my grandmother's." He told her. Her eyes went back to the precious heirloom, trying her best not to cry after Erica put so much work on her face. She nodded, smiling up at him.

"I love it. Thank you." She said to him. He smiled, extending his arm out to her. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the (ꜰind)ɴʘvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Shall we?" He met her gaze. She bit her lip, resting her hand on his arm.

"Ready."

Lily looked out over the overcrowded football field where his people have gathered. Even though it was on short notice, they could put together a stage for Jayce just in time for the festival. Behind them were several chairs, each one filled with a council member, Damion and Penelope. She took a quick glance toward Erica, who stood off to the side of the stage. She gave her a thumbs up for encouragement, but it didn't stop the knots in her stomach. What if she was asked to give a speech? Could she handle it under pressure?

She felt a firm hand on her shoulder as she peered up into Jayce's crimson eyes. He probably felt the uneasiness in her stomach.

"I'll do all the talking. Don't worry.” He winked at her before proceeding to the center of the stage. He walked with confidence, a powerful aura radiated off of him that had everyone staring now. She stood near Penelope, sending every bit of courage she felt toward him through their connection. He took a quick look over at her, giving her a smile before returning to the crowd.

"Good morning. As I asked you all to gather here today before we officially begin the summer solstice festival, I have an announcement that has been well overdue.” His voice boomed over the noise of the crowd, drowning them out. He was in control. She can feel it when he spoke.

"God has blessed me with a Mate." His eyes turned back toward Lily and it was as if she could only see him. She moved forward until she stood beside him. His hand reached down and grabbed hers, entwining their fingers.

"I won't lie. I thought I was a doomed man by the winter solstice. Unmated, but then Lily Thornstun came into my life.” He moved his attention back out to the crowd when murmuring rose, "Some may know her as a novelist, but to me," he looked back down at her and she felt like the only woman on Earth, "She's my soul mate. She is everything I dreamed of and more.” He lifted her hand to his lips, brushing a soft kiss against her knuckles.

A light applause started somewhere in the center of the crowd, and it slowly spread out until everyone on the field was causing so much thunder with their clapping and cheering. Several people more toward the front stepped forward, cameras aimed and microphones ready. One person being the reporter from weeks ago that Lily was uneasy about.

"Question, dear Alpha." She spoke up sweetly. Lily felt a stir in her chest again and she squeezed Jayce's hand gently. He returned the squeeze.

"Ask away." He told her.

"Can you please explain your actions yesterday? You were spotted in an alley, partially shifted.” She mentioned. Lily could hear his Wolf growl. Jayce's jaw clenched and unclenched as he sought for an answer.

"Maybe it would be best if I answered that question.” Lily spoke up from beside him. Their cameras immediately turned on her.

"What are you doing, Lily?" He lowered his voice to her ear. She looked up at him.

"Setting up the trap.” She told him before letting go of his hand and stepping forward. Her eyes swept the crowd, taking in the blurred faces.

If you are out there, Jasper, you better be listening.

"Jayce acted in my defense.” She said aloud. More murmuring occurred.

"Can you elaborate on that?" The woman asked her. Lily took in a deep breath to steady her racing heart. There was a soft, encouraging growl in her mind.

"I am a victim of assault that was based on emotional, mental, physical and sexual abuse.” She stated as loudly and clearly as she could. The crowd fell still.

"Jayce could have turned me away, but he didn't. He's been the greatest support system I could ever ask for." She looked back at him. He looked back, his eyes filled with emotion.

"That doesn't explain what happened.” The reporter stated impatiently. Lily turned her eyes back on her.

"Jayce came face to face with my abuser yesterday.” She moved her eyes from the reporter and addressed everyone else, "He acted as any man, any Mate would do. He didn't just do it for me, he protected every woman here.” She said, feeling the surge of confidence that she struggled to find earlier.

"What happened to him? The abuser?" The reporter asked as the crowd behind her were nodding to one another, most of the men turning to their Mates, their daughters and hugging them tightly. "He's dead.” She said. Lily heard hoots from many men in the crowd, most aiming toward Jayce. She pressed her hands to her chest, touching the Ruby, "I don't need to be afraid anymore.” She turned back to Jayce, extending her hand out to him. He took it, stepping up to her side again, "As long as I have Jayce at my side.”

"You'll always have me." He said, his arm curled around her waist, bringing her in close. He leaned in and kissed her deeply. Everything around them faded away.

"Lily, that was so brave of you.” Erica said as Lily made it off the stage at the end of her speech. She let out a breath, her heart pounding and her body lightly trembling. She thought she could run a marathon with all the adrenaline she was feeling. Arms wrapped around her from behind as she felt Jayce's lips just below her ear. His hand grabbed hers and spun her, her dress twirling in the spin. "Lily Thornstun, you're very courageous or very crazy.” He said as she faced him.

"I think it's the latter.” She leaned against him. "Now we wait." She told him. Damion came down the steps, picking up Erica in his arms and spun her around.

"Damn babe, you look fine.” He complimented her. She swatted at his arms to let her down, but she didn't hide the smile on her face. She adapted to the Mate situation pretty well and rather quickly. "Put me down, idiot.” She said, and he sets her back on her feet. "Lily, we should get going.” She called over to her. Lily nodded, but Jayce didn't let her go. She looked up at him, seeing the uncertainty in his eyes.

"I'll be okay. Now that everyone here knows what I am to you, you can send security with me." She rested her hand on his cheek. He leaned into her touch, kissing her palm.

"Text me if you feel something is off.” He told her, but he still wouldn't let her go. She leaned up and kissed him. He returned it, only tightening his hold on her. His tongue ran along her lips until she granted him access. He growled, his hands running over her back. Her sex ached for him, but it needed to wait.

She pulled away reluctantly, seeing his Wolf trying to push through and hurried off with Erica while being flanked by Joel and Nigel.

"Seriously Lily, was it really okay for you to open up like that?" Erica asked as they walked toward the limo.

"I needed to. I was scared, but I feel better. If Jasper came, he would've heard, which means it would eat him alive, knowing I'm not afraid of him anymore." Lily said, surprising herself with how confident she felt in saying that.

"Well, let's hope you're right so this nightmare could finally end.” Erica said, linking arms with her. It's almost over.

Sᴇarch the FindNovel.net website on G𝘰𝘰gle to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.